Attached files

file filename
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - Alliance HealthCare Services, Incaiq-9302015xex312.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - Alliance HealthCare Services, Incaiq-9302015xex311.htm
EX-32 - EXHIBIT 32 - Alliance HealthCare Services, Incaiq-9302015xex32.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
____________________________________ 
FORM 10-Q
____________________________________ 
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended: September 30, 2015
Commission File Number: 001-16609
____________________________________ 
ALLIANCE HEALTHCARE SERVICES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
____________________________________ 
DELAWARE
 
33-0239910
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
 
(IRS Employer
Identification Number)
100 Bayview Circle
Suite 400
Newport Beach, California 92660
(Address of Principal Executive Office) (Zip Code)
(949) 242-5300
(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  ý    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ý    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. 
Large accelerated filer
¨
Accelerated filer
ý
 
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer
¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  ý
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. As of November 6, 2015, there were 10,750,624 shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share, outstanding.




ALLIANCE HEALTHCARE SERVICES, INC.
FORM 10-Q
September 30, 2015
Index
 
 
Page
 
 
as of December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2015 (Unaudited)
 
for the Quarter and Nine Months ended September 30, 2014 and 2015 (Unaudited)
 
for the Nine Months ended September 30, 2014 and 2015 (Unaudited)
 
 
Item 4— Mine Safety Disclosures


2


PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ALLIANCE HEALTHCARE SERVICES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(in thousands)
 
December 31,
2014
 
September 30,
2015
ASSETS
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
33,033

 
$
44,848

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $4,055 in 2014 and $5,413 in 2015
62,503

 
69,308

Deferred income taxes
16,834

 
16,834

Prepaid expenses
12,527

 
13,598

Other receivables
5,686

 
2,299

Total current assets
130,583

 
146,887

Equipment, at cost
827,638

 
862,640

Less accumulated depreciation
(678,291
)
 
(687,419
)
Equipment, net
149,347

 
175,221

Goodwill
63,864

 
89,817

Other intangible assets, net
115,930

 
140,962

Deferred financing costs, net
8,119

 
7,075

Other assets
33,042

 
33,272

Total assets
$
500,885

 
$
593,234

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
12,109

 
$
15,520

Accrued compensation and related expenses
19,808

 
20,041

Accrued interest payable
3,154

 
3,271

Income taxes payable

 
41

Other accrued liabilities
26,542

 
26,688

Current portion of long-term debt
15,512

 
29,915

Total current liabilities
77,125

 
95,476

Long-term debt, net of current portion
491,777

 
522,401

Other liabilities
6,623

 
6,121

Deferred income taxes
36,840

 
40,892

Total liabilities
612,365

 
664,890

Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)

 

Stockholders’ deficit:
 
 
 
Common stock
107

 
107

Treasury stock
(3,138
)
 
(3,138
)
Additional paid-in capital
27,653

 
28,838

Accumulated comprehensive loss
(351
)
 
(500
)
Accumulated deficit
(194,091
)
 
(187,097
)
Total stockholders’ deficit attributable to Alliance HealthCare Services, Inc.
(169,820
)
 
(161,790
)
Noncontrolling interest
58,340

 
90,134

Total stockholders’ deficit
(111,480
)
 
(71,656
)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit
$
500,885

 
$
593,234

See accompanying notes.

3


ALLIANCE HEALTHCARE SERVICES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
 
Quarter Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
Revenues
$
110,137

 
$
120,784

 
$
326,740

 
$
348,717

Costs and expenses:
 
 

 
 
 
 
Cost of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization
59,401

 
67,057

 
175,968

 
196,428

Selling, general and administrative expenses
19,811

 
24,543

 
57,934

 
66,298

Transaction costs
573

 
432

 
1,512

 
1,964

Severance and related costs
455

 
277

 
2,315

 
731

Impairment charges
4

 
71

 
240

 
6,817

Depreciation expense
12,743

 
12,247

 
42,812

 
35,952

Amortization expense
1,961

 
2,377

 
5,870

 
6,907

Interest expense and other, net
6,208

 
6,660

 
18,570

 
19,582

Other income, net
(602
)
 
(10,451
)
 
(933
)
 
(10,324
)
Total costs and expenses
100,554

 
103,213

 
304,288

 
324,355

Income before income taxes, earnings from unconsolidated investees, and noncontrolling interest
9,583

 
17,571

 
22,452

 
24,362

Income tax expense
2,948

 
5,098

 
6,256

 
5,304

Earnings from unconsolidated investees
(1,219
)
 
(592
)
 
(3,459
)
 
(3,047
)
Net income
7,854

 
13,065

 
19,655

 
22,105

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
(3,843
)
 
(5,861
)
 
(10,928
)
 
(15,111
)
Net income attributable to Alliance HealthCare Services, Inc.
$
4,011

 
$
7,204

 
$
8,727

 
$
6,994

Comprehensive income, net of taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to Alliance HealthCare Services, Inc.
$
4,011

 
$
7,204

 
$
8,727

 
$
6,994

Unrealized gain (loss) on hedging transactions, net of taxes
50

 
(8
)
 
(165
)
 
(149
)
Comprehensive income, net of taxes
$
4,061

 
$
7,196

 
$
8,562

 
$
6,845

Income per common share attributable to Alliance HealthCare Services, Inc.:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.37

 
$
0.67

 
$
0.82

 
$
0.65

Diluted
$
0.37

 
$
0.67

 
$
0.80

 
$
0.65

Weighted-average number of shares of common stock and common stock equivalents:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
10,710

 
10,716

 
10,683

 
10,715

Diluted
10,851

 
10,815

 
10,864

 
10,832

See accompanying notes.


4


ALLIANCE HEALTHCARE SERVICES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(in thousands)
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
Operating activities:
2014
 
2015
Net income
$
19,655

 
$
22,105

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Provision for doubtful accounts
1,999

 
2,373

Share-based payment
1,117

 
1,242

Depreciation and amortization
48,682

 
42,859

Amortization of deferred financing costs
1,440

 
2,602

Accretion of discount on long-term debt
334

 
357

Adjustment of derivatives to fair value
269

 
100

Distributions greater than undistributed earnings from investees
581

 
285

Deferred income taxes
1,161

 
4,043

Gain on sale of assets
(559
)
 
(685
)
Non-cash gain on step acquisition

 
(9,950
)
Gain on acquisition

 
(209
)
Impairment charges
240

 
6,817

Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements
(585
)
 
5

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of the effects of acquisitions:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
(2,331
)
 
(2,674
)
Prepaid expenses
(806
)
 
(1,106
)
Other receivables
351

 
451

Other assets
(768
)
 
1,488

Accounts payable
451

 
(363
)
Accrued compensation and related expenses
(4,497
)
 
(968
)
Accrued interest payable
1,489

 
116

Income taxes payable
6

 
55

Other accrued liabilities
763

 
(4,248
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
68,992

 
64,695

Investing activities:
 
 
 
Equipment purchases
(23,194
)
 
(39,382
)
Decrease in deposits on equipment
(3,290
)
 
(13,024
)
Acquisitions, net of cash received
(1,529
)
 
(22,657
)
Proceeds from sale of assets
985

 
868

Net cash used in investing activities
(27,028
)
 
(74,195
)
Financing activities:
 
 
 
Proceeds from equipment debt
3,843

 
23,295

Principal payments on equipment debt
(8,005
)
 
(6,664
)
Proceeds from term loan facility

 
29,850

Principal payments on term loan facility
(3,675
)
 
(8,651
)
Principal payments on revolving loan facility
(37,000
)
 
(28,000
)
Proceeds from revolving loan facility
18,000

 
26,000

Payments of debt issuance costs

 
(801
)
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries
(11,246
)
 
(13,734
)
Equity purchase of noncontrolling interest
(691
)
 

Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements
585

 
(5
)
Proceeds from shared-based payment arrangements
466

 
25

Purchase of treasury stock
(140
)
 

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
(37,863
)
 
21,315

Net change in cash and cash equivalents
4,101

 
11,815

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
34,702

 
33,033

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
38,803

 
$
44,848


5


ALLIANCE HEALTHCARE SERVICES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued)
(Unaudited)
(in thousands)
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
2014
 
2015
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
 
 
 
Interest paid
$
15,465

 
$
16,973

Income taxes paid, net of refunds
5,974

 
327

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:
 
 
 
Capital lease obligations related to the purchase of equipment
$

 
$
1,294

Comprehensive loss from hedging transactions, net of taxes
(165
)
 
(149
)
Equipment purchases in accounts payable
1,225

 
2,417

Noncontrolling interest assumed in connection with acquisitions (Note 2)

 
30,417

Adjustment to equity of noncontrolling interest
1,700

 

Debt related to purchase of equipment
2,112

 

Extinguishment of note receivable (Note 2)

 
3,071

Transfer of equity investment as consideration in step acquisition (Note 2)
 
 
690

Transfer of equipment as consideration in step acquisition (Note 2)
 
 
477

Transfer of fair value of equity investment in step acquisition (Note 2)
 
 
13,645

See accompanying notes.


6

ALLIANCE HEALTHCARE SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2015
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)



1. Basis of Presentation, Principles of Consolidation, and Use of Estimates
Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by Alliance HealthCare Services, Inc. (the “Company”) in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (including normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2015. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014.
Principles of Consolidation The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company include the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of all subsidiaries over which the Company exercises control. Intercompany transactions have been eliminated. The Company records noncontrolling interest related to its consolidated subsidiaries which are not wholly owned. Investments in unconsolidated investees are accounted for under the equity method.
Use of Estimates The preparation of condensed consolidated 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 condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
2. Transactions
 
Restructuring Charges
During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company recorded $707 related to restructuring charges, of which the Company recorded $135 in selling, general and administrative expenses, and $572 in cost of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization. The Company also recorded $731 in severance and related costs during the nine months ended September 30, 2015. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company recorded $2,191 related to restructuring charges, of which the Company recorded $1,112 in selling, general and administrative expenses and $1,079 in cost of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization. The Company also recorded $2,315 in severance and related costs, primarily as a result of the departure of one of its executive officers during the second quarter of 2014.

Acquisition of Alliance-HNI, LLC and Subsidiaries
On November 21, 1997, the Company purchased Medical Consultants Imaging, Co. ("MCIC"), which held a 50% interest in a joint venture that was subsequently renamed Alliance-HNI LLC ("AHNI"). Prior to August 1, 2015, the Company's interest in AHNI was deemed a noncontrolling interest and, as such, the Company accounted for the investment using the equity method. On August 1, 2015, the Company obtained an additional 15.5% interest in AHNI, thereby giving it a controlling interest.
Prior to the step acquisition on August 1, 2015, AHNI had three subsidiaries: Alliance-HNI Leasing Co. ("AHNIL"), Alliance-HNV PET/CT Services, LLC ("AHNVPS"), and Alliance-HNV PET/CT Leasing, LLC ("AHNVPL"). AHNI held a 98% interest in AHNIL, which AHNI consolidated, and, effectively, a 53.4% interest in AHNVPS, which AHNI did not consolidate. In addition to the Company's original 50% investment in AHNI, it also had a 46.6% direct interest in AHNVPS prior to the step acquisition and, accordingly, the Company has historically consolidated AHNVPS and AHNVPL.
On August 1, 2015, the Company contributed its 46.6% interest in HNVPS and its rights to certain assets to AHNI in exchange for an additional 15.5% interest in AHNI. After the transaction the Company holds a 65.5% interest in AHNI which, in turn, holds all of the outstanding interest in AHNVPS. As a result of gaining a controlling interest in AHNI, the Company began consolidating AHNI effective August 1, 2015.
Pursuant to ASC 805, "Business Combinations," the transaction is considered a step acquisition and the Company was

7

ALLIANCE HEALTHCARE SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS––(Continued)
September 30, 2015
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


required to remeasure its previously held equity interest in AHNI at its acquisition-date fair value and recognize any resulting gain or loss. AHNVPS assets that the Company was in control of before and after the acquisition were maintained at their carrying amounts immediately before the acquisition date and no gain or loss or resulting goodwill was recognized on these assets.

The following table summarizes the consideration paid for AHNI and the amounts of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed recognized at the acquisition date, as well as the fair value at the acquisition date of the noncontrolling interest in AHNI:
Consideration:
 
The Company's equity investment in AHNVPS transferred to AHNI
$
690

Certain equipment transferred to AHNI by the Company
477

     Fair value of total consideration transferred
1,167

 
 
Fair value of the Company's equity interest held in AHNI before the business combination
13,645

 
 
Recognized amounts of AHNI assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
 
Cash
1,848

Accounts receivable, net
2,064

Equipment, net
6,962

Intangible assets
13,700

Other assets
1,919

Long term debt
(4,110
)
Other liabilities
(1,095
)
  Total recognized net assets
21,288

 
 
Noncontrolling interest in AHNI
9,818

 
 
Goodwill
$
3,342


The fair value of the consideration transferred was based on the net book value of the assets transferred by the Company to AHNI at the acquisition date because the Company consolidated those assets before and after the transaction. The intangible assets consist primarily of physician referral network, trademarks, and certificates of need, a portion of which are being amortized over 15.0 years. The results for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2015, and the historical results of operations, are not material, and accordingly, pro forma financial information is not presented.

The fair value of both the Company's equity interest and the noncontrolling interest in AHNI, a private company, was estimated by applying the income approach and market approach. This fair value measurement was based on significant inputs that are not observable in the market and thus represents a fair value measurement categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as described in Note 5 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Key assumptions include a weighted-average cost of capital of 11.5%, a revenue multiple of 1.7, and various earnings multiples between 5.0 and 6.5.

The Company recognized a non-cash gain of $9,950 as a result of remeasuring to fair value its 50% equity interest in AHNI held before the business combination. The gain is included in other income, net, in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2015.




8

ALLIANCE HEALTHCARE SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS––(Continued)
September 30, 2015
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


The values assigned to the various assets and liabilities acquired in this transaction are preliminary and may be subject to adjustment as the calculation of their respective fair values could be subject to change.

Acquisition of The Pain Center of Arizona
On February 17, 2015, the Company purchased approximately 59% membership interest in The Pain Center of Arizona ("TPC"), a comprehensive full-time pain management medical practice with 12 locations within the state of Arizona. The acquisition took place in two stages: a purchase of a 60.0% membership interest in TPC by the Company, and a 50.0% membership interest in Medical Practice Innovations, Inc. (“MPI”), followed by a transfer of MPI assets to TPC. The MPI transaction diluted the ownership interests of TPC, with the Company retaining approximately 59% membership interest in TPC. The purchase price consisted of $23,630 in cash, net of $691 cash acquired, and net of extinguishment of $3,071 of related-party notes receivable. The Company financed this acquisition using the revolving line of credit.

The following table summarizes recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date:
Cash received
$
691

Accounts receivable, net
4,440

Equipment, net
3,346

Other assets
416

Goodwill
22,611

Identifiable intangible assets
24,600

Debt
(2,781
)
Other liabilities
(3,532
)
Noncontrolling interest
(20,598
)
Total consideration
$
29,193


As a result of this acquisition, the Company recorded goodwill of $22,611. In addition, the Company recorded intangible assets of $24,600, of which $13,500 was assigned to physician referral network and $11,100 was assigned to trademarks, which are being amortized over 3 years. The Company recorded the intangible assets at fair value at the acquisition date, which was estimated using the income approach. A portion of the recorded goodwill and intangible assets is being amortized over 15 years for tax purposes. The fair value of noncontrolling interest related to this transaction was $20,598 as of the acquisition date. To estimate the fair value of noncontrolling interest, the Company used the implied fair value based on the Company's ownership percentage. The results for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2015 included $8,957 and $20,980 of revenue, respectively, and $804 and $1,095 of net income, respectively, generated by TPC. The historical results of operations of TPC are not material, and accordingly, pro forma financial information is not presented.

The values assigned to the various assets and liabilities acquired in this transaction are preliminary and may be subject to adjustment as the calculation of their respective fair values could be subject to change.

The agreement includes contingent consideration arrangements, which are based on performance of the 12-month period following the transaction date. The fair value of these contingent consideration arrangements of $1,800 was estimated using probability-adjusted performance estimates as of September 30, 2015.
3. Share-Based Payment
The Company has adopted ASC 718, “Compensation—Stock Compensation,” and has elected to follow the alternative transition method as described in ASC 718 for computing its beginning additional paid-in capital pool. In addition, the Company treats the tax deductions from stock options as being realized when they reduce taxes payable in accordance with the principles and timing under the relevant tax law.
 
Stock Option Plans and Awards

9

ALLIANCE HEALTHCARE SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS––(Continued)
September 30, 2015
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


In November 1999, the Company adopted an employee stock option plan (as amended and restated, the “1999 Equity Plan”) pursuant to which options and awards with respect to a total of 2,205,000 shares have become available for grant. As of September 30, 2015, a total of 483,341 shares remained available for grant under the 1999 Equity Plan. Options are granted with exercise prices equal to the fair value of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant. All options have 10-year terms. Options granted after January 1, 2008 are typically time-based and vest in equal tranches over three or four years, subject to continued service. Certain options contain provisions where vesting may be accelerated due to a change in control of the Company. During the year ended December 31, 2014 and the nine months ended September 30, 2015 there were no options in which vesting was accelerated. Prior to January 1, 2008, stock options granted under the 1999 Equity Plan to employees were all time-vesting options which had 5% vesting in the first year, 20% vesting in the second year and 25% vesting in years three through five.
The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to value the compensation expense associated with share-based payment awards. The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the assumptions noted in the table below. In addition, forfeitures are estimated when recognizing compensation expense and the estimate of forfeitures is adjusted over the requisite service period to the extent that actual forfeitures differ, or are expected to differ, from such estimates. Changes in estimated forfeitures are recognized through a cumulative catch-up adjustment in the period of change and impact the amount of compensation expense to be recognized in future periods.
The following weighted-average assumptions were used in the estimated grant date fair value calculations for stock option awards: 
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2015
Risk free interest rate
1.83
%
 
1.65
%
Expected dividend yield
%
 
%
Expected stock price volatility
66.3
%
 
65.2
%
Average expected life (in years)
6.00

 
6.00

The Company calculates its stock price volatility and average expected life based on its own historical data. The risk free interest rates are based on the United States Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for periods corresponding with the expected life of the option or award.
 
The following table summarizes the Company’s stock option activity: 
 
Number of
Shares
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
 
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2015
633,898

 
$
21.39

 
 
 
 
Granted
83,514

 
23.91

 
 
 
 
Exercised
(2,515
)
 
10.12

 
 
 
 
Canceled
(34,398
)
 
50.58

 
 
 
 
Outstanding at September 30, 2015
680,499

 
$
20.28

 
5.77
 
$
1,055

Vested and expected to vest in the future at September 30, 2015
656,162

 
$
20.11

 
5.70
 
$
1,055

Exercisable at September 30, 2015
483,502

 
$
18.03

 
4.93
 
$
1,052

The weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2015 was $17.56 per share and $14.25 per share, respectively. Stock options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2015 totaled 72,794 and 2,515, respectively.

10

ALLIANCE HEALTHCARE SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS––(Continued)
September 30, 2015
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


The following table summarizes the Company’s unvested stock option activity:
 
Shares
 
Weighted-Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
Unvested at January 1, 2015
197,899

 
$
12.13

Granted
83,514

 
14.25

Vested
(78,825
)
 
6.08

Canceled
(5,591
)
 
15.16

Unvested at September 30, 2015
196,997

 
$
15.40

At September 30, 2015, the total unrecognized fair value share-based payment related to unvested stock options granted to employees was $1,784, which is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted-average period of 1.85 years. The valuation model applied in this calculation utilizes highly subjective assumptions that could potentially change over time, including the expected forfeiture rate and performance targets. Therefore, the amount of unrecognized share-based payment noted above does not necessarily represent the value that will ultimately be realized by the Company in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. The total fair value of shares vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2015 was $469 and $479, respectively.
Stock Awards
The 1999 Equity Plan permits the award of restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock bonus awards and performance-based awards. During 2012, awards to certain employees either cliff vested after one year, or vest annually in 33.3% increments over three years. During 2013, awards to certain employees vested immediately upon the date of grant, or cliff vested after one year provided that the employee remained continuously employed through the issuance date. The Company grants restricted stock awards to non-employee directors of the Company who are unaffiliated with Oaktree Capital Management, LLC (“Oaktree”) and MTS Health Investors, LLC (“MTS”) (“unaffiliated directors”). These awards to unaffiliated directors cliff vest after one year based on the unaffiliated directors’ continued service with the Company through that date.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2015, the Company recorded share-based payment related to stock awards of $511 and $517, respectively.
Restricted stock units ("RSUs") totaling 25,000 were granted to the Company's Chief Executive Officer in the third quarter of 2014, which vest based upon achieving certain market performance conditions. Specifically, the Company's closing stock price per common share must equal or exceed a value of $40.00 per share for 10 consecutive days between the dates of January 1, 2015 and April 21, 2017. If these conditions are not achieved before April 21, 2017, these RSUs will expire. In accordance with ASC 718, expense related to restricted stock units that vest based on achieving a market condition should not be recognized until the derived vesting period has been met, and at such time the derived vesting period becomes the requisite service period. Since the market condition has not been met, and is currently not probable of being met based on the current market condition, the Company has not recognized any expense related to these RSUs. These RSUs contain provisions that vesting may be accelerated under a change in control of the Company. There were no RSUs granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2015.
The following table summarizes the Company’s restricted stock activity: 

11

ALLIANCE HEALTHCARE SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS––(Continued)
September 30, 2015
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


 
Shares
 
Weighted-Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
Unvested at January 1, 2015
32,959

 
$
20.99

Granted to employees

 

Granted to non-employee directors

 

Vested

 

Canceled

 

Unvested at September 30, 2015
32,959

 
$
20.99

At September 30, 2015, there is no unrecognized fair value share-based payment expense related to restricted stock awards granted to employees. At September 30, 2015, the total unrecognized fair value share-based payment expense related to the restricted stock awards granted to unaffiliated directors was $173, which is expected to be recognized during the fourth quarter of 2015.

Directors' Compensation Program
In 2014 and 2015, under the compensation program for non-employee directors, non-employee directors earn an annual fee of $40 for their services as directors. In addition, each unaffiliated director receives RSUs on December 31 for the number of shares of our common stock having a value equal to $140, using the average share price of our common stock over the 15-day period preceding the grant date. These RSUs vest on the first anniversary of their respective date of grant contingent upon the unaffiliated director's continued service to the Company through that date. In addition to the annual fee for all non-employee directors, each affiliated director receives additional annual cash compensation of $140, paid in one annual installment, for serving on the Board during 2014 and 2015.
Non-employee directors who serve as members of our Audit Committee receive an additional $15, and the non-employee director who serves as Chairman of our Audit Committee receives an additional $30. Non-employee directors who serve as members of our Nominating Committee and Compensation Committee receive an additional $5. Non-employee directors are also reimbursed for travel expenses related to their Board service.
Beginning October 1, 2013, during the 24-month period following his resignation as the Company's CEO, the Chairman of the Board, Mr. Buckelew, is granted restricted stock units having a value equal to $138 as compensation for each service period of one year.
4. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Revenue Recognition In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU number 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)" to clarify and converge the revenue recognition principles under U.S. GAAP and IFRS and to develop guidance that would streamline and enhance revenue recognition requirements while also providing a more robust framework for addressing revenue issues. ASU 2014-09 outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. Key provisions of the ASU involve a 5-step model specific to recognizing revenue derived from customer contracts. In addition, ASU 2014-09 provides implementation guidance on several other important topics, including the accounting for certain revenue-related costs. The adoption of ASU 2014-09 is effective for publicly traded business entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. Earlier application is not permitted. On April 29, 2015, the FASB proposed a one-year deferral for the effective date of the new standard. The Company is assessing the impact, if any, that the adoption of ASU 2014-09 may have on the Company's results of operations, cash flows, or financial position.

Going Concern In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU number 2014-15, "Presentation of Financial Statements—Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40)". Under U.S. GAAP, a going concern is presumed unless and until an entity’s liquidation becomes imminent. When an entity’s liquidation becomes imminent, financial statements should be prepared under the liquidation basis of accounting in accordance with Subtopic 205-30, "Presentation of Financial Statements—Liquidation Basis of Accounting."

12

ALLIANCE HEALTHCARE SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS––(Continued)
September 30, 2015
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


However, there may be conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, even if liquidation is not imminent. In those situations, financial statements should continue to be prepared under the going concern basis of accounting. ASU 2014-15 provides guidance about management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to determine whether to disclose information about relevant conditions and events. ASU 2014-15 is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. Early application is permitted. The Company is assessing the impact, if any, that the adoption of ASU 2014-15 may have on the Company's results of operations, cash flows, or financial position.
5. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company used the following methods and assumptions in estimating fair value disclosure for financial instruments:
Cash and cash equivalents The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheets approximate fair value due to the short-term maturity or variable rates of these instruments.
Debt The carrying amount of fixed and variable-rate borrowings at September 30, 2015 was estimated based on current market rates and credit spreads for similar debt instruments.
Derivative instruments Fair value was determined based on the income approach and standard valuation techniques to convert future amounts to a single present amount and approximates the net gains and losses that would have been realized if the contracts had been settled at each period-end.
The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments are as follows:
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
September 30, 2015
 
Carrying
Value
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Value
 
Fair
Value
Cash and cash equivalents
$
33,033

 
$
33,033

 
$
44,848

 
$
44,848

Fixed-rate debt
13,015

 
13,878

 
26,874

 
26,874

Variable-rate debt
494,274

 
494,354

 
525,442

 
525,756

Contingent consideration related to acquisition

 

 
1,800

 
1,800

Derivative instruments - asset position
228

 
228

 
2

 
2

Derivative instruments - liability position
46

 
46

 
48

 
48

ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurement,” applies to all assets and liabilities that are being measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis. ASC 820 requires disclosure that establishes a framework for measuring fair value in GAAP by establishing a hierarchy for ranking the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values. The statement requires that assets and liabilities carried at fair value will be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:
 
Level 1
Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
 
 
 
 
Level 2
Observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs, including identical securities in inactive markets or similar securities in active markets, that are corroborated by market data.
 
 
 
 
Level 3
Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
None of the Company’s instruments have transferred from one level to another.
 

13

ALLIANCE HEALTHCARE SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS––(Continued)
September 30, 2015
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


The following table summarizes the valuation of the Company’s financial instruments that are reported at fair value on a recurring basis by the above ASC 820 pricing levels as of December 31, 2014:
 
 
Total
 
Quoted market
prices in active
markets (Level 1)
 
Significant other
observable  inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
unobservable
inputs (Level 3)
Cash and cash equivalents
$
33,033

 
$
33,033

 
$

 
$

Interest rate contracts - asset position
228

 
 
 
228

 
 
Interest rate contracts - liability position
46

 

 
46

 

 
The following table summarizes the valuation of the Company’s financial instruments that are reported at fair value on a recurring basis by the above ASC 820 pricing levels as of September 30, 2015:
 
Total
 
Quoted market
prices in active
markets (Level 1)
 
Significant other
observable  inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
unobservable
inputs (Level 3)
Cash and cash equivalents
$
44,848

 
$
44,848

 
$

 
$

Contingent consideration related to acquisition
1,800

 

 

 
1,800

Interest rate contracts - asset position
2

 

 
2

 

Interest rate contracts - liability position
48

 

 
48

 

The Company’s derivative instruments are primarily pay-fixed, receive-variable interest rate swaps and caps based on the LIBOR swap rate. The Company has elected to use the income approach to value these derivatives, using observable Level 2 market expectations at measurement date and standard valuation techniques to convert future amounts to a single present amount assuming that participants are motivated, but not compelled to transact. Level 2 inputs for interest rate swap and cap valuations are limited to quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets (specifically futures contracts on LIBOR for the first two years) and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (specifically LIBOR cash and swap rates at commonly quoted intervals and implied volatilities for options). ASC 820 states that the fair value measurement of an asset or liability must reflect the nonperformance risk of the entity and the counterparty. Therefore, the impact of the counterparty’s creditworthiness and the Company’s creditworthiness has also been factored into the fair value measurement of the derivative instruments. For additional information please see Note 9 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
The Company acquired an additional ownership interest in AHNI on August 1, 2015 which resulted in a change in control of the entity. As such, the Company was required to remeasure its previously held equity interest in AHNI at its acquisition-date fair value and recognize any resulting gain or loss. The Company recorded the resulting goodwill and intangible assets at their fair value which was estimated using the income approach and market approach using unobservable Level 3 inputs. The fair value of noncontrolling interest related to the transaction was estimated using the implied fair value based on the Company's ownership percentage. For additional information please see Note 2 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
The Company purchased TPC in February 2015 and recorded the related goodwill and intangible assets at their fair value which was estimated using the income approach and unobservable Level 3 inputs. The fair value of noncontrolling interest related to the transaction was estimated using the implied fair value based on the Company's ownership percentage. For additional information please see Note 2 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
During the quarter ended June 30, 2015, the Company recorded a non-cash charge to write off $6,700 of intangible assets not subject to amortization in its Radiation Oncology division. For additional information please see Note 6 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

14

ALLIANCE HEALTHCARE SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS––(Continued)
September 30, 2015
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


6. Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows: 
Balance at January 1, 2014
$
56,975

Goodwill acquired during the period
6,889

Impairment charges

Adjustments to goodwill during the period

Balance at December 31, 2014
63,864

Goodwill acquired during the period
25,953

Impairment charges

Adjustments to goodwill during the period

Balance at September 30, 2015
$
89,817

Gross goodwill
$
264,061

Accumulated impairment charges
(174,244
)
Balance at September 30, 2015
$
89,817

 
Intangible assets consisted of the following: 
 
December 31, 2014
 
September 30, 2015
 
Gross Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Intangible
Assets, net
 
Gross Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Intangible
Assets, net
Amortizing intangible assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Customer contracts
$
162,089

 
$
(93,617
)
 
$
68,472

 
$
181,116

 
$
(100,628
)
 
$
80,488

Other
26,241

 
(21,758
)
 
4,483

 
37,341

 
(21,572
)
 
15,769

Total amortizing intangible assets
$
188,330

 
$
(115,375
)
 
$
72,955

 
$
218,457

 
$
(122,200
)
 
$
96,257

Intangible assets not subject to amortization
 
 
 
 
42,975

 
 
 
 
 
44,705

Total other intangible assets
 
 
 
 
$
115,930

 
 
 
 
 
$
140,962

In 2015, the Company intends to perform an annual impairment test in the fourth quarter for goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets, absent of other events occurring or changes in circumstances that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. The Company compares the fair value of its reporting units to its carrying amount to determine if there is potential impairment. The fair value of the reporting unit is determined by an income approach and a market capitalization approach. Significant management judgment is required in the forecasts of future operating results that are used in the income approach. The estimates that the Company has used are consistent with the plans and estimates that it uses to manage its business. The Company bases its fair value estimates on forecasted revenue and operating costs which include a number of factors including, but not limited to, securing new customers, retention of existing customers, growth in radiology and radiation oncology revenues and the impact of continued cost savings initiatives. However, it is possible that plans and estimates may change.
During the quarter ended June 30, 2015, the Company implemented a plan to start the process to close a radiation therapy center and, as a result, recorded a non-cash charge to write off $6,700 of intangible assets not subject to amortization associated with that center in its Radiation Oncology division. The revenues from the radiation therapy center were not material for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2015. The Company concluded that no other events occurred or circumstances changed relating to any other of its intangible assets during the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and will perform its annual impairment test for goodwill and other intangibles assets during the fourth quarter of 2015, as described above.
The Company uses the estimated useful life to amortize customer contracts, which range from 2.5 to 20 years. Other intangible assets subject to amortization have a weighted-average useful life of approximately 5.2 years. Amortization expense

15

ALLIANCE HEALTHCARE SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS––(Continued)
September 30, 2015
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


for intangible assets subject to amortization was $1,961 and $2,377 for the quarters ended September 30, 2014 and 2015, respectively, and $5,870 and $6,907 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2015, respectively. The intangible assets not subject to amortization represent certificates of need and regulatory authority rights which have indefinite useful lives.
Estimated annual amortization expense for each of the fiscal years ending December 31, is presented below: 
2015
$
9,419

2016
8,418

2017
7,979

2018
7,471

2019
7,098

Thereafter
62,697

7. Other Accrued Liabilities
Other accrued liabilities consisted of the following: 
 
December 31, 2014
 
September 30, 2015
Accrued systems rental and maintenance costs
$
1,586

 
$
2,160

Accrued site rental fees
992

 
1,052

Accrued property and sales taxes payable
9,276

 
9,113

Accrued self-insurance expense
2,276

 
2,609

Deferred gain on sale of equipment
312

 
312

Other accrued expenses
12,100

 
11,442

Total
$
26,542

 
$
26,688

8. Long-Term Debt and Senior Subordinated Credit Facility
Long-term debt consisted of the following:
 
December 31,
2014
 
September 30, 2015
Term loan facility
$
482,825

 
$
504,174

Discount on term loan facility
(2,156
)
 
(1,949
)
Revolving credit facility
2,000

 

Equipment debt
24,620

 
50,091

Long-term debt, including current portion
507,289

 
552,316

Less current portion
15,512

 
29,915

Long-term debt
$
491,777

 
$
522,401

During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the increase in the Company's current portion of long-term debt was primarily due to borrowings for equipment expenditures for its Radiation Oncology division's joint venture with the Medical University of South Carolina ("MUSC"). Debt related to MUSC was funded through a line of credit exclusive of the Company's revolving line of credit, and will be converted to term notes as phases of the project are completed.
Senior Secured Term Loan Refinancing
On June 3, 2013, the Company replaced its existing credit facility with a new senior secured credit agreement with Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch, as administrative agent, and the other lenders party thereto (the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement consists of (i) a $340,000, six-year term loan facility, (ii) a $50,000, five-year revolving loan facility, including a $20,000 sublimit for letters of credit, (iii) uncommitted incremental loan facilities of $100,000 of revolving or term

16

ALLIANCE HEALTHCARE SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS––(Continued)
September 30, 2015
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


loans, plus an additional amount if the Company's pro forma leverage ratio is less than or equal to 3.25, subject to receipt of lender commitments and satisfaction of specified conditions, and (iv) an $80,000 delayed draw term loan facility, which was required to be drawn within thirty days of June 3, 2013 and used for the redemption of $190,000 in aggregate principal amount of the Company's 8% Senior Notes.
On July 3, 2013 the delayed draw term loan facility was utilized, of which the proceeds were used to redeem $80,000 in aggregate principal amount of the Company's outstanding 8% Senior Notes that were originally issued in December 2009 as a cash tender offer for any and all of its outstanding 7.25% Notes originally issued in December of 2004. The delayed draw term loan facility converted into, and matched the terms of, the new $340,000 term loan facility.
Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest through maturity at a variable rate based upon, at the Company's option, either the London interbank offered rate ("LIBOR") or the base rate (which is the highest of the administrative agent’s prime rate, one-half of 1.00% in excess of the overnight federal funds rate, and 1.00% in excess of the one-month LIBOR rate), plus, in each case, an applicable margin. With respect to the term loan facilities, the applicable margin for LIBOR loans is 3.25% per annum, and with respect to the revolving loan facilities, the applicable margin for LIBOR loans ranges, based on the applicable leverage ratio, from 3.00% to 3.25% per annum, in each case, with a LIBOR floor of 1.00%. The applicable margin for base rate loans under the term loan facilities is 2.25% per annum and under the revolving loan facility ranges, based on the applicable leverage ratio, from 2.00% to 2.25% per annum. Prior to the refinancing of the term loan facilities, the applicable margin for base rate loans was 4.25% per annum and the applicable margin for revolving loans was 5.25% per annum, with a LIBOR floor of 2.00%. The Company is required to pay a commitment fee which ranges, based on the applicable leverage ratio, from 0.375% to 0.50% per annum on the undrawn portion available under the revolving loan facility and variable per annum fees with respect to outstanding letters of credit.
During the first five and three-quarter years after the closing date, and including the full amount of the delayed draw term loan facility, the Company was required to make quarterly amortization payments of the term loans in the amount of $1,050. The Company is also required to make mandatory prepayments of term loans under the Credit Agreement, subject to specified exceptions, from excess cash flow (as defined in the Credit Agreement), and with the proceeds of asset sales, debt issuances and specified other events.
Obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by substantially all the Company's direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries. The obligations under the Credit Agreement and the guarantees are secured by a lien on substantially all tangible and intangible property, and by a pledge of all of the shares of stock and limited liability company interests of the Company's direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries, of which the Company now owns or later acquires more than a 50% interest, subject to limited exceptions.
In addition to other covenants, the Credit Agreement places limits on the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to declare dividends or redeem or repurchase capital stock, prepay, redeem or purchase debt, incur liens and engage in sale-leaseback transactions, make loans and investments, incur additional indebtedness, amend or otherwise alter debt and other material agreements, engage in mergers, acquisitions and asset sales, transact with affiliates and alter the business conducted by the Company and its subsidiaries.
The Credit Agreement also contains a leverage ratio covenant requiring the Company to maintain a maximum ratio of consolidated total debt to consolidated adjusted EBITDA that ranges from 4.95 to 1.00 to 4.30 to 1.00. For the quarter ended September 30, 2015, the Credit Agreement required a maximum leverage ratio of not more than 4.75 to 1.00. The Credit Agreement eliminated the interest coverage ratio covenant which the Company was subject to maintain prior to the refinancing. Failure to comply with the covenants in the Credit Agreement could permit the lenders under the Credit Agreement to declare all amounts borrowed under the Credit Agreement, together with accrued interest and fees, to be immediately due and payable, and to terminate all commitments under the Credit Agreement.

On October 11, 2013, the Company entered into an amendment to the Credit Agreement with Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch, as administrative agent, and the other lenders party thereto (the “First Amendment”). Pursuant to the First Amendment, the Company raised $70,000 in incremental term loan commitments to repurchase the remaining Notes. On December 2, 2013, the Company borrowed $70,000 of incremental term loans, and with such proceeds plus borrowings under its revolving line of credit and cash on hand, completed the redemption of all of its outstanding Notes on December 4, 2013.

On June 19, 2015, the Company entered into a second amendment to the Credit Agreement with Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch, as administrative agent, and the other lenders party thereto (the “Second Amendment”). Pursuant to

17

ALLIANCE HEALTHCARE SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS––(Continued)
September 30, 2015
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


the Second Amendment, the Company raised the remaining $30,000 in incremental term loan commitments. The funds were used to repay all outstanding borrowings under the Company's revolving credit facility, pay fees and expenses related to the Second Amendment, and general corporate purposes. The Second Amendment did not impact the borrowing capacity on the revolving credit facility which remained at $50,000.

The initial portion of the incremental term loan was funded at 99.0% of principal amount under the First Amendment and the remainder was funded at 99.5% of principal under the Second Amendment. The incremental term loan has all of the same terms as the existing term loan facilities and will mature in June 2019. Interest on the incremental term loan is calculated, at the Company's option, at a base rate plus a 2.25% margin or LIBOR plus a 3.25% margin, subject to a 1.00% LIBOR floor.
As of September 30, 2015, there was $504,174 outstanding under the term loan facility, which included the draw term facility and the incremental term facility, and $0 borrowings were outstanding under the revolving credit facility. As of September 30, 2015, the Company’s ratio of consolidated total debt to consolidated adjusted EBITDA calculated pursuant to the Credit Agreement was 4.11 to 1.00.
The quarterly amortization payments of all term loans under the credit facility for the first five and three-quarter years was initially established at $1,050. The quarterly amortization payment was increased to $1,225 in December 2013 pursuant to the First Amendment and subsequently increased to $1,300 in June 2015 pursuant to the Second Amendment.
Notes Payable and Line of Credit with PNC
As a result of the step acquisition on August 1, 2015, and subsequent consolidation of AHNI, the Company had notes payable to PNC totaling $3,880 at September 30, 2015. The notes payable are due in various installments through October 2018 at interest rates between 1.75% and 5.6% per annum. The notes are also collateralized by equipment and contain restrictive covenants. AHNI also has a $4,000 line of credit with PNC, with interest calculated base on LIBOR plus 1.5%. As of September 30, 2015, there was no amount outstanding on the line of credit.
9. Derivatives
The Company accounts for derivative instruments and hedging activities in accordance with the provisions of ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging.” Management generally designates derivatives in a hedge relationship with the identified exposure on the date the Company enters into a derivative contract, as disclosed below. The Company has only executed derivative instruments that are economic hedges of exposures that can qualify in hedge relationships under ASC 815. The Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as the risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. In this documentation, the Company specifically identifies the firm commitment or forecasted transaction that has been designated as a hedged item and states how the hedging instrument is expected to hedge the risks related to the hedged item. The Company formally assesses effectiveness of its hedging relationships, both at the hedge inception and on an ongoing basis, then measures and records ineffectiveness. The Company would discontinue hedge accounting prospectively (i) if it is determined that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting change in the cash flows of a hedged item, (ii) when the derivative expires or is sold, terminated or exercised, (iii) because it is probable that the forecasted transaction will not occur, or (iv) if management determines that designation of the derivative as a hedge instrument is no longer appropriate. The Company’s derivatives are recorded on the balance sheet at their fair value. For additional information please see Note 5 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. For derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges, any effective unrealized gains or losses on fair value are included in comprehensive income, net of tax, and any ineffective gains or losses are recognized in income immediately. Amounts recorded in comprehensive income are reclassified to earnings when the hedged item impacts earnings.
Cash Flow Hedges
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges
The Company has entered into multiple interest rate swap and cap agreements to hedge the future cash interest payments on portions of its variable rate bank debt. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2015, the Company had interest rate swap and cap agreements to hedge approximately $257,769 and $259,887 of its variable rate bank debt, respectively, or 51.0% and 47.1% of total debt, respectively. Over the next twelve months, the Company expects to reclassify $586 from accumulated comprehensive loss to interest expense and other, net.

18

ALLIANCE HEALTHCARE SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS––(Continued)
September 30, 2015
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


In the first quarter of 2010, the Company entered into three interest rate cap agreements, in accordance with Company policy, to avoid unplanned volatility in the income statement due to changes in the LIBOR interest rate environment. The interest rate cap agreements matured in February 2014, had a total notional amount of $150,000, and were de-designated as cash flow hedges associated with the Company’s variable rate bank debt in the fourth quarter of 2013.
 
In the second quarter of 2011, the Company acquired two interest rate swap agreements (the “USR Swaps”) as part of the acquisition of US Radiosurgery, LLC ("USR"). One of the USR Swaps, which matures in October 2015, had a notional amount of $87 as of September 30, 2015. Under the terms of this agreement, the Company receives one-month LIBOR and pays a fixed rate of 5.71%. The net effect of the hedge is to record interest expense at a fixed rate of 8.71%, as the underlying debt incurred interest based on one-month LIBOR plus 3.00%. The other USR Swap matured in April 2014. As a result of the acquisition of USR, the USR Swap was de-designated, hedge accounting was terminated and all further changes in the fair market value of the swap is being recorded in interest expense and other, net.

In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement in connection with equipment financing. The swap, which matures in December 2017, had a notional amount of $2,457 as of September 30, 2015. Under the terms of this agreement, the Company receives one-month LIBOR plus 2.50% and pays a fixed rate of 3.75%. The net effect of the hedge is to convert interest expense to a fixed rate of 3.75%, as the underlying debt incurred interest based on one-month LIBOR plus 2.50%.

In the first quarter of 2013, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement in connection with equipment financing. The swap, which matures in April 2018, had a notional amount of $2,271 as of September 30, 2015. Under the terms of this agreement, the Company receives one-month LIBOR plus 2.00% and pays a fixed rate of 2.873%. The net effect of the hedge is to convert interest expense to a fixed rate of 2.873%, as the underlying debt incurred interest based on one-month LIBOR plus 2.00%.

In the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company entered into five interest rate cap agreements ("2013 Caps"), in accordance with Company policy, to avoid unplanned volatility in the income statement due to changes in the LIBOR interest rate environment. The 2013 Caps, which mature in December 2016, had a notional amount of $250,000 and were designated as cash flow hedges of future cash interest payments associated with a portion of the Company’s variable rate bank debt. Under these arrangements, the Company has purchased a cap on LIBOR at 2.50%. The Company paid $815 to enter into the caps, which is being amortized through interest expense and other, net over the life of the agreements.
In the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement in connection with equipment financing. The swap, which matures in November 2019, had a notional amount of $1,433 as of September 30, 2015. Under the terms of this agreement, the Company receives one-month LIBOR and pays a fixed rate of 1.34%. The net effect of the hedge is to convert interest expense to a fixed rate of 1.34%, as the underlying debt incurred interest based on one-month LIBOR.
In the third quarter of 2015, the Company acquired eight non-designated interest rate swaps (the "AHNI Swaps") as a result of the step acquisition of AHNI. The AHNI swaps mature on various dates ranging from April 2017 through April 2020 and had notional amounts totaling $3,639 as of September 30, 2015. Under the terms of these arrangements, the Company receives one-month LIBOR and pays fixed rates ranging from 0.85% to 1.17%. The changes in fair market value of the AHNI Swaps are recorded in interest expense and other, net, as incurred.

The Effect of Designated Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations
For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2014
Derivatives in Cash
Flow Hedging
Relationships
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in OCI on
Derivatives (Effective
Portion)
 
Location of Gain 
(Loss)
Reclassified from
Accumulated OCI into
Income (Effective
Portion)
 
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Reclassified from
Accumulated OCI into
Income (Effective
Portion)
 
Location of Gain
(Loss) Recognized in
Income on Derivatives
(Ineffective Portion)
 
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income
on Derivatives
(Ineffective Portion)
Interest rate contracts
$
80

 
Interest expense and other, net
 
$
8

 
Interest expense and other, net
 
$
1



19

ALLIANCE HEALTHCARE SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS––(Continued)
September 30, 2015
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


The Effect of Designated Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
Derivatives in Cash
Flow Hedging
Relationships
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in OCI on
Derivatives (Effective
Portion)
 
Location of Gain 
(Loss)
Reclassified from
Accumulated OCI into
Income (Effective
Portion)
 
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Reclassified from
Accumulated OCI into
Income (Effective
Portion)
 
Location of Gain
(Loss) Recognized in
Income on Derivatives
(Ineffective Portion)
 
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income
on Derivatives
(Ineffective Portion)
Interest rate contracts
$
(399
)
 
Interest expense and other, net
 
$
(117
)
 
Interest expense and other, net
 
$
(1
)

The Effect of Designated Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations
For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2015
Derivatives in Cash
Flow Hedging
Relationships
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in OCI on
Derivatives (Effective
Portion)
 
Location of Gain 
(Loss)
Reclassified from
Accumulated OCI into
Income (Effective
Portion)
 
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Reclassified from
Accumulated OCI into
Income (Effective
Portion)
 
Location of Gain
(Loss) Recognized in
Income on Derivatives
(Ineffective Portion)
 
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income
on Derivatives
(Ineffective Portion)
Interest rate contracts
$
(11
)
 
Interest expense and other, net
 
$
(7
)
 
Interest expense and other, net
 
$


The Effect of Designated Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
Derivatives in Cash
Flow Hedging
Relationships
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in OCI on
Derivatives (Effective
Portion)
 
Location of Gain 
(Loss)
Reclassified from
Accumulated OCI into
Income (Effective
Portion)
 
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Reclassified from
Accumulated OCI into
Income (Effective
Portion)
 
Location of Gain
(Loss) Recognized in
Income on Derivatives
(Ineffective Portion)
 
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income
on Derivatives
(Ineffective Portion)
Interest rate contracts
$
(219
)
 
Interest expense and other, net
 
$
9

 
Interest expense and other, net
 
$
1


The Effect of Non-Designated Derivative Instruments on the Statements of Operations for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2015 was immaterial.
10. Income Taxes
For the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company recorded income tax expense of $2,948 and $6,256, or 42.4% and 41.8%, of the Company’s pretax income. For the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company recorded income tax expense of $5,098 and $5,304, or 41.4% and 43.1%, of the Company’s pretax income. The Company’s effective tax rate for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2015 differed from the federal statutory rate principally as a result of state income taxes and permanent non-deductible items, including share-based payments, unrecorded tax benefits, and other permanent differences.
As of September 30, 2015, the Company has provided a liability for $252 of unrecognized tax benefits related to various federal and state income tax matters. The tax-effected amount that would reduce the Company’s effective income tax rate if recognized is $205.
The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. As of September 30, 2015, the Company had approximately $13 in accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits.
The Company is subject to United States federal income tax as well as income tax of multiple state tax jurisdictions. The Company is currently open to audit under the statute of limitations by the Internal Revenue Service for the years ended

20

ALLIANCE HEALTHCARE SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS––(Continued)
September 30, 2015
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


December 31, 2011 through 2014. The Company’s and its subsidiaries’ state income tax returns are open to audit under the applicable statutes of limitations for the years ended December 31, 2010 through 2014. The Company does not anticipate a significant change to the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits within the next 12 months.
11. Earnings Per Common Share
Basic net income per share is computed utilizing the two-class method and is calculated based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the periods presented, excluding nonvested restricted stock units which do not contain nonforfeitable rights to dividend and dividend equivalents.
Diluted net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding during the periods utilizing the two-class method for stock options, nonvested restricted stock and nonvested restricted stock units. Potentially dilutive securities are not considered in the calculation of net loss per share as their impact would be anti-dilutive.
 
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share: 
 
Quarter Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
Numerator:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to Alliance HealthCare Services, Inc.
$
4,011

 
$
7,204

 
$
8,727

 
$
6,994

Denominator:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average shares-basic
10,710

 
10,716

 
10,683

 
10,715

Effect of dilutive securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Employee stock options
141

 
99

 
181

 
117

Weighted-average shares-diluted
10,851

 
10,815

 
10,864

 
10,832

Income per common share attributable to Alliance HealthCare Services, Inc.:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.37

 
$
0.67

 
$
0.82

 
$
0.65

Diluted
$
0.37

 
$
0.67

 
$
0.80

 
$
0.65

Stock options excluded from the computation of diluted per share amounts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average shares for which the exercise price exceeds average market price of common stock
338

 
392

 
234

 
379

Average exercise price per share that exceeds average market price of common stock
$
34.74

 
$
30.07

 
$
37.70

 
$
30.35

12. Commitments and Contingencies
In the normal course of business, the Company has made certain guarantees and indemnities, under which it may be required to make payments to a guaranteed or indemnified party, in relation to certain transactions. The Company indemnifies other parties, including customers, lessors, and parties to other transactions with the Company, with respect to certain matters. The Company has agreed to hold the other party harmless against losses arising from certain events as defined within the particular contract, which may include, for example, litigation or claims arising from a breach of representations or covenants. In addition, the Company has entered into indemnification agreements with its executive officers and directors and the Company's bylaws contain similar indemnification obligations. Under these arrangements, the Company is obligated to indemnify, to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law, its current or former officers and directors for various amounts incurred with respect to actions, suits or proceedings in which they were made, or threatened to be made, a party as a result of acting as an officer or director.
It is not possible to determine the maximum potential amount under these indemnification agreements due to the limited history of prior indemnification claims and the unique facts and circumstances involved in each particular agreement.

21

ALLIANCE HEALTHCARE SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS––(Continued)
September 30, 2015
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


Historically, payments made related to these indemnifications have been immaterial. At September 30, 2015, the Company has determined that no liability is necessary related to these guarantees and indemnities.
On June 14, 2013, Alliance Oncology, LLC, a subsidiary of the Company, filed a complaint against Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates, Inc. (“HVMA”) in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, including several claims seeking damages resulting from HVMA’s early termination of a long-term services agreement between the two companies. HVMA filed an answer to Alliance Oncology’s complaint on August 27, 2013. Without specifying its alleged damages, HVMA also asserted several counterclaims in its answer. The Company filed its answer to HVMA’s counterclaims on October 4, 2013, and intends to vigorously defend against the claims asserted. The Company has not recorded an expense related to any potential damages in connection with this matter because any potential loss is not probable or reasonably estimable at this time.
On February 10, 2015, Alliance Oncology was served with a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri by Dr. Barry Michael Driver. At the time the lawsuit was filed, the Plaintiff was an employed physician at Alliance Oncology’s Joplin, Missouri, Radiation Therapy Cancer Treatment Center. The Plaintiff alleged Alliance Oncology breached his employment agreement by failing to pay him in accordance with the terms of the contract. Alliance Oncology disputed Dr. Driver’s interpretation of the employment agreement and asserted Dr. Driver was paid appropriately. On September 9, 2015, the parties agreed to resolve the matter by mutual agreement whereby the Company agreed to pay the Plaintiff $1,500 as full release of any and all claims.
The Company from time to time is involved in routine litigation and regulatory matters incidental to the conduct of its business. The Company believes that resolution of such matters will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.
13. Related-Party Transactions
On April 16, 2007, Oaktree and MTS purchased 4,900,301 shares of the Company’s common stock. Upon completion of the transaction, Oaktree and MTS owned in the aggregate approximately 49.7% of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company. At September 30, 2015, Oaktree and MTS owned in the aggregate approximately 50.6% of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company. The Company does not pay management fees to Oaktree and MTS for their financial advisory services to the Company.
On September 16, 2015, Fujian Thai Hot Investment Co., Ltd ("Thai Hot") agreed to purchase 5,537,945 shares of the Company's common stock from funds managed by Oaktree and MTS, and Mr. Buckelew, for $102,452, or $18.50 per share. Upon completion of the transaction, Thai Hot would own approximately 51.5% of the outstanding common stock of the Company. The Company will not sell any shares in the transaction. The transaction is subject to certain closing conditions, including clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodina Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, approval of certain foreign and domestic regulatory filings, consent of the Company's lenders under its term loan and revolving credit facilities, and execution of a governance and standstill agreement between the Company and Thai Hot. Management expects the transaction to close in the fourth quarter of 2015.
The Company had direct ownership in two unconsolidated investees at September 30, 2015 and three unconsolidated investees at September 30, 2014. As discussed in Note 2 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company obtained an additional 15.5% interest in one of its unconsolidated investees, AHNI, on August 1, 2015, thereby increasing its ownership position in AHNI to 65.5% and giving it a controlling interest.
Revenues from management agreements with unconsolidated equity investees were $2,235 and $1,191 during the quarters ended September 30, 2014 and 2015, respectively. Revenues from management agreements with unconsolidated equity investees were $6,797 and $5,778 during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2015, respectively. The Company provides services as part of its ongoing operations for and on behalf of the unconsolidated equity investees, which are included in the management agreement revenue, who reimburse the Company for the actual amount of the expenses incurred. The Company records the expenses as cost of revenues and the reimbursement as revenues in its Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. For the quarters ended September 30, 2014 and 2015, the amounts of the revenues and expenses were $1,764 and $978, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2015, the amounts of the revenues and expenses were $5,451 and $4,707, respectively. Revenues and expenses from AHNI prior to

22

ALLIANCE HEALTHCARE SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS––(Continued)
September 30, 2015
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


August 1, 2015 have been included in these amounts. The results for AHNI subsequent to August 1, 2015 have been consolidated.
On June 3, 2013, the Company replaced its existing credit facility with a new senior secured credit agreement with Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch, as administrative agent, and the other lenders party thereto (the “Credit Agreement”). Of the other lenders, Oaktree funded approximately $40,476 of the $340,000 six-year term loan facility. In addition, on July 3, 2013, Oaktree funded approximately $9,524 of the $80,000 delayed draw.
On December 2, 2013, the Company borrowed $70,000 of the incremental term loans from its current lenders under its Credit Agreement with Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch, as administrative agent. The Company used the proceeds from the transaction plus borrowings under its revolving line of credit and cash on hand to complete the redemption of all its outstanding Notes on December 4, 2013. Oaktree funded $10,000 of the $70,000 incremental term loan. As of September 30, 2015, Oaktree held $53,812 of our term loan facility, including amounts purchased in the open market.
 
14. Investments in Unconsolidated Investees
The Company has direct ownership in two unconsolidated investees at September 30, 2015. The Company owns between 15% and 50% of these investees, and provides management services under agreements with these investees, expiring at various dates through 2025. Both of these investees are accounted for under the equity method since the Company does not exercise control over the operations of these investees.
On August 1, 2015, the Company obtained an additional 15.5% interest in a previously unconsolidated investee, AHNI, thereby increasing its ownership position to 65.5% and giving it a controlling interest. Prior to August 1, 2015, the Company's interest in AHNI was deemed a noncontrolling interest and, as such, the Company accounted for the investment using the equity method.
During 2014, in accordance with ASC 323, “Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures,” the Company wrote off its remaining investment in one of its unconsolidated investees that was originally acquired in 2011. The impairment charge totaled $236 and is related to the closure of one cancer center in the second quarter of 2014 due to the expiration of one of its non-compete agreements with the affiliated oncology physician. Impairment charges related to this event were taken in 2013 for a physician referral network, trademarks, and professional services agreement, which were all written down to zero value.

Set forth below are certain balance sheet data for the aggregate of the Company’s unconsolidated investees as of December 31, 2014, and September 30, 2015, including balance sheet data for AHNI as of December 31, 2014:
 
December 31, 2014
 
September 30, 2015
Balance Sheet Data:
 
 
 
Current assets
$
8,687

 
$
2,954

Noncurrent assets
10,108

 
425

Current liabilities
3,760

 
722

Noncurrent liabilities
3,395

 
35



23

ALLIANCE HEALTHCARE SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2015
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


Set forth below are certain operating results for the aggregate of the Company’s unconsolidated investees, including the operating results for AHNI from January 1, 2014 through its acquisition on August 1, 2015, for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2015: 
 
Quarter Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
Combined Operating Results:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
$
7,354

 
$
3,788

 
$
20,550

 
$
16,894

Expenses
3,424

 
1,648

 
10,169


7,904

Net income
3,930

 
2,140

 
10,381

 
8,990

Earnings from unconsolidated investees
1,219

 
592

 
3,459

 
3,047


24

ALLIANCE HEALTHCARE SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS––(Continued)
September 30, 2015
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


15. Stockholders’ Deficit
The following table summarizes consolidated stockholders’ deficit, including noncontrolling interest.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)
Attributable to
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additional
 
Accumulated
 
 
 
Alliance
 
 
 
Total
 
Common Stock
 
Treasury Stock
 
Paid-In
Comprehensive
Accumulated
 
HealthCare
Noncontrolling
Stockholders’
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Capital
 
Income (Loss)
 
Deficit
 
Services, Inc.
 
Interest
 
Deficit
Balance at January 1, 2015
10,713,658

 
$
107

 
(157,973
)
 
$
(3,138
)
 
$
27,653

 
$
(351
)
 
$
(194,091
)
 
$
(169,820
)
 
$
58,340

 
$
(111,480
)
Exercise of stock options
2,515

 

 

 

 
25

 

 

 
25

 

 
25

Purchase of treasury stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share-based payment

 

 

 

 
1,242

 

 

 
1,242

 

 
1,242

Share-based payment income tax benefit

 

 

 

 
(82
)
 

 

 
(82
)
 

 
(82
)
Unrealized loss on hedging transaction, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 
(149
)
 

 
(149
)
 

 
(149
)
Net investments in subsidiaries

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
16,683

 
16,683

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 
6,994

 
6,994

 
15,111

 
22,105

Balance at September 30, 2015
10,716,173

 
$
107

 
(157,973
)
 
$
(3,138
)
 
$
28,838

 
$
(500
)
 
$
(187,097
)
 
$
(161,790
)
 
$
90,134

 
$
(71,656
)

 

25

ALLIANCE HEALTHCARE SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS––(Continued)
September 30, 2015
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


16. Segment Information
Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. In accordance with ASC 280, “Segment Reporting,” and based on the nature of the financial information that is received by the CODM, the Company operates in three operating segments, of which two are reportable segments, Radiology and Radiation Oncology, based on similar economic and other characteristics.
The Radiology segment is comprised of diagnostic imaging services including MRI, PET/CT and other imaging services. The Radiation Oncology segment is comprised of radiation oncology services. All intercompany revenues, expenses, payables and receivables are eliminated in consolidation and are not reviewed when evaluating segment performance. Each segment’s performance is evaluated based on Revenue, Segment Income and Net Income. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. Additionally, the Company does not consider its wholesale revenue and retail revenue sources to constitute separate operating segments as discrete financial information does not exist and is not provided to the CODM.
The following table summarizes the Company’s revenue by segment:
 
Quarter Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
Revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Radiology
$
86,587

 
$
86,284

 
$
258,522

 
$
252,665

Radiation Oncology
23,550

 
25,224

 
68,218

 
74,740

Corporate / Other

 
9,276

 

 
21,312

Total
$
110,137

 
$
120,784

 
$
326,740

 
$
348,717

The following are components of revenue:
 
Quarter Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
Revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MRI
$
45,719

 
$
47,603

 
$
135,541

 
$
135,739

PET/CT
33,542

 
32,248

 
101,089

 
96,392

Radiation Oncology
23,550

 
25,224

 
68,218

 
74,740

Other radiology
7,326

 
6,433

 
21,892

 
20,534

Corporate / Other

 
9,276

 

 
21,312

Total
$
110,137

 
$
120,784

 
$
326,740

 
$
348,717

 
Segment income represents net income before income taxes; interest expense and other, net; amortization expense; depreciation expense; share-based payment; severance and related costs; noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries; restructuring charges; transaction costs; impairment charges, loss on extinguishment of debt, other nonrecurring charges, and non-cash charges. Segment income is the most frequently used measure of each segment’s performance by the CODM and is commonly used in setting performance goals.


26

ALLIANCE HEALTHCARE SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS––(Continued)
September 30, 2015
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


The following table summarizes the Company’s segment income (loss):
 
Quarter Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
Segment income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Radiology
$
32,265

 
$
28,526

 
$
96,523

 
$
83,319

Radiation Oncology
10,910

 
12,661

 
31,400

 
37,005

Corporate / Other
(8,222
)
 
(7,325
)
 
(23,349
)
 
(22,331
)
Total
$
34,953

 
$
33,862

 
$
104,574

 
$
97,993

The reconciliation of net income to total segment income is shown below:
 
Quarter Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
Net income attributable to Alliance HealthCare Services, Inc.
$
4,011

 
$
7,204

 
$
8,727

 
$
6,994

Income tax expense
2,948

 
5,098

 
6,256

 
5,304

Interest expense and other, net
6,208

 
6,660

 
18,570

 
19,582

Amortization expense
1,961

 
2,377

 
5,870

 
6,907

Depreciation expense
12,743

 
12,247

 
42,812

 
35,952

Share-based payment (included in selling, general and administrative expenses)
407

 
423

 
1,117

 
1,242

Severance and related costs
455

 
277

 
2,315

 
731

Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries
3,843

 
5,861

 
10,928

 
15,111

Restructuring charges (Note 2)
(264
)
 
216

 
2,191

 
707

Transaction costs
573

 
432

 
1,512

 
1,964

Impairment charges
4

 
71

 
240

 
6,817

Legal settlements (included in selling, general and administrative expenses)
2,000

 
2,924

 
3,621

 
5,827

Other non-cash charges (included in other income and expense, net)
64

 
22

 
415

 
805

Non-cash gain on step acquisition (included in other income and expense, net)

 
(9,950
)
 

 
(9,950
)
Total segment income
$
34,953

 
$
33,862

 
$
104,574

 
$
97,993

Net income (loss) for the Radiology and Radiation Oncology segments does not include charges for interest expense, net of interest income, income taxes or certain selling, general and administrative expenses. These costs are charged against the Corporate / Other segment. The following table summarizes the Company’s net income (loss) by segment:
 
Quarter Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
Net income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Radiology
$
21,096

 
$
13,283

 
$
58,913

 
$
48,217

Radiation Oncology
4,534

 
10,864

 
12,602

 
14,259

Corporate / Other
(21,619
)
 
(16,943
)
 
(62,788
)
 
(55,482
)
Total
$
4,011

 
$
7,204

 
$
8,727

 
$
6,994


27

ALLIANCE HEALTHCARE SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS––(Continued)
September 30, 2015
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


 
The following table summarizes the Company’s identifiable assets by segment:
 
As of December 31, 2014
 
As of September 30, 2015
Identifiable assets
 
 
 
Radiology
$
229,141

 
$
262,833

Radiation Oncology
182,880

 
182,630

Corporate / Other
88,864

 
147,771

Total
$
500,885

 
$
593,234

 
The following table summarizes the Company’s goodwill by segment:
 
Radiology
 
Radiation
Oncology
 
Corporate
/ Other
 
Total
Balance at January 1, 2014
$
42,166

 
$
14,809

 
$

 
$
56,975

Goodwill acquired during the period

 
6,889

 

 
6,889

Impairment charges

 

 

 

Adjustments to goodwill during the period

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2014
$
42,166

 
$
21,698

 
$

 
$
63,864

Goodwill acquired during the period
3,342

 

 
22,611

 
25,953

Impairment charges

 

 

 

Adjustments to goodwill during the period

 

 

 

Balance at September 30, 2015
$
45,508

 
$
21,698

 
$
22,611

 
$
89,817

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross goodwill
$
199,850

 
$
41,600

 
$
22,611

 
$
264,061

Accumulated impairment charges
(154,342
)
 
(19,902
)
 

 
(174,244
)
Balance at September 30, 2015
$
45,508

 
$
21,698

 
$
22,611

 
$
89,817


The following table summarizes the cash used for capital expenditures for the Radiology, Radiation Oncology and Corporate segments:
 
Quarter Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
Cash used for capital expenditures
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Radiology
$
6,331

 
$
10,075

 
$
13,159

 
$
25,734

Radiation Oncology
3,051

 
1,183

 
3,070

 
10,394

Corporate / Other
556

 
450

 
6,965

 
3,256

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 




28

ALLIANCE HEALTHCARE SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS––(Continued)
September 30, 2015
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


17. Subsequent Events

Pacific Cancer Institute
On October 15, 2015, the Company executed an agreement to form a partnership between its Radiation Oncology division and the Pacific Cancer Institute ("PCI"), a state-of-the-art radiation therapy and stereotactic radiosurgery center located in Maui, Hawaii, whereby it acquired a 95% controlling interest in PCI. The closing of the transaction is subject to various conditions that are expected to be satisfied during the fourth quarter of 2015.

PRC Associates
On October 14, 2015, the Company, through its Interventional Partners division, acquired a 60% controlling interest in PRC Associates, LLC, ("PRC"), a premier provider of interventional pain management healthcare with eight locations in Central Florida and the Palm Coast.

ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
We are a leading national provider of advanced outpatient diagnostic imaging and radiation therapy services, based upon annual revenue and number of imaging systems deployed and radiation oncology centers operated. Our principal sources of revenue are derived from providing magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”), positron emission tomography/computed tomography (“PET/CT”) through our Radiology division and radiation oncology services through our Radiation Oncology division. Unless the context otherwise requires, the words “we,” “us,” “our,” “Company” or “Alliance” as used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q refer to Alliance HealthCare Services, Inc. and our direct and indirect subsidiaries. We provide imaging and therapeutic services primarily to hospitals and other healthcare providers on a shared-service and full-time service basis. We also provide services through fixed-site imaging centers, primarily to hospitals or health systems. Our radiology services normally include the use of our imaging systems, technologists to operate the systems, equipment maintenance and upgrades and management of day-to-day shared-service and fixed-site diagnostic imaging operations. We also provide non scan-based services, which include only the use of our imaging systems under a short-term contract. We have leveraged our leadership in MRI, PET/CT and radiology services to expand into radiation oncology, including stereotactic radiosurgery ("SRS"). We operate our radiation oncology business through our wholly owned subsidiary, Alliance Oncology, LLC, which we sometimes refer to as our Radiation Oncology division. This division includes a wide range of services for cancer patients covering initial consultation, preparation for treatment, simulation of treatment, actual radiation oncology delivery, therapy management and follow-up care. Our services include the use of our linear accelerators ("Linac") or SRS, therapists to operate those systems, administrative staff, equipment maintenance and upgrades, and management of day-to-day operations. In addition, we acquired a 59% ownership interest in The Pain Center of Arizona ("TPC") in the first quarter of 2015, including TPC’s affiliated billing and collection company. TPC provides expert medical diagnosis and treatment of people with chronic pain disorders at its 12 locations within the state. This acquisition advances our strategic expansion into adjacent segments of healthcare services as interventional pain management is the largest segment within the interventional therapeutic services space.
Recent Developments
On October 15, 2015, we executed an agreement to form a partnership between our Radiation Oncology division and the Pacific Cancer Institute ("PCI"), a state-of-the-art radiation therapy and stereotactic radiosurgery center located in Maui, Hawaii, whereby we acquired a 95% controlling interest in PCI. We expect PCI to generate annualized revenue of approximately $6.3 million. The closing of the transaction is subject to various conditions that we expect to be satisfied during the fourth quarter of 2015.
On October 14, 2015, we acquired a 60% controlling interest in PRC Associates, LLC, ("PRC"), a premier provider of interventional pain management healthcare with eight locations in Central Florida and the Palm Coast, through our Interventional Partners division. We expect PRC to generate annualized revenue of approximately $12.0 million.
On September 16, 2015, Fujian Thai Hot Investment Co., Ltd ("Thai Hot") agreed to purchase 5,537,945 shares of our common stock from funds managed by OakTree and MTS, and Larry C. Buckelew, for $102,452, or $18.50 per share. Upon completion of the transaction, Thai Hot would own approximately 51.5% of our outstanding common stock. We will not sell any shares in the transaction. The transaction is subject to certain closing conditions, including clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodina Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, approval of certain foreign and domestic regulatory filings, consent of our lenders under our term loan and revolving credit facilities, and execution of a governance and standstill agreement with Thai Hot. We

29


expect the transaction to close in the fourth quarter of 2015. Upon closing, the vesting of options with change in control provisions held by certain officers may be accelerated.
On August 1, 2015, we obtained an additional 15.5% in Alliance-HNI LLC ("AHNI"), thereby increasing our ownership percentage to 65.5% and giving us a controlling interest in AHNI. Prior to August 1, 2015, our interest in AHNI was deemed a noncontrolling interest and, as such, we accounted for the investment using the equity method. Prior to the step acquisition on August 1, 2015, AHNI had three subsidiaries: Alliance-HNI Leasing Co. ("AHNIL"), Alliance-HNV PET/CT Services, LLC ("AHNVPS"), and Alliance-HNV PET/CT Leasing, LLC ("AHNVPL"). AHNI held a 98% interest in AHNIL, which AHNI consolidated, and, effectively, a 53.4% interest in AHNVPS, which AHNI did not consolidate. In addition to our original 50% investment in AHNI, we also had a 46.6% interest in AHNVPS prior to the step acquisition and, accordingly, we consolidated AHNVPS and AHNVPL since the initial acquisition on November 21, 1997. As consideration, we contributed our 46.6% interest in HNVPS and our rights to certain assets to AHNI in exchange for the additional 15.5% interest in AHNI. After the completion of the step acquisition, we hold a 65.5% interest in AHNI which, in turn, holds all of the outstanding interest in AHNVPS. As a result of gaining a controlling interest in AHNI, we began consolidating AHNI effective August 1, 2015.
Key Aspects of Our Business
MRI, PET/CT and radiation oncology services generated 39%, 28% and 21% of our revenue, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 42%, 31% and 21% of our revenue, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. Our remaining revenue was comprised of other modality diagnostic imaging services revenue, primarily computed tomography (“CT”), management contract revenue, and interventional services revenue. We operated 532 diagnostic imaging and radiation oncology systems, including 261 MRI systems (of which 19 are operating leases) and 126 PET/CT systems (of which 9 are operating leases) and served over 1,000 clients in 44 states at September 30, 2015. We operated 116 fixed-site imaging centers (one in an unconsolidated joint venture), which constitute systems installed in hospitals or other medical buildings on or near hospital campuses, including modular buildings, systems installed inside medical groups’ offices, parked mobile systems, and free-standing fixed-site imaging centers, which include systems installed in medical office buildings, ambulatory surgical centers, or other retail space at September 30, 2015. Of the 116 fixed-site imaging centers (including one unconsolidated joint venture), 82 were MRI fixed-site imaging centers, 18 were PET/CT fixed-site imaging centers, and 16 were other modality fixed-site imaging centers. We also operated 31 radiation oncology centers and stereotactic radiosurgery facilities (including one radiation oncology center as an unconsolidated joint venture) at September 30, 2015.
Revenues from fixed-site imaging centers and radiation oncology centers can be structured as either “wholesale” or “retail” revenues. We generated approximately 78% and 83% of our revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, by providing services to hospitals and other healthcare providers, which we refer to as "wholesale" revenues. We typically generate our wholesale revenues from contracts that require our clients to pay us based on the number of scans we perform on patients on our clients’ behalf, although some pay us a flat fee for a period of time regardless of the number of scans we perform. Wholesale payments are due to us independent of our clients’ receipt of retail reimbursement from third-party payors, although receipt of reimbursement from third-party payors may affect demand for our services. We typically deliver our services for a set number of days per week through exclusive, long-term contracts with hospitals and other healthcare providers. The initial terms of these contracts average approximately three years in length for mobile services and approximately five to 10 years in length for fixed-site arrangements. Our contracts for radiation oncology services average approximately 10 to 20 years in length. These contracts often contain automatic renewal provisions and certain contracts have cancellation clauses if the hospital or other healthcare provider purchases its own system. We price our contracts based on the type of system used, the scan volume, and the number of ancillary services provided. Competitive pressures also affect our pricing.
We generated approximately 22% and 17% of our revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, by providing services directly to patients from our sites located at or near hospitals or other healthcare provider facilities, which we refer to as "retail" revenues. We generate our revenue from these sites from direct billings to patients or their third-party payors, including Medicare, and we record this revenue net of contractual discounts and other arrangements for providing services at discounted prices. We typically receive a higher price per scan or treatment under retail billing than we do under wholesale billing.
Factors Affecting our Results of Operations
Scan and treatment volume
The principal components of our cost of revenues include compensation paid to technologists, therapists, drivers and other clinical staff; system maintenance costs; insurance; medical supplies; system transportation; technologists’ travel costs; and interventional services. Because a majority of these expenses are fixed, increased revenues as a result of higher scan and treatment volumes per system significantly improves our margins while lower scan and treatment volumes result in lower margins.

30


Selling, general and administrative expenses
The principal components of selling, general and administrative expenses are sales and marketing costs, corporate overhead costs, provision for doubtful accounts, and share-based payment.
Noncontrolling interest and earnings
We record noncontrolling interest and earnings from unconsolidated investees related to our consolidated and unconsolidated subsidiaries, respectively. These subsidiaries primarily provide shared-service and fixed-site diagnostic imaging and radiation therapy services.
Third-party payor reimbursement rates and policies
Our revenues, whether for wholesale or retail arrangements, are dependent directly or indirectly on third-party payor reimbursement policies, including Medicare. Please see Item 1, Business-Reimbursement in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 for a more detailed explanation of how we bill and receive payment for our services.
With respect to our retail business, for services for which we bill Medicare directly, we are paid under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, which is updated on an annual basis. Under the prior Medicare statutory formula known as the Sustainable Growth Rate (“SGR”) formula, payments under the Physician Fee Schedule would have decreased for the past several years if Congress had failed to intervene. In the past, when the application of the statutory formula resulted in lower payment, Congress has passed interim legislation to prevent the reductions. For 2013, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services ("CMS") projected an aggregate rate reduction of 26.5% from 2012 payment rates if Congress had failed to intervene. This reduction was delayed by the enactment of the American Taxpayers' Relief Act of 2012 ("ATRA") on January 2, 2013, which allowed for the continuation of 2012 physician payment rates by adopting a 0% update through December 31, 2013.
For 2014, CMS estimated that the statutory formula would result in a 20.1% reduction in physician payment rates if Congress had failed to intervene. On December 26, 2013, President Obama signed into law the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 (“2013 Budget Act”), which replaced the payment reduction scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2014, with a 0.5% increase in physician payment rates for the period beginning January 1, 2014, and ending on March 31, 2014. On April 1, 2014, the physician payment rates enacted under the 2013 Budget Act were extended through December 31, 2014 and a 0% update from 2014 payment rates was enacted for the period beginning January 1, 2014 and ending on March 31, 2015, under the Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014 (“PAMA”).
President Obama signed the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (“MACRA”) on April 16, 2015, which repealed and replaced the SGR formula for Medicare payment adjustments to physicians. MACRA provides a solution to the annual interim legislative updates that had previously been necessary to delay or prevent significant reductions to payments under the Physician Fee Schedule. MACRA extended existing payment rates under PAMA through June 30, 2015, with a 0.5% update for July 1, 2015, through December 31, 2015 and for each calendar year through 2019, after which there will be a 0% annual update each year through 2025. In addition, MACRA requires the establishment of the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (“MIPS”), beginning in 2019, under which physicians may receive performance-based payment incentives or payment reductions based on their performance with respect to clinical quality, resource use, clinical improvement activities, and meaningful use of electronic health records. MACRA also requires CMS, beginning in 2019, to provide incentive payments for physicians and other eligible professionals that participate in alternative payment models, such as accountable care organizations, that emphasize quality and value over the traditional volume-based fee-for-service model. MACRA is still new and the manner in which it will be implemented is not certain, but at this time, we do not believe that this law will have a material effect on our future retail revenues.
Also with respect to our retail business, for services furnished on or after July 1, 2010, CMS began implementing a 50% reduction in reimbursement for multiple images on contiguous body parts, as mandated by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 ("PPACA"). Beginning January 1, 2011, CMS applied the same reduction to certain CT and CT angiography ("CTA"), MRI and MR angiography ("MRA"), and ultrasound services furnished to the same patient in the same session, regardless of the imaging modality, and not limited to contiguous body areas. CMS projected that this expanded policy would reduce payment for 20% more services than the prior multiple procedure payment reduction policy, and would primarily reduce payments for radiology services and to freestanding diagnostic imaging centers, such as our retail business. For 2012, CMS extended this policy to the physician reviews of these imaging services by implementing a 25% multiple procedure reduction to the professional payments to the specialties of radiology and interventional radiology. In addition, beginning in 2013, CMS expanded the 25% multiple-procedure reduction policy to certain other nuclear medicine and cardiovascular diagnostic procedures. At this time, we do not believe that these multiple procedure payment reductions will have a material effect on our future retail revenues.

31


Other recent legislative and regulatory updates to the Physician Fee Schedule included reduced payment rates for certain diagnostic services using equipment costing more than $1 million through revisions to usage assumptions from the previous 50% usage rate to a 90% usage rate. This change began in 2010 with a planned four-year phase-in period for MRI and CT scans, but not for radiation therapy and other therapeutic equipment. The PPACA superseded CMS's assumed usage rate for such equipment and, beginning on January 1, 2011, CMS instituted a 75% usage rate. Also in 2011, CMS expanded the list of services to which the higher equipment usage rate assumption applies to include certain diagnostic CTA and MRA procedures using similar CT and MRI scanners that cost more than $1 million. Through enactment of the ATRA, Congress increased the usage rate assumption from 75% to 90% for fee schedules to be developed for 2014 and subsequent years. In the final Physician Fee Schedule for 2016, CMS increased the usage rate assumption for linear accelerators used in many radiation oncology treatments from 50% to 70%, which will be phased in over a two-year period. We currently estimate that neither the usage assumptions for MRI and CT scans under the ATRA, nor the final Physician Fee Schedule for 2016, will have a material adverse effect on our future retail revenues.
Effective January 1, 2011, CMS made further adjustments to the Physician Fee Schedule so that specialties that have a higher proportion of the payment rate attributable to operating expenses such as equipment and supplies, which include radiation oncology, will experience an increase in aggregate payments. In addition, as a result of adjustments to codes identified to be misvalued, radiation oncology specialties and suppliers providing the technical component of diagnostic tests are among the entities that will experience decreases in aggregate payment. Some of these changes are being transitioned over time; for 2013, CMS estimated aggregate payment reductions of 7% in radiation oncology, 3% in radiology, 3% in nuclear medicine, 7% for suppliers providing the technical component of diagnostic tests and 9% for radiation therapy centers. A portion of the payment reduction to radiation oncology and radiation therapy centers stemmed from revisions to the operating expenses and procedure time allotted to perform Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy ("IMRT") and Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy ("SBRT"). CMS is also undertaking a review of procedure times allotted to other radiation oncology treatments. At this time, we do not believe that these regulatory changes will have a material effect on our future retail revenues.
In the Physician Fee Schedule for 2014, CMS made additional revisions to the formula it uses to account for physician time and practice expenses when calculating updates to the Physician Fee Schedule. CMS's revisions include changes to the Medicare Economic Index formula, which have the effect of redistributing some practice expense payment to the physician time component. This policy change, combined with the 90% usage rate assumption described above and various other adjustments for the 2014 Physician Fee Schedule, were projected to result in an aggregate payment increase of 1% in radiation oncology, no change to payments for nuclear medicine, and aggregate payment reductions of 2% in radiology, 11% for suppliers providing the technical component of diagnostic tests, and 1% for radiation therapy centers. In the Physician Fee Schedule for 2015, CMS adopted changes to payment policies that are projected to result in an aggregate payment increase of 1% for radiation therapy centers; no aggregate payment change for providers of nuclear medicine and aggregate payment reductions of 1% in radiology, and 2% for suppliers providing the technical component of diagnostic tests. In the final Physician Fee Schedule for 2016, CMS adopted changes to payment polices that are projected to result in no aggregate payment change in radiology and for suppliers providing the technical component of diagnostic tests, as well as aggregate payment reductions of 1% for radiation therapy centers, 1% for nuclear medicine, and 2% for radiation oncology. At this time, we do not believe that the final regulatory changes for 2015 or 2016 will have a material effect on our retail revenues.
In addition to annual updates to the Physician Fee Schedule, as indicated above, CMS also publishes regulatory changes to the hospital outpatient prospective payment system (“HOPPS”) on an annual basis. These payments are bundled amounts received by our hospital clients for hospital outpatient services related to MRI scans, PET scans, PET/CT scans and SRS treatments. Recent adjustments to the HOPPS payments for these procedures have not had a material adverse effect on our revenue and earnings in 2013, 2014 or the first nine months of 2015.
Beginning on April 1, 2013, the ATRA required CMS to equalize the HOPPS payment associated with Cobalt 60-based SRS treatments to the payment amount for the less-expensive, linac-based SRS treatment. In the final HOPPS rule for 2014, CMS equalized payments for the treatments by establishing a single new payment level derived from CMS claims data for both treatments, which resulted in a payment increase for linac-based treatments and a payment decrease for Cobalt 60-based treatments beginning January 1, 2014. In addition, beginning in 2014, CMS utilized newly-available data to revise its estimate of hospitals' costs of providing CT and MRI services, which are used to calculate Medicare payments to hospitals for these services. The use of such data could result in payment reductions for CT and MRI procedures performed in the outpatient departments of our hospital clients. At this time, we do not believe that these changes will have a material adverse effect on our future revenues; however, we cannot predict the effect of future rate reductions on our future revenues or business.
Over the past few years, the growth rate of PET/CT and MRI industry wide scan volumes has slowed in part due to weak hospital volumes as reported by several investor-owned hospital companies, additional patient-related cost-sharing programs and an increasing trend of third-party payors intensifying their utilization management efforts, for example, through benefit managers who require prior authorizations to control the growth rate of imaging services generally. We expect that these trends

32


will continue. One recent initiative to potentially reduce utilization of certain imaging services is the Medicare Imaging Demonstration, which is a two-year demonstration project designed to collect data regarding physician use of advanced diagnostic imaging services, quantify rates of appropriate, uncertain, and inappropriate advanced diagnostic image ordering in the Medicare program, and to determine whether exposing physicians to guidelines at the time of the order is associated with more appropriate ordering and an attendant change in utilization. This information would be used to determine the appropriateness of services by developing medical specialty guidelines for advanced imaging procedures within three designated modalities (MRI, CT and nuclear medicine). On February 2, 2011, CMS announced that it selected five participants for the demonstration project. The data collection portion of the demonstration concluded on April 1, 2012, and the 18-month intervention portion of the demonstration then went into effect, during which time the appropriateness of a physician's order for diagnostic imaging services was considered at the time the order was entered into the decision support systems being tested. The demonstration concluded on September 30, 2013, and a report to Congress summarizing the results of the demonstration was published March 30, 2015. The report stated that exposing ordering physicians to appropriateness guidelines for advanced diagnostic imaging over the course of two years had nearly no effect on utilization for physicians and the report contained no recommendations for legislation or administrative action.
The PAMA requires CMS, in conjunction with medical specialty societies, to adopt appropriate use criteria (“AUC”) for certain advanced diagnostic imaging services by November 15, 2015. Beginning in 2017, CMS must establish a program that promotes the use of AUC by requiring physicians who order and furnish advanced diagnostic imaging services to consult and report compliance with the AUC. Advanced imaging services ordered by certain physicians who do not adhere to the AUC will be subject to prior authorization for applicable imaging services provided to Medicare beneficiaries beginning in 2020.
We cannot predict the full impact of the PPACA and other recent and future legislative enactments on our business. The reform law substantially changed the way health care is financed by both governmental and private insurers. Although certain provisions may negatively affect payment rates for certain imaging services, the PPACA also extended coverage to an estimated 24 million previously uninsured people, which may result in an increase in the demand for our services.
Other legislative changes have been proposed and adopted since the PPACA was enacted, which also may impact our business. On August 2, 2011, the President signed into law the Budget Control Act of 2011 (“BCA”), which, among other things, created the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction to recommend proposals in spending reductions to Congress. The Joint Select Committee did not achieve its targeted deficit reduction of at least $1.2 trillion for the years 2013 through 2021, triggering the legislation's automatic reduction to several government programs. These reductions include aggregate reductions to Medicare payments to providers of up to 2% per fiscal year, which were scheduled to go into effect on January 2, 2013. The enactment of the ATRA delayed the imposition of the automatic cuts until March 1, 2013. On March 1, 2013, the President signed an executive order implementing the automatic budget reductions. Pursuant to that order, payments to Medicare providers for services furnished on or after April 1, 2013 were reduced by 2%. The impact to our revenue related to this 2% reduction was approximately $0.4 million in 2014 and is anticipated to be $0.4 million in 2015. The 2013 Budget Act extended the 2% reduction in payments to Medicare providers by another two years (through 2023), and subsequent legislation extended the cuts through 2025. Unless Congress acts to repeal or revise the automatic budget cuts enacted by the BCA, this payment reduction will continue. The PAMA also included a new quality incentive payment policy that, beginning January 1, 2016, will reduce Medicare payments for the technical portion of certain CT services paid under the Physician Fee Schedule or HOPPS that are furnished using equipment that does not meet certain dose optimization and management standards, reducing payments for such services by 5% in 2016 and 15% in 2017. The full effect of the PPACA, BCA, ATRA, PAMA and MACRA on our business is uncertain, and it is not clear whether other legislative changes will be adopted or how those changes would affect the demand for our services.
Payments to us by third-party payors depend substantially upon each payor's coverage and reimbursement policies. Third-party payors may impose limits on coverage or reimbursement for diagnostic imaging services, including denying reimbursement for tests that do not follow recommended diagnostic procedures. Coverage policies also may be expanded to reflect emerging technologies. Because unfavorable coverage and reimbursement policies have and may continue to constrict the profit margins of the hospitals and clinics we bill directly, we have and may continue to need to lower our fees to retain existing clients and attract new ones. If coverage is limited or reimbursement rates are inadequate, a healthcare provider might find it financially unattractive to own diagnostic imaging or radiation oncology systems, yet beneficial to purchase our services. It is possible that third-party coverage and reimbursement policies will affect the need or prices for our services in the future, which could significantly affect our financial performance and our ability to conduct our business.
Seasonality
We experience seasonality in the revenues and margins generated for our services. First and fourth quarter revenues are typically lower than those from the second and third quarters. First quarter revenue is affected primarily by fewer calendar days and inclement weather, typically resulting in fewer patients being scanned or treated during the period. Fourth quarter revenues

33


are affected by holiday and client and patient vacation schedules, resulting in fewer scans or treatments during the period. The variability in margins is higher than the variability in revenues due to the fixed nature of our costs. We also experience fluctuations in our revenues and margins due to acquisition activity and general economic conditions, including recession or economic slowdown.
Results of Operations
The following table shows our consolidated statements of operations as a percentage of revenues for each of the quarters and nine months ended September 30:
 
Quarter Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
Revenues
100.0
 %
 
100.0
 %
 
100.0
 %
 
100.0
 %
Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization
53.9

 
55.5

 
53.9

 
56.3

Selling, general and administrative expenses
18.0

 
20.3

 
17.7

 
19.0

Transaction costs
0.5

 
0.4

 
0.5

 
0.6

Severance and related costs
0.4

 
0.2

 
0.7

 
0.2

Impairment charges

 
0.1

 
0.1

 
2.0

Depreciation expense
11.6

 
10.1

 
13.1

 
10.3

Amortization expense
1.8

 
2.0

 
1.8

 
2.0

Interest expense and other, net
5.6

 
5.5

 
5.7

 
5.6

Other income, net
(0.5
)
 
(8.7
)
 
(0.3
)
 
(3.0
)
Total costs and expenses
91.3

 
85.4

 
93.2

 
93.0

Income before income taxes, earnings from unconsolidated investees and noncontrolling interest
8.7

 
14.6

 
6.8

 
7.0

Income tax expense
2.7

 
4.2

 
1.9

 
1.5

Earnings from unconsolidated investees
(1.1
)
 
(0.5
)
 
(1.1
)
 
(0.9
)
Net income
7.1

 
10.9

 
6.0

 
6.4

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax
(3.5
)
 
(4.9
)
 
(3.3
)
 
(4.3
)
Net income attributable to Alliance HealthCare Services, Inc.
3.6
 %
 
6.0
 %
 
2.7
 %
 
2.1
 %

The table below provides MRI statistical information for each of the quarters and nine months ended September 30:
 
Quarter Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
MRI statistics
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average number of total systems
249.7

 
264.1

 
251.0

 
253.7

Average number of scan-based systems
203.2

 
209.8

 
207.8

 
204.5

Scans per system per day (scan-based systems)
8.73

 
9.09

 
8.52

 
8.86

Total number of scan-based MRI scans
122,520

 
132,962

 
354,181

 
370,456

Price per scan
$
334.92

 
$
311.16

 
$
342.49

 
$
319.09



34


The table below provides PET/CT statistical information for each of the quarters and nine months ended September 30: 
 
Quarter Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
PET/CT statistics
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average number of systems
112.8

 
116.2

 
112.3

 
115.3

Scans per system per day
5.32

 
5.38

 
5.34

 
5.34

Total number of PET/CT scans
34,623

 
35,501

 
103,299

 
104,513

Price per scan
$
942.10

 
$
879.72

 
$
950.38

 
$
895.07


The table below provides radiation oncology statistical information for each of the quarters and
nine months ended September 30:
 
Quarter Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
Radiation oncology statistics
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number of radiation oncology centers*
29

 
31

 
29

 
31

Linac treatments
20,749

 
21,118

 
59,758

 
66,352

Stereotactic radiosurgery patients
789

 
901

 
2,278

 
2,529

*Number of radiation oncology centers operated as of September 30, 2014 and 2015 included one unconsolidated joint venture.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Following are the components of revenue (in millions) for each of the quarters and nine months ended September 30
 
Quarter Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
Total MRI revenue
$
45.7

 
$
47.6

 
$
135.5

 
$
135.7

PET/CT revenue
33.5

 
32.3

 
101.1

 
96.4

Radiation oncology revenue
23.6

 
25.2

 
68.2

 
74.7

Other radiology revenue
7.3

 
6.4

 
21.9

 
20.5

Other revenue

 
9.3

 

 
21.4

Total
$
110.1

 
$
120.8

 
$
326.7

 
$
348.7

 
 
Quarter Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
Total fixed-site imaging center revenue (in millions)
$
29.3

 
$
28.1

 
$
84.1

 
$
82.6



Quarter Ended September 30, 2015 Compared to Quarter Ended September 30, 2014
Revenue increased $10.6 million, or 9.7%, to $120.8 million in the third quarter of 2015 compared to $110.1 million in the third quarter of 2014 primarily due to an incremental $8.9 million of revenue from our newly acquired consolidated joint venture, The Pain Center of Arizona ("TPC"), an increase in MRI revenue of $1.9 million, and an increase in radiation oncology revenue of $1.6 million, offset by a decrease in PET/CT revenue of $1.3 million. Reductions in MRI and PET/CT pricing totaled $5.1 million in the third quarter of 2015.
MRI revenue increased $1.9 million in the third quarter of 2015, or 4.1%, compared to the third quarter of 2014. Scan-based MRI revenue increased $0.4 million in the third quarter of 2015, or 0.8%, compared to the third quarter of 2014, to $41.4 million in the third quarter of 2015 from $41.0 million in the third quarter of 2014. The increase in scan-based MRI revenue was primarily due to increases in the number of the average scan-based systems in service and the average scans per system,

35


per day, offset against year-over-year decreases in the average price per MRI scan. The average price per MRI scan decreased to $311.16 per scan in the third quarter of 2015 from $334.92 per scan in the third quarter of 2014 as we priced competitively to protect and maintain our market share in the mobile imaging market. The average number of scan-based systems in service increased to 209.8 systems in the third quarter of 2015 from 203.2 systems in the third quarter of 2014. The average scans per system per day increased 4.1% to 9.09 in the third quarter of 2015 from 8.73 in the third quarter of 2014, and scan-based MRI scan volume increased 8.5% to 132,962 scans in the third quarter of 2015 from 122,520 scans in the third quarter of 2014. Non scan-based MRI revenue increased $1.5 million in the third quarter of 2015 over the same period in 2014. Included in the revenue totals above are fixed-site imaging center revenues, which decreased $1.2 million, or 4.1%, to $28.1 million in the third quarter of 2015 from $29.3 million in the third quarter of 2014.
PET/CT revenue in the third quarter of 2015 decreased $1.3 million, or 3.9%, to $32.2 million from $33.5 million in the third quarter of 2014. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in the average price per PET/CT scan, which decreased to $879.72 per scan in the third quarter of 2015 compared to $942.10 per scan in the third quarter of 2014, as we priced competitively to protect and maintain our market share in the mobile imaging market. These decreases were offset to some extent by an increase in PET/CT scan volumes of 2.5% to 35,501 scans in the third quarter of 2015 from 34,623 scans in the third quarter of 2014. The average number of PET/CT systems in service increased to 116.2 systems in the third quarter of 2015 compared to 112.8 in the third quarter of 2014. Scans per system per day increased to 5.38 in the third quarter of 2015 from 5.32 in the third quarter of 2014.
Included in the revenue totals above are fixed-site imaging center revenues, which decreased $1.2 million to $28.1 million in the third quarter of 2015 from $29.3 million in the third quarter of 2014.
Radiation oncology revenue increased $1.6 million, or 7.1%, to $25.2 million in the third quarter of 2015 compared to $23.6 million in the third quarter of 2014, primarily due to a 1.8% increase in the number of Linac treatments performed in the third quarter of 2015, compared to the third quarter of 2014, and a 14.2% increase in the number of SRS patients we treated, compared to the third quarter of 2014. The growth in radiation oncology was largely driven by our acquisition of Charleston Area Radiation Therapy Center ("CARTC") in the fourth quarter of 2014.
Other radiology revenues related to our radiology segment were $6.4 million in the third quarter of 2015 compared to $7.3 million in the third quarter of 2014.
At September 30, 2015 we operated 261 MRI systems and 126 PET/CT systems, including 19 MRI systems and nine PET/CT systems on operating leases. We had 256 MRI systems and 124 PET/CT systems at September 30, 2014, including 19 MRI systems and nine PET/CT systems on operating leases. We operated 116 fixed-site imaging centers (including one in an unconsolidated joint venture) at September 30, 2015, compared to 122 fixed-site imaging centers (including one in an unconsolidated joint venture) at September 30, 2014. At September 30, 2015, we operated 31 radiation oncology centers (including one in an unconsolidated joint venture) compared to 29 radiation oncology centers (including one in an unconsolidated joint venture) at September 30, 2014.
Cost of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization, increased $7.7 million, or 12.9%, to $67.1 million in the third quarter of 2015 compared to $59.4 million in the third quarter of 2014. The increase in cost of revenues was primarily due to a $7.0 million increase in compensation and related employee expenses, resulting from increased salary costs in connection with our new partnerships with CARTC and TPC, an increase in medical supplies of $1.1 million, and an increase in equipment rentals of $0.7 million, offset by a decrease in license, taxes, and fees $0.5 million compared to 2014. All other cost of revenues in the third quarter of 2015, excluding depreciation and amortization, decreased $0.6 million from the third quarter of 2014. Cost of revenues, as a percentage of revenue, increased to 55.5% in the third quarter of 2015, compared to 53.9% in the third quarter of 2014, primarily due to our new partnerships with CARTC and TPC.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $4.7 million, or 23.9%, to $24.5 million in the third quarter of 2015 compared to $19.8 million in the third quarter of 2014. The increase to selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to increased compensation and related employee expenses of $2.3 million, in part due to investments in our growth programs, increased professional services of $1.2 million, which was driven by an increase in legal settlements of $1.6 million, and an increase in our provision for doubtful accounts of $0.9 million. All other selling, general and administrative expenses in the third quarter of 2015 increased $0.3 million from the third quarter of 2014. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue was 20.3% in the third quarter of 2015 compared to 18.0% in the third quarter of 2014.
Severance and related costs was $0.3 million in the third quarter of 2015 compared to $0.5 million in the third quarter of 2014.
Impairment charges were $0.1 million in the third quarter of 2015.

36


Depreciation expense decreased $0.5 million, or 3.9%, to $12.2 million in the third quarter of 2015 compared to $12.7 million in the third quarter of 2014 due to the year over year increase in the number of units in our fleet that are fully depreciated along with our decision to upgrade units we currently own as an alternative to purchasing new equipment.
Amortization expense increased $0.4 million, or 21.5%, to $2.4 million in the third quarter of 2015 compared to $2.0 million in the third quarter of 2014.
Interest expense and other, net, increased $0.5 million, or 7.3%, to $6.7 million in the third quarter of 2015 compared to $6.2 million in the third quarter of 2014, primarily due to increased borrowings under our senior secured credit agreement and increased equipment debt.
Other income, net, increased $9.9 million to $10.5 million in the third quarter of 2015 compared to $0.6 million in the third quarter of 2014, primarily due to recognizing a non-cash gain of $10.0 million as a result of remeasuring to fair value our equity interest in a previously unconsolidated subsidiary acquired and consolidated during the third quarter of 2015.
Income tax expense was $5.1 million in the third quarter of 2015 compared to $2.9 million in the third quarter of 2014, resulting in effective tax rates of 41.4% and 42.4%, respectively. Our effective tax rates differed from the federal statutory rate principally as a result of state income taxes and permanent non-deductible tax items, including share-based payments, unrecognized tax benefits, and other permanent differences.
Earnings from unconsolidated investees decreased $0.6 million, or 51.4%, to $0.6 million in the third quarter of 2015 compared to $1.2 million in the third quarter of 2014, primarily due to the completion of the step-acquisition and resulting consolidation of a previously unconsolidated subsidiary effective August 1, 2015.
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest increased $2.1 million, or 52.5%, to $5.9 million in the third quarter of 2015 compared to $3.8 million in the third quarter of 2014. The increase is mostly attributed to improved net income we derived from our joint venture partners and, to a lesser degree, the addition of our joint venture with TPC in February 2015.
The net income attributable to Alliance HealthCare Services, Inc. was $7.2 million, or $0.67 per share on a diluted basis, in the third quarter of 2015 compared to net income of $4.0 million, or $0.37 per share on a diluted basis, in the third quarter of 2014.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
Revenue increased $22.0 million, or 6.7%, to $348.7 million during the first nine months of 2015 compared to $326.7 million in the first nine months of 2014 primarily due to an incremental $21.0 million from TPC, our newly acquired joint venture, and an increase in radiation oncology revenues of $6.5 million, offset against year-over-year decreases in the average price per MRI and PET/CT scan.
MRI revenue increased $0.2 million in the first nine months of 2015, or 0.1%, compared to the first nine months of 2014. Average scans per system per day increased 4.0% to 8.86 in the first nine months of 2015 from 8.52 in the first nine months of 2014. Scan-based MRI scan volume increased 4.6% to 370,456 scans in the first nine months of 2015 from 354,181 scans in the first nine months of 2014. Non scan-based MRI revenue increased $3.3 million in the first nine months of 2015 over the same period in 2014. Scan-based MRI revenue decreased $3.1 million in the first nine months of 2015, or 2.6%, compared to the first nine months of 2014, to $118.2 million in the first nine months of 2015 from $121.3 million in the first nine months of 2014. The decrease in scan-based MRI revenue was primarily due to year-over-year decreases in the average price per MRI scan offset by increases in the number of the average scan-based systems in service and the average scans per system, per day. The average price per MRI scan decreased to $319.09 per scan in the first nine months of 2015 from $342.49 per scan in the first nine months of 2014 as we priced competitively to protect and maintain our market share in the mobile imaging market. The average number of scan-based systems in service decreased to 204.5 systems in the first nine months of 2015 from 207.8 systems in the first nine months of 2014.
PET/CT revenue in the first nine months of 2015 decreased $4.7 million, or 4.6%, compared to the first nine months of 2014 primarily due to a year-over-year decrease in the average price per PET/CT to $895.07 per scan in the first nine months of 2015 compared to $950.38 per scan in the first nine months of 2014, as we priced competitively to protect and maintain our market share in the mobile imaging market, offset by increases in the number of the average scan-based systems in service and an increase in total PET/CT scan volumes to 104,513 scans in the first nine months of 2015 from 103,299 scans in the first nine months of 2014. The average number of PET/CT systems in service increased to 115.3 systems in the first nine months of 2015 from 112.3 systems in the first nine months of 2014. Scans per system per day remained consistent at 5.34 in the first nine months of 2015 compared to same period in 2014.

37


Included in the revenue totals above are fixed-site imaging center revenues, which decreased $1.5 million to $82.6 million in the first nine months of 2015 from $84.1 million in the first nine months of 2014.
Radiation oncology revenue increased $6.5 million, or 9.6%, to $74.7 million in the first nine months of 2015 compared to $68.2 million in the first nine months of 2014, primarily due to an 11.0% increase in the number of Linac treatments performed in the first nine months of 2015, compared to the first nine months of 2014 and an 11.0% increase in the number of SRS patients we treated. The growth in Linac treatments was primarily due to our acquisition of CARTC in the fourth quarter of 2015.
Other revenues related to our radiology segment were $20.5 million in the first nine months of 2015 compared to $21.9 million in the first nine months of 2014.
At September 30, 2015 we operated 261 MRI systems and 126 PET/CT systems, including 19 MRI systems and nine PET/CT systems on operating leases. We had 256 MRI systems and 124 PET/CT systems at September 30, 2014, including 19 MRI systems and nine PET/CT systems on operating leases. We operated 116 fixed-site imaging centers (including one in an unconsolidated joint venture) at September 30, 2015, compared to 122 fixed-site imaging centers (including one in an unconsolidated joint venture) at September 30, 2014. At September 30, 2015, we operated 31 radiation oncology centers (including one in an unconsolidated joint venture) compared to 29 radiation oncology centers (including one in an unconsolidated joint venture) at September 30, 2014.
Cost of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization, increased $20.4 million, or 11.6%, to $196.4 million in the first nine months of 2015 compared to $176.0 million in the first nine months of 2014. The increase in cost of revenues was primarily due to an increase to compensation and related employee expenses of $17.0 million, or 21.2%, primarily due to salary costs in connection with our new affiliations with CARTC and TPC, an increase to medical supplies of $2.0 million, or 13.9%, an increase in equipment rentals of $1.7 million, or 24.6%, and an increase to maintenance and related costs of $0.9 million, or 2.4%, due to our new aforementioned affiliates and the timing of system repairs, offset by a decrease to outside medical services of $0.3 million, or 3.8%, and a decrease in license, taxes and fees of $0.2 million, or 6.3%. All other cost of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization, decreased $0.8 million, or 3.1%. Cost of revenues, as a percentage of revenue, increased to 56.3% in the first nine months of 2015, compared to 53.9% in the first nine months of 2014.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $8.4 million, or 14.4%, to $66.3 million in the first nine months of 2015 compared to $57.9 million in the first nine months of 2014. The increase to selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to an increase in compensation and related employee expenses of $6.1 million, or 18.2%, in part due to an increase in investments in our growth programs, an increase in professional services of $1.1 million, or 12.8%, which was driven by an increase in legal settlements of $2.2 million, an increase in our provision for doubtful accounts of $0.4 million, and an increase in license, taxes and fees of $0.3 million, or 55.9%. All other selling, general and administrative expenses in the first nine months of 2015 increased $0.4 million compared to the first nine months of 2014. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue was 19.0% in the first nine months of 2015 compared to 17.7% in the first nine months of 2014.
Severance and related costs decreased $1.6 million, or 68.4%, to $0.7 million in the first nine months of 2015 compared to $2.3 million in the first nine months of 2014, due to the departure of an executive officer during the first nine months of 2014.
Impairment charges were $6.8 million in the first nine months of 2015 compared to $0.2 million in the first nine months of 2014. In the first nine months of 2015, we decided to close one of our rural radiation therapy centers in our Radiation Oncology division in lieu of making significant equipment investments in the center in an area with increased competition. The center was initially acquired in 2007.
Depreciation expense decreased $6.8 million, or 16.0%, to $36.0 million in the first nine months of 2015 compared to $42.8 million in the first nine months of 2014 due to the year over year increase in the number of units in our fleet that are fully depreciated along with our decision to upgrade units we currently own as an alternative to purchasing new equipment.
Amortization expense increased $1.0 million, or 17.7%, to $6.9 million in the first nine months of 2015 compared to $5.9 million in the first nine months of 2014. This increase is primarily due to additional amortization charges related to intangible assets that were acquired in recent transactions.
Interest expense and other, net, increased $1.0 million, or 5.4%, to $19.6 million for the first nine months of 2015 compared to $18.6 million in the first nine months of 2014, primarily due to increased borrowings under our senior secured credit agreement and increased equipment debt.

38


Other income, net, increased $9.4 million to $10.3 million for the first nine months of 2015 compared to $0.9 million in the first nine months of 2014, primarily due to recognizing a non-cash gain of $10.0 million as a result of remeasuring to fair value our equity interest in a previously unconsolidated subsidiary acquired and consolidated during the third quarter of 2015.
Income tax expense was $5.3 million in the first nine months of 2015 compared to $6.3 million for the first nine months of 2014, resulting in effective tax rates of 43.1% and 41.8%, respectively. Our effective tax rates differed from the federal statutory rate principally as a result of state income taxes and permanent non-deductible tax items, including share-based payments, unrecognized tax benefits, and other permanent differences.
Earnings from unconsolidated investees decreased $0.5 million, or 11.9%, to $3.0 million in the first nine months of 2015 compared to $3.5 million in the first nine months of 2014, primarily due to the completion of the step-acquisition and resulting consolidation of a previously unconsolidated subsidiary effective August 1, 2015.
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest increased $4.2 million, or 38.3%, to $15.1 million in the first nine months of 2015 compared to net income of $10.9 million in the first nine months of 2014.
The net income attributable to Alliance HealthCare Services, Inc. was $7.0 million, or $0.65 per share on a diluted basis, in the first nine months of 2015 compared to net income of $8.7 million, or $0.80 per share on a diluted basis, in the first nine months of 2014.
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or “GAAP.” We believe that, in addition to GAAP metrics, this non-GAAP metric is a useful measure for investors, for a variety of reasons. Our management regularly communicates Adjusted EBITDA and their interpretation of such results to our board of directors. We also compare actual periodic Adjusted EBITDA against internal targets as a key factor in determining cash incentive compensation for executives and other employees, largely because we view Adjusted EBITDA results as indicative of how our radiology and radiation oncology businesses are performing and are being managed.
We define Adjusted EBITDA, as net income (loss) before: interest expense, net of interest income; income taxes; depreciation expense; amortization expense; non-cash share-based compensation; severance and related costs; net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests; restructuring charges; fees and expenses related to transactions; non-cash impairment charges; legal matter expenses; other non-cash charges included in other (income) expense, net, which includes non-cash losses on sales of equipment; and non-cash gains on acquisitions of previously unconsolidated entities.
The presentation of a non-GAAP metric does not imply that the reconciling items presented are non-recurring, infrequent or unusual. In general, non-GAAP metrics have certain limitations as analytical financial measures and are used in conjunction with GAAP results to evaluate our operating performance and by considering independently the economic effects of the items that are, or are not, reflected in non-GAAP metrics. We compensate for such limitations by providing GAAP-based disclosures concerning the excluded items in our financial disclosures. As a result of these limitations, and because non-GAAP metrics may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies, however, the non-GAAP metrics are not an alternative to the most directly comparable GAAP measure, or as an alternative to any other GAAP measure of operating performance.
Adjusted EBITDA in the third quarter of 2015 decreased $1.1 million, or 3.1%, to $33.9 million, from $35.0 million in the third quarter of 2014. Adjusted EBITDA for the first nine months of 2015 decreased $6.6 million, or 6.3% to $98.0 million, from $104.6 million for the first nine months of 2014.

39


The reconciliation of net income to total adjusted EBITDA is shown below:
 
Quarter Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
Net income attributable to Alliance HealthCare Services, Inc.
$
4,011

 
$
7,204

 
$
8,727

 
$
6,994

Income tax expense
2,948

 
5,098

 
6,256

 
5,304

Interest expense and other, net
6,208

 
6,660

 
18,570

 
19,582

Amortization expense
1,961

 
2,377

 
5,870

 
6,907

Depreciation expense
12,743

 
12,247

 
42,812

 
35,952

Share-based payment (included in selling, general and administrative expenses)
407

 
423

 
1,117

 
1,242

Severance and related costs
455

 
277

 
2,315

 
731

Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries
3,843

 
5,861

 
10,928

 
15,111

Restructuring charges
(264
)
 
216

 
2,191

 
707

Transaction costs
573

 
432

 
1,512

 
1,964

Impairment charges
4

 
71

 
240

 
6,817

Legal settlements (included in selling, general and administrative expenses)
2,000

 
2,924

 
3,621

 
5,827

Other non-cash charges (included in other income, net)
64

 
22

 
415

 
805

Non-cash gain on step acquisition (included in other income, net)

 
(9,950
)
 

 
(9,950
)
Total adjusted EBITDA
$
34,953

 
$
33,862

 
$
104,574

 
$
97,993

Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary source of liquidity is cash provided by operating activities. We generated $64.7 million and $69.0 million of cash flow from operating activities in the first nine months of 2015 and 2014, respectively. Our ability to generate cash flow is affected by numerous factors, including demand for MRI, PET/CT, other diagnostic imaging, radiation oncology, and interventional services. Our ability to generate cash flow from operating activities is also dependent upon the collections of our accounts receivable. The provision for doubtful accounts in the first nine months of 2015 and 2014 was $2.4 million and $2.0 million, respectively, or 0.7% and 0.6% of revenue, respectively. Our number of days of revenue outstanding for our accounts receivable falls within our expected range and historical experience, decreasing to 52 days as of September 30, 2015, compared to 54 days as of September 30, 2014. We believe this number is comparable to other diagnostic imaging and radiation oncology providers.
We used cash of $74.2 million and $27.0 million for investing activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Investing activities during the first nine months of 2015 included $39.4 million in cash used for equipment purchases, $22.7 million in cash used for acquisitions, and $13.0 million in cash used for deposits on equipment, offset by $0.9 million of proceeds from sales of assets.
We used cash of $22.7 million related to acquisition activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, primarily to purchase an approximate 59% membership interest in The Pain Center of Arizona ("TPC"), a comprehensive full-time pain management medical practice with 12 locations within the state of Arizona. The acquisition took place in two stages: a purchase of a 60.0% membership interest in TPC by the Company, and a 50.0% membership interest in Medical Practice Innovations, Inc. (“MPI”), followed by a transfer of MPI assets to TPC. The MPI transaction diluted the ownership interests of TPC, with the Company retaining an approximate 59% membership interest in TPC. The purchase price consisted of $23.6 million in cash, net of $0.7 million of cash acquired, and net of extinguishment of $3.1 million of related party notes receivable. We financed $23.0 million of this acquisition using the revolving line of credit.
As of September 30, 2015, we had $49.2 million of available borrowings under our revolving line of credit, net of outstanding letters of credit.
Other than acquisitions, our primary use of capital resources is to fund capital expenditures. We spend capital:
to purchase new systems;

40


to replace less advanced systems with new systems;
to upgrade MRI, PET/CT and radiation oncology systems; and
to upgrade our corporate infrastructure, primarily in information technology.
Capital expenditures totaled $39.4 million and $23.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Including deposits, our capital expenditures totaled $52.4 million and $26.5 million, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014. Of these amounts, we financed $1.3 million of capital expenditures under equipment financing arrangements in the nine months ended September 30, 2015. We purchased 10 MRI systems, 16 PET/CT or CT systems and 16 other imaging equipment units, upgraded various imaging equipment, and sold a total of 16 systems during the nine months ended September 30, 2015.
At September 30, 2015, the increase in our current portion of long-term debt is primarily due to borrowings for ongoing construction and equipment expenditures for the oncology division's joint venture with the Medical University of South Carolina. The debt has been funded through a line of credit exclusive of our revolving credit facility, and will be converted to notes as phases of the project are completed. We expect to purchase additional systems in 2015 and finance substantially all of these purchases with our available cash, cash from operating activities and or financing arrangements including equipment leases. Based upon the client demand described above, which dictates the amount and type of equipment we purchase and upgrade, we expect total capital expenditures of approximately $80 million to $90 million in 2015, of which $45 million to $55 million is expected for growth projects, and approximately $35 million is for maintenance capital expenditures.
At September 30, 2015, we had cash and cash equivalents of $44.8 million. This available cash and cash equivalents are held in accounts managed by third-party financial institutions and consist of cash in our operating accounts. At September 30, 2015, we had $37.2 million in our accounts with third-party financial institutions that exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance limits. While we monitor daily the cash balances in our operating accounts and adjust the cash balances as appropriate, these cash balances could be adversely affected if the underlying financial institutions fail or could be subject to other adverse conditions in the financial markets. To date, we have experienced no loss or lack of access to cash in our operating accounts.
We believe that, based on current levels of operations, our cash flow from operating activities, together with other available sources of liquidity, including borrowings available under our revolving line of credit, will be sufficient over the next one to two years to fund anticipated capital expenditures and potential acquisitions and make required payments of principal and interest on our debt and other contracts. As of September 30, 2015, we were in compliance with all covenants contained in our long-term debt agreements and expect that we will be in compliance with these covenants for the remainder of 2015.
If we are able to secure financing with more favorable terms, or our ability to borrow under our revolving and incremental term loan credit facility is insufficient for our capital requirements, it will be necessary to seek alternative sources of financing, including issuing equity, which may be dilutive to our current stockholders, or incurring additional debt. Our ability to incur additional debt is subject to the restrictions in our existing credit facility. We cannot assure you that the restrictions contained in the existing credit facility will permit us to borrow the funds that we need to finance our operations, or that additional debt will be available to us on commercially reasonable terms or at all. If we are unable to obtain funds sufficient to finance our capital requirements, we may have to forego opportunities to expand our business.
In October 2012, we raised $30.0 million from the sale of certain imaging assets, which we then leased from the purchasers under competitive terms. The $30.0 million in proceeds from the sale and lease transactions was used in its entirety to permanently reduce borrowings outstanding under the then-existing term loan facility. As a result, we incur $8.0 million of annual rent expense in connection with the sale and lease transaction, which is included in cost of revenue.
On June 3, 2013, we replaced our existing credit facility with a new senior secured credit agreement with Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch, as administrative agent, and the other lenders party thereto (the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement consists of (i) a $340.0 million, six-year term loan facility, (ii) a $50.0 million, five-year revolving loan facility, including a $20.0 million sublimit for letters of credit, (iii) uncommitted incremental loan facilities of $100.0 million of revolving or term loans, plus an additional amount if our pro forma leverage ratio is less than or equal to 3.25, subject to receipt of lender commitments and satisfaction of specified conditions, and (iv) an $80.0 million delayed draw term loan facility, which was required to be drawn within thirty days of June 3, 2013 and was used for the redemption of our 8% Senior Notes due 2016 (the “Notes”) in the original aggregate principal amount of $190.0 million.
On July 3, 2013 the delayed draw term loan facility was utilized together with other available funds, of which the proceeds were used to redeem $80.0 million in aggregate principal amount of our outstanding Notes. The delayed draw term loan facility converted into, and matched the terms of, the new $340.0 million term loan facility.

41


Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest through maturity at a variable rate based upon, at our option, either the London interbank offered rate ("LIBOR") or the base rate (which is the highest of the administrative agent’s prime rate, one-half of 1.00% in excess of the overnight federal funds rate, and 1.00% in excess of the one-month LIBOR rate), plus, in each case, an applicable margin. With respect to the term loan facilities, the applicable margin for LIBOR loans is 3.25% per annum, and with respect to the revolving loan facilities, the applicable margin for LIBOR loans ranges, based on the applicable leverage ratio, from 3.00% to 3.25% per annum, in each case, with a LIBOR floor of 1.00%. The applicable margin for base rate loans under the term loan facilities is 2.25% per annum and under the revolving loan facility ranges, based on the applicable leverage ratio, from 2.00% to 2.25% per annum. Prior to the refinancing of the term loan facilities, the applicable margin for base rate loans was 4.25% per annum and the applicable margin for revolving loans was 5.25% per annum, with a LIBOR floor of 2.00%. We are required to pay a commitment fee which ranges, based on the applicable leverage ratio, from 0.375% to 0.50% per annum on the undrawn portion available under the revolving loan facility and variable per annum fees with respect to outstanding letters of credit.
During the first five and three-quarter years after the closing date, and including the full amount of the delayed draw term loan facility, we are required to make quarterly amortization payments of the term loans in the amount of $1.05 million. We are also required to make mandatory prepayments of term loans under the Credit Agreement, subject to specified exceptions, from excess cash flow (as defined in the Credit Agreement), and with the proceeds of asset sales, debt issuances and specified other events.
Obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by substantially all our direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries. The obligations under the Credit Agreement and the guarantees are secured by a lien on substantially all tangible and intangible property, and by a pledge of all of the shares of stock and limited liability company interests of our direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries, of which we now own or later acquire more than a 50% interest, subject to limited exceptions.
In addition to other covenants, the Credit Agreement places limits on our ability, including our subsidiaries, to declare dividends or redeem or repurchase capital stock, prepay, redeem or purchase debt, incur liens and engage in sale-leaseback transactions, make loans and investments, incur additional indebtedness, amend or otherwise alter debt and other material agreements, engage in mergers, acquisitions and asset sales, transact with affiliates and alter the business we and our subsidiaries conduct.
The Credit Agreement also contains a leverage ratio covenant requiring us to maintain a maximum ratio of consolidated total debt to consolidated adjusted EBITDA (as defined below) that ranges from 4.95 to 1.00 to 4.30 to 1.00. At September 30, 2015, the Credit Agreement required a maximum leverage ratio of not more than 4.75 to 1.00. The Credit Agreement eliminated the interest coverage ratio covenant which we were subject to maintain prior to the refinancing. Failure to comply with the covenants in the Credit Agreement could permit the lenders under the Credit Agreement to declare all amounts borrowed under the Credit Agreement, together with accrued interest and fees, to be immediately due and payable, and to terminate all commitments under the Credit Agreement.
On October 11, 2013, we entered into an amendment to the Credit Agreement with Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch, as administrative agent, and the other lenders party thereto (the “First Amendment”). Pursuant to the First Amendment, we raised $70.0 million in incremental term loan commitments to repurchase the remaining Notes. On December 2, 2013, we borrowed $70.0 million of incremental term loans, and with such proceeds plus borrowings under its revolving line of credit and cash on hand, completed the redemption of all of our outstanding Notes on December 4, 2013.
On June 19, 2015, we entered into a second amendment to the Credit Agreement with Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch, as administrative agent, and the other lenders party thereto (the “Second Amendment”). Pursuant to the Second Amendment, we raised the remaining $30.0 million in incremental term loan commitments. The funds were used to repay all outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit facility, pay fees and expenses related to the Second Amendment, and general corporate purposes. The Second Amendment did not impact the borrowing capacity on the revolving credit facility which remained at $50.0 million.

The initial portion of the incremental term loan was funded at 99.0% of principal amount under the First Amendment and the remainder was funded at 99.5% of principal under the Second Amendment. The incremental term loan has all of the same terms as the existing term loan facilities and will mature in June 2019. Interest on the incremental term loan is calculated, at our option, at a base rate plus a 2.25% margin or LIBOR plus a 3.25% margin, subject to a 1.00% LIBOR floor.
As of September 30, 2015, there was $504.2 million outstanding under the new term loan facility and no borrowings under the revolving credit facility. As of September 30, 2015, our ratio of consolidated total debt to Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA calculated pursuant to the Credit Agreement was 4.11 to 1.00.
The quarterly amortization payments of all term loans under the credit facility for the first five and one half years was initially established at $1.05 million. The quarterly amortization payment was increased to $1.23 million in December 2013 pursuant to the First Amendment and subsequently increased to $1.3 million in June 2015 pursuant to the Second Amendment.

42


Our Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA calculation represents net income (loss) before: interest expense, net of interest income; income taxes; depreciation expense; amortization expense; net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests; non-cash share-based compensation; severance and related costs; restructuring charges; fees and expenses related to acquisitions, costs related to debt financing, legal matter expenses, non-cash impairment charges, non-cash gains from acquisitions, and other non-cash charges and income included in other (income) expense, net, which includes non-cash gains and losses on sales of equipment. In addition to the debt covenant related to our Credit Agreement, we use Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA as a key factor in determining cash incentive compensation for executives and other employees, as it is indicative of how our diagnostic imaging and radiation oncology businesses are performing and are being managed. Further, the diagnostic imaging and radiation oncology industry experiences significant consolidation. These activities lead to significant charges to earnings, such as those resulting from acquisition costs, and to significant variations among companies with respect to capital structures and cost of capital (which affect interest expense) and differences in taxation and book depreciation of facilities and equipment (which affect relative depreciation expense), including significant differences in the depreciable lives of similar assets among various companies. Non-cash share-based compensation is also excluded from Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA due to inconsistencies among companies such as valuation methodologies and assumptions that are subjective, enhancing our ability to compare and analyze company-to-company performance of our diagnostic imaging and radiation oncology businesses.
At September 30, 2015, the increase in our current portion of long-term debt is primarily due to borrowings for ongoing construction and equipment expenditures for the oncology division's affiliation with MUSC. The debt has been funded through lines of credit that will be converted to notes as phases of the project are completed.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
For a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements, please refer to Note 4 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Cautionary Statement Pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
Certain statements contained in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, particularly in the sections entitled “Overview,” “Results of Operations” and “Liquidity and Capital Resources,” and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, are “forward-looking statements,” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
In some cases you can identify these statements by forward-looking words, such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “seek,” “intend” and “continue” or similar words. Forward-looking statements may also use different phrases. Forward-looking statements address, among other things, our future expectations, projections of our future results of operations or of our financial condition and other forward-looking information and include statements related to the Company’s cost-savings and long-term growth, including its efforts to stabilize and grow the Radiology division, grow the Radiation Oncology division, expand our new interventional services both organically and through one or more acquisitions, divest our professional radiology services business, and increase organizational efficiency.
Statements regarding the following subjects, among others, are forward-looking by their nature:
(a) future legislation and other healthcare regulatory reform actions, and the effect of that legislation and other regulatory actions on our business,
(b) our expectations with respect to future MRI, PET/CT and radiation oncology volumes and revenues,
(c) the effect of seasonality on our business,
(d) our expectations with respect to the sufficiency of our liquidity over the next one to two years,
(e) our expectations with respect to capital expenditures in 2015, and
(f) the effect of recent accounting pronouncements on our results of operations and cash flows or financial position.
We believe it is important to communicate our expectations to our investors. There may be events in the future, however, that we are unable to predict accurately or that we do not fully control that cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements, including:
our high degree of leverage and our ability to service our debt;
factors affecting our leverage, including interest rates;

43


the risk that the counterparties to our interest rate swap agreements fail to satisfy their obligations under those agreements;
our ability to obtain financing;
the effect of operating and financial restrictions in our debt instruments;
the accuracy of our estimates regarding our capital requirements;
intense levels of competition in our industry;
changes in the rates or methods of third-party reimbursements for radiology and radiation oncology services;
fluctuations or unpredictability of our revenues, including as a result of seasonality;
changes in the healthcare regulatory environment;
our ability to keep pace with technological developments within our industry;
the growth or decline in the market for MRI and other services;
the disruptive effect of hurricanes and other natural disasters;
adverse changes in general domestic and worldwide economic conditions and instability and disruption of credit and equity markets;
our ability to successfully integrate acquisitions; and
other factors discussed under Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 and that are otherwise described or updated from time to time in our SEC reports by us.

44


ITEM 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We provide our services exclusively in the United States and receive payment for our services exclusively in United States dollars. As a result, our financial results are unlikely to be affected by factors such as changes in foreign currency exchange rates or weak economic conditions in foreign markets.
Our interest expense is sensitive to changes in the general level of interest rates in the United States, particularly because the majority of our indebtedness has interest rates that are variable. The recorded carrying amount of our long-term debt under our Credit Agreement approximates fair value as these borrowings have variable rates that reflect currently available terms and conditions for similar debt. To decrease the risk associated with interest rate increases, we have entered into multiple interest rate swap and cap agreements for a portion of our variable rate debt. These swaps and cap are designated as cash flow hedges of variable future cash flows associated with our long-term debt.
In the first quarter of 2010, we entered into three interest rate cap agreements (the “2010 Caps”) to avoid unplanned volatility in the income statement due to changes in the London Interbank Offering Rate ("LIBOR") interest rate environment. The interest rate cap agreements matured in February 2014, had a total notional amount of $150 million and were de-designated as cash flow hedges associated with the Company’s variable rate bank debt in the fourth quarter of 2013.
In the second quarter of 2011, we acquired two interest rate swap agreements (the “USR Swaps”) as part of the acquisition of USR. One of the USR Swaps, which matures in October 2015, had a notional amount of $0.1 million as of September 30, 2015. Under the terms of this agreement, we receive one-month LIBOR and pay a fixed rate of 5.71%. The net effect of the hedge is to record interest expense at a fixed rate of 8.71%, as the underlying debt incurred interest based on one-month LIBOR plus 3.00%. The other USR Swap matured in April 2014. As a result of the acquisition of USR, the USR Swap was de-designated, hedge accounting was terminated and all further changes in the fair market value of the remaining swap are being recorded in interest expense and other, net.
In the fourth quarter of 2012, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement in connection with equipment financing. The swap, which matures in December 2017, had a notional amount of $2.5 million as of September 30, 2015. Under the terms of this agreement, we receive one-month LIBOR plus 2.50% and pay a fixed rate of 3.75%. The net effect of the hedge is to convert interest expense to a fixed rate of 3.75%, as the underlying debt incurred interest based on one-month LIBOR plus 2.50%.
In the first quarter of 2013, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement in connection with equipment financing. The swap, which matures in April 2018, had a notional amount of $2.3 million as of September 30, 2015. Under the terms of this agreement, we receive one-month LIBOR plus 2.00% and pay a fixed rate of 2.87%. The net effect of the hedge is to convert interest expense to a fixed rate of 2.87%, as the underlying debt incurred interest based on one-month LIBOR plus 2.00%.
In the fourth quarter of 2013, we entered into five interest rate cap agreements ("2013 Caps") to avoid unplanned volatility in the income statement due to changes in the LIBOR interest rate environment. The 2013 Caps, which mature in December 2016, had a notional amount of $250.0 million and were designated as cash flow hedges of future cash interest payments associated with a portion of our variable rate bank debt. Under these arrangements, we purchased a cap on LIBOR at 2.50%. We paid $0.8 million to enter into the 2013 Caps, which is being amortized through interest expense and other, net over the life of the agreements. Upon purchase of the 2013 Caps, the 2010 Caps were de-designated as cash flow hedges.
In the fourth quarter of 2014, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement in connection with equipment financing. The swap, which matures in November 2019, had a notional amount of $1.4 million as of September 30, 2015. Under the terms of this agreement, we receive one-month LIBOR and pays a fixed rate of 1.34%. The net effect of the hedge is to convert interest expense to a fixed rate of 1.34%, as the underlying debt incurred interest based on one-month LIBOR.
In the third quarter of 2015, we acquired eight non-designated interest rate swaps (the "AHNI Swaps") as a result of our step acquisition of AHNI. The AHNI swaps mature on various dates ranging from April 2017 through April 2020 and had notional amounts totaling $3.6 million as of September 30, 2015. Under the terms of these arrangements, we receive one-month LIBOR and pays fixed rates ranging from 0.85% to 1.17%. The changes in fair market value of the AHNI Swaps are recorded in interest expense and other, net, as incurred.
Our interest income is sensitive to changes in the general level of interest rates in the United States, particularly because the majority of our investments are in cash equivalents. We maintain our cash equivalents in financial instruments with original maturities of 90 days or less. Cash and cash equivalents are invested in interest bearing funds managed by third-party financial institutions. These funds invest in high-quality money market instruments, primarily direct obligations of the government of the United States. At September 30, 2015, we had cash and cash equivalents of $44.8 million, of which $37.2 million was held in accounts that were with third-party financial institutions which exceed the FDIC insurance limits. At September 30, 2014, we

45


had cash and cash equivalents of $38.8 million, of which $32.3 million was held in accounts that were with third-party financial institutions which exceed the FDIC insurance limits.

46


ITEM 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Also, we have investments in certain unconsolidated entities. As we do not control or manage these entities, our disclosure controls and procedures with respect to such entities are more limited than those we maintain with respect to our consolidated subsidiaries. These unconsolidated entities are not considered material to our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
As required by SEC Rule 13a-15(b), we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on the foregoing, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of such time at the reasonable assurance level.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during our most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

47


PART II—OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
From time to time, we are involved in routine litigation incidental to the conduct of our business. We believe that none of this litigation pending against us will have a material adverse effect on our business.
On June 14, 2013, Alliance Oncology, LLC, our subsidiary, filed a complaint against Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates, Inc. (“HVMA”) in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, including several claims seeking damages resulting from HVMA’s early termination of a long-term services agreement between the two companies.   HVMA filed an answer to Alliance Oncology’s complaint on August 27, 2013.  Without specifying its alleged damages, HVMA also asserted several counterclaims in its answer.  We filed our answer to HVMA’s counterclaims on October 4, 2013, and we intend to vigorously defend against the claims asserted. Litigation is currently ongoing through the discovery process. We have not recorded an expense related to any potential damages in connection with this matter because any potential loss is not probable or reasonably estimable at this time.
On February 10, 2015, Alliance Oncology was served with a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri by Dr. Barry Michael Driver. At the time the lawsuit was filed, the Plaintiff was an employed physician at Alliance Oncology’s Joplin, Missouri, Radiation Therapy Cancer Treatment Center. The Plaintiff alleged Alliance Oncology breached his employment agreement by failing to pay him in accordance with the terms of the contract. Alliance Oncology disputed Dr. Driver’s interpretation of the employment agreement and asserted Dr. Driver was paid appropriately. On September 9, 2015, the parties agreed to resolve the matter by mutual agreement whereby we agreed to pay the Plaintiff $1.5 million as full release of any and all claims.

ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS
The Company has included in Part I, Item 1A of its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, a description of risks and uncertainties that could affect the Company’s business, future performance or financial condition (the “Risk Factors”). The Risk Factors are hereby incorporated in Part II, Item 1A of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q. There have been no material changes in the Company's risk factors from those disclosed in the Risk Factors. Investors should consider the Risk Factors prior to making an investment decision with respect to the Company’s stock.
 
ITEM 2.
UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
None.
 
ITEM 3.
DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
 
ITEM 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
 
ITEM 5.
OTHER INFORMATION

None.


48


ITEM 6.
EXHIBITS
(a) Exhibits
 
Exhibit
No.
Description
 
 
 
3.1

 
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Alliance. (Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-16609) with the SEC on August 14, 2001)
 
 
 
3.1.1

 
Certificate of Amendment to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Alliance. (Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-16609) with the SEC on February 17, 2009)
 
 
 
3.1.2

 
Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Alliance HealthCare Services, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-16609) with the SEC on December 12, 2012)
 
 
 
3.2

 
Amended and Restated By-laws of Alliance. (Filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-16609) with the SEC on August 14, 2001)
 
 
 
3.2.1

 
Certain Amended and Restated Provisions of the By-laws of Alliance. (Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-16609) with the SEC on December 20, 2007)
 
 
 
4.1

 
Specimen certificate for shares of common stock, $.01 par value, of Alliance. (Filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-16609) with the SEC on August 14, 2001)
 
 
 
10.1*

 
The 1999 Equity Plan for Employees of Alliance and Subsidiaries, as amended and restated. (Filed as Appendix A to the Company’s Proxy Statement on Form DEF 14A (File No. 001-16609) with the SEC on April 17, 2009)
 
 
 
10.2*

 
Form of non-qualified stock option agreement under the 1999 Equity Plan for Employees of Alliance and Subsidiaries, as amended and restated. (Filed as Exhibit 10.25 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4/A (File No. 333-60682) with the SEC on June 14, 2001)
 
 
 
10.3*

 
Alliance Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated. (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-16609) with the SEC on December 20, 2007)
 
 
 
10.4

 
Form of Stockholder’s Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.21 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-60682) with the SEC on May 10, 2001)
 
 
 
10.5*

 
Form of Indemnification Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.27 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-64322) with the SEC on July 2, 2001)
 
 
 
10.6*

 
Employment Agreement dated as of December 1, 2005 between Alliance and Howard K. Aihara. (Filed as Exhibit 10.34 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 001-16609) with the SEC on March 16, 2006)
 
 
 
10.7*

 
Agreement Not to Compete dated as of December 1, 2005 between Alliance and Howard K. Aihara. (Filed as Exhibit 10.35 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 001-16609) with the SEC on March 16, 2006)
 
 
 
10.8*

 
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the 1999 Equity Plan for Employees of Alliance and Subsidiaries, as amended and restated. (Filed as Exhibit 10.22 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 001-16609) with the SEC on March 16, 2007)
 
 
 
10.9*

 
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Grant Notice and Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Directors) under the 1999 Equity Plan for Employees of Alliance and Subsidiaries, as amended and restated. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-16609) with the SEC on December 20, 2007)
 
 
 
10.10*

 
Form of Stock Bonus Award Agreement under the 1999 Equity Plan for Employees of Alliance and Subsidiaries, as amended and restated. (Filed as Exhibit 10.23 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 001-16609) with the SEC on March 16, 2007)
 
 
 
10.11

 
Governance and Standstill Agreement, dated as of March 16, 2007, among Alliance Imaging, Inc., OCM Principal Opportunities Fund IV, LP., and MTS Health Investors II, L.P. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-16609) with the SEC on March 22, 2007)
 
 
 


49


Exhibit
No.
 
Description
 
 
 
10.13*

 
Amendment of Employment Agreement, dated as of April 16, 2007, between Howard K. Aihara and Alliance Imaging, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-16609) with the SEC on April 20, 2007)
 
 
 
10.14*

 
New form of non-qualified stock option agreement under the 1999 Equity Plan for Employees of Alliance and Subsidiaries, as amended and restated. (Filed as Exhibit 10.35 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 001-16609) with the SEC on March 12, 2008
 
 
 
10.15*

 
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the 1999 Equity Plan for Employees of Alliance and Subsidiaries, as amended and restated (For Director Awards Only). (Filed as Exhibit 10.34 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 001-16609) with the SEC on March 10, 2009)
 
 
 
10.16*

 
Amendment to the Alliance Imaging, Inc. Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated. (Filed as Exhibit 10.35 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 001-16609) with the SEC on March 10, 2009)
 
 
 
10.17*

 
Second Amendment of Employment Agreement, dated as of December 9, 2008, between Howard K. Aihara and Alliance Imaging, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.37 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 001-16609) with the SEC on March 10, 2009)
 
 
 
10.18*

 
Form of Executive Severance Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-16609) with the SEC on May 8, 2014)
 
 
 
10.19

 
Credit Agreement, dated as of June 3, 2013, among Alliance HealthCare Services, Inc., Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch, as administrative agent and the lenders party thereto. (Filed as Exhibit 10.22 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-16609) with the SEC on August 7, 2013)
 
 
 
10.20

 
Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement, dated as of October 11, 2013, among Alliance HealthCare Services, Inc., Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch, as administrative agent and the lenders party thereto. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-16609) with the SEC on October 16, 2013)
 
 
 
10.21

 
Incremental Term Loan Commitment Agreement, dated October 11, 2013, by and among the Company, Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch, as administrative agent and other lenders party thereto.(Incorporated by reference to exhibits filed in response to Item 9.01(d), “Exhibits” of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated October 16, 2013 (File No. 001-16609)
 
 
 
10.22*

 
Form of Letter Agreement Evidencing Retention Bonus Arrangements with Executive Officers, dated as of January 31, 2012, with schedule of individual bonus amounts. (Filed as Exhibit 10.27 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 001-16609) with the SEC on March 15, 2012)
 
 
 
10.23*

 
Schedule of 2014 Executive Officer Compensation. (Filed as Exhibit 10.23 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-16609) with the SEC on May 8, 2014).
 
 
 
10.24*

 
Schedule of Non-Employee Director Compensation. (Filed as Exhibit 10.24 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-16609) with the SEC on May 8, 2014).
 
 
 
10.25*

 
Offer Letter, dated as of May 31, 2012, between Larry C. Buckelew and Alliance HealthCare Services Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.30 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-16609) with the SEC on August 7, 2012)
 
 
 
10.26*

 
Offer Letter, dated as of May 31, 2012, between Michael J. Shea and Alliance HealthCare Services Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.31 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-16609) with the SEC on August 7, 2012)
 
 
 
10.27*

 
Offer Letter, dated as of July 29, 2013, between Percy C. Tomlinson and Alliance HealthCare Services Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-16609) with the SEC on August 2, 2013)
 
 
 
10.28*

 
Executive Severance Agreement, dated October 1, 2013, between Percy C. Tomlinson and Alliance HealthCare Services, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 99.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-16609) with the SEC on August 2, 2013)
 
 
 
10.29*

 
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the 1999 Equity Plan for Employees of Alliance and Subsidiaries (Filed as Exhibit 10.29 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 001-16609) with the SEC on March 13, 2014)
 
 
 


50


Exhibit
No.
 
Description
 
 
 
10.30

 
Amendment No. 2 to Credit Agreement, dated as of June 19, 2015, by and among Alliance HealthCare Services, Inc., Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch, as administrative agent and the lenders party thereto. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-16609) with the SEC on June 23, 2015)
 
 
 
10.31

 
Incremental Term Loan Commitment Agreement dated as of June 19, 2015, by and among the Company, Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch, as administrative agent and other lenders party thereto. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-16609) with the SEC on June 23, 2015)
 
 
 
10.32

 
Term Sheet dated as of September 16, 2015, by and among the Company and Fujian Thai Hot Investment Co., Ltd. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-16609) with the SEC on September 17, 2015)
 
 
 
21.1

 
Subsidiaries of the Registrant.(Incorporated by reference to the exhibit filed in response to Item 15(a)(3), “Exhibits” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 (File No. 001-16609).
 
 
 
31

 
Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.(1)
 
 
 
32

 
Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.(1)
 
 
 
101

 
The following materials from Alliance’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2015, formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (a) Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014; (b) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the quarters ended September 30, 2015 and 2014; (c) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the quarters ended September 30, 2015 and 2014; (d) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity (Deficit); and (e) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.(1)

_________________
(1)
Filed herewith.
*
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.


51


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.
 
 
ALLIANCE HEALTHCARE SERVICES, INC.
 
 
 
November 9, 2015
By: 
 
 /s/ PERCY C. TOMLINSON
 
 
 
Percy C. Tomlinson
 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
November 9, 2015
By: 
 
/s/    HOWARD K. AIHARA
 
 
 
Howard K. Aihara
 
 
 
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

52