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EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - DIALYSIS CORP OF AMERICAex31-2.htm
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EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - DIALYSIS CORP OF AMERICAex32-1.htm


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10--Q
 
(Mark One)
   
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
   
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2009
 
OR
   
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 0-8527
     
 
DIALYSIS CORPORATION OF AMERICA
 
 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
Florida
 
59-1757642
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation
or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
1302 Concourse Drive, Suite 204, Linthicum, Maryland
 
21090
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
 
(410) 694-0500
 
 
(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 Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
 
Yes x   No 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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
 
Yes o   No 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 definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
(Check one):
Large accelerated filer o     Accelerated filer x     Non-accelerated filer o     Smaller reporting company o
 
          Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
 
Yes o   No x
 
Common Stock Outstanding
 
          Common Stock, $.01 par value: 9,600,385 shares as of November 9, 2009.

 
 

 
 
DIALYSIS CORPORATION OF AMERICA AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
INDEX
 
PART I -- FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
          The Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and September 30, 2008, include the accounts of the Registrant and its subsidiaries.
         
Item 1.
Financial Statements
 
1
         
 
1)
Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and September 30, 2008 (Unaudited).
 
1
         
 
2)
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2009 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2008.
 
2
         
  3) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and September 30, 2008 (Unaudited).   3
       
 
4)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as of September 30, 2009 (Unaudited).
 
4
       
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
16
       
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
24
       
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
 
25
     
PART II -- OTHER INFORMATION
   
       
Item 6.
Exhibits
 
26
 
 
i

 
 
PART I  --  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

DIALYSIS CORPORATION OF AMERICA AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(unaudited)
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Operating revenues:
                       
   Sales:
                       
Medical services revenue
  $ 24,798     $ 21,586     $ 72,427     $ 62,300  
Product sales
    323       274       864       881  
Total sales revenues
    25,121       21,860       73,291       63,181  
                                 
Operating costs and expenses:
                               
   Cost of sales revenues:
                               
Cost of medical services
    15,315       12,805       44,839       37,825  
Cost of product sales
    175       158       490       493  
Total cost of sales revenues
    15,490       12,963       45,329       38,318  
   Selling, general and administrative expenses:
                               
    Corporate
    2,631       2,764       8,517       7,602  
    Facility
    3,446       3,312       10,525       9,390  
  Total
    6,077       6,076       19,042       16,992  
   Stock compensation expense
    70       82       217       239  
   Depreciation and amortization
    759       709       2,241       2,050  
   Provision for doubtful accounts
    738       500       1,952       1,579  
      23,134       20,330       68,781       59,178  
                                 
Operating income
    1,987       1,530       4,510       4,003  
                                 
Other income (expense), net
    3       ---       (22 )     (28 )
                                 
Income before income taxes
    1,990       1,530       4,488       3,975  
                                 
Income tax provision
    631       511       1,531       1,196  
                                 
Net income
    1,359       1,019       2,957       2,779  
                                 
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    419       144       1,129       792  
                                 
Net income attributable to the company
  $ 940     $ 875     $ 1,828     $ 1,987  
                                 
Earnings per share:
                               
          Basic
  $ .10     $ .09     $ .19     $ .21  
          Diluted
  $ .10     $ .09     $ .19     $ .21  
                                 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
                               
                Basic
    9,600,433       9,579,743       9,596,030       9,579,868  
                Diluted
    9,626,308       9,614,084       9,618,833       9,614,162  
 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
 

 

DIALYSIS CORPORATION OF AMERICA AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

   
September 30,
2009
   
December 31,
2008(A)
 
ASSETS
 
(unaudited)
         
Current assets:
             
  Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 3,035     $ 6,543  
  Accounts receivable, less allowance
               
     of $3,003 at September 30, 2009;
               
     $2,540 at December 31, 2008
    21,997       21,494  
  Inventories, less allowance for obsolescence
               
     of $15,000 at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008
    2,947       2,919  
  Deferred income tax asset
    1,185       1,185  
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    2,333       2,978  
             Total current assets
    31,497       35,119  
                 
Property and equipment:
               
  Land
    1,333       1,333  
  Buildings and improvements
    5,753       5,722  
  Machinery and equipment
    15,706       15,143  
  Leasehold improvements
    10,895       10,789  
      33,687       32,987  
  Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    15,657       14,452  
      18,030       18,535  
                 
Goodwill
    16,492       16,492  
Other assets
    851       933  
           Total other assets
    17,343       17,425  
    $ 66,870     $ 71,079  
                 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
  Accounts payable
  $ 5,905     $ 7,232  
  Accrued expenses
    6,997       7,485  
  Income taxes payable
    313       61  
  Current portion of long-term debt
    76       74  
           Total current liabilities
    13,291       14,852  
                 
Long-term debt, less current portion
    9,718       14,276  
Deferred income tax liability
    1,275       1,275  
           Total liabilities
    24,284       30,403  
                 
Commitments and Contingencies
               
                 
Equity:
               
   Common stock, $.01 par value, authorized 20,000,000 shares:
     9,603,216 shares issued, 9,600,385 shares outstanding at
     September 30, 2009; 9,579,743 shares issued and outstanding at
     December 31, 2008
        96           96  
  Additional paid-in capital
    16,238       16,001  
  Retained earnings
    20,995       19,167  
  Treasury stock at cost (2,831 shares at September 30, 2009)
    (14 )     ---  
           Total company stockholders’ equity
    37,315       35,264  
Noncontrolling interests
    5,271       5,412  
           Total equity
    42,586       40,676  
    $ 66,870     $ 71,079  
 
(A) Reference is made to the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in March, 2009.

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

DIALYSIS CORPORATION OF AMERICA AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands)
 
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
    2009     2008  
Operating activities:
           
  Net income
  $ 2,957     $ 2,779  
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
               
      Depreciation and amortization
    2,241       2,050  
      Bad debt expense
    1,952       1,579  
      Stock related compensation expense
    217       239  
      Increase (decrease) relating to operating activities from:
               
        Accounts receivable
    (2,455 )     (1,588 )
        Inventories
    (29 )     (405 )
        Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    645       1,028  
        Accounts payable
    (1,327 )     849  
        Accrued expenses
    (488 )     652  
        Income taxes payable
    252       (33 )
          Net cash provided by operating activities
    3,965       7,150  
                 
Investing activities:
               
  Additions to property and equipment, net of minor disposals
    (1,653 )     (3,554 )
  Payments received on physician affiliate loans
    ---       283  
  Acquisition of dialysis centers
    ---       (1,270 )
  Purchase of noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries
    ---       (25 )
  Other assets
    ---       133  
          Net cash used in investing activities
    (1,653 )     (4,433 )
                 
Financing activities:
               
  Line of credit borrowings
    500       4,000  
  Line of credit repayments
    (5,000 )     (3,650 )
  Payments on other long-term debt
    (56 )     (48 )
  Exercise of stock options
    20       ---  
  Repurchase of stock
    (14 )     ---  
  Capital contributions by noncontrolling interests
    100       450  
  Distribution to noncontrolling interests
    (1,370 )     (1,211 )
          Net cash used in financing activities
    (5,820 )     (459 )
                 
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
    (3,508 )     2,258  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    6,543       2,448  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 3,035     $ 4,706  
                 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow Information:
               
Interest paid
  $ 349     $ 351  
Incomes taxes paid
  $ 606     $ 819  
 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
3

 
DIALYSIS CORPORATION OF AMERICA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2009
(unaudited)
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
 
NOTE 1--SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
Business

We are primarily engaged in kidney dialysis operations which include outpatient hemodialysis services, home dialysis services, inpatient dialysis services and ancillary services associated with dialysis treatments.  We own 35 operating dialysis centers located in Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Virginia.  We have two Ohio dialysis facilities under development and provide inpatient dialysis treatments to 11 hospitals.  Our medical products operations are not a significant component of our operations with operating revenues of $864 during the first nine months of 2009 and $881 for the same period of the preceding year (1.3% of operating revenues for both periods) and operating income of $137 during the first nine months of 2009 and $151 for the same period of the preceding year (3.0% and 3.8%, respectively of operating income).
 
Medical Services Revenue

Our medical services revenues by payor are as follows:

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Medicare
    48 %     46 %     47 %     47 %
Medicaid and comparable programs
    7       9       8       9  
Hospital inpatient dialysis services
    2       3       2       4  
Commercial insurers and private payors(1)
    43       42       43       40  
      100 %     100 %     100 %     100 %
 


(1)  Private payors represent an insubstantial amount (less than 1%) of revenues.

Our sources of medical services revenue are as follows:
 
   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2009       2008      2009       2008  
Outpatient hemodialysis services
  $ 12,455           50 %   $ 11,686       54 %   $ 36,880       51 %   $ 33,775       54 %
Home and peritoneal dialysis services
    962       4       1,136       5       3,001       4       3,018       5  
Inpatient hemodialysis services
    522       2       558       3       1,717       2       2,470       4  
Ancillary services
    10,859       44       8,206       38       30,829       43       23,037       37  
    $ 24,798       100 %   $ 21,586       100 %   $ 72,427       100 %   $ 62,300       100 %

Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Dialysis Corporation of America and its subsidiaries, collectively referred to as the “company.”  All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 
4

 
DIALYSIS CORPORATION OF AMERICA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2009
(unaudited)
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
 
NOTE 1--SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES--Continued
 
Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Our principal estimates are for estimated uncollectible accounts receivable as provided for in allowance for doubtful accounts, estimated useful lives of depreciable assets, and estimates for patient revenues from non-contracted payors.  Estimates are based on historical experience and assumptions believed to be reasonable given the available evidence at the time of the estimates.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
Vendor Volume Discounts

We have contractual arrangements with certain vendors pursuant to which we receive discounts based on volume of purchases.  These discounts are recorded as a reduction in inventory costs resulting in reduced costs of sales as the related inventory is utilized as required by the Revenue Recognition Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification.

Government Regulation

A substantial portion of our revenues are attributable to payments received under Medicare, which is supplemented by Medicaid or comparable benefits in the states in which we operate.

Reimbursement rates under these programs are subject to regulatory changes and governmental funding restrictions.  Laws and regulations governing the Medicare and Medicaid programs are complex and subject to interpretation.  The company believes that it is in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.  Compliance with such laws and regulations can be subject to government review and interpretation as well as regulatory action including fines, penalties, and exclusion from the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.  The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet for cash and cash equivalents approximate their fair values.  Although cash and cash equivalents are largely not federally insured, the credit risk associated with these deposits that typically may be redeemed upon demand is considered low due to the high quality of the financial institutions in which they are deposited.

 
5

 
DIALYSIS CORPORATION OF AMERICA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2009
(unaudited)
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
 
NOTE 1--SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES--Continued

Credit Risk

Our primary concentration of credit risk is with accounts receivable, which consist of amounts owed by governmental agencies, insurance companies and private patients.  Receivables from Medicare and Medicaid comprised approximately 51% of receivables at September 30, 2009 and 47% at December 31, 2008.
 
Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market value and consist of supplies used in dialysis treatments and the finished goods inventory of our medical products division.
 
Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses are comprised as follows:

   
September 30,
2009
   
December 31,
2008
 
Accrued compensation
  $ 2,008     $ 1,486  
Duplicate insurance payments
    1,105       1,113  
Excess insurance payments
    2,709       3,574  
Other
    1,175       1,312  
    $ 6,997     $ 7,485  
                 
Duplicate insurance payments occur when we are paid more than once for the same service.  Excess insurance payments represent amounts paid by insurance companies in excess of the amounts recorded as earned from associated treatments that are not duplicate insurance payments.  On a quarterly basis, we perform an analysis to determine whether these excess insurance payments result from payments in excess of contractual agreements, payments made as primary payor when the party is a secondary payor, or variances to estimated fee schedules used for payors to whom we are not contracted.  Our analysis includes communicating with payors to determine the reason for the excess payment.  These amounts remain in excess insurance payments or duplicate payments until resolution, which can vary from several months to several years.

Approximately $121 and $124 (0.5% and 0.2%, respectively of medical services revenue) for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and $188 and $296 (0.9% and 0.5% respectively, of medical services revenue) of medical services revenue for the same periods of the preceding year were recorded in medical services revenue representing amounts included in excess insurance payments that we determined were nonrefundable based upon our quarterly analysis.  These amounts were primarily related to earned revenues greater than the estimated fees recognized as medical services revenue from payors to whom we were not contracted.

We have a self-insured medical and dental insurance plan administered by a third party administrator pursuant to which we are responsible for claims and administrative fees for which the obligation payable was approximately $331 at September 30, 2009 and $341 at December 31, 2008, included in other accrued expenses above.

 
6

 
DIALYSIS CORPORATION OF AMERICA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2009
(unaudited)
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
 
NOTE 1--SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES--Continued

Vendor Concentration

One service we provide to our patients is the administration of erythropoietin (“EPO”) for the treatment of anemia and there is only one supplier of this drug in the United States.  This supplier and another manufacturer received FDA approval for alternative products available for dialysis patients, which are indicated to be effective for a longer period than EPO and could be administered by the patient’s physician.  Accordingly, the use of these drugs could reduce our revenues from our current treatment of anemia, thereby adversely impacting our revenues and profitability.  There are no other suppliers of any similar drugs available to dialysis treatment providers.  Revenues from the administration of EPO, which amounted to approximately $7,993 and $22,298 for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and $6,187 and $17,352 for the same periods of the preceding year, comprised 32% and 31%, respectively for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2009, and 29% and 28% for the same periods of the preceding year of medical services revenues.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is stated on the basis of cost.  Depreciation is computed for book purposes by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from 5 to 34 years for buildings and improvements; 3 to 10 years for machinery, computer and office equipment, and furniture; and 5 to 10 years for leasehold improvements based on the shorter of the minimum lease term or estimated useful life of the property.  Replacements and betterments that extend the lives of assets are capitalized.  Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred.  Upon the sale or retirement of assets, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed and any gain or loss is recognized.
 
Revenue Recognition

Net revenue is recognized as services are rendered at the net realizable amount from Medicare, Medicaid, commercial insurers and other third party payors.  We occasionally provide dialysis treatments on a charitable basis to patients who cannot afford to pay.  The amount is not significant, and we do not record revenues related to these charitable treatments.  Product sales are recorded pursuant to stated shipping terms.
 
Goodwill

Goodwill represents cost in excess of net assets acquired.  Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized but are reviewed annually (or more frequently if impairment indicators are present) as required by the Intangibles-Goodwill and Other Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification for impairment, which testing has indicated no impairment for goodwill.

Deferred Expenses

Deferred expenses, except for deferred loan costs, are amortized on the straight-line method over their estimated benefit period with deferred loan costs amortized over the lives of the respective loans.  Deferred expenses of approximately $589 at September 30, 2009 and $663 at December 31, 2008 are included in other assets.  Amortization expense was approximately $25 and $74 for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2009, and $14 and $42 for the same periods of the preceding year.

 
7

 
DIALYSIS CORPORATION OF AMERICA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2009
(unaudited)
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
 
NOTE 1--SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES--Continued

Income Taxes

Deferred income taxes are determined by applying enacted tax rates applicable to future periods in which the taxes are expected to be paid or recovered to differences between financial accounting and tax basis of assets and liabilities.

We may from time to time be assessed interest or penalties by major tax jurisdictions, although such assessments historically have been minimal and immaterial to our financial results.  Our policy is to recognize interest and penalties accrued on any unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.
 
Stock-Based Compensation

We measure compensation cost for stock award compensation arrangements based on grant date fair value to be expensed ratably over the requisite vesting period as required by the Stock Compensation Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification.  Stock compensation expense was approximately $37 and $105 for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2009, and $49 and $148 for the same periods of the preceding year, respectively, with related income tax benefits of $17 for shares vesting during the nine months ended September 30, 2009, with no shares vesting during the third quarter of 2009 or during the first nine months of 2008.

During April, 2007, the company issued an incentive stock option with a total grant date value of $329.  This stock option is being expensed over the four-year vesting period for which the expense amounted to approximately $21 and $62 for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2009, and for the same periods of the preceding year.  The fair value of this option was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: risk free interest rate of 4.61%; no dividend yield; volatility factor of the expected market price of our common stock of 0.666 based on historical volatility for a period coinciding with the expected option life; and an expected life of four years.  During February, 2008, the company issued two incentive stock options with a total grant date value of $199.  These stock options are being expensed over the four-year vesting period for which the expense amounted to approximately $12 and $37 for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2009, and $12 and $29 for the same periods of the preceding year.  The fair value of these options was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: risk free interest rate of 2.73%; no dividend yield; volatility factor of the expected market price of our common stock of 0.626 based on historical volatility for a period coinciding with the expected option life; and an expected life of four years.  As these are incentive stock options, the related expense is not deductible for tax purposes.

The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options which have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable.  In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly subjective input assumptions including the expected stock price volatility.  Because our employee stock options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in management’s opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable measure of the fair value of our employee stock options.

 
8

 
DIALYSIS CORPORATION OF AMERICA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2009
(unaudited)
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
 
NOTE 1--SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES--Continued

Earnings Per Share

Diluted earnings per share gives effect to potential common shares that were dilutive and outstanding during the period, such as stock options and contingently issuable shares, calculated using the treasury stock method and average market price.

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
      (shares in thousands)  
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
                         
Net income attributable to the company
  $ 940     $ 875     $ 1,828     $ 1,987  
                                 
Weighted average shares outstanding
    9,600       9,580       9,596       9,580  
                                 
Weighted average shares outstanding
    9,600       9,580       9,596       9,580  
Shares issuable for employee and director stock awards
    26       25       20       25  
Weighted average shares diluted computation
    9,626       9,605       9,616       9,605  
Effect of dilutive stock options
    ---       9       3       9  
Weighted average shares, as adjusted diluted computation
    9,626       9,614       9,619       9,614  
                                 
Earnings per share:
                               
Basic
  $ .10     $ .09     $ .19     $ .21  
Diluted
  $ .10     $ .09     $ .19     $ .21  
                                 
We had various potentially dilutive shares during the periods presented.
 
Other Income (Expense)

Non-operating:

Other non-operating income (expense) is comprised as follows:

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
                         
Rental income
  $ 107     $ 102     $ 312     $ 304  
Interest income
    3       31       24       78  
Interest expense
    (107 )     (123 )     (359 )     (458 )
Other
    ---       (10 )     1       48  
Other income (expense), net
  $ 3     $ --     $ (22 )   $ (28 )

 
9

 
DIALYSIS CORPORATION OF AMERICA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2009
(unaudited)
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
 
NOTE 1--SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES--Continued

Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying value of cash, accounts receivable and debt in the accompanying financial statements approximate their fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments, and in the case of debt because such instruments either bear variable interest rates which approximate market or have interest rates approximating those currently available to the company for loans with similar terms and maturities.
 
Reclassification

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year’s presentation.
 
Subsequent Events

We evaluated subsequent events through November 9, 2009, the date of filing of this Form 10-Q.
 
New Pronouncements

The fair value requirements for nonfinancial assets and liabilities not recognized or disclosed at fair value in an entity’s financial statements on a recurring basis was deferred, until January 1, 2009 by The Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification.  Implementation of the fair value requirements for these items did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

The Business Combinations Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification includes new requirements that became effective for us in 2009.  The definitions of a business and business combination were expanded and all assets and liabilities of an acquired business (for full, partial and step acquisitions) are required to be recorded at fair values, with limited exceptions.  Earn-outs and other contingent consideration are required to be recorded at fair value on acquisition date and contingencies to be recorded at fair value on acquisition date with provision for subsequent remeasurement.  Acquisition costs must be expensed as incurred and restructuring costs must generally be expensed in periods after the acquisition date.  Amounts previously called “negative goodwill” which result from a bargain purchase in which acquisition date fair value of identifiable net assets acquired exceeds the fair value of consideration transferred plus any noncontrolling interest in the acquirer are required to be recognized in earnings as a gain attributable to the acquirer.  The effects of the new requirements will depend on the nature and significance of acquisitions subsequent to our adoption of the new requirements.

The Consolidation Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification contains new requirements that became effective for us in 2009.  Noncontrolling interests are required to be reported in the equity section of consolidated financial statements and consolidated net income is required to include the amounts attributable to both the parent and the noncontrolling interest with disclosure on the face of the consolidated income statement of net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interests, with any losses attributable to the noncontrolling interests in excess of the noncontrolling interests equity to be allocated to the noncontrolling interests.  Calculation of earnings per share amounts in the consolidated financial statements continue to be based on amounts attributable to the parent.  The adoption of the new requirements resulted in presentation differences but did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

 
10

 
DIALYSIS CORPORATION OF AMERICA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2009
(unaudited)
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
 
NOTE 1--SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES--Continued

The Subsequent Events Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification includes accounting and disclosure requirements for events that occur after the balance sheet date but before the issuance of financial statements effective for financial statements for periods ending after June 15, 2009.  The adoption of these disclosure requirements did not affect our consolidated financial statements.
 
NOTE 2--INTERIM ADJUSTMENTS

The financial summaries for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and September 30, 2008 are unaudited and include, in the opinion of management of the company, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the earnings for such periods.  Operating results for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire year ending December 31, 2009.

While the company believes that the disclosures presented are adequate to make the information not misleading, it is suggested that these consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included in the company’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2008.
 
NOTE 3--LONG-TERM DEBT

Pursuant to a December 3, 1999 loan agreement through our subsidiary, DCA of Vineland, LLC, we obtained a $700 development loan currently secured by a mortgage on our real property in Easton, Maryland.  In May, 2006, the loan was modified to extend the maturity date to May 2, 2026.  Monthly payments are approximately $2 plus interest at prime.  This loan had an outstanding principal balance of approximately $472 at September 30, 2009 and $495 at December 31, 2008.

In April, 2001, we obtained a $788 five-year mortgage through April, 2006, on our building in Valdosta, Georgia.  We refinanced this mortgage in April, 2006 with the new mortgage having an April, 2011, maturity.  Interest was at prime with a rate floor of 5.75% and a rate ceiling of 8.00% until September 15, 2008 when the rate floor was revised to 5.00% and the rate ceiling was revised to 7.50%.  As of May, 2006, payments are $6 including principal and interest, with a final payment consisting of a balloon payment and any unpaid interest due April, 2011.  The remaining principal balance under this mortgage amounted to approximately $521 at September 30, 2009 and $555 at December 31, 2008.

The prime rate was 3.25% at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008.

On October 24, 2005, we entered into a revolving line of credit with a maturity date, as amended, of November 4, 2011 and total availability of $25,000.  Each of our wholly-owned subsidiaries has guaranteed this credit facility, as will future wholly-owned subsidiaries.  Further, the obligation under the revolving line of credit is secured by our pledge of our ownership in our subsidiaries.  The credit facility, which has provisions for both base rate and LIBOR loans, is intended to provide funds for the development and acquisition of new dialysis facilities, to meet general working capital requirements, and for other general corporate purposes.  Up to $3,000 has been allocated for the repurchase of company stock under the stock repurchase program management established in April, 2009, provided the company continues to be in compliance with the financial covenants of the credit facility after giving effect to such stock repurchases.  Borrowings under the revolving line of credit accrue interest at the base rate for base rate loans and at LIBOR for LIBOR loans, plus the applicable margin, as those terms are defined in the agreement.

 
11

 
DIALYSIS CORPORATION OF AMERICA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2009
(unaudited)
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
 
NOTE 3--LONG-TERM DEBT--Continued

        The LIBOR applicable to a LIBOR loan is determined by the interest period selected by the company for that particular loan, which represents the duration of the loan.  We have the right to convert a base rate loan to a LIBOR loan, and vice versa.  The agreement contains customary reporting and financial covenant requirements for this type of credit facility.  We are in compliance with the requirements of this credit facility at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008.  Outstanding borrowings under our line of credit were $8,800 at September 30, 2009 and $13,300 at December 31, 2008.  As of September 30, 2009, there were two outstanding LIBOR loans of $4,000 and $4,800, each with a one month term and an interest rate of 3.25%, which includes LIBOR at issuance plus an applicable margin of 3.0%.  The individual LIBOR loans outstanding at September 30, 2009 are renewable at the end of their respective one month terms.

Our two mortgage agreements contain certain restrictive covenants that, among other things, limit the payment of dividends, require lenders’ approval for a merger, sale of substantially all of our assets, or other business combination to which we are a party, and require maintenance of certain financial ratios.  The company was in compliance with the debt covenants at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008.
 
NOTE 4--INCOME TAXES

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes.

No valuation allowance was recorded for deferred tax assets at September 30, 2009 or December 31, 2008, due to the company’s anticipated prospects for future taxable income in an amount sufficient to realize the deferred tax assets.
 
NOTE 5--STOCK OPTIONS AND STOCK AWARDS

In June, 2004, the board of directors granted 160,000 stock options to officers, directors and a key employee exercisable at $4.02 per share through June 6, 2009.  The four remaining grants for 18,750 shares were exercised during June, 2009, with one 5,000 share grant exercised for approximately $20 cash proceeds and three grants for a total of 13,750 shares exercised through a cashless exercise with approximately $55 exercise price satisfied through payment of 13,750 shares resulting in an additional 8,896 shares outstanding after the exercise.

On June 27, 2006, we granted stock awards of 64,000 shares to officers and key employees with the awards vesting in equal yearly increments over four years commencing December 31, 2006.  Of these stock awards, 36,000 shares were cancelled, 8,500 shares vested at the end of 2006, 6,500 shares vested at the end of 2007 and at the end of 2008, with the balance of 6,500 shares to vest at the end of 2009.

In April, 2007, the board of directors granted a five-year option to our Chief Operating Officer for 50,000 shares exercisable at $12.18 through April 15, 2012.  The option vests in equal increments of 12,500 shares every 12 months commencing April 15, 2008.  The grant date fair value of $329 is being expensed over the four-year vesting period with approximately $21 and $62 expense recorded during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and for the same periods of the preceding year.

On January 10, 2008, the board of directors granted stock awards for 13,500 shares to non-executive management personnel with the awards to vest over four years in 25% equal increments commencing on January 9, 2009.  One award for 1,000 shares was cancelled due to resignation of an employee leaving awards for 12,500 shares outstanding for which 3,125 shares vested January 9, 2009.

 
12

 
DIALYSIS CORPORATION OF AMERICA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2009
(unaudited)
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
 
NOTE 5--STOCK OPTIONS AND STOCK AWARDS--Continue

On February 29, 2008, the board of directors granted a five year option to our newly appointed Chief Financial Officer for 50,000 shares exercisable at $12.18 through February 28, 2013, and a five year option to a key employee for 10,000 shares, each of the options vesting in equal increments totaling 15,000 shares every 12 months commencing February 28, 2009.  The grant date fair value of approximately $199 is being expensed over the four-year vesting period with approximately $12 and $37 expense recorded during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and $12 and $29 for the same periods of the preceding year.

On February 27, 2009 we granted stock awards for 5,000 shares to our four non-employee directors.  These awards vested immediately resulting in an expense of $28 at the time of grant.

On June 11, 2009 we granted stock awards for 10,000 shares to our four non-employee directors.  The awards vest one year from the date of issuance.  The expense of $55 is being recorded over the one year period until the awards vest.
 
NOTE 6--COMMITMENTS

We have entered into a three-year grant agreement with the University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, under which we will provide $265 per year for three years to support basic and clinical research and education relating to kidney disease.  We will provide the University with the amounts due under the grant at the end of the first quarter of each of the three years of the agreement, with the first $265 grant paid to the University effective for 2009.
 
NOTE 7--ACQUISITIONS

Our various acquisitions were made either on the basis of existing profitability or expectation of future profitability for the interest acquired based on our analysis of the potential for each acquisition, and the value of the relationship with the physician affiliated with the selling entity.  Each acquisition was intended to either strengthen our market share within a geographic area or provide us with the opportunity to enter a new geographic area and market.  Management also reviews the purchase price and any resulting goodwill based on established current valuations for dialysis centers.  Also considered are the anticipated synergistic effects of a potential acquisition, including potential costs integration and the effect of the acquisition on our overall valuation.  Certain of the acquisition transactions were of minority interests held by medical directors of certain of our dialysis facilities.

These transactions resulted in an aggregate of approximately $16,492 of goodwill, representing the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired, including net goodwill of $7,916 from 2008 acquisitions as further described below.  The goodwill is being amortized for tax purposes over a 15-year period with the exception of $1,358 goodwill from a stock acquisition which is not amortizable for tax purposes.  We have determined there is no impairment of goodwill related to any of our acquisitions.

Pursuant to a call option which was exercised on January 11, 2007, one of our subsidiaries acquired, effective January 1, 2008, the assets of a Georgia dialysis facility that we had been managing pursuant to a management services agreement.  Effective January 1, 2008, we have an 80% interest in the facility, which is operated through our subsidiary with the former owner having a 20% interest.  The purchase price included a 20% noncontrolling interest in the acquired entity and approximately $2,541, one half of which was paid at closing with the remaining portion subject to a one year promissory note payable to the seller with interest at prime plus 1% which was paid in December, 2008.  This transaction resulted in approximately $2,311 of goodwill amortizable over 15 years for tax purposes.

 
13

 
DIALYSIS CORPORATION OF AMERICA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2009
(unaudited)
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
 
NOTE 7--ACQUISITIONS--Continued

Effective March 1, 2008, we acquired the remaining 20% noncontrolling interests in DCA of Chesapeake, LLC and DCA of North Baltimore, LLC for $25.  This transaction resulted in a reduction of the existing goodwill on these subsidiaries by $159.

On December 31, 2008, we acquired a Maryland dialysis center for approximately $6,627, including acquisition costs, resulting in approximately $5,715 of goodwill, the excess of the net purchase price over the estimated fair value of net assets acquired, including the valuation of a ten year non-competition agreement that will be amortized over the life of the agreement.  The goodwill is amortizable for tax purposes over 15 years.  We began recording the results of operations for the acquired company in our consolidated results of operations as of January 1, 2009.

Pro forma results of operations as if the Maryland acquisition had completed as of January 1, 2008 are as follows:

   
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2008
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2008
 
Operating revenues
  $ 23,195     $ 66,993  
Net income attributable to the company
  $ 940     $ 2,155  
                 
Earnings per share:
               
Basic
  $ .10     $ .22  
Diluted
  $ .10     $ .22  

NOTE 8--EQUITY

The changes in equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 are summarized as follows:
 
    Stockholders               
   
Common
Stock
   
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
   
 Retained
Earnings
   
Treasury
Stock
   
 
Total
   
Noncontrolling
Interests
   
 
 Total
 
Balance  December 31, 2008
  $ 96     $ 16,001     $ 19,167     $ ---     $ 35,264     $ 5,412     $ 40,676  
Stock related compensation expense
    ---       217       ---       ---       217       ---       217  
Capital contributions by non-controlling interests
    ---       ---       ---       ---       ---       100       100  
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
    ---       ---       ---       ---       ----       (1,370 )     (1,370 )
Stock option exercises
    ---       20       ---       ---       20       ---       20  
Stock repurchases
    ---       ---       ---       (14 )     (14 )     ---       (14 )
Net income
    ---       ---       1,828       ---       1,828       1,129       2,957  
Balance September 30, 2009
  $ 96     $ 16,238     $ 20,995     $ (14 )   $ 37,315     $ 5,271     $ 42,586  

 
14

 
DIALYSIS CORPORATION OF AMERICA AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2009
(unaudited)
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
 
NOTE 9--SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM

On April 13, 2009, we announced that our board of directors had approved a stock repurchase program pursuant to which we are authorized to repurchase up to $3,000 of our outstanding shares.  Stock repurchases will be made from available cash in open market transactions at the prevailing market price or in privately negotiated transactions.  We may suspend or discontinue the program at any time.  Repurchases of 2,831 shares at a cost of approximately $14 were made during June, 2009.  No repurchases were made during the third quarter of 2009.
 
 
15

 
 
Item 2.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Information

The statements contained in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, that are not historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”).  In addition, from time to time, we or our representatives have made or may make forward looking statements, orally or in writing, and in press releases.  The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 contains certain safe harbors for forward-looking statements.  Certain of the forward-looking statements include management’s expectations, intentions, beliefs and strategies regarding the growth of our company and our future operations, the character and development of the dialysis industry, anticipated revenues, our need for and sources of funding for expansion opportunities and construction, expenditures, costs and income, our business strategies and plans for future operations, potential business combinations, and similar expressions concerning matters that are not considered historical facts.  Forward-looking statements also include our statements regarding liquidity, anticipated cash needs and availability, and anticipated expense levels in this Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” commonly known as MD&A.  Words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan” and “belief,” and words and terms of similar substance used in connection with any discussions of future operating or financial performance identify forward-looking statements.  Such forward-looking statements, like all statements about expected future events, are based on assumptions and are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to materially differ from those expressed in the statements, including the general economic and market conditions which substantially deteriorated over the last two years, a continuation in the global economic decline, business opportunities pursued or not pursued, competition, changes in federal and state laws or regulations affecting the company and our operations, and other factors discussed periodically in our filings.  Many of the foregoing factors are beyond our control.  Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are the factors detailed in the risks discussed in Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” beginning on page 20 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.  If any of such events occur or circumstances arise that we have not assessed, they could have a material adverse effect upon our revenues, earnings, financial condition and business, as well as the trading price of our common stock, which could adversely affect your investment in our company.  Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place too much reliance on such forward-looking statements.  All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained in this quarterly report.  You should read this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, with any of the exhibits attached and the documents incorporated by reference, completely and with the understanding that the company’s actual results may be materially different from what we expect.

The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this quarterly report, and except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to rewrite or update such statements to reflect subsequent events.

MD&A is our attempt to provide a narrative explanation of our financial statements, and to provide our shareholders and investors with the dynamics of our business as seen through our eyes as management.  Generally, MD&A is intended to cover expected effects of known or reasonably expected uncertainties, expected effects of known trends on future operations, and prospective effects of events that have had a material effect on past operating results.

Our discussion of MD&A should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements (unaudited), including the notes, included elsewhere in this report on Form 10-Q.
 
 
16

 

Overview

We provide dialysis services, primarily kidney dialysis treatments through 35 outpatient dialysis centers, to patients with chronic kidney failure, also known as end-stage renal disease or ESRD.  We provide dialysis treatments to dialysis patients of 11 hospitals and medical centers through acute inpatient dialysis services agreements with those entities.  We also provide homecare services, including home peritoneal dialysis.  We engage in medical product sales, which is not a significant part of our business.
 
Quality Clinical Results

Our goal is to provide consistent quality clinical care to our patients from caring and qualified doctors, nurses, patient care technicians, social workers and dieticians.  We have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to quality renal care through our continuous quality improvement initiatives.  We strive to maintain a leadership position as a quality provider in the dialysis industry and often set our goals to exceed the national average standards.

Kt/V is a formula that measures the amount of dialysis delivered to the patient, based on the removal of urea, an end product of protein metabolism.  Kt/V provides a means to determine an individual dialysis prescription and to monitor the effectiveness or adequacy of the dialysis treatment as delivered to the patient. We believe it is critical to achieve a Kt/V level of greater than 1.2 for as many patients as possible.  Approximately 97% of our patients had a Kt/V level greater than 1.2 for the third quarter ended September 30, 2009, compared to approximately 98% for the second quarter ended June 30, 2009.

Anemia is a shortage of oxygen-carrying red blood cells.  Because red blood cells bring oxygen to all the cells in the body, untreated anemia can cause severe fatigue, heart disorders, difficulty concentrating, reduced immune function, and other problems.  Anemia is common among renal patients, caused by insufficient erythropoietin, iron deficiency, repeated blood losses, and other factors.  Anemia can be detected with a blood test for hemoglobin or hematocrit. It is ideal to have as many patients as possible with hemoglobin levels above 11.  Approximately 79% of our patients had a hemoglobin level greater than 11 for the third quarter ended September 30, 2009, compared to approximately 81% and for the second quarter ended June 30, 2009.

Vascular access is the site on a patient’s body where blood is removed and returned during dialysis.  The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, CMS has indicated that fistulas are the “gold standard” for establishing access to a patient’s circulatory system in order to provide life sustaining dialysis.  Approximately 61% of our patients were dialyzed with a fistula during the third quarter ended September 30, 2009, compared to approximately 60% for the second quarter ended June 30, 2009.
 
Patient Treatments

The following table shows the number of in-center, home and peritoneal and acute inpatient treatments performed by us through the dialysis centers we operate, and in those hospitals and medical centers with which we have inpatient acute service agreements for the periods presented:

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
In center
    70,440       63,281       204,885       183,816  
Home and peritoneal
    4,219       4,202       12,204       11,775  
Acute
    1,326       1,442       4,313       6,585  
      75,985       68,925       221,402       202,176  
 
 
17

 

Same Center Growth

We endeavor to increase same center growth by adding quality staff and management and attracting new patients to our existing facilities.  We seek to accomplish this objective by rendering high caliber patient care in convenient, safe and pleasant conditions.  We believe that we have adequate space and stations within our facilities to accommodate greater patient volume and maximize our treatment potential.  We experienced approximately a 3% increase in dialysis treatments for the first nine months of 2009 at centers that were operable during the entire first nine months of the preceding year compared to a 6% increase for the first nine months of 2008.
 
New Business Development

Our future growth depends primarily on the availability of suitable dialysis centers for development or acquisition in appropriate and acceptable areas, and our ability to manage the development costs for these potential dialysis centers while competing with larger companies, some of which are public companies or divisions of public companies with greater numbers of personnel and financial resources available for acquiring and/or developing dialysis centers in areas targeted by us.  Additionally, there is intense competition for qualified nephrologists who would serve as medical directors of dialysis facilities. We currently have two dialysis facilities under development.  There is no assurance as to when any new dialysis centers or inpatient service contracts with hospitals will be implemented, or the number of stations, or patient treatments such center or service contract may involve, or if such center or service contract will ultimately be profitable.

Start-up Losses

It has been our experience that newly established dialysis centers, although contributing to increased revenues, have adversely affected our results of operations in the short term due to start-up costs and expenses and a smaller patient base. These losses are typically a result of several months of pre-opening costs, and six to eighteen months of post opening costs, in excess of revenues. We consider new dialysis centers to be “start-up centers” through their initial 12 months of operation, or when they achieve consistent profitability, whichever is sooner. For the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2009, we incurred an aggregate of approximately $10 thousand and $204 thousand in pre-tax losses for start-up centers compared to $339 thousand and $577 thousand for the same period of the preceding year.
 
EPO Utilization

We also provide ancillary services associated with dialysis treatments, including the administration of EPO for the treatment of anemia in our dialysis patients.  EPO is a bio-engineered protein that stimulates the production of red blood cells.  A deteriorating kidney loses its ability to regulate the red blood cell counts, which typically results in anemia.  EPO is currently available from only one manufacturer.  If our available supply of EPO were reduced, either by the manufacturer or due to excessive demand, our revenues and net income would be adversely affected.  The manufacturer of EPO could implement price increases which would adversely affect our net income.

ESRD patients must either obtain a kidney transplant or obtain regular dialysis treatments for the rest of their lives.  Due to a lack of suitable donors and the possibility of transplanted organ rejection, the most prevalent form of treatment for ESRD patients is hemodialysis through a kidney dialysis machine.  Hemodialysis patients usually receive three treatments each week with each treatment lasting between three and five hours on an outpatient basis.  Although not as common as hemodialysis in an outpatient facility, home peritoneal dialysis is an available treatment option, representing the third most common type of ESRD treatment after outpatient hemodialysis and kidney transplantation.
 
 
18

 

Reimbursement

Approximately 55% of our medical services revenues for the first nine months of 2009 were derived from Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement with rates established by CMS, and which rates are subject to legislative changes.  Dialysis is typically reimbursed at higher rates from private payors, such as a patient’s insurance carrier, as well as higher payments received under negotiated contracts with hospitals for acute inpatient dialysis services.  The breakdown of our revenues by type of payor and the breakdown of our medical services revenues (in thousands) derived from our primary revenue sources and the percentage of total medical services revenue represented by each source for the periods presented are provided in Note 1 to “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.”

Compliance

The healthcare industry is subject to extensive regulation by federal and state authorities.  There are a variety of fraud and abuse measures to combat waste, including Anti-Kickback regulations and extensive prohibitions relating to self-referrals, violations of which are punishable by criminal or civil penalties, including exclusion from Medicare and other governmental programs.  Unanticipated changes in healthcare programs or laws could require us to restructure our business practices which, in turn, could materially adversely affect our business, operations and financial condition.  We have a Compliance Program to assure that we provide the highest level of patient care and services in a professional and ethical manner consistent with applicable federal and state laws and regulations.  Our Compliance Program also relates to claims submission, cost report preparation, initial audit and human resources.
 
Results of Operations

The following table shows our results of operations (in thousands):
 
     Three Months Ended
September 30
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 
 
     2009      2008      2009      2008  
Medical service revenue
  $ 24,798     $ 21,586     $ 72,427     $ 62,300  
Product sales
    323       274       864       881  
Total sales
    25,121       21,860       73,291       63,181  
                                 
Cost of medical services
    15,315       12,805       44,839       37,825  
Cost of product sales
    175       158       490       493  
Total cost of sales
    15,490       12,963       45,329       38,318  
Corporate selling, general and administrative
    2,631       2,764       8,517       7,602  
Facility selling, general and administrative
    3,446       3,312       10,525       9,390  
Total, selling, general and administrative
    6,077       6,076       19,042       16,992  
Stock compensation expense
    70       82       217       239  
Depreciation and amortization
    759       709       2,241       2,050  
Provision for doubtful accounts
    738       500       1,952       1,579  
Total operating costs and expenses
    23,134       20,330       68,781       59,178  
                                 
Operating income
    1,987       1,530       4,510       4,003  
                                 
Other income (expense), net
    3       ---       (22 )     (28 )
                                 
Income before income taxes
    1,990       1,530       4,488       3,975  
                                 
Income tax provision
    631       511       1,531       1,196  
                                 
Net income
    1,359       1,019       2,957       2,779  
                                 
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    419       144       1,129       792  
                                 
Net income attributable to the company
  $ 940     $ 875     $ 1,828     $ 1,987  

 
19

 

Medical services revenue increased approximately $3.211 million (15%) and $10.126 million (16%) for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the same periods of the preceding year.  Medical services revenue for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2009 includes approximately $121 thousand and $124 thousand of amounts previously included in excess insurance liability that was determined to be non-refundable compared to approximately $188 thousand and $296 thousand during the same periods of the preceding year.  Dialysis treatments performed increased from 68,925 during the third quarter of 2008 to 75,985 during the third quarter of 2009, a 10% increase and from 202,176 during the first nine months of 2008 to 221,402 during the first nine months of 2009, a 10% increase.  Approximately $1.492 million and $4.168 million of the increase in medical service revenues and 5,086 and 14,472 of the increase in treatments for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the same periods of the preceding year are attributable to the Maryland dialysis center we acquired December 31, 2008.

Some of our patients carry commercial insurance which may require an out of pocket co-pay by the patient, which is often uncollectible by us.  This co-pay is typically limited, and therefore may lead to our under-recognition of revenue at the time of service.  We routinely recognize these revenues as we become aware that these limits have been met.  We record contractual adjustments based on fee schedules for a patient’s insurance plan except in circumstances where the schedules are not readily determinable, in which case rates are estimated based on similar insurance plans and subsequently adjusted when actual rates are determined.  Out-of-network providers generally do not provide fee schedules and coinsurance information and, consequently, represent the largest portion of contractual adjustment changes.  Based on historical data we do not anticipate that a change in estimates would have a significant impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Operating income increased approximately $457 thousand (30%) and $506 thousand (13%) for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the same periods of the preceding year.  First quarter 2009 results included our 2009 grant obligation of $265 thousand to the University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine pursuant to our three year grant agreement to support basic and clinical research and education relating to kidney disease.  Operating income was negatively impacted primarily during the first quarter of 2009 by transitional costs associated with the Maryland center we acquired December 31, 2008. Start-up costs associated with our new centers was approximately $10 thousand and $204 thousand for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to $339 thousand and $517 thousand for the same periods of the preceding year.  Although operations of additional centers result in additional revenues, while these centers are in the start-up stage, their operating results adversely impact our overall results of operations until they achieve a patient count sufficient to sustain profitable operations.

Cost of medical services sales as a percentage of sales amounted to 62% for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to 59% and 61% for the same periods of the preceding year, with the increase largely attributable to an increase in supply costs as a percentage of medical service sales that was offset somewhat by decreased payroll costs as a percentage of sales revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.

Approximately 32% and 31% of our medical services revenue for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 29% and 28% for the same periods of the preceding year derived from the administration of EPO to our dialysis patients.

Our medical products operation represents a minor portion of our operations with operating revenues of $323 thousand and $864 thousand for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and $274 thousand and $881 thousand for the same periods of the preceding year (1.3% of operating revenues for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to 1.3% and 1.4% for the same periods of the preceding year).  Operating income for the medical products operation was $68 thousand and $137 thousand for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to $36 thousand and $151 thousand for the same periods of the preceding year (3.4% and 3.0% of operating income for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to 2.4% and 3.8% for the same periods of the preceding year).

Cost of sales for our medical products operation amounted to 54% and 57% of sales for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to 58% and 56% for the same periods of the preceding year.  Cost of sales for this operation is largely related to product mix.

 
20

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses represent those corporate and facility costs not directly related to the care of patients, including, among others, administration, accounting and billing. Corporate selling, general and administrative expenses decreased approximately $133 thousand (5%) from $2.764 million to $2.631 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and increased approximately $915 thousand (12%) from $7.602 million to $8.517 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the same periods of the preceding year. The decrease for the three month period is primarily due to less professional fees in 2009. The increase for the nine month period includes the $265 thousand University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine grant during the first quarter of 2009, as well as increased support activities resulting from expanded operations, ongoing investments in our infrastructure, and the cost of development activities. Facility selling, general and administrative expenses increased approximately $135 thousand (4%) from $3.312 million to $3.446 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and approximately $1.135 million (12%) from $9.390 million to $10.525 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the same periods of the preceding year. The increases include the Maryland dialysis center we acquired December 31, 2008, as well as increases for centers that either commenced operations during 2008 or were still in their startup phase during 2008. Total selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of medical services revenue amounted to approximately 25% and 26% for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2009, 28% and 27% for the same periods of the preceding year.

Provision for doubtful accounts increased approximately $238 thousand for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and $372 thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, compared to the same periods of the preceding year, which includes an increase in the commercial patient portion of our payor mix and an increase in Medicare bad debt recoveries for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the same periods of the preceding year. The provision amounted to 3% of medical services revenue for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2% for the same periods of preceding year. Medicare bad debt recoveries of $509 thousand and $731 thousand were recorded during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2009, compared to approximately $196 thousand and $357 thousand for the same periods of the preceding year. Without the effect of the Medicare bad debt recoveries, the provision for doubtful accounts would have amounted to 5% and 4% of medical services revenue for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 3% for the same periods of the preceding year. The provision for doubtful accounts reflects our collection experience with the impact of that experience included in accounts receivable presently reserved, plus recovery of accounts previously considered uncollectible from our Medicare cost report filings. The provision for doubtful accounts is determined under a variety of criteria, primarily aging of the receivables and payor mix. Accounts receivable are estimated to be uncollectible based upon various criteria including the age of the receivable, historical collection trends and our understanding of the nature and collectibility of the receivables, and are reserved for in the allowance for doubtful accounts until they are written off.

Days’ sales outstanding were 82 as of September 30, 2009, compared to 84 as of December 31, 2008.  Days’ sales outstanding are impacted by the expected and typical slower receivable turnover at our new centers opened and by payor mix. Based on our collection experience with the different payor groups comprising our accounts receivable, our analysis indicates that our allowance for doubtful accounts reasonably estimates the amount of accounts receivable that we will ultimately not collect.

After a patient’s insurer has paid the applicable coverage for the patient, the patient is billed for the applicable co-payment or balance due.  If payment is not received from the patient for his applicable portion, collection letters and billings are sent to that patient until such time as the patient’s account is determined to be uncollectible, at which time the account will be charged against the allowance for doubtful accounts.  Patient accounts that remain outstanding four months after initial collection efforts are generally considered uncollectible.

Non-operating income (expense) amounted to approximately $3 thousand and $(22) thousand  for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to non-operating expense of $28 thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 which included an increase in rental income of $5 thousand and $8 thousand, a decrease in interest income of $28 thousand and $54 thousand from lower interest rates on invested funds and lower average invested funds, a decrease in interest expense of $16 thousand and $100 thousand resulting from lower interest rates on borrowed funds and an increase of $10 thousand for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and a decrease of $47 thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 in miscellaneous other income compared to the same periods of the preceding year.

 
21

 

Noncontrolling interests represents the proportionate equity interests of noncontrolling owners in our subsidiaries whose financial results are included in our consolidated results.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources

Working capital totaled approximately $18.205 million at September 30, 2009, which reflected a decrease of $2.061 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  Included in the changes in components of working capital was a decrease in cash and cash equivalents of $3.508 million, which included net cash provided by operating activities of $3.965 million; net cash used in investing activities of $1.653 million (consisting of additions to property and equipment); and net cash used in financing activities of $5.820 million (including net repayments of $4.500 million on our line of credit, other debt payments of $56 thousand, capital contributions of $100 thousand by noncontrolling interests and distributions of $1.370 million to noncontrolling interests.

Net cash provided by operating activities consists of net income before non-cash items which for the first nine months of 2009 consisted of depreciation and amortization of $2.241 million, provision for doubtful accounts of $1.952 million, and non-cash stock and stock option compensation expense of $217 thousand, as adjusted for changes in components of working capital.  Significant changes in components of working capital, in addition to the $3.508 million decrease in cash, included an increase in accounts receivable of $503 thousand, a decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets of $645 thousand, including a reduction of approximately $689 thousand in prepaid income taxes as a result of application of tax prepayments to tax liabilities, a decrease in accounts payable of $1.327 million, a decrease in accrued expenses of $488 thousand and an increase in income taxes payable of $253 thousand after having utilized existing income tax prepayments.  The major uses of cash in operating activities are supply costs, payroll, independent contractor costs, and costs for our leased facilities.

Our Easton, Maryland building has a mortgage to secure a subsidiary development loan.  This loan had a remaining principal balance of $472 thousand at September 30, 2009 and $495 thousand at December 31, 2008.  Our mortgage on our building in Valdosta, Georgia due in April, 2011 had an outstanding principal balance of approximately $521 thousand at September 30, 2009 and $555 thousand at December 31, 2008.

Capital is needed primarily for the development of outpatient dialysis centers. The construction of a 15 station facility, typically the size of our dialysis facilities, costs in the range of $1.000 million to $1.500 million, depending on location, size and related services to be provided, which includes equipment and initial working capital requirements. Acquisition of an existing dialysis facility is more expensive than construction, although acquisition would provide us with an immediate ongoing operation, which most likely would be generating income. Although our expansion strategy focuses primarily on construction of new centers, we have expanded through acquisition of dialysis facilities and continue to review potential acquisitions.  Development of a dialysis facility to initiate operations takes four to six months and usually up to 12 months or longer to generate earnings.  We consider some of our centers to be in the developmental stage since they have not developed a patient base sufficient to generate and sustain earnings.

We are seeking to expand our outpatient dialysis treatment facilities and inpatient dialysis care and are presently in different phases of negotiations with physicians and others for the development or acquisition of additional outpatient centers.  Such expansion requires capital.  We are in the process of developing two new Ohio dialysis centers.  We have been funding our expansion through internally generated cash flow and a revolving line of credit with KeyBank National Association.  To assist with our future expansion we have a $25.000 million revolving line of credit with KeyBank National Association maturing November 4, 2011.  We had outstanding borrowings of $8.800 million under this credit facility as of September 30, 2009 and $13.300 million as of December 31, 2008.  No assurance can be given that we will be successful in implementing our growth strategy or that available financing will be adequate to support our expansion.
 
 
22

 

New Accounting Pronouncements

The fair value requirements for nonfinancial assets and liabilities not recognized or disclosed at fair value in an entity’s financial statements on a recurring basis was deferred, until January 1, 2009 by the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Certificates.  Implementation of the fair value requirements for these items did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

The Business Combinations Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification includes new requirements that became effective for us in 2009.  The definitions of a business and a business combination were expanded and all assets and liabilities of an acquired business (for full, partial and step acquisitions) are required to be recorded at fair values, with limited exceptions.  The effects of the new requirements will depend on the nature and significance of acquisitions subsequent to our adoption of the new requirements.

The Consolidation Topic of the FASB Account Standards Codification contains new requirements that became effective for us in 2009.  Noncontrolling interests are required to be reported in the equity section of consolidated financial statements and consolidated net income is required to include the amounts attributable to both the parent and noncontrolling interests with these amounts disclosed on the face of the consolidated income statement and any losses attributable to the noncontrolling interests in excess of noncontrolling interests in equity are required to be allocated to the noncontrolling interests.  The adoption of the new requirements resulted in presentation differences but did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

The Subsequent Events Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification includes accounting and disclosure requirement for events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued, that became effective for us in June 2009.  These disclosure requirements did not affect our financial statements.
 
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make judgments and estimates.  On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates, the most significant of which include establishing allowances for doubtful accounts, a valuation allowance for our deferred tax assets and determining the recoverability of our long-lived assets.  The basis for our estimates are historical experience and various assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, given the available information at the time of the estimate, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily available from other sources.  Actual results may differ from the amounts estimated and recorded in our financial statements.

We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition:  Revenues are recognized net of contractual provisions at the expected collectable amount.  We receive payments through reimbursement from Medicare and Medicaid for our outpatient dialysis treatments coupled with patients’ private payments, individually and through private third-party insurers.  A substantial portion of our revenues are derived from the Medicare ESRD program, which outpatient reimbursement rates are fixed under a composite rate structure, which includes the dialysis services and certain supplies, drugs and laboratory tests.  Certain of these ancillary services are reimbursable outside of the composite rate.  Medicaid reimbursement is similar and supplemental to the Medicare program.  Our acute inpatient dialysis operations are paid under contractual arrangements, usually at higher contractually established rates, as are certain of the private pay insurers for outpatient dialysis.  We have a sophisticated information and computerized coding system, but due to the complexity of the payor mix and regulations, we sometimes receive more or less than the amount expected when the services are provided.  We reconcile any differences at least quarterly.
 
 
23

 

In those situations where a patient’s insurance fee schedule cannot be readily determined, which typically occurs with out of network providers, we estimate fees based on our knowledge base of historical data for patients with similar insurance plans.  Our internal controls, including an ongoing review and follow-up on estimated fees, allow us to make necessary changes to estimated fees on a timely basis.  When the actual fee schedule is determined, we adjust the amounts originally estimated, and then use the actual fees to estimate fees for similar future situations.  We record reasonable estimates of revenue based on our historical experience and identifying on a timely basis necessary changes to estimates as required by the Revenue Recognition Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts:  We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our patients or their insurance carriers to make required payments.  Based on historical information, we believe that our allowance is adequate.  Changes in general economic, business and market conditions could result in an impairment in the ability of our patients and the insurance companies to make their required payments, which would have an adverse effect on cash flows and our results of operations.  The allowance for doubtful accounts is reviewed monthly and changes to the allowance are updated based on actual collection experience.  We use a combination of percentage of sales and the aging of accounts receivable to establish an allowance for losses on accounts receivable.  We adhere to the guidelines of the Contingencies Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification in determining reasonable estimates of accounts for which uncollectibility is possible.

Valuation Allowance for Deferred Tax Assets:  The carrying value of deferred tax assets assumes that we will be able to generate sufficient future taxable income to realize the deferred tax assets based on estimates and assumptions.  If these estimates and assumptions change in the future, we may be required to adjust our valuation allowance for deferred tax assets which could result in additional income tax expense.

Long-Lived Assets:  We state our property and equipment at acquisition cost and compute depreciation for book purposes by the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of the assets.  We review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable as required by the Property, Plant and Equipment Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codifications.  Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset.  If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized to the extent the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset.  These computations are complex and subjective.

Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment:  In assessing the recoverability of our goodwill and other intangibles we must make assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows and other factors to determine the fair value of the respective assets.  This impairment test requires the determination of the fair value of the intangible asset.  If the fair value of the intangible asset is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss will be recognized in an amount equal to the difference.  If these estimates or their related assumptions change in the future, we may be required to record impairment charges for these assets.  We analyze goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment on at least an annual basis or when conditions warrant as required by the Intangible-Goodwill and Other Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification.


Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We do not consider our exposure to market risks, principally changes in interest rates, to be significant.

Sensitivity of results of operations to interest rate risks on our investments is managed by conservatively investing funds in liquid interest bearing accounts of which we held approximately $2.851 million at September 30, 2009.

Interest rate risk on debt is managed by negotiation of appropriate rates for equipment financing and other fixed rate obligations based on current market rates.  There is an interest rate risk associated with our variable rate debt obligations, which totaled approximately $9.794 million at September 30, 2009.

 
 
24

 
 
We have exposure to both rising and falling interest rates.  Due to the global financial crisis and the correspondingly exceedingly low interest rates on invested funds, there was no substantial risk of a decrease in interest income as a result of minimal yields at September 30, 2009.  Assuming a relative 15% increase in rates on our period-end variable rate debt would have resulted in a negative impact of approximately $23 thousand on our results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.

We do not utilize financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes and do not currently use interest rate derivatives.
 
Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

As of the end of the period of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the third quarter ended September 30, 2009, management carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our President and Chief Executive Officer, and our Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”).  These disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that, among other things, information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer, and our Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  Based upon such evaluation, our President and Chief Executive Officer, and our Chief Financial Officer, have concluded that, as of the end of such period, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in providing reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by our company in the reports that it files under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within required time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms.

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2009 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 
25

 
 
PART II

OTHER INFORMATION
 
       
Item 6. Exhibits
       
 
31
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications
       
   
31.1
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
   
31.2
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
       
 
32
Section 1350 Certifications
       
   
32.1*
Certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
 

 
*
In accordance with Release No. 34-47551, this exhibit is furnished to the SEC as an accompanying document and is not deemed to be “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that Section, and the document will not be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933.

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.

  DIALYSIS CORPORATION OF AMERICA  
       
 
By:
/s/ ANDREW JEANNERET  
   
ANDREW JEANNERET, Vice President, Finance and
Chief Financial Officer
 

 
By:
/s/ DANIEL R. OUZTS   
   
DANIEL R. OUZTS, Vice President, Finance and
Principal Accounting Officer
 
 
Dated: November 9, 2009
 
 
26

 

EXHIBIT INDEX
 
         
Exhibit No.
       
31
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications
         
     
31.1
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
     
31.2
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
         
32
 
Section 1350 Certifications
         
     
32.1*
Certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.


 
*
In accordance with Release No. 34-47551, this exhibit is furnished to the SEC as an accompanying document and is not deemed to be “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that Section, and the document will not be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933.