-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, JiZgYcR/BDejNuwHxIutKQYUdCm8kShMw1OSwlSWmCkNhXWQyJuqp1Ld1JXOV2RO 5dYgD+cR4dJ/3NvWqJkX5A== 0001104659-06-017277.txt : 20060316 0001104659-06-017277.hdr.sgml : 20060316 20060316145432 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001104659-06-017277 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 9 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20051231 FILED AS OF DATE: 20060316 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20060316 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: ALLIANCE IMAGING INC /DE/ CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000817135 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: SERVICES-MEDICAL LABORATORIES [8071] IRS NUMBER: 330239910 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-16609 FILM NUMBER: 06691487 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1065 N PACIFICENTER DR STREET 2: STE 200 CITY: ANAHEIM STATE: CA ZIP: 92806-2131 BUSINESS PHONE: 7146887100 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1065 N PACIFICENTER DR STREET 2: STE 200 CITY: ANAHEIM STATE: CA ZIP: 92806-2131 10-K 1 a06-1844_210k.htm ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 AND 15(D)

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005

Commission File Number 1-16609


ALLIANCE IMAGING, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

DELAWARE

33-0239910

(State of other jurisdiction of

(IRS Employer Identification Number)

Incorporation or organization)

 

 

1900 S. State College Blvd., Suite 600, Anaheim, California 92806

(Address of principal executive office) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (714) 688-7100

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Each Class

Common Stock, Par Value $0.01

Name of each Exchange on which Registered

New York Stock Exchange

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o   No x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o   No x

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, as amended, during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x   No  o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x

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

Large accelerated filer o      Accelerated filer x      Non-accelerated filer o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes o   No x

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of March 6, 2006, based upon the closing price of the Common Stock as reported by the New York Stock Exchange on such date, was $ 83,644,246.

The number of shares outstanding of Common Stock, par value $0.01, as of March 6, 2006 was 49,607,581 shares.

Documents Incorporated by Reference

The Registrant’s definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 24, 2006 is incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K to the extent stated herein.

 




PART I

Item 1.                        Business.

General

We are a leading national provider of shared-service and fixed-site diagnostic imaging services, based upon annual revenue and number of diagnostic imaging systems deployed. Our principal sources of revenue are derived from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography and positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET and PET/CT). Unless the context otherwise requires, the words “we” “us” and “our” as used in this Form 10-K refers to Alliance Imaging, Inc. and our direct and indirect subsidiaries. We provide imaging services primarily to hospitals and other healthcare providers on a shared and full-time service basis. We also provide services through a growing number of fixed-sites primarily in partnerships with hospitals or health systems. Our 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 includes only the use of our imaging systems under a short-term contract. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, MRI services and PET and PET/CT services generated 68% and 23% of our revenue, respectively. The remaining revenue was comprised of other modality diagnostic imaging services revenue, primarily computed tomography (CT), and management contract revenue. We had 507 diagnostic imaging systems, including 351 MRI systems and 68 PET or PET/CT systems, and served over 1,000 clients in 44 states at December 31, 2005. Of these 507 diagnostic imaging systems,  73 were located in fixed-sites, which constitutes systems installed in hospitals or other buildings on hospital campuses, including modular buildings, systems installed inside medical groups’ offices, or medical buildings, and free-standing fixed-sites, which includes systems installed in a medical office building, ambulatory surgical center, or other retail space. Of these 73 fixed sites, 58 were MRI fixed-sites, 3 were PET or PET/CT fixed-sites and 12 were other modality fixed-sites.

Approximately 87% of our revenues for the year ended December 31, 2005 were generated by providing services to hospitals and other healthcare providers, which we refer to as wholesale revenues. Our wholesale revenues are typically generated from contracts that require our clients to pay us based on the number of scans we perform, although some pay us a flat fee for a period of time regardless of the number of scans we perform. These payments are due to us independent of our clients’ receipt of reimbursement from third-party payors. 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 seven to ten years in length for fixed-site arrangements. These contracts often contain automatic renewal provisions and certain contracts have cancellation clauses if the hospital or other healthcare provider purchases their own system. We price our contracts based on the type of system used, the scan volume, and the number of ancillary services being provided. Pricing is also affected by competitive pressures.

Our clients, primarily small-to-mid-sized hospitals, contract with us to provide diagnostic imaging systems and services in order to:

·       avoid capital investment and financial risk associated with the purchase of their own systems;

·       provide access to MRI, PET and PET/CT and other services for their patients when the demand for these services does not justify the purchase of a system;

·       benefit from upgraded imaging systems without direct capital expenditures;

·       eliminate the need to recruit, train and manage qualified technologists;

·       make use of our ancillary services; and

·       gain access to services under our regulatory and licensing approvals when they do not have these approvals.

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Significant 2005 Corporate Events

On October 28, 2005 we announced the resignation of R. Brian Hanson, executive vice president and chief financial officer, effective November 1, 2005.

On December 1, 2005 we announced the promotion of Howard K. Aihara to executive vice president and chief financial officer. Mr. Aihara joined us in September 2000 as vice president, corporate controller, and from November 1, 2005, served as the interim chief financial officer. Mr. Aihara was vice president, finance, for UniMed Management Company from 1997 through September 2000, and executive director and corporate controller for AHI Healthcare Systems Inc. from 1995 through 1997.

During December 2005, we entered into a fourth amendment to our Credit Agreement which revised our maximum consolidated leverage ratio covenant to a level not to exceed 4.00 to 1.00 as of the last day of any fiscal quarter until the expiration of the agreement. Prior to this amendment, the maximum consolidated leverage ratio covenant was 3.75 to 1.00 as of the last day of any fiscal quarter beginning March 31, 2006 to the expiration of the agreement. The fourth amendment contains a maximum consolidated senior leverage ratio covenant defined at a level not to exceed 3.00 to 1.00 as of the last day of any fiscal quarter. The amendment also increased the Tranche C1 term loan facility of the Credit Agreement London InterBank Offered Rate margin from an annual rate of 2.25% to 2.50%. We paid an amendment fee of $0.6 million to complete this transaction.

Effective October 1, 2005, we acquired 100% of the outstanding stock of PET Scans of America Corp. (“PSA”), a mobile provider of PET and PET/CT services primarily to hospitals in 13 states. The purchase price consisted of $36.6 million in cash and $3.7 million in assumed liabilities and transaction costs. The acquisition was financed using our revolving line of credit, internally generated funds, and capital leases. As a result of this acquisition we acquired intangible assets of $11.4 million, of which $9.1 million was assigned to PSA customer contracts, which will be amortized over 10 years, and $2.1 million was assigned to certificates of need held by PSA, which have indefinite useful lives and are not subject to amortization. These assets were recorded at fair value at the acquisition date. We recorded total goodwill of $22.5 million, which includes $3.0 million of goodwill related to income tax timing differences as a result of the acquisition. None of the goodwill recorded is deductible for tax purposes. Adjustments to goodwill may occur in future periods as a result of changes in the original valuation of assets and liabilities acquired. This acquisition is expected to generate approximately $20.0 million in annualized revenue for us. The year ended December 31, 2005 includes three months of operations from this acquisition. We have not included pro forma information as this acquisition did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Industry Overview

Diagnostic imaging services are noninvasive procedures that generate representations of the internal anatomy and convert them to film or digital media. Diagnostic imaging systems facilitate the early diagnosis of diseases and disorders, often minimizing the cost and amount of care required and reducing the need for costly and invasive diagnostic procedures.

MRI

MRI involves the use of high-strength magnetic fields to produce computer-processed cross-sectional images of the body. Due to its superior image quality, MRI is the preferred imaging technology for evaluating soft tissue and organs, including the brain, spinal cord and other internal anatomy. With advances in MRI technology, MRI is increasingly being used for new applications such as imaging of the heart, chest and abdomen. Conditions that can be detected by MRI include multiple sclerosis, tumors, strokes, infections, and injuries to the spine, joints, ligaments, and tendons. Unlike x-rays and computed

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tomography, which are other diagnostic imaging technologies, MRI does not expose patients to potentially harmful radiation.

MRI technology was first patented in 1974, and MRI systems first became commercially available in 1983. Since then, manufacturers have offered increasingly sophisticated MRI systems and related software to increase the speed of each scan and improve image quality. Magnet strengths are measured in tesla, and MRI systems typically use magnets with strengths ranging from 0.2 to 1.5 tesla. The 1.0 and 1.5 tesla strengths are generally considered optimal because they are strong enough to produce relatively fast scans but are not so strong as to create discomfort for most patients. Manufacturers have worked to gradually enhance other components of the machines to make them more versatile. Many of the hardware and software systems in recently manufactured machines are modular and can be upgraded for much lower costs than purchasing new systems.

The MRI industry has experienced growth as a result of:

·       recognition of MRI as a cost-effective, noninvasive diagnostic tool;

·       superior soft-tissue image quality of MRI versus that of other diagnostic imaging technologies;

·       wider physician acceptance and availability of MRI technology;

·       growth in the number of MRI applications;

·       MRI’s safety when compared to other diagnostic imaging technologies, because it does not use potentially harmful radiation; and

·       increased overall demand for healthcare services, including diagnostic services, for the aging population.

PET and PET/CT

PET is a nuclear medicine procedure that produces images of the body’s metabolic and biologic functions. PET can provide earlier detection of certain cancers, coronary diseases or neurologic problems than other diagnostic imaging systems. It is also useful for the monitoring of these conditions. PET can detect the presence of disease at an early stage. The ability of PET technology to measure metabolic activity assists in the identification of lesions and the assessment of organ health. A growing body of clinical research supports PET as a diagnostic tool for cancer diagnosis, staging, and treatment monitoring. The recent expansion of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”) coverage has driven the growth of PET. Since 1998, the diagnosis, staging, and restaging of lung, esophageal, colorectal, breast, head and neck cancers, lymphoma, and melanoma have been approved by CMS for reimbursement. Effective September 15, 2004, CMS expanded national PET reimbursement coverage to include PET scans for diagnosis and treatment of dementia and neurodegenerative diseases. On January 28, 2005, Medicare issued a national coverage determination providing for expanded national PET reimbursement coverage for brain, cervical, ovarian, pancreatic, small lung cell, and testicular cancer. Under this national coverage determination, PET is to be covered for detection of pre-treatment metastases in newly diagnosed cervical cancer, as well as for brain, ovarian, pancreatic, small cell lung, and testicular cancers, where provided as part of certain types of clinical trials.

A PET/CT system fuses together the results of a PET and CT scan at the scanner level. The PET portion of the scan detects the metabolic signal of cancer cells and the CT portion of the scan provides a detailed image of the internal anatomy that reveals the location, size and shape of abnormal cancerous growths.

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Other Diagnostic Imaging Services

·       Computed Tomography or CT.   In CT imaging, a computer analyzes the information received from an x-ray beam to produce multiple cross-sectional images of a particular organ or area of the body. CT imaging is used to detect tumors and other conditions affecting bones and internal organs.

·       Other Services.   Other diagnostic imaging technologies include x-ray, single photon emission computed tomography, and ultrasound.

Imaging Settings

MRI, PET and other diagnostic imaging services are typically provided in one of the following settings:

·       Hospitals and Clinics.   Imaging systems are located in and owned and operated by a hospital or clinic. These systems are primarily used by patients of the hospital or clinic, and the hospital or clinic bills third-party payors, such as health insurers, including Medicare or Medicaid.

·       Independent Imaging Centers.   Imaging systems are located in permanent facilities not generally owned by hospitals or clinics. These centers depend upon physician referrals for their patients and generally do not maintain dedicated, contractual relationships with hospitals or clinics. In fact, these centers may compete with hospitals or clinics that have their own systems to provide imaging services to these patients. Like hospitals and clinics, these centers bill third-party payors for their services.

·       Outsourced.   Imaging systems, largely located in mobile trailers, but also provided in fixed facilities, provide services to a hospital or clinic on a shared-service or full-time basis. Generally, the hospital or clinic contracts with the imaging service provider to perform scans of its patients, and the imaging service provider is paid directly by that hospital or clinic instead of by a third-party payor.

Our Competitive Strengths

A Leading National Provider of Shared-Service and Fixed-Site MRI and PET and PET/CT Services

We believe we are a leading national provider of shared-service and fixed-site MRI and PET and PET/CT services, based on annual revenue and number of diagnostic imaging systems deployed, with 351 MRI systems and 68 PET and PET/CT systems (excluding four systems owned by unconsolidated joint ventures) in operation in 44 states at December 31, 2005. We believe our size allows us to achieve operating, purchasing and administrative efficiencies, including:

·       the ability to maximize equipment utilization through efficient deployment of our mobile systems;

·       equipment purchasing savings from equipment manufacturers;

·       favorable service and maintenance contracts from equipment manufacturers; and

·       the ability to minimize the time our systems are unavailable to our clients as a result of our flexibility in system deployment.

We also believe our size has enabled us to establish a well-recognized brand name and an experienced management team with a detailed knowledge of the competitive and regulatory environments within the diagnostic imaging services industry.

Exclusive, Long-Term Contracts with a Diverse Client Base

We primarily generate our revenues from exclusive, long-term contracts with hospitals and other healthcare providers. These contracts average approximately three years in length for mobile services and approximately seven to ten years in length for fixed-site arrangements. These contracts often contain

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automatic renewal provisions and certain contracts have cancellation clauses if the hospital or other healthcare provider purchases their own systems. During 2005, no single client accounted for more than 3% of our revenue.

Reduced Reimbursement Risk

Generally, hospitals, clinics and independent imaging centers bill patients or third-party payors, such as health insurers, for their imaging services. In contrast, for the year ended December 31, 2005 approximately 87% of our revenues were generated by providing services to hospitals and clinics that are obligated to pay us regardless of their receipt of reimbursement from third-party payors. Accordingly, our exposure to uncollectible patient receivables is minimized, as evidenced by our bad debt expense of only 0.6% of revenues for the year ended December 31, 2005. In addition, we believe that the number of days outstanding for our accounts receivable, which was 43 days as of December 31, 2005, is among the more favorable in the healthcare services industry.

Comprehensive Diagnostic Imaging Solution

We offer our clients a comprehensive diagnostic imaging solution which includes our imaging services and ancillary services, such as marketing support, education and training and billing assistance. In some cases, we provide services under our regulatory and licensing approvals for clients when they do not have these approvals. We believe that a comprehensive diagnostic imaging solution is an important factor when potential clients select a diagnostic imaging provider. We also believe that some clients recognize the benefits of our solution and will continue to contract for our diagnostic imaging services or enter into a joint venture with us even if their scan volume may justify the purchase of their own imaging system.

Advanced MRI and PET and PET/CT Systems

Our technologically advanced systems can perform high quality scans more rapidly and can be used for a wider variety of imaging applications than less advanced systems. Approximately 95% of our MRI systems, specifically 1.0 and 1.5 tesla, are equipped with high-strength magnets that allow high-speed imaging. Moreover, technological change in this field is gradual and most of our systems can be upgraded with software and hardware enhancements, which should allow us to continue to provide advanced technology without purchasing entire new systems.

We have continued to make a significant investment in PET and PET/CT systems. In October 2005, we added nine PET and PET/CT systems to our fleet through the acquisition of PET Scans of America Corporation. We acquired our first PET system in 1999 and own 68 PET or PET/CT systems as of December 31, 2005.

Our Services

As of December 31, 2005, we provided our outsourcing services on the following bases:

·       Shared Service.   We offered 59% of our diagnostic imaging systems on a part-time basis. These systems are located in mobile trailers which are transported to our clients’ locations. We schedule deployment of these mobile systems so that multiple clients can share use of the same system. The typical shared-service contract averages approximately three years in length.

·       Full-Time Service.   We offered 30% of our diagnostic imaging systems on a full-time, long-term basis. These systems are located in either mobile units or buildings located at or near a hospital or clinic. Full-time service systems are provided for the exclusive use of a particular hospital or clinic. We typically offer full-time services under contracts that range from five to ten years in length. Our relationships with our higher-volume shared-service clients have, from time to time, evolved into full-time arrangements.

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·       Interim and Rental Services.   We offered 11% of our diagnostic imaging systems to clients on an unstaffed basis. These systems are located in mobile trailers which are transported to our clients’ locations. These clients may be unable to maintain the extra capacity to accommodate periods of peak demand for imaging services or may require temporary assistance until they can develop permanent imaging service centers at or near their facilities. Generally, we do not provide technologists to operate our systems in these arrangements.

Contracts and Payment

Our typical MRI and PET and PET/CT contract is exclusive, averages approximately three years in length for mobile services and seven to ten years in length for fixed-site arrangements, and often includes an automatic renewal provision. Most of our contracts require a fee for each scan we perform. With other contracts, clients are billed on a fixed-fee basis for a period of time, regardless of the number of scans performed. These fee levels are affected primarily by the type of imaging system provided, scan volume and the number of ancillary services provided. These payments are due to us independent of our clients’ receipt of reimbursement from third party payors. Approximately 87% of our revenues for the year ended December 31, 2005 were generated by providing these services to hospitals and other healthcare providers. To a lesser extent, our revenues are generated from direct billings to patients or their medical payors. Approximately 13% of our revenues for the year ended December 31, 2005 were generated by providing services directly to patients or their medical payors. We typically reserve the right to reduce a client’s number of service days or terminate an unprofitable contract.

Imaging Systems

As of December 31, 2005, we operated 507 diagnostic imaging systems, comprised of 351 MRI systems, 68 PET and PET/CT systems (excluding four systems owned by unconsolidated joint ventures), 36 CT systems and 52 other systems, substantially all of which we own. Of these 507 diagnostic imaging systems, 73 were located in fixed-sites, which constitutes systems installed in hospitals or other buildings on hospital campuses, including modular buildings, systems installed inside medical groups’ offices, or medical buildings, and free-standing fixed-sites, which includes systems installed in a medical office building, ambulatory surgical center, or other retail space. Of the 73 fixed sites at December 31, 2005, there were 58 MRI fixed-sites, 3 PET or PET/CT sites and 12 other modality fixed-sites. We have made significant investments in our systems in an effort to ensure that we maintain the newest, most advanced imaging systems that meet our clients’ needs. Moreover, because we can upgrade most of our current MRI and PET and PET/CT systems, we believe we have reduced the potential for technological obsolescence.

We purchase our imaging systems from major medical equipment manufacturers, primarily General Electric Medical Systems, Siemens Medical Systems and Philips Medical Systems. Generally, we contract with clients for new or expanded services prior to ordering new imaging systems in order to reduce our system utilization risk. As one of the largest commercial purchasers of MRI and PET/CT systems in the world, we believe we receive relatively attractive pricing for equipment and service contracts from these equipment manufacturers.

Regional Structure

In 2005 we divided our operations into five geographic regions. We have a local presence in each region, none of which account for more than 27% of our revenues. We believe we will continue to benefit from our regional managers’ direct contact with and knowledge of the markets we serve, which allows us to address the specific needs of each local operating environment. Each region continues to market, manage, and staff the operation of its imaging systems and is run as a separate profit center responsible for its own revenues, expenses and overhead. To complement this regional arrangement, we continue to have standardized contracts, operating policies, and other procedures, which are implemented nationwide in an effort to ensure quality, consistency and efficiency across all regions. For the purposes of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, “Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information”, we have aggregated the results of our five geographic regions into one reportable segment. Effective January 2006, we consolidated our five geographic regions to four geographic regions.

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System Management and Maintenance

We actively manage deployment of our imaging systems to increase their utilization through the coordinated transportation of our mobile systems using 229 power units. We examine client requirements, route patterns, travel times, fuel costs and system availability in our deployment process. Our mobile shared-service MRI systems are currently scheduled for as little as one-half day and up to seven days per week at any particular client, with an average usage of 2.1 days per week per client. Drivers typically move the systems at night and activate them upon arrival at each client location so that the systems are operational when our technologists arrive.

Timely, effective maintenance is essential for achieving high utilization rates of our MRI systems. We contract with the original equipment manufacturers for comprehensive maintenance programs on our systems to minimize the period of time the equipment is unavailable. System repair typically takes less than one day but could take longer, depending upon the nature of the repair. During the warranty period and maintenance contract term, we receive guarantees related to equipment operation and availability.

Sales and Marketing

As of December 31, 2005, our national sales force consisted of 44 members who identify and contact potential clients. We also had 42 marketing representatives, as of such date, who are focused on increasing the number of scans performed with our systems by educating physicians about our new imaging applications and service capabilities. The sales force is organized regionally under the oversight of regional vice presidents and senior management. Furthermore, certain of our executive officers and regional vice presidents also spend a portion of their time participating in contract negotiations.

Competition

The market for diagnostic imaging services is highly fragmented and has few national imaging service providers. We believe that the key competitive factors affecting our business include:

·       the quality and reliability of service;

·       the quality and type of equipment available;

·       the availability of types of imaging and ancillary services;

·       the availability of imaging center locations and flexibility of scheduling;

·       pricing;

·       the knowledge and service quality of technologists;

·       the ability to obtain regulatory approvals; and

·       the ability to establish and maintain relationships with healthcare providers and referring physicians.

We are, and expect to continue to be, subject to competition in our targeted markets from businesses offering diagnostic imaging services, including existing and developing technologies. There are many companies engaged in the shared-service and fixed-site imaging market, including one national competitor and many smaller regional competitors. While we believe that we had a greater number of diagnostic imaging systems in operation at the end of 2005 than our principal competitors and also had greater revenue from diagnostic imaging services during our 2005 fiscal year than they did, some of our competitors may now or in the future have access to greater resources than we do. We compete with other mobile providers, independent imaging centers, physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare providers that have their own diagnostic imaging systems, and original equipment manufacturers that sell or lease

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imaging systems to healthcare providers for mobile or full-time use. We may also experience greater competition in states that currently have certificates of need laws should these laws be repealed, thereby reducing barriers to entry in that state.

Employees

As of December 31, 2005, we had 2,092 employees, of whom 1,552 were trained diagnostic imaging technologists, patient coordinators, drivers or other technical support staff. The drivers in a portion of one of our regions, approximately 34 employees, are represented by the Teamsters union as their collective bargaining agent. We believe we have good relationships with our employees.

Regulation

Our business is subject to extensive federal and state government regulation. This includes the federal Anti-Kickback Law and similar state anti-kickback laws, the Stark Law and similar state laws affecting physician referrals, the federal False Claims Act, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 and similar state laws addressing privacy and security, state unlawful practice of medicine and fee splitting laws, and state certificate of need laws. Although we believe that our operations materially comply with the laws governing our industry, it is possible that non-compliance with existing laws or the adoption of new laws or interpretations of existing laws could adversely affect our financial performance.

Fraud and Abuse Laws; Physician Referral Prohibitions

The healthcare industry is subject to extensive federal and state regulation relating to licensure, conduct of operations, ownership of facilities, addition of facilities and services and payment for services.

In particular, the federal Anti-Kickback Law prohibits persons from knowingly and willfully soliciting, receiving, offering or providing remuneration, directly or indirectly, to induce either the referral of an individual, or the furnishing, recommending, or arranging for a good or service, for which payment may be made under a federal healthcare program such as the Medicare and Medicaid Programs. The definition of “remuneration” has been broadly interpreted to include anything of value, including for example gifts, discounts, the furnishing of supplies or equipment, credit arrangements, payments of cash, waivers of payments, ownership interests, and providing anything at less than its fair market value. In addition, there is no one generally accepted definition of intent for purposes of finding a violation of the Anti-Kickback Law. For instance, one court has stated that an arrangement will violate the Anti-Kickback Law where any party has the intent to unlawfully induce referrals. In contrast, another court has opined that a party must engage in the proscribed conduct with the specific intent to disobey the law in order to be found in violation of the Anti-Kickback Law. The lack of uniform interpretation of the Anti-Kickback Law makes compliance with the law difficult. The penalties for violating the Anti-Kickback Law can be severe. These sanctions include criminal penalties and civil sanctions, including fines, imprisonment and possible exclusion from the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

The Anti-Kickback Law is broad, and it prohibits many arrangements and practices that are lawful in businesses outside of the healthcare industry. Recognizing that the Anti-Kickback Law is broad and may technically prohibit many innocuous or beneficial arrangements within the healthcare industry, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued regulations in July of 1991, which the Department has referred to as “safe harbors.” These safe harbor regulations set forth certain provisions which, if met, will assure healthcare providers and other parties that they will not be prosecuted under the federal Anti-Kickback Law. Additional safe harbor provisions providing similar protections have been published intermittently since 1991. Our arrangements with physicians, physician practice groups, hospitals, and other persons or entities who are in a position to refer may not fully meet the stringent criteria specified in the various safe harbors. Although full compliance with these provisions ensures against prosecution under

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the federal Anti-Kickback Law, the failure of a transaction or arrangement to fit within a specific safe harbor does not necessarily mean that the transaction or arrangement is illegal or that prosecution under the federal Anti-Kickback Law will be pursued. In addition, the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services (“OIG”) issued a Special Advisory Bulletin on Contractual Joint Ventures in April 2003. The OIG Bulletin stated the Department’s concerns regarding the legality of certain joint contractual arrangements between providers and suppliers of health care items or services. The OIG Bulletin identified characteristics of arrangements the OIG may consider suspect, and focused on arrangements in which a health care provider expands into a related service, through a joint contractual arrangement with an existing supplier of the related service, to service the health care provider’s existing patient population. The OIG noted that such arrangements may be suspect when the provider contracts out all or nearly all aspects of the new venture, including the management, to the existing supplier, and provides only an existing patient base. In the OIG Bulletin, the OIG asserted that the provider’s return on its investment in such circumstances may be viewed as remuneration for the referral of the provider’s federal health care program patients to the supplier, and thus may violate the Anti-Kickback Law.

Although our arrangements may not fall within a safe harbor, we believe that our business arrangements do not violate the Anti-Kickback Law because we are careful to structure our arrangements to reflect fair market value and ensure that the reasons underlying our decision to enter into a business arrangement comport with reasonable interpretations of the Anti-Kickback Law. However, even though we continuously strive to comply with the requirements of the Anti-Kickback Law, liability under the Anti-Kickback Law may still arise because of the intentions or actions of the parties with whom we do business. In addition, we may have Anti-Kickback Law liability based on arrangements established by the entities we have acquired if any of those arrangements involved an intention or actions to exchange remuneration for referrals covered by the Anti-Kickback Law. While we are not aware of any such intentions or actions, we have only limited knowledge regarding the intentions or actions underlying those arrangements. Conduct and business arrangements that do not fully satisfy one of these safe harbor provisions may result in increased scrutiny by government enforcement authorities such as the OIG.

Many states have adopted laws similar to the federal Anti-Kickback Law. Some of these state prohibitions apply to referral of patients for healthcare services reimbursed by any source, not only the Medicare and Medicaid Programs. Although we believe that we comply with both federal and state anti-kickback laws, any finding of a violation of these laws could subject us to criminal and civil penalties or possible exclusion from federal or state healthcare programs. Such penalties would adversely affect our financial performance and our ability to operate our business.

In addition, the Ethics in Patient Referral Act of 1989, commonly referred to as the federal physician self-referral prohibition or Stark Law, prohibits physician referrals of Medicare and Medicaid patients for certain designated health services (including MRI and other diagnostic imaging services) to an entity if the physician or an immediate family member has any financial arrangement with the entity and no statutory or regulatory exception applies. The Stark Law also prohibits the entity from billing for any such prohibited referral. Initially, the Stark Law applied only to clinical laboratory services and regulations applicable to clinical laboratory services were issued in 1995. Earlier that same year, the Stark Law’s self-referral prohibition expanded to additional goods and services, including MRI and other imaging services. In 1998, CMS (formerly known as the Health Care Financing Administration), published proposed rules for the remaining designated health services, including MRI and other imaging services, and in January of 2001, CMS published the first phase of the final rule covering the designated health services. Phase one of the final rule became effective on January 4, 2002, except for a provision relating to certain physician payment arrangements, which became effective July 26, 2004. CMS released phase two of the Stark Law final rule as a final rule comment period on March 23, 2004, with an effective date of July 26, 2004.

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A person who engages in a scheme to circumvent the Stark Law’s referral prohibition may be fined for each such arrangement or scheme. In addition, any person who presents or causes to be presented a claim to the Medicare or Medicaid Program in violation of the Stark Law is subject to civil monetary penalties per bill submission, an assessment of up to three times the amount claimed, and possible exclusion from participation in federal healthcare programs. Bills submitted in violation of the Stark Law may not be paid by Medicare or Medicaid, and any person collecting any amounts with respect to any such prohibited bill is obligated to refund such amounts.

Several states in which we operate have enacted or are considering legislation that prohibits physician self-referral arrangements or requires physicians to disclose any financial interest they may have with a healthcare provider to their patients when referring patients to that provider. Possible sanctions for violating these state law physician self-referral and disclosure requirements include loss of license and civil and criminal sanctions. State laws vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and have been interpreted by the courts or regulatory agencies infrequently.

We believe our operations comply with these federal and state physician self-referral prohibition laws. We do not believe we have established any arrangements or schemes involving any service of ours which would violate the Stark Law or the prohibition against schemes designed to circumvent the Stark Law, or any similar state law prohibitions. Because we have financial arrangements with physicians and possibly their immediate family members, and because we may not be aware of all those financial arrangements, we rely on physicians and their immediate family members to avoid making prohibited referrals to us in violation of the Stark Law and similar state laws. If we receive such a prohibited referral which is not covered by exceptions under the Stark Law and applicable state law, our submission of a bill for the referral could subject us to sanctions under the Stark Law and applicable state law. Any sanctions imposed on us under the Stark Law or any similar state laws could adversely affect our financial results and our ability to operate our business.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”) created new federal statutes to prevent healthcare fraud and false statements relating to healthcare matters. The healthcare fraud statute prohibits knowingly and willfully executing a scheme to defraud any healthcare benefit program, including private payors. A violation of this statute is a felony and may result in fines, imprisonment or exclusion from government sponsored programs such as the Medicare and Medicaid Programs. The false statements statute prohibits knowingly and willfully falsifying, concealing or covering up a material fact or making any materially false, fictitious or fraudulent statement in connection with the delivery of or payment for healthcare benefits, items or services. A violation of this statute is a felony and may result in fines or imprisonment or exclusion from government sponsored programs.

Both federal and state government agencies are continuing heightened and coordinated civil and criminal enforcement efforts. As part of announced enforcement agency work plans, the federal government will continue to scrutinize, among other things, the billing practices of hospitals and other providers of healthcare services. The federal government also has increased funding to fight healthcare fraud, and it is coordinating its enforcement efforts among various agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, and state Medicaid fraud control units. We believe that the healthcare industry will continue to be subject to increased government scrutiny and investigations.

Federal False Claims Act

Another trend affecting the healthcare industry is the increased use of the federal False Claims Act and, in particular, actions under the False Claims Act’s “whistleblower” provisions. Those provisions allow a private individual to bring actions on behalf of the government alleging that the defendant has defrauded the federal government. After the individual has initiated the lawsuit, the government must decide whether

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to intervene in the lawsuit and to become the primary prosecutor. If the government declines to join the lawsuit, then the individual may choose to pursue the case alone, in which case the individual’s counsel will have primary control over the prosecution, although the government must be kept apprised of the progress of the lawsuit. Whether or not the federal government intervenes in the case, it will receive the majority of any recovery. If the litigation is successful, the individual is entitled to no less than 15%, but no more than 30%, of whatever amount the government recovers. The percentage of the individual’s recovery varies, depending on whether the government intervened in the case and other factors. Recently, the number of suits brought against healthcare providers by private individuals has increased dramatically. In addition, various states are considering or have enacted laws modeled after the federal False Claims Act. Even in instances when a whistleblower action is dismissed with no judgment or settlement, we may incur substantial legal fees and other costs relating to an investigation. Future actions under the False Claims Act may result in significant fines and legal fees, which would adversely affect our financial performance and our ability to operate our business.

When an entity is determined to have violated the federal False Claims Act, it may be liable for damages and civil penalties. Liability arises, primarily, when an entity knowingly submits a false claim for reimbursement to the federal government. Simple negligence should not give rise to liability, but submitting a claim with reckless disregard of its truth or falsity could result in substantial civil liability.

Although simple negligence should not give rise to liability, the government or a whistleblower may attempt and could succeed in imposing liability on us for a variety of previous or current failures, including for example:

·       Failure to comply with the many technical billing requirements applicable to our Medicare and Medicaid business.

·       Failure to comply with Medicare requirements concerning the circumstances in which a hospital, rather than we, must bill Medicare for diagnostic imaging services we provide to outpatients treated by the hospital.

·       Failure of our hospital clients to accurately identify and report our reimbursable and allowable services to Medicare.

·       Failure to comply with the Anti-Kickback Law or Stark Law.

·       Failure to comply with the prohibition against billing for services ordered or supervised by a physician who is excluded from any federal healthcare programs, or the prohibition against employing or contracting with any person or entity excluded from any federal healthcare programs.

·       Failure to comply with the Medicare physician supervision requirements for the services we provide, or the Medicare documentation requirements concerning such physician supervision.

·       The past conduct of the companies we have acquired.

We strive to ensure that we meet applicable billing requirements. However, the costs of defending claims under the False Claims Act, as well as sanctions imposed under the Act, could significantly affect our financial performance.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996

In addition to creating the new federal statutes discussed above, HIPAA also establishes uniform standards governing the conduct of certain electronic health care transactions and protecting the security and privacy of individually identifiable health information maintained or transmitted by health care providers, health plans and health care clearinghouses. Three standards have been promulgated under HIPAA with which we currently are required to comply. We must comply with the Standards for Privacy of

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Individually Identifiable Health Information, which restrict our use and disclosure of certain individually identifiable health information. We have been required to comply with the Privacy Standards since April 14, 2003. We must also comply with the Standards for Electronic Transactions, which establish standards for common health care transactions, such as claims information, plan eligibility, payment information and the use of electronic signatures. We have been required to comply with these standards since October 16, 2003. We must also comply with the Security Standards, which require us to implement security measures to protect the security and integrity of certain electronic health information. We have been required to comply with these standards since April 21, 2005. We believe that we are in compliance with these standards. One other standard relevant to our use of medical information has been promulgated under HIPAA. CMS has published a final rule, which will require us to adopt Unique Health Identifiers for use in filing and processing health care claims and other transactions by May 23, 2007. While the government intended this legislation to reduce administrative expenses and burdens for the health care industry, our compliance with this law may entail significant and costly changes for us. If we fail to comply with these standards, we could be subject to criminal penalties and civil sanctions.

In addition to federal regulations issued under HIPAA, some states have enacted privacy and security statutes or regulations that, in some cases, are more stringent than those issued under HIPAA. In those cases it may be necessary to modify our operations and procedures to comply with the more stringent state laws, which may entail significant and costly changes for us. We believe that we are in compliance with such state laws and regulations. However, if we fail to comply with applicable state laws and regulations, we could be subject to additional sanctions.

Unlawful Practice of Medicine and Fee Splitting

The marketing and operation of our diagnostic imaging systems are subject to state laws prohibiting the practice of medicine by non-physicians. We believe that our operations do not involve the practice of medicine because all professional medical services relating to our operations, including the interpretation of scans and related diagnoses, are separately provided by licensed physicians not employed by us. Some states have laws that prohibit any fee-splitting arrangement between a physician and a referring person or entity that would provide for remuneration paid to the referral source on the basis of revenues generated from referrals by the referral source. We believe that our operations do not violate these state laws with respect to fee splitting.

Certificate of Need Laws

In some states, a certificate of need or similar regulatory approval is required prior to the acquisition of high-cost capital items or services, including diagnostic imaging systems or provision of diagnostic imaging services by us or our clients. Certificate of need regulations may limit or preclude us from providing diagnostic imaging services or systems.

Certificate of need laws were enacted to contain rising healthcare costs, prevent the unnecessary duplication of health resources, and increase patient access for health services. In practice, certificate of need laws have prevented hospitals and other providers who have been unable to obtain a certificate of need from acquiring new machines or offering new services. Our current contracts will remain in effect even if the certificate of need states in which we operate modify their certificate of need programs. However, a significant increase in the number of states regulating our business through certificate of need or similar programs could adversely affect us. Conversely, repeal of existing certificate of need regulations in jurisdictions where we have obtained a certificate of need, or certificate of need exemption, also could adversely affect us by allowing competitors to enter our markets. Certificate of need laws are the subject of continuing legislative activity.

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Reimbursement

We derive most of our revenues directly from healthcare providers, such as hospitals, with whom we contract to provide services to their patients. Approximately 87% of our revenues for the year ended December 31, 2005 were generated by providing services to hospitals and other healthcare providers. Some of our revenues come from third-party payors, including government programs such as the Medicare Program, to whom we directly bill. We derive a small percentage of our revenues from direct billings to patients and their third-party payors. Services for which we submit direct billings for Medicare and Medicaid patients typically are reimbursed by contractors on a fee schedule basis and by patients who are responsible for deductibles and coinsurance. Revenues from all our direct patient billings amounted to approximately 13% of our revenue in 2005.

Our revenues, whether from providers who bill third party payors directly or from our own direct billings, are impacted by Medicare laws and regulations. As a result of federal cost-containment legislation currently in effect, Medicare generally pays for hospital inpatient services under a prospective payment system based upon a fixed amount for each Medicare patient discharge. Patient discharges are classified into one of many diagnosis related groups, or DRGs, which form the basis of a pre-determined payment amount for inpatient services for most hospitals. The DRG payment amount generally covers all inpatient operating costs, regardless of the services actually provided or the length of the patient’s stay. In addition, because Medicare reimburses a hospital for all services rendered to a Medicare patient (both inpatient and outpatient), a free-standing facility cannot be separately reimbursed for an MRI scan or other procedure performed on the hospital patient. Many state Medicaid Programs have adopted comparable payment policies.

As to hospital outpatient services, Medicare payment is based on an outpatient prospective payment system, or OPPS, under which services and items furnished in most hospital outpatient departments are reimbursed using a pre-determined amount for each ambulatory payment classification, or APC. Each APC represents procedures or items comparable both clinically and in terms of resources utilized. Certain new procedures are classified as new technology APCs, which, unlike clinical APCs, are classifications based solely on hospital costs. After a two to three year period, the procedure classified under the new technology APC is assigned to a clinical APC. Under OPPS, hospitals are paid based on procedures performed and items furnished during a patient visit. In addition to clinical and new technology APCs, certain of these items and services are paid on a fee schedule, and for certain drugs biologics, and devices, hospitals are reimbursed pass-through amounts.

The 2005 update to OPPS , which was announced in November 2004, reclassified several nonmyocardial PET procedures into a new technology APC cost band that differed from the new technology APC cost band assigned in 2004. As a result of the reclassification, the federal Medicare payment rate for PET scans provided in hospital outpatient departments declined from $1,450 to $1,150 in 2005. CMS delayed assigning these procedures to clinical APCs, which would be paid according to the median costs of the procedures assigned to the APC based on claims data, in response to concerns that doing so would reduce payments significantly and hinder beneficiary access to the technology. CMS again delayed the assignment to clinical APCs in 2006, retaining instead the 2005 payment rate for the nonmyocardial PET procedures. As to myocardial PET procedures, beginning in 2006, CMS reclassified the single- and multiple- study myocardial PET procedures from a single clinical APC to two distinct clinical APCs, to reflect the significant cost differences between the procedures. The federal Medicare payment rates for myocardial PET scans provided in hospital outpatient departments are $800.55 for a single-study and $2,484.88 for a multiple-study in 2006, an increase from the $735.77 rate for the procedures in 2005.

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The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003, or MMA, also changed the way Medicare payments are made in many significant ways. For those hospitals with which we contract, changes include revisions to the methodology used to calculate payments for certain drugs, including radiopharmaceutical agents, that were paid as pass-throughs, or additional payment amounts under OPPS, on or before December 31, 2002. This change may have resulted in reduced payments to hospitals for diagnostic scans utilizing radiopharmaceuticals, however, this change did not have a material affect on pricing of our PET contracts with hospitals or our financial performance.

Services for which we bill Medicare directly are paid under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. Under MMA, the physician fee schedule payment rates were increased for 2005. The conversion factor, a dollar amount used to calculate payments for various procedures by an established formula, was increased by 1.5% for 2005. For 2006, under the prescribed statutory formula, payments under the Physician Fee Schedule were to be reduced by approximately 4.4% on average. The Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (“DRA”), which was signed into law by President George W. Bush on February 8, 2006, eliminated this reduction for 2006 by setting the annual payment rate update at zero percent.

The DRA also imposes caps on Medicare payment rates for certain imaging services, including MRI and PET, furnished in physician’s offices and other non-hospital based settings. Under the cap, payments for specified imaging services cannot exceed the hospital outpatient payment rates for those services. This change is to apply to services furnished on or after January 1, 2007. The limitation is applicable to the technical component of the services only (which is the payment we receive for the services for which we bill directly under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule). If the technical component of the service established under the Physician Fee Schedule (without including geographic adjustments) exceeds the hospital outpatient payment amount for the service (also without including geographic adjustments), then the payment is to be reduced. In other words, in those instances where the technical component for the particular service is greater, the DRA directs that the hospital outpatient payment rate be substituted for the otherwise applicable Physician Fee Schedule payment rates. For full year 2005, approximately 4% of our revenue was billed directly to Medicare contractors. Basing our calculation on our 2005 revenues, if the provisions were in effect for 2005, we estimate that the reduction in Medicare revenue due to the DRA payment rate decreases would have totaled approximately $6.0 million. Because a high percentage of our expenses are fixed, we expect a significant portion of this decrease in revenue to directly effect earnings.

In addition, the DRA also codifies a reduction in Medicare payments for multiple images performed on contiguous body parts which was previously established by CMS in the 2006 Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule. Under that final rule, CMS is to pay 100% of the technical component of the higher priced imaging procedure and 50% for the technical component of each additional imaging procedure for multiple images of contiguous body parts within a family of codes performed in the same session. Prior to this change, Medicare paid 100% of the technical component of each procedure. CMS is phasing in this reimbursement reduction over a two-year period, so that payment rates for the technical components of second and subsequent imaging procedures are to be paid 75% of the otherwise applicable rate in 2006 and 50% of the otherwise applicable rate beginning in 2007. We believe that the implementation of this reimbursement reduction will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations beginning in 2006.

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. For example, as of October 1, 2003, PET for the restaging of some types of recurrent or residual thyroid cancers is covered by Medicare under certain circumstances. Because unfavorable coverage and reimbursement policies have and may continue to constrict the profit margins of the hospitals and clinics we bill directly, however, we have and may continue to need to lower our fees to retain existing clients and

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attract new ones. Alternatively, at lower reimbursement rates, a healthcare provider might find it financially unattractive to own an MRI or other diagnostic imaging system, but could benefit from purchasing our services. It is possible that third-party reimbursement policies will affect the need or price for our services in the future, which could significantly affect our financial performance and our ability to conduct our business.

Environmental, Health and Safety Laws

We are subject to federal, state and local regulations governing the storage, use, transport and disposal of materials and waste products, including biohazardous and radioactive wastes. Our PET service and some of our other imaging services require the use of radioactive materials. While this material has a short half-life, meaning it quickly breaks down into inert, or non-radioactive substances, using such materials presents the risk of accidental environmental contamination and physical injury. Although we believe that our safety procedures for storing, handling, transporting and disposing of these hazardous materials comply with the standards prescribed by law and regulation, we cannot completely eliminate the risk of accidental contamination or injury from those hazardous materials. We maintain professional liability insurance that covers such matters with coverage that we believe is consistent with industry practice and appropriate in light of the risks attendant to our business. However, in the event of an accident, we could be held liable for any damages that result, and any liability could exceed the limits or fall outside the coverage of our insurance. We may not be able to maintain insurance on acceptable terms, or at all. We could incur significant costs and the diversion of our management’s attention in order to comply with current or future environmental laws and regulations. We have not had material expenses related to environmental, health and safety laws or regulations to date.

How to Obtain Our SEC Filings

All reports we file with the SEC are available free of charge via EDGAR through the SEC website at www.sec.gov. In addition, the public may read and copy materials we file with the SEC at the SEC’s public reference room located at 450 Fifth St., N.W., Washington, D.C., 20549. We also provide copies of our Forms 8-K, 10-K, 10-Q, Proxy and Annual Report at no charge to investors upon request and make electronic copies of such reports available through our website at www.allianceimaging.com as soon as reasonably practicable after filing such material with the SEC.

Our Investor Relations Department can be contacted at Alliance Imaging, Inc., 1900 S. State College Blvd., Suite 600, Anaheim, California 92806, Attn: Investor Relations, tel: (714) 688-7100.

Executive Officers of the Registrant

Set forth below is information regarding our executive officers, including their principal occupations for the past five years and their ages as of March 6, 2006. There are no family relationships between any of our executive officers and any other executive officer or board member. Our executive officers are elected annually by our board of directors and serve at the discretion of our board of directors.

Name

 

 

 

Age

 

Present Position

 

 

Paul S. Viviano

 

52

 

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Andrew P. Hayek

 

31

 

President and Chief Operating Officer

Howard K. Aihara

 

42

 

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Christopher J. Joyce.

 

42

 

Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

Nicholas A. Poan

 

28

 

Vice President and Corporate Controller

 

Paul S. Viviano has been a director since 2003 and the chairman of the Board since November 2003. From January 2, 2003 through April 2003, he served as our president and chief operating officer. From

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April 2003 through October 2004, he served as our president and chief executive officer. Effective October 1, 2004 through present, Mr. Viviano serves as our chairman and chief executive officer. Prior to joining us, Mr. Viviano was chief executive officer of USC University Hospital and USC Norris Cancer Hospital from 2000 to 2002. He was employed by the St. Joseph Health System from 1987 to 2000 and served as its executive vice president and chief operating officer from 1995 to 2000. Mr. Viviano currently serves as the Chairman of the Executive Committee.

Andrew P. Hayek has served as our executive vice president and chief operating officer from April 2003 to October 1, 2004 and effective October 1, 2004, Mr. Hayek was promoted to the position of president and chief operating officer. Prior to joining us, Mr. Hayek worked for Capstone Consulting LLC from 2001 through March 2003, a firm in New York City that advises management teams on operations. Prior to Capstone, Mr. Hayek co-founded, developed, and ran a technology company in Jakarta, Indonesia from 1999 to 2001. Mr. Hayek has also worked for the Boston Consulting Group, an operation and strategy consulting firm, and the Pritzker Organization, the merchant banking arm of the Pritzker family of Chicago.

Howard K. Aihara has served as our executive vice president and chief financial officer since December 2005. Mr. Aihara joined us in September 2000 as our vice president and corporate controller. From 1997 until September 2000, he was vice president, finance, for UniMed Management Company, a physician practice management company in Burbank, California. From 1995 through 1997, he was executive director and corporate controller for AHI Healthcare Systems, Inc. of Downey, California. AHI was a publicly traded physician practice management company. Mr. Aihara began his career at Ernst & Young, and is a certified public accountant.

Christopher J. Joyce has served as our senior vice president, general counsel and secretary since February 2006. He joined us in October 2004 as interim regional vice president of one of our regions and was appointed senior vice president of business development in May 2005. Prior to joining Alliance, Mr. Joyce served as chief executive officer of Medical Resources, Inc., a publicly-traded fixed site imaging center operator with 60 centers in nine states. He joined Medical Resources as its senior vice president and general counsel in May 1998 after leaving Alliance Entertainment Corp., a publicly-traded music distribution enterprise where he served as executive vice president of business affairs and general counsel. Mr. Joyce began his career in 1988 as a corporate associate at the law firm of Willkie Farr & Gallagher.

Nicholas A. Poan has served as our vice president and corporate controller since December 2005. He served as our director of accounting, assistant controller, since December 2004 and part of our accounting management team since May 2003. Prior to joining us, Mr. Poan worked at Deloitte & Touche LLP from September 2000 through May 2003. He served as an accountant from September 2000 through September 2001 and as a senior accountant from September 2001 through May 2003, and is a certified public accountant.

Item 1A.                Risk Factors.

You should carefully consider the risks described below before investing in our publicly-traded securities. If any of these risks actually occurs, our business, financial condition or results of operations will likely suffer. In that event, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.

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Risks Related to Our Business and Our Common Stock

Changes in the rates or methods of third-party reimbursements for diagnostic imaging services could result in reduced demand for our services or create downward pricing pressure, which would result in a decline in our revenues and harm to our financial position.

We derive approximately 13% of our revenues from direct billings to patients and third-party payors such as Medicare, Medicaid or private health insurance companies, and changes in the rates or methods of reimbursement for the services we provide could have a significant negative impact on those revenues. Moreover, our healthcare provider clients on whom we depend for the majority of our revenues generally rely on reimbursement from third-party payors. From time to time, initiatives have been proposed which, if implemented, would have had the effect of substantially decreasing reimbursement rates for diagnostic imaging services.

For example, on February 8, 2006, the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (“DRA”) was signed into law by President George W. Bush. The DRA imposes caps on Medicare payment rates for certain imaging services, including MRI and PET, furnished in physician’s offices and other non-hospital based settings. Under the cap, payments for specified imaging services cannot exceed the hospital outpatient payment rates for those services. This change is to apply to services furnished on or after January 1, 2007. The limitation is applicable to the technical component of the services only (which is the payment we receive for the services for which we bill directly under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule). If the technical component of the service established under the Physician Fee Schedule (without including geographic adjustments) exceeds the hospital outpatient payment amount for the service (also without including geographic adjustments), then the payment is to be reduced. In other words, in those instances where the technical component for the particular service is greater, the DRA directs that the hospital outpatient payment rate be substituted for the otherwise applicable Physician Fee Schedule payment rates. The implementation of this reimbursement reduction contained in the DRA will have a significant effect on our financial condition and results of operations beginning in 2007. For full year 2005, approximately 4% of our revenue was billed directly to Medicare contractors. Basing our calculation on our 2005 revenues, if the provisions were in effect for 2005, we estimate that the reduction in Medicare revenue due to the DRA payment rate decreases would have totaled approximately $6.0 million. Because a high percentage of our expenses are fixed, we expect a significant portion of this decrease in revenue to directly effect earnings.

Our revenues may fluctuate or be unpredictable and this may harm our financial results.

The amount and timing of revenues that we may derive from our business will fluctuate based on:

·       variations in the rate at which clients renew their contracts;

·       the extent to which our mobile shared-service clients become full-time clients;

·       changes in the number of days of service we can offer with respect to a given diagnostic imaging system due to equipment malfunctions or the seasonal factors discussed below; and

·       the mix of wholesale and retail billing for our services.

In addition, we experience seasonality in the sale of our services. For example, our revenues typically decline from our third fiscal quarter to our fourth fiscal quarter. 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, the results of which are fewer patient scans during the period. Fourth quarter revenue is affected primarily by holiday and client and patient vacation schedules and inclement weather, the results of which are fewer patient scans during the period. As a result, our revenues may significantly vary from quarter to quarter, and our quarterly results may be below market expectations. We may not be able to reduce our expenses, including our debt service obligations, quickly enough to

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respond to these declines in revenue, which would make our business difficult to operate and would harm our financial results. If this happens, the price of our common stock may decline.

We may experience competition from other medical diagnostic companies and equipment manufacturers and this competition could adversely affect our revenues and our business.

The market for diagnostic imaging services and systems is competitive. Our major competitors include InSight Health Services Corp., Medquest, Inc., Radiologix, Inc., Medical Resources, Inc., Shared Medical Services, Kings Medical Company Inc. and Otter Tail Power Company. In addition to direct competition from other mobile providers, we compete with independent imaging centers and referring physicians with diagnostic imaging systems in their own offices, as well as with original equipment manufacturers, or OEM’s, that aggressively sell or lease imaging systems to healthcare providers for full-time installation. In recent years we have seen an increase in activity by OEM’s selling systems directly to certain of our clients. Typically, OEM’s target our higher scan volume clients. This increase in activity by OEM’s has resulted in overcapacity of systems in the marketplace, especially related to medical groups adding imaging capacity within their practice setting. This has caused an increase in the number of our higher scan volume clients deciding not to renew their contracts. We replace these higher volume scan clients typically with lower volume clients. During 2005, our MRI revenues modestly declined compared to 2004 levels and we believe that MRI revenues will continue to modestly decline in future years.

While we believe that we had a greater number of diagnostic imaging systems deployed at the end of 2005 than our principal competitors and also had greater revenue from diagnostic imaging services during our 2005 fiscal year than they did, some of our direct competitors which provide diagnostic imaging services may now or in the future have access to greater financial resources than we do and may have access to newer, more advanced equipment. In addition, some clients have in the past elected to provide imaging services to their patients directly rather than renewing their contracts with us. Finally, we face competition from providers of competing technologies such as ultrasound and may face competition from providers of new technologies in the future. If we are unable to successfully compete, our client base would decline and our business and financial condition would be harmed.

Managed care organizations may prevent healthcare providers from using our services which would cause us to lose current and prospective clients.

Healthcare providers participating as providers under managed care plans may be required to refer diagnostic imaging tests to specific imaging service providers depending on the plan in which each covered patient is enrolled. These requirements currently inhibit healthcare providers from using our diagnostic imaging services in some cases. The proliferation of managed care may prevent an increasing number of healthcare providers from using our services in the future which would cause our revenues to decline.

We may be unable to effectively maintain our imaging systems or generate revenue when our systems are not working.

Timely, effective service is essential to maintaining our reputation and high utilization rates on our imaging systems. Repairs to one of our systems can take up to two weeks and result in a loss of revenue. Our warranties and maintenance contracts do not fully compensate us for loss of revenue when our systems are not working. The principal components of our operating costs include depreciation, salaries paid to technologists and drivers, annual system maintenance costs, insurance and transportation costs. Because the majority of these expenses are fixed, a reduction in the number of scans performed due to out-of-service equipment will result in lower revenues and margins. Repairs of our equipment are performed for us by the equipment manufacturers. These manufacturers may not be able to perform repairs or supply needed parts in a timely manner. Thus, if we experience greater than anticipated system malfunctions or if

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we are unable to promptly obtain the service necessary to keep our systems functioning effectively, our revenues could decline and our ability to provide services would be harmed.

Our ability to maximize the utilization of our diagnostic imaging equipment may be adversely impacted by harsh weather conditions which may affect our ability to generate revenue.

Harsh weather conditions can adversely impact our operations and financial condition. To the extent severe weather patterns affect the regions in which we operate, potential patients may find it difficult to travel to our centers and we may have difficulty moving our mobile systems along their scheduled routes. As a result, we would experience a decrease in scan volume during that period. Our equipment utilization, scan volume or revenues could be adversely affected by similar conditions in the future.

Technological change in our industry could reduce the demand for our services and require us to incur significant costs to upgrade our equipment.

We operate in a competitive, capital intensive, high fixed-cost industry. The development of new technologies or refinements of existing ones might make our existing systems technologically or economically obsolete, or reduce the need for our systems. MRI, PET and PET/CT,  and other diagnostic imaging systems are currently manufactured by numerous companies. Competition among manufacturers for a greater share of the MRI, PET and PET/CT and other diagnostic imaging systems market has resulted in and likely will continue to result in technological advances in the speed and imaging capacity of these new systems. Consequently, the obsolescence of our systems may be accelerated. Should new technological advances occur, we may not be able to acquire the new or improved systems. In the future, to the extent we are unable to generate sufficient cash from our operations or obtain additional funds through bank financing or the issuance of equity or debt securities, we may be unable to maintain a competitive equipment base. In addition, advancing technology may enable hospitals, physicians or other diagnostic service providers to perform procedures without the assistance of diagnostic service providers such as ourselves. As a result, we may not be able to maintain our competitive position in our targeted regions or expand our business.

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Natural disasters could adversely affect our business and operations.

Our corporate headquarters is located in California and we currently operate in 44 states, located in various geographic regions across the country, subject to varying risks for natural disaster, including but not limited to, hurricanes, blizzards, floods, earthquakes and tornados. Depending upon their severity, these natural disasters could damage our facilities and imaging systems or prevent potential patients from traveling to our centers. Damage to our equipment or any interruption in our business would adversely affect our financial condition. While we presently carry insurance in amounts we believe are appropriate in light of the risks, the amount of our insurance coverage may not be sufficient to cover losses from these natural disasters. In addition, we may discontinue insurance on some or all of our facilities or imaging systems in the future if the cost of premiums for this insurance exceeds the value of the coverage discounted for the risk of loss. If we experience a loss which is uninsured or which exceeds policy limits, we could lose the capital invested in the damaged facilities or imaging systems as well as the anticipated future cash flows from those facilities or imaging systems.

Continued high fuel costs would harm our operations.

Fuel costs constitute a significant portion of our mobile operating expenses. Historically, fuel costs have been subject to wide price fluctuations based on geopolitical issues and supply and demand. Fuel availability is also affected by demand for home heating oil, diesel, gasoline and other petroleum products. Because of the effect of these events on the price and availability of fuel, the cost and future availability of fuel cannot be predicted with any degree of certainty. In the event of a fuel supply shortage or further increases in fuel prices, a curtailment of scheduled mobile service could result. There have been significant increases in fuel costs and continued high fuel costs or further increases would harm our financial condition and results of operations.

We may be unable to renew or maintain our client contracts which would harm our business and financial results.

Upon expiration of our clients’ contracts, we are subject to the risk that clients will cease using our imaging services and purchase or lease their own imaging systems or use our competitors’ imaging systems. During the year ended December 31, 2005, we continued to experience a high rate of contract terminations primarily due to stepped up marketing, sales and attractive financing alternatives being offered by original equipment manufacturers to our clients. A portion of our clients can execute their early termination clause and discontinue service prior to maturity. As a result, our 2005 MRI revenues declined compared to 2004 levels and we believe that MRI revenues from our shared service operations will continue to decline in future periods. If these contracts are not renewed, it could result in a significant negative impact on our business. It is not always possible to immediately obtain replacement clients, and historically many replacement clients have been smaller facilities which have a lower number of scans than lost clients.

Because a high percentage of our operating expenses are fixed, a relatively small decrease in revenues could have a significant negative impact on our financial results.

A high percentage of our expenses are fixed, meaning they do not vary significantly with the increase or decrease in revenues. Such expenses include, but are not limited to, debt service and capital lease payments, rent and operating lease payments, salaries, maintenance, insurance and vehicle operation costs. As a result, a relatively small reduction in the prices we charge for our services or procedure volume could have a disproportionate negative effect on our financial results.

21




We may be subject to professional liability risks which could be costly and negatively impact our business and financial results.

We may be subject to professional liability claims. Although there currently are no known hazards associated with MRI or our other scanning technologies when used properly, hazards may be discovered in the future. Furthermore, there is a risk of harm to a patient during an MRI if the patient has certain types of metal implants or cardiac pacemakers within his or her body. Patients are carefully screened to safeguard against this risk, but screening may nevertheless fail to identify the hazard. To protect against possible professional liability, we maintain professional liability insurance with coverage that we believe is consistent with industry practice and appropriate in light of the risks attendant to our business. However, if we are unable to maintain insurance in the future at an acceptable cost or at all or if our insurance does not fully cover us, and a successful claim was made against us, we could be exposed. Any claim made against us not fully covered by insurance could be costly to defend against, result in a substantial damage award against us and divert the attention of our management from our operations, which could have an adverse effect on our financial performance.

Loss of key executives and failure to attract qualified managers and sales persons could limit our growth and negatively impact our operations.

We depend upon our management team to a substantial extent. In particular, we depend upon Mr. Viviano, our Chief Executive Officer and the Chairman of our Board of Directors and Mr. Hayek, our President and Chief Operating Officer, for their skills, experience, and knowledge of the company and industry contacts. Effective May 9, 2005 Mr. Viviano and Mr. Hayek entered into employment agreements which end on the second anniversary of the effective date. The terms of these agreements are subject to automatic extensions on a quarterly basis after the initial term has been completed. Mr. Viviano and Mr. Hayek can prevent a quarterly extension by giving notice of a desire to modify or terminate their agreements at least thirty days prior to the quarterly extension date. In addition, we do not have key employee insurance policies covering any of our management team. The loss of Mr. Viviano or Mr. Hayek, or other members of our management team, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

As we grow, we will increasingly require field managers and sales persons with experience in our industry to operate our diagnostic equipment. It is impossible to predict the availability of qualified field managers and sales persons or the compensation levels that will be required to hire them. The loss of the services of any member of our senior management or our inability to hire qualified field managers and sales persons at economically reasonable compensation levels could adversely affect our ability to operate and grow our business.

Loss of, and failure to attract, qualified employees and technologists, could limit our growth and negatively impact our operations.

Our future success depends on our continuing ability to identify, hire, develop, motivate and retain highly skilled personnel for all areas of our organization. Competition in our industry for qualified employees is intense. In particular, there is a very high demand for qualified technologists who are necessary to operate our systems, particularly PET and PET/CT technologists. We may not be able to hire and retain a sufficient number of technologists, and we expect that our costs for the salaries and benefits of technologists will continue to increase for the foreseeable future because of the industry’s competitive demand for their services. Our continued ability to compete effectively depends on our ability to attract new employees and to retain and motivate our existing employees.

22




We are controlled by a single stockholder who will be able to exert significant influence over matters requiring stockholder approval, including change of control transactions.

Viewer Holdings L.L.C., an affiliate of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co (“KKR”), owns approximately 71% of our common equity without giving effect to phantom shares held by four members of KKR’s management who are on our board of directors. These directors in the aggregate hold 52,641 phantom shares, which gives them the right to receive an equivalent number of shares of our common stock, or cash, upon their retirement or separation from the board of directors or upon the occurrence of a change of control. KKR 1996 GP L.L.C. is the sole general partner of KKR Associates 1996 L.P., which is the sole general partner of KKR 1996 Fund L.P. As of the date hereof, KKR 1996 Fund L.P. is the senior member of Viewer Holdings L.L.C. Michael W. Michelson and James H. Greene, two of the members of our board of directors, are among the members of KKR 1996 GP L.L.C. Mr. Michelson is also the Chairperson of our Compensation Committee and a member of our Executive Committee. James C. Momtazee and Kenneth W. Freeman, who are also executives of KKR and limited partners of KKR Associates 1996 L.P., are also members of our board of directors. Mr. Momtazee is also a member of our Compensation Committee and our Executive Committee. We sometimes refer to KKR 1996 GP L.L.C., KKR Associates 1996 L.P., KKR 1996 Fund L.P. and various affiliated entities as KKR. KKR provides management, consulting and financial services to us and we paid KKR an annual fee of $650,000 in 2005 in quarterly installments in arrears at the end of each calendar quarter for those services.

As a result of the arrangements described above, KKR controls us and has the power to elect all of our directors, appoint new management and approve any action requiring the approval of the holders of shares of our common stock, including adopting amendments to our certificate of incorporation and approving mergers, consolidations or sales of all or substantially all of our assets. This concentration of ownership may also delay or prevent a change of control of our company or reduce the price investors might be willing to pay for our common stock. The interests of KKR may conflict with the interests of other holders of our common stock.

Our positron emission tomography and positron emission tomography/computed tomography, or PET and PET/CT services and some of our other imaging services require the use of radioactive materials, which could subject us to regulation related costs and delays and potential liabilities for injuries or violations of environmental, health and safety laws.

Our PET and PET/CT service and some of our other imaging services require radioactive materials. While this radioactive material has a short half-life, meaning it quickly breaks down into inert, or non-radioactive substances, storage, use and disposal of these materials presents the risk of accidental environmental contamination and physical injury. We are subject to federal, state and local regulations governing storage, handling and disposal of these materials and waste products. Although we believe that our safety procedures for storing, handling and disposing of these hazardous materials comply with the standards prescribed by law and regulation, we cannot completely eliminate the risk of accidental contamination or injury from those hazardous materials. We maintain professional liability insurance with coverage that we believe is consistent with industry practice and appropriate in light of the risks attendant to our business. However, in the event of an accident, we could be held liable for any damages that result, and any liability could exceed the limits or fall outside the coverage of our insurance. We may not be able to maintain insurance on acceptable terms, or at all. We could incur significant costs and the diversion of our management’s attention in order to comply with current or future environmental, health and safety laws and regulations.

23




We may not be able to achieve the expected benefits from future acquisitions which would adversely affect our financial condition and results.

We have historically relied on acquisitions as a method of expanding our business. In addition, we will consider future acquisitions as opportunities arise. If we do not successfully integrate acquisitions, we may not realize anticipated operating advantages and cost savings. The integration of companies that have previously operated separately involves a number of risks, including:

·       demands on management related to the increase in our size after an acquisition;

·       the diversion of our management’s attention from the management of daily operations to the integration of operations;

·       difficulties in the assimilation and retention of employees;

·       potential adverse effects on operating results; and

·       challenges in retaining clients.

We may not be able to maintain the levels of operating efficiency acquired companies will have achieved or might achieve separately. Successful integration of each of their operations will depend upon our ability to manage those operations and to eliminate redundant and excess costs. Because of difficulties in combining operations, we may not be able to achieve the cost savings and other size related benefits that we hoped to achieve after these acquisitions which would harm our financial condition and operating results.

Possible volatility in our stock price could negatively affect us and our stockholders.

The trading price of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange has fluctuated significantly in the past. During the period from January 1, 2004 though December 31, 2005, the trading price of our common stock fluctuated from a high of $14.15 per share to a low of $3.38 per share. In the past, we have experienced a drop in stock price following an announcement of disappointing earnings or earnings guidance. Any such announcement in the future could lead to a similar drop in stock price. The price of our common stock could also be subject to wide fluctuations in the future as a result of a number of other factors, including the following:

·       changes in expectations as to future financial performance or buy/sell recommendations of securities analysts;

·       our, or a competitor’s, announcement of new products or services, or significant acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments; and

·       the operating and stock price performance of other comparable companies.

In addition, the U.S. securities markets have experienced significant price and volume fluctuations. These fluctuations often have been unrelated to the operating performance of companies in these markets. Broad market and industry factors may lead to volatility in the price of our common stock, regardless of our operating performance. Moreover, our stock has limited trading volume, and this illiquidity may increase the volatility of our stock price.

In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of an individual company’s securities, securities class action litigation often has been instituted against that company. The institution of similar litigation against us could result in substantial costs and a diversion of our management’s attention and resources, which could negatively affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.

24




Risks Related to Government Regulation of Our Business

Complying with federal and state regulations is an expensive and time-consuming process, and any failure to comply could result in substantial penalties.

We are directly or indirectly through our clients subject to extensive regulation by both the federal government and the states in which we conduct our business, including the federal Anti-Kickback Law and similar state anti-kickback laws, the Stark Law and similar state laws affecting physician referrals, the federal False Claims Act, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 and similar state laws addressing privacy and security, state unlawful practice of medicine and fee splitting laws, state certificate of need laws, the Medicare and Medicaid regulations, the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003, and requirements for handling biohazardous and radioactive materials and wastes.

If our operations are found to be in violation of any of the laws and regulations to which we or our clients are subject, we may be subject to the applicable penalty associated with the violation, including civil and criminal penalties, damages, fines and the curtailment of our operations. Any penalties, damages, fines or curtailment of our operations, individually or in the aggregate, could adversely affect our ability to operate our business and our financial results. The risk of our being found in violation of these laws and regulations is increased by the fact that many of them have not been fully interpreted by the regulatory authorities or the courts, and their provisions are open to a variety of interpretations. Any action against us for violation of these laws or regulations, even if we successfully defend against it, could cause us to incur significant legal expenses and divert our management’s attention from the operation of our business. For a more detailed discussion of the various state and federal regulations to which we are subject see “Business—Regulation,” “Business—Reimbursement,” and “Business—Environmental, Health and Safety Laws.”

Federal and state anti-kickback and anti-self-referral laws may adversely affect our operations and income.

Various federal and state laws govern financial arrangements among health care providers. The federal Anti-Kickback Law prohibits the knowing and willful offer, payment, solicitation or receipt of any form of remuneration in return for, or to induce, the referral of Medicare, Medicaid or other federal healthcare program patients, or in return for, or to induce, the purchase, lease or order of items or services that are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or other federal healthcare programs. Many state laws also prohibit the solicitation, payment or receipt of remuneration in return for, or to induce the referral of patients in private as well as government programs. Violation of these laws may result in substantial civil or criminal penalties and/or exclusion from participation in federal or state healthcare programs. We believe that we are operating in compliance with applicable law and believe that our arrangements with providers would not be found to violate the federal and state anti-kickback laws. However, these laws could be interpreted in a manner inconsistent with, and that could have an adverse effect on, our operations.

The Stark Law prohibits a physician from referring Medicare or Medicaid patients to any entity for certain designated health services (including MRI and other diagnostic imaging services) if the physician has a prohibited financial relationship with that entity, unless an exception applies. Although we believe that our operations do not violate the Stark Law, our activities may be challenged. If a challenge to our activities is successful, it could have an adverse effect on our operations. In addition, legislation may be enacted in the future that further addresses Medicare and Medicaid fraud and abuse or that imposes additional requirements or burdens on us.

A number of states in which our diagnostic imaging centers are located have adopted a form of anti-kickback law and/or Stark Law. The scope of these laws and the interpretations of them vary from state to state and are enforced by state courts and regulatory authorities, each with broad discretion. A

25




determination of liability under the laws described in this risk factor could result in fines and penalties and restrictions on our ability to operate in these jurisdictions.

Healthcare reform legislation could limit the prices we can charge for our services, which would reduce our revenues and harm our operating results.

In addition to extensive existing government healthcare regulation, there have been and continue to be numerous initiatives at the federal and state levels for reforms affecting the payment for and availability of healthcare services, including proposals that would significantly limit reimbursement under the Medicare and Medicaid Programs. Limitations on reimbursement amounts and other cost containment pressures have in the past resulted in a decrease in the revenue we receive for each scan we perform. For example, the DRA, which was signed into law on February 8, 2006, contains provisions affecting Medicare payment for imaging services furnished in a number of settings. It is not clear at this time what proposals, if any, will be made or adopted and, if adopted, what effect these proposals would have on our business. Aspects of certain of these healthcare proposals, such as reductions in the Medicare and Medicaid Programs, containment of healthcare costs on an interim basis by means that could include a short-term freeze on prices charged by healthcare providers, and permitting greater state flexibility in the administration of Medicaid, could limit the demand for our services or affect the revenue per procedure that we can collect which would harm our business and results of operations.

The application or repeal of state certificate of need regulations could harm our business and financial results.

Some states require a certificate of need or similar regulatory approval prior to the acquisition of high-cost capital items including diagnostic imaging systems or provision of diagnostic imaging services by us or our clients. Seventeen of the 44 states in which we operate require a certificate of need and more states may adopt similar licensure frameworks in the future. In many cases, a limited number of these certificates are available in a given state. If we are unable to obtain the applicable certificate or approval or additional certificates or approvals necessary to expand our operations, these regulations may limit or preclude our operations in the relevant jurisdictions.

Conversely, states in which we have obtained a certificate of need may repeal existing certificate of need regulations or liberalize exemptions from the regulations. For example, Pennsylvania, Nebraska, New York, Ohio and Tennessee have liberalized exemptions from certificate of need programs. The repeal of certificate of need regulations in states in which we have obtained a certificate of need or a certificate of need exemption would lower barriers to entry for competition in those states and could adversely affect our business.

If we fail to comply with various licensure, certification and accreditation standards we may be subject to loss of licensure, certification or accreditation which would adversely affect our operations.

All of the states in which we operate require that the imaging technologists that operate our computed tomography, single photon emission computed tomography, and positron emission tomography systems be licensed or certified. Also, each of our retail sites must continue to meet various requirements in order to receive payments from the Medicare Program. In addition, we are currently accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, an independent, non-profit organization that accredits various types of healthcare providers such as hospitals, nursing homes and providers of diagnostic imaging services. In the healthcare industry, various types of organizations are accredited to meet certain Medicare certification requirements, expedite third-party payment, and fulfill state licensure requirements. Some managed care providers prefer to contract with accredited organizations. Any lapse in our licenses, certifications or accreditations, or those of our technologists, or the failure of any of our retail sites to satisfy the necessary requirements under Medicare could adversely affect our operations and financial results.

26




Risks Related to Our Indebtedness

We are highly leveraged and our liabilities exceed our assets by a substantial amount. As of December 31, 2005, we had $579.6 million of outstanding debt, excluding letters of credit and guarantees.

Our substantial indebtedness could restrict our operations and make us more vulnerable to adverse economic conditions.

Our substantial indebtedness could have important consequences for our stockholders. For example, it could:

·       require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures and acquisitions and for other general corporate purposes;

·       increase our vulnerability to economic downturns and competitive pressures in our industry;

·       place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt in relation to cash flow; and

·       limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and our industry.

If there is a default under the agreements governing our material indebtedness, the value of our assets may not be sufficient to repay our creditors.

Our property and equipment which makes up a significant portion of our tangible assets, had a net book value as of December 31, 2005 of $358.9 million. The book value of these assets should not be relied on as a measure of realizable value for such assets. The realizable value may be greater or lower than such net book value. The value of our assets in the event of liquidation will depend upon market and economic conditions, the availability of buyers and similar factors. A sale of these assets in a bankruptcy or similar proceeding would likely be made under duress, which would reduce the amounts that could be recovered. Furthermore, such a sale could occur when other companies in our industry also are distressed, which might increase the supply of similar assets and therefore reduce the amounts that could be recovered. Our intangible assets had a net book value as of December 31, 2005 of $193.7 million. These assets primarily consist of the excess of the acquisition cost over the fair market value of the net assets acquired in purchase transactions, customer contracts, and costs to obtain certificates of need. The value of these intangible assets will continue to depend significantly upon the success of our business as a going concern and the growth in future cash flows. As a result, in the event of a default under the agreements governing our material indebtedness or any bankruptcy or dissolution of our company, the realizable value of these assets will likely be substantially lower and may be insufficient to satisfy the claims of our creditors.

The condition of our assets will likely deteriorate during any period of financial distress preceding a sale of our assets. In addition, much of our assets consist of illiquid assets that may have to be sold at a substantial discount in an insolvency situation. Accordingly, the proceeds of any such sale of our assets may not be sufficient to satisfy, and may be substantially less than, amounts due to our creditors.

Despite current indebtedness levels, we and our subsidiaries may still be able to incur substantially more indebtedness which could increase the risks described above.

We and our subsidiaries may be able to incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future. The terms of the indentures that govern our 103¤8% senior subordinated notes due 2011 and 71¤4% senior subordinated notes due 2012 (the “notes”) permit us or our subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness, subject to certain restrictions. Further, the indentures allow for the incurrence of indebtedness by our subsidiaries, all of which would be structurally senior to the notes. In addition, as of December 31, 2005,

27




our revolving credit facility permitted additional borrowings of up to approximately $34.9 million subject to the covenants contained in the credit facility, and all of those borrowings would be senior to the notes. If new debt is added to our and our subsidiaries’ current debt levels, the risks discussed above could intensify.

If we are unable to generate or borrow sufficient cash to make payments on our indebtedness or to refinance our indebtedness on acceptable terms, our financial condition would be materially harmed, our business may fail and you may lose all of your investment.

Our ability to make scheduled payments on or to refinance our obligations with respect to our debt will depend on our financial and operating performance, which will be affected by general economic, financial, competitive, business and other factors beyond our control. We cannot assure you that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or that future borrowings will be available to us in an amount sufficient to enable us to service our debt or to fund our other liquidity needs. If we are unable to meet our debt obligations or fund our other liquidity needs, we may need to restructure or refinance all or a portion of our debt on or before maturity or sell certain of our assets. We cannot assure you that we will be able to restructure or refinance any of our debt on commercially reasonable terms, if at all, which could cause us to default on our debt obligations and impair our liquidity. Any refinancing of our debt could be at higher interest rates and may require us to comply with more onerous covenants, which could further restrict our business operations.

We may not be able to finance future needs or adapt our business plan to changes because of restrictions placed on us by our credit facility, the indentures governing our notes and instruments governing our other indebtedness.

The indentures for our notes and our credit facility contain affirmative and negative covenants which restrict, among other things, our ability to:

·       incur additional debt;

·       sell assets;

·       create liens or other encumbrances;

·       make certain payments and dividends; or

·       merge or consolidate.

All of these restrictions could affect our ability to operate our business and may limit our ability to take advantage of potential business opportunities as they arise. A failure to comply with these covenants and restrictions would permit the relevant creditors to declare all amounts borrowed under the relevant facility, together with accrued interest and fees, to be immediately due and payable. If the indebtedness under the credit facility or our notes is accelerated, we may not have sufficient assets to repay amounts due under the credit facility, the notes or on other indebtedness then outstanding. If we are not able to refinance our debt, we could become subject to bankruptcy proceedings, and you may lose all or a portion of your investment because the claims of our creditors on our assets are prior to the claims of our stockholders.

Rises in interest rates could adversely affect our financial condition.

An increase in prevailing interest rates would have an immediate effect on the interest rates charged on our variable rate debt, which rise and fall upon changes in interest rates. At December 31, 2005, $262.3 million of our debt was at variable interest rates. However, during 2005, we entered into multiple interest rate collar agreements which have a total notional amount of $178.0 million, which reduces our exposure on our total variable rate to the terms of these agreements. Under the terms of these agreements,

28




we have purchased a cap on the interest rate of 4.00% and have sold a floor of 2.25%. The collar agreements mature at various dates between January 2007 and January 2008. Increases in interest rates would also impact the refinancing of our fixed rate debt. If interest rates are higher when our fixed debt becomes due, we may be forced to borrow at the higher rates. If prevailing interest rates or other factors result in higher interest rates, the increased interest expense would adversely affect our cash flow and our ability to service our debt. As a protection against rising interest rates, we may enter into agreements such as interest rate swaps, caps, floors and other interest rate exchange contracts. These agreements, however, increase our risks as to the other parties to the agreements not performing or that the agreements could be unenforceable.

Item 1B.               Unresolved Staff Comments.

Not applicable.

Item 2.                        Properties.

We lease approximately 47,000 square feet of space in Anaheim, California for our executive and principal administrative offices. We also lease 20,000 square feet of space in Canton, Ohio for our retail billing operations. We have 15,900 square feet of space for a large regional office in Andover, Massachusetts, in addition to other small regional offices throughout the country. We also lease a 15,600 square foot operations warehouse in Orange, California and a 9,000 square foot operations warehouse in Childs, Pennsylvania.

Item 3.                        Legal Proceedings.

On May 5, 2005, Alliance Imaging, Inc. was served with a complaint filed in Alameda County Superior Court alleging wage and hour claims on behalf of a putative class of approximately 400 former and current California employees of Alliance Imaging. On August 19, 2005, the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint, which we answered on September 23, 2005.  In this suit, captioned Linda S. Jones, et al. v. Alliance Imaging, Inc., et al., the plaintiffs allege violations of California's wage, meal period, and break time laws and regulations.  Plaintiffs sought recovery of unspecified economic damages, statutory penalties, attorneys' fees, and costs of suit. The parties are currently taking discovery to develop facts relevant to the named plaintiffs' expected motion for certification of one or more classes. On or about March 10, 2006, plaintiffs filed a second amended complaint adding a cause of action for conversion and a plea for punitive damages. We have not yet responded to the second amended complaint and anticipates filing a demurrer and/or motion to strike the new claim and plea. A hearing for any such challenge to the second amended complaint has been scheduled for May 4, 2006. No date for the filing or hearing of a motion for class certification has been set and no trial date has been set. We are currently evaluating the allegations of the second amended complaint and are unable to predict the likely timing or outcome of the lawsuit.

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.

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

No matters were submitted to a vote of our security holders during the fourth quarter of 2005.

29




PART II

Item 5.                        Market for Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters.

Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “AIQ”. The high and low sales prices as reported on the NYSE are set forth below for the respective time periods. As of March 6, 2006, there were 16 stockholders of record of our common stock and approximately 2,342 beneficial holders of our common stock.

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

High

 

Low

 

High

 

Low

 

First Quarter

 

$

14.15

 

$

8.97

 

$

4.21

 

$

3.38

 

Second Quarter

 

$

11.09

 

$

9.25

 

$

4.85

 

$

3.61

 

Third Quarter

 

$

11.66

 

$

7.98

 

$

8.00

 

$

4.01

 

Fourth Quarter

 

$

8.65

 

$

4.72

 

$

11.75

 

$

5.84

 

 

We have never paid any cash dividends on our common stock and have no current plans to do so. We intend to retain available cash to provide for the operation of our business, including capital expenditures, fund future acquisitions, and to repay indebtedness. Our senior secured credit agreement and the indentures related to our notes restrict the payment of cash dividends on our common stock. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

All stock option plans under which our common stock is reserved for issuance have previously been approved by our shareholders. The following table provides summary information as of December 31, 2005 for all of our stock option plans:

 

 

Number of shares
of Common Stock to
be Issued upon Exercise
of Outstanding Options

 

Weighted Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding Options

 

Number of Shares of
Common Stock remaining
Available for Future Issuance
(excluding shares reflected
in column 1)

 

Stock option plans approved by shareholders

 

 

3,571,275

 

 

 

$

6.25

 

 

 

1,899,725

 

 

Stock option plans not approved by shareholders

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,571,275

 

 

 

$

6.25

 

 

 

1,899,725

 

 

 

30




Item 6.                        Selected Consolidated Financial Data.

The selected consolidated financial data shown below has been taken or derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company and should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and related notes included herein (in thousands, except per share data).

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2001

 

2002

 

2003

 

2004

 

2005

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

372,676

 

$

408,530

 

$

413,553

 

$

432,080

 

$

430,788

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization

 

162,190

 

184,050

 

198,456

 

217,605

 

226,294

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

43,944

 

45,822

 

47,472

 

48,142

 

48,077

 

Employment agreement costs

 

 

 

2,446

 

2,064

 

366

 

Severances and related costs

 

 

 

2,246

 

1,223

 

826

 

Loss on early retirement of debt

 

3,734

 

 

 

44,393

 

 

Impairment charges

 

 

 

73,225

 

 

 

Depreciation expense

 

63,761

 

69,384

 

77,675

 

80,488

 

82,505

 

Amortization expense

 

14,454

 

2,502

 

2,897

 

3,522

 

3,954

 

Interest expense, net

 

65,651

 

47,705

 

43,589

 

44,039

 

37,491

 

Other (income) and expense, net

 

 

(872

)

(200

)

(484

)

(399

)

Total costs and expenses

 

353,734

 

348,591

 

447,806

 

440,992

 

399,114

 

Income (loss) before income taxes, minority interest expense and earnings from unconsolidated investees

 

18,942

 

59,939

 

(34,253

)

(8,912

)

31,674

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

9,968

 

25,495

 

(1,680

)

(6,770

)

13,450

 

Minority interest expense

 

984

 

2,008

 

1,686

 

2,373

 

1,718

 

Earnings from unconsolidated investees

 

(2,540

)

(3,503

)

(2,649

)

(4,029

)

(3,343

)

Net income (loss)

 

$

10,530

 

$

35,939

 

$

(31,610

)

$

(486

)

$

19,849

 

Earnings (loss) per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.25

 

$

0.76

 

$

(0.66

)

$

(0.01

)

$

0.40

 

Diluted

 

$

0.24

 

$

0.72

 

$

(0.66

)

$

(0.01

)

$

0.39

 

Weighted average number of shares of common stock and common stock equivalents:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

42,004

 

47,595

 

47,872

 

48,350

 

49,378

 

Diluted

 

44,612

 

49,793

 

47,872

 

48,350

 

50,262

 

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2001

 

2002

 

2003

 

2004

 

2005

 

Consolidated Balance Sheet Data (at end of period):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

22,051

 

$

31,413

 

$

20,931

 

$

20,721

 

$

13,421

 

Total assets

 

658,232

 

687,404

 

628,176

 

622,198

 

675,342

 

Long-term debt, including current maturities

 

655,961

 

608,862

 

581,247

 

575,664

 

579,582

 

Stockholders’ deficit

 

(80,857

)

(42,309

)

(70,798

)

(67,528

)

(40,256

)

 

31




Item 7.                        Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Overview

We are a leading national provider of shared-service and fixed-site diagnostic imaging services, based upon annual revenue and number of diagnostic imaging systems deployed. Our principal sources of revenue are derived from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography and positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET and PET/CT). We provide imaging services primarily to hospitals and other healthcare providers on a shared and full-time service basis. We also provide services through a growing number of fixed-sites primarily in partnerships with hospitals or health systems. Our 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 includes only the use of our imaging systems under a short-term contract. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, MRI services and PET and PET/CT services generated 68% and 23% of our revenue, respectively. The remaining revenue was comprised of other modality diagnostic imaging services revenue, primarily computed tomography (CT), and management contract revenue. We had 507 diagnostic imaging systems, including 351 MRI systems and 68 PET or PET/CT systems, and served over 1,000 clients in 44 states at December 31, 2005. Of these 507 diagnostic imaging systems,  73 were located in fixed-sites, which constitutes systems installed in hospitals or other buildings on hospital campuses, including modular buildings, systems installed inside medical groups’ offices, or medical buildings, and free-standing fixed-sites, which includes systems installed in a medical office building, ambulatory surgical center, or other retail space. Of these 73 fixed sites, 58 were MRI fixed-sites, 3 PET or PET/CT fixed-sites and 12 other modality fixed-sites.

Approximately 87% of our revenues for the year ended December 31, 2005 were generated by providing services to hospitals and other healthcare providers, which we refer to as wholesale revenues. Our wholesale revenues are typically generated from contracts that require our clients to pay us based on the number of scans we perform, although some pay us a flat fee for a period of time regardless of the number of scans we perform. These payments are due to us independent of our clients’ receipt of reimbursement from third-party payors. 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 seven to ten years in length for fixed-site arrangements. These contracts often contain automatic renewal provisions and certain contracts have cancellation clauses if the hospital or other healthcare provider purchases their own system. We price our contracts based on the type of system used, the scan volume, and the number of ancillary services being provided. Pricing is also affected by competitive pressures.

Approximately 13% of our revenues for the year ended December 31, 2005 were generated 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. Our revenue from these sites is generated from direct billings to patients or their third-party payors, which are recorded net of contractual discounts and other arrangements for providing services at discounted prices. We typically charge a higher price per scan under retail billing than we do under wholesale billing.

Revenues from our fixed-sites are included in both our wholesale and retail revenues.

On February 8, 2006, the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (“DRA”) was signed into law by President George W. Bush. The DRA imposes caps on Medicare payment rates for certain imaging services, including MRI and PET, furnished in physician’s offices and other non-hospital based settings. Under the cap, payments for specified imaging services cannot exceed the hospital outpatient payment rates for those services. This change is to apply to services furnished on or after January 1, 2007. The limitation is applicable to the technical component of the services only (which is the payment we receive for the services

32




for which we bill directly under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule). If the technical component of the service established under the Physician Fee Schedule (without including geographic adjustments) exceeds the hospital outpatient payment amount for the service (also without including geographic adjustments), then the payment is to be reduced. In other words, in those instances where the technical component for the particular service is greater, the DRA directs that the hospital outpatient payment rate be substituted for the otherwise applicable Physician Fee Schedule payment rates. The implementation of this reimbursement reduction contained in the DRA will have a significant effect on our financial condition and results of operations beginning in 2007. For full year 2005, approximately 4% of our revenue was billed directly to Medicare contractors. Basing our calculation on our 2005 revenues, if the provisions were in effect for 2005, we estimate that the reduction in Medicare revenue due to DRA payment rate decreases would have totaled approximately $6.0 million. Because a high percentage of our expenses are fixed, we expect a significant portion of this decrease in revenue to directly effect earning.

In addition, the DRA also codifies a reduction in Medicare payments for multiple images performed on contiguous body parts which was previously established by CMS in the 2006 Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule. Under that final rule, CMS is to pay 100% of the technical component of the higher priced imaging procedure and 50% for the technical component of each additional imaging procedure for multiple images of contiguous body parts within a family of codes performed in the same session. Prior to this change, Medicare paid 100% of the technical component of each procedure. CMS is phasing in this reimbursement reduction over a two-year period so that payment rates for the technical components of second and subsequent imaging procedures are to be paid 75% of the otherwise applicable rate in 2006 and 50% of the otherwise applicable rate beginning in 2007. We believe that the implementation of this reimbursement reduction will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations beginning in 2006.

The principal components of our cost of revenues are compensation paid to technologists and drivers, system maintenance costs, medical supplies, system transportation and technologists’ travel costs. Because a majority of these expenses are fixed, increased revenues as a result of higher scan volumes per system significantly improves our margins while lower scan volumes result in lower margins.

The principal components of selling, general and administrative expenses are sales and marketing costs, corporate overhead costs, provision for doubtful accounts, and non-cash stock based compensation expense.

We record minority interest expense and earnings from unconsolidated investees related to our consolidated and unconsolidated subsidiaries, respectively. These subsidiaries primarily provide shared-service and fixed-site diagnostic imaging services.

Prior to 2004, MRI industry-wide scan volumes were adversely affected by relatively flat hospital growth rates of outpatient procedures and inpatient admissions. In addition, the increase in patient co-payments, higher patient deductibles, and an increase in referring physicians with diagnostic imaging systems in their own offices, all contributed to lower MRI industry wide scan volumes. In 2004, MRI industry-wide scan volumes returned to a more normal growth rate primarily due to improved hospital growth rates of outpatient procedures and inpatient admissions. In 2005, the growth rate of MRI industry-wide scan volumes has slowed in part due to weak hospital volumes as reported by several investor-owned hospital companies, the increasing trend of third-party payors intensifying their utilization management efforts to control MRI scan volume growth rate and additional patient-related cost-sharing programs. We expect that this trend will continue through 2006. The year ended December 31, 2005 was also impacted by the disruption of operations caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

In recent years, we began to see an increase in the competitive climate in the MRI industry, resulting in an increase in activity by original equipment manufacturers, or OEM’s, selling systems directly to certain of our clients. Typically, OEM’s target our higher scan volume clients. This increase in activity by OEM’s

33




has resulted in overcapacity of systems in the marketplace, especially related to medical groups adding imaging capacity within their practice setting. This has caused an increase in the number of our higher scan volume clients deciding not to renew their contracts. We replace these higher volume scan clients typically with lower volume clients. During 2005, our MRI revenues modestly declined compared to 2004 levels and we believe that MRI revenues will continue to modestly decline in future years.

At December 31, 2005, we had approximately $163.8 million of net operating losses available for federal tax purposes and $40.1 million for state tax purposes to offset future taxable income, subject to certain limitations. These net operating losses will expire at various dates from 2006 through 2025.

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 during the period. Fourth quarter revenue is affected primarily by holiday and client and patient vacation schedules and inclement weather, also resulting in fewer scans during the period. The variability in margins is higher than the variability in revenues due to the fixed nature of our costs.

KKR Acquisition

On November 2, 1999, Viewer Holdings L.L.C., an affiliate of KKR, acquired approximately 92% of Alliance in a recapitalization merger. Viewer is owned by two investment funds sponsored by KKR. Continuing as a private company after the KKR acquisition, we focused on integrating our prior acquisitions and strengthening the infrastructure of our business. The KKR acquisition and our current level of debt have not altered our capital expenditures, nor have they resulted in any other material adverse effects on the nature of our business.

The KKR acquisition consisted of a recapitalization merger in 1999 in which a wholly-owned subsidiary of Viewer was merged with and into Alliance. In connection with that merger, Viewer paid $191.8 million in cash to acquire 34,269,570 shares of common stock from Alliance. All of the previously outstanding shares of Alliance, except for certain retained shares, were converted into $5.60 per share in cash. In addition, KKR paid approximately $4.9 million to members of senior management and their children to acquire an additional 875,000 shares. Upon the consummation of the KKR acquisition, Viewer owned approximately 92% of Alliance. The $5.60 per share cash consideration paid by KKR valued our total equity at $226.2 million, including outstanding stock options. We used a substantial portion of the net proceeds from our sale of shares to KKR, together with $466.0 million of borrowings under a newly established senior secured credit facility and a $260.0 million subordinated bridge loan from KKR, to:

·       redeem for approximately $320 million, net of proceeds from the exercise of options, a portion of our common stock and options held by existing stockholders;

·       retire approximately $548 million of our existing debt and preferred stock; and

·       pay approximately $43 million of transaction-related and deferred debt financing fees and expenses.

In connection with the KKR acquisition, we incurred a significant amount of debt. As of December 31, 2005, we had $579.6 million of outstanding debt, consisting of $414.4 million of borrowings under our credit facility, $3.6 million aggregate principal amount of outstanding 103¤8% senior subordinated notes due 2011 (the “103¤8% Notes”), $150.0 million aggregate principal amount of outstanding 71¤4% senior subordinated notes due 2012 (the “7¼% Notes”), and $11.6 million of equipment debt. During 2004, we retired $256.4 million of our $260.0 million 103¤8% Notes through a cash tender offer, which we repaid with proceeds from borrowings under our credit facility, proceeds from the sale of our 7¼% Notes, and existing cash. Our indebtedness could require us to dedicate a substantial portion of

34




our cash flow to payments on our debt and thereby reduce the availability of our cash flow to fund working capital, make capital expenditures and invest in the growth of our business. In addition, the substantial interest payments on our debt could make it more difficult for us to achieve and sustain profitability.

Recent Transactions

During December 2004, we entered into and completed various debt related transactions in order to lower our overall borrowing costs by retiring substantially all of our $260.0 million 103¤8% senior subordinated notes due 2011 (the “103¤8% Notes”) through a cash tender offer (the “Tender Offer”). We entered into a third amendment to our credit agreement which revised our Tranche C term loan facility (“Tranche C1”) resulting in incremental borrowings of $154.0 million, decreased the borrowing rate from the London InterBank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 2.375% to LIBOR plus 2.25% and decreased the maximum amount of availability under our existing revolving loan facility from $150.0 million to $70.0 million. We also issued $150.0 million of 71¤4% senior subordinated notes due 2012 (the “71¤4% Notes”) in a transaction that was exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. We used the proceeds from these transactions and existing cash to complete the Tender Offer and redeem $256.4 million of the 103¤8% Notes at a redemption price equal to 113.856% of the principal amount, together with the accrued interest to the redemption date. We incurred a loss on early retirement of debt of $44.4 million for the tender offer which represents the tender premium and consent payment to redeem the 103¤8% Notes, write off of unamortized debt issuance costs, and other fees and expenses related to the redemption of the 103¤8% Notes.

During December 2005 we entered into a fourth amendment to our Credit Agreement which revised our maximum consolidated leverage ratio covenant to a level not to exceed 4.00 to 1.00 as of the last day of any fiscal quarter until the expiration of the agreement. Prior to the fourth amendment, our maximum consolidated leverage ratio covenant was 3.75 to 1.00 as of the last day of any fiscal quarter beginning March 31, 2006 to the expiration of the agreement. The fourth amendment also requires us to maintain a maximum consolidated senior leverage ratio covenant at a level not to exceed 3.00 to 1.00 as of the last day of any fiscal quarter. The amendment increased the Tranche C1 LIBOR margin from an annual rate of 2.25% to 2.50%. In connection with the amendment, we incurred an amendment fee of $0.6 million.

Effective September 1, 2005, we acquired certain assets associated with nine multi-modality fixed-site diagnostic imaging centers. The multi-modality fixed-site diagnostic imaging centers include one MRI system, six CT systems, and 29 other modality systems. The purchase price consisted of $7.7 million in cash and $0.8 million in assumed liabilities and transaction costs. The acquisition was financed using our internally generated funds. As a result of this acquisition, we recorded goodwill and intangible assets of $2.2 million and $2.4 million, respectively. The intangible assets were recorded at fair value at the acquisition date. All recorded goodwill is deductible for tax purposes and will be amortized over 15 years for tax purposes. The acquisition also includes $0.2 million of contingent payment due to the shareholders of the centers if certain performance targets are met over a three year period. When the contingency is resolved and consideration is distributable, we will record the fair value of the consideration as additional purchase price to goodwill. Adjustments to goodwill may occur in future periods as a result of changes in the original valuation of assets and liabilities acquired. This acquisition is expected to generate approximately $6.0 million in annualized revenue for us. The year ended December 31, 2005 includes four months of operations from this acquisition. We have not included pro forma information as this acquisition did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Effective October 1, 2005, we acquired 100% of the outstanding stock of PET Scans of America Corp. (“PSA”), a mobile provider of PET and PET/CT services primarily to hospitals in 13 states. The purchase price consisted of $36.6 million in cash and $3.7 million in assumed liabilities and transaction costs. The acquisition was financed using our revolving line of credit, internally generated funds, and capital leases. As a result of this acquisition we acquired intangible assets of $11.4 million, of which $9.1 million was

35




assigned to PSA customer contracts, which will be amortized over 10 years, and $2.1 million was assigned to certificates of need held by PSA, which have indefinite useful lives and are not subject to amortization. These assets were recorded at fair value at the acquisition date. We recorded total goodwill of $22.5 million, which includes $3.0 million of goodwill related to income tax timing differences as a result of the acquisition. None of the goodwill recorded is deductible for tax purposes. Adjustments to goodwill may occur in future periods as a result of changes in the original valuation of assets and liabilities acquired. This acquisition is expected to generate approximately $20.0 million in annualized revenue for us. The year ended December 31, 2005 includes three months of operations from this acquisition. We have not included pro forma information as this acquisition did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In late December 2005, we purchased an additional equity interest in a joint venture we formed in 2004 with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The joint venture, Alliance Oncology (“AO”), is designed to partner with hospitals to build and operate radiation oncology centers, with an emphasis on intensity modulated radiation therapy and image guided radiation therapy. We now own 80% of AO. The year ended December 31, 2005 did not include any consolidated results of operations from this acquisition due to the small number of days between the acquisition date and the fiscal year end. During the year we recorded earnings in unconsolidated investees for our share of AO’s previously unconsolidated earnings. We have not included pro forma information as this acquisition did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Results of Operations

The table below shows the components in our consolidated statements of operations as a percentage of revenues:

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2003

 

2004

 

2005

 

Revenues

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization

 

48.0

 

50.4

 

52.5

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

11.5

 

11.1

 

11.2

 

Employment agreement costs

 

0.6

 

0.5

 

0.1

 

Severance and related costs

 

0.5

 

0.3

 

0.2

 

Loss on early retirement of debt

 

 

10.3

 

 

Impairment charges

 

17.7

 

 

 

Depreciation expense

 

18.8

 

18.6

 

19.2

 

Amortization expense

 

0.7

 

0.8

 

0.9

 

Interest expense, net of interest income

 

10.5

 

10.2

 

8.7

 

Other (income) and expense, net

 

 

(0.1

)

(0.1

)

Total costs and expenses

 

108.3

 

102.1

 

92.7

 

(Loss) income before income taxes, minority interest expense and earnings from unconsolidated investees

 

(8.3

)

(2.1

)

7.3

 

Income tax (benefit) expense

 

(0.4

)

(1.6

)

3.1

 

Minority interest expense

 

0.4

 

0.5

 

0.4

 

Earnings from unconsolidated investees

 

(0.7

)

(0.9

)

(0.8

)

Net (loss) income

 

(7.6

)%

(0.1

)%

4.6

%

 

36




As noted previously, we have seen a continued decrease in our scan-based MRI revenues and we believe that scan-based MRI revenues from our shared-service operations will continue to modestly decline in future years. The table below provides scan-based MRI statistical information for each of the years ended December 31:

 

 

2003

 

2004

 

2005

 

MRI statistics

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average number of total systems

 

344.3

 

340.0

 

332.5

 

Average number of scan-based systems

 

306.4

 

293.0

 

282.4

 

Scans per system per day (scan-based systems)

 

9.46

 

9.67

 

9.47

 

Total number of scan-based MRI scans

 

828,173

 

812,730

 

753,020

 

Price per scan

 

$

361.23

 

$

355.96

 

$

354.59

 

 

Over the past three years we have seen an increase in PET and PET/CT revenues and we believe that PET and PET/CT revenues will continue to increase in future years, primarily as a result of planned system additions to satisfy client demand and anticipated expansion of reimbursement coverage by Medicare and other third party payors. The table below provides PET and PET/CT revenue statistical information for each of the years ended December 31:

 

 

2003

 

2004

 

2005

 

PET and PET/CT statistics

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average number of systems

 

34.5

 

48.8

 

55.7

 

Scans per system per day

 

4.84

 

4.97

 

5.41

 

Total number of PET and PET/CT scans

 

40,969

 

56,714

 

71,682

 

Price per scan

 

$

1,348

 

$

1,364

 

$

1,339

 

 

Following are the components of revenue for each of the years ended December 31 (in millions):

 

 

2003

 

2004

 

2005

 

Total MRI revenue

 

$

321.8

 

$

315.9

 

$

293.9

 

PET and PET/CT revenue

 

55.9

 

77.5

 

96.4

 

Other modalities and other revenue

 

35.9

 

38.7

 

40.5

 

Total

 

$

413.6

 

$

432.1

 

$

430.8

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2005 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2004

Revenue decreased $1.3 million, or 0.3%, to $430.8 million in 2005 compared to $432.1 million in 2004 as a result of lower MRI revenue, partially offset by higher PET and PET/CT revenue and higher other modalities revenue. MRI revenue in 2005 decreased $22.0 million, or 7.0%, compared to 2004. Scan-based MRI revenue decreased $22.3 million, or 7.7%, to $267.0 million in 2005, from $289.3 million in 2004, primarily as a result of a 7.3% decrease in our scan-based MRI scan volume. Scan-based MRI scan volume decreased to 753,020 scans in 2005 from 812,730 scans in 2004, primarily due to a decrease in the average number of scan-based systems in service due to lower client demand. Scan-based systems in services decreased to 282.4 systems in 2005 from 293.0 systems in 2004 to adjust to modestly declining scan volumes and to increase the efficiency of our MRI systems. Average scans per system per day also decreased by 2.1% to 9.47 in 2005 from 9.67 in 2004. The average price per MRI scan decreased by 0.4% to $354.59 per scan in 2005 compared to $355.96 per scan in 2004. These decreases were partially offset by a $0.3 million increase in non-scan based MRI revenue. PET and PET/CT revenue in 2005 increased $18.9 million, or 24.4%, compared to 2004. Total PET and PET/CT scan volumes increased 26.4% to 71,682 scans in 2005 from 56,714 scans in 2004, primarily as a result of an increase in the average number of PET and PET/CT systems in operation.  The average number of PET and PET/CT systems in service increased

37




to 55.7 systems in 2005 from 48.8 systems in 2004. Scans per system per day also increased 8.9%, to 5.41 scans per system per day in 2005 from 4.97 in 2004. These increases were offset by a decrease in the average price per PET and PET/CT scan of 1.7% to $1,339 per scan in 2005 compared to $1,364 per scan in 2004. Other modalities and other revenue increased $1.8 million, or 4.7%, to $40.5 million in 2005 compared to $38.7 million in 2004 primarily due to an increase in other fixed-site modality revenue, management contract revenue for our management agreements and reimbursement of expenses from unconsolidated investees. These increases in other modality and other revenue were partially offset by a decrease of CT revenue. Included in the revenue totals above are fixed-site revenues which increased $11.1 million, or 19.7%, to $67.5 million in 2005 from $56.4 million in 2004.

We had 351 MRI systems at December 31, 2005 compared to 362 MRI systems at December 31, 2004. We had 68 PET and PET/CT systems at December 31, 2005 compared to 54 PET and PET/CT systems at December 31, 2004. We operated 73 fixed-sites at December 31, 2005, which includes 9 fixed-sites acquired through our third quarter acquisition, compared to 61 fixed sites at December 31, 2004.

Cost of revenues increased $8.7 million, or 4.0%, to $226.3 million in 2005 compared to $217.6 million in 2004. Equipment rental costs increased $2.0 million, or 59.7%, primarily as a result of acquired operating leases in October 2005 and a higher number of MRI rental systems in use. Management contract expenses increased $1.9 million, or 20.4%, primarily as a result of an increase in expenses incurred on behalf of unconsolidated joint ventures. Maintenance and related costs increased $1.6 million, or 3.5%, primarily due to an increase in the average service cost per system, offset by a decrease in cryogen expense as a result of a decrease in MRI systems in service and cryogen sourcing discounts. Fuel expenses increased $1.1 million, or 22.1%, primarily due to higher diesel fuel prices in 2005. Outside medical services increased $0.8 million, or 9.7%, primarily as a result of an increase in outside radiologists service costs associated with PET and PET/CT. Compensation and related employee expenses increased $0.8 million, or 0.7%, primarily as a result of the increase of PET and PET/CT technologists who have a higher average hourly wage rate than MRI technologists, an increase in mileage reimbursement rates and an increase in recruiting costs. This increase in payroll was partially offset by a lower average headcount of MRI technologists as a result of a decrease in the average number of MRI systems in use. Tractor and transportation costs decreased $0.8 million, or 21.3%, as a result of improved route efficiencies and a decrease in the number of power units necessary to move systems. Medical supplies increased $0.6 million, or 3.0%, primarily as a result of an increase in the number of PET and PET/CT systems in operation, which use a radiopharmaceutical as a component of the scan. The increase in medical supplies was partially offset by a decrease in the price of the radiopharmaceutical used for PET and PET/CT scans and a decrease in film costs related to lower MRI scan volume and an increase in demand for digital images, as well as film purchasing sourcing discounts. Professional services increased $0.5 million, or 52.7%, primarily as a result of consulting fees incurred related to new fixed-site projects and legal costs incurred to obtain certificates of need. All other operating expenses, excluding depreciation, increased $0.2 million, or 1.3%, primarily due to the increase in the number of systems in service. Cost of revenues, as a percentage of revenue, increased to 52.5% in 2005 from 50.4% in 2004 as a result of the factors described above.

Selling, general and administrative expenses remained relatively constant at $48.1 million in each of the years ended 2005 and 2004. The provision for doubtful accounts increased $1.8 million in 2005 to $2.6 million compared to $0.8 million in 2004, primarily as a result of the collection of higher than normal amounts of aged accounts receivable in 2004. The provision for doubtful accounts was 0.6% of revenue in 2005 compared to 0.2% of revenue in 2004. Professional services increased $0.7 million, or 46.7%, primarily due to professional service costs associated with our Form S-3 shelf registration statement filed during the year as well as an increase in legal and investor relations costs. Compensation and related employee expenses decreased $1.2 million, or 3.3%, primarily due to a decrease in management incentive compensation. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in recruiting costs primarily to further develop the sales, business development, human resources and finance infrastructure and an increase in

38




costs associated with national management meetings. Director’s fees related to the Director’s Deferred Compensation Plan in which directors are issued phantom shares as compensation for their services decreased $0.7 million, or 146.0%, as a result of a reduction in the fair market value our stock price from December 31, 2004 to December 31, 2005. All other selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $0.6 million, or 6.9%. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue were 11.2% and 11.1% in 2005 and 2004, respectively.

We recorded employment agreement expenses of $0.4 million in 2005 related to payments under an amendment to an employment agreement with our former chairman of the board. We recorded employment agreement expenses of $2.1 million in 2004 related to an employment agreement with our former chief financial officer and payments under an amendment to an employment agreement with our former chairman of the board. We do not expect to incur any further costs relating to the amended employment agreement with our former chairman of the board.

We recorded severance and related costs of $0.8 million in 2005 primarily for severance costs associated with reductions-in-force. We recorded severance and related costs of $1.2 million in 2004 primarily for severance costs associated with reductions-in-force due to our consolidation of 10 operating regions to 5 geographic regions and a further consolidation of our retail billing and scheduling functions.

We recorded a loss on early retirement of debt of $44.4 million in 2004 related to the refinancing of our 103¤8% Notes and our credit facility. This charge primarily consisted of tender offer and consent payments on the 103¤8% Notes, write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs related to the early extinguishment of debt, and other fees and expenses related to the redemption of the 103¤8% Notes.

Depreciation expense increased $2.0 million, or 2.5%, to $82.5 million in 2005 compared to $80.5 million in 2004, principally due to an increase in the number of PET/CT systems which are more expensive than MRIs.

Amortization expense increased $0.5 million, or 12.3%, to $4.0 million in 2005 compared to $3.5 million in 2004.

Interest expense, net, decreased $6.5 million, or 14.9%, to $37.5 million in 2005 compared to $44.0 million in 2004. This decrease was primarily a result of lower average interest rates on our senior subordinated notes which were refinanced in December 2004 as well as lower average debt balances during the first nine months of 2005 versus 2004.

Income tax expense was $13.5 million in 2005, resulting in an effective tax rate of 40.4%. Our effective tax rate was higher than the statutory rate primarily as a result of state income taxes. In 2004, we recorded an income tax benefit of $6.8 million. We recorded a higher than statutory income tax benefit primarily due to the reversal of income tax reserves of $5.1 million primarily related to the favorable outcome of examinations of our 1998 and 1999 federal income tax returns and a favorable final IRS determination related to the treatment of an income item in a federal income tax return of one of our subsidiaries.

Minority interest expense decreased by $0.7 million, or 27.6%, to $1.7 million in 2005 compared to $2.4 million in 2004, primarily due to a decrease in earnings of consolidated joint ventures.

Earnings from unconsolidated investees decreased $0.7 million, or 17.0%, to $3.3 million in 2005 compared to $4.0 million in 2004, primarily due to net losses in 2005 from newly formed unconsolidated investees.

Our net income was $19.8 million, or $0.39 per share on a diluted basis in 2005 compared to net loss of $(0.5) million, or $(0.01) per share on a diluted basis in 2004.

39




Year Ended December 31, 2004 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2003

Revenue increased $18.5 million, or 4.5%, to $432.1 million in 2004 compared to $413.6 million in 2003 primarily due to higher PET and PET/CT revenue and higher other modalities and other revenue, offset by lower MRI revenue. PET and PET/CT revenue in 2004 increased $21.6 million, or 38.7%, compared to 2003 primarily due to an increase in the number of PET and PET/CT systems in service, to 48.8 systems in 2004 from 34.5 systems in 2003. The increase in average number of systems in 2004 over 2003 resulted in a 38.4% increase in total scan volume, to 56,714 scans in 2004 from 40,969 scans in 2003. Scans per system per day also increased 2.7%, to 4.97 scans per system per day in 2004, from 4.84 in 2003. Further, the average price per PET and PET/CT scan increased 1.1% to $1,363.15 per scan in 2004 compared to $1,348.17 per scan in 2003. Other modalities and other revenue increased $2.8 million, or 7.8%, to $38.7 million in 2004 compared to $35.9 million in 2003 primarily due to an increase in management contract revenue for our managed contracts and reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses for unconsolidated joint ventures. MRI revenue in 2004 decreased $5.9 million, or 1.8%, compared to 2003 primarily as a result of a 1.9% decrease in our MRI scan volume and a 1.5% decrease in the average price per MRI scan. MRI scan volume decreased to 812,730 scans in 2004 from 828,173 scans in 2003, primarily due to a decrease in the average number of scan-based systems in service, to 293.0 systems in 2004 from 306.4 systems in the 2003, partially offset by an increase of 2.3% in the average scans per system per day to 9.67 in 2004 from 9.46 in 2003. Average price per MRI scan decreased to $355.96 per scan in 2004 compared to $361.23 per scan in the corresponding period of 2003 primarily as a result of price reductions granted to certain clients upon renewal of their contracts and competitive pricing pressures. The decrease in total MRI revenue was offset by an increase in non-scan based MRI revenue.

We had 362 MRI systems at December 31, 2004 compared to 363 MRI systems at December 31, 2003. We had 54 PET and PET/CT systems at December 31, 2004 compared to 44 PET and PET/CT systems at December 31, 2003. The PET and PET/CT increase was primarily a result of planned system additions to satisfy client demand.

Cost of revenues increased $19.1 million, or 9.6%, to $217.6 million in 2004 compared to $198.5 million in 2003. Compensation and related employee expenses increased $7.7 million, or 7.7%, primarily as a result of an increase in field management and technologists’ wage rates, including a $2.5 million increase in payroll related costs necessary to support new PET and PET/CT systems in operation whose technologists have a higher hourly rate than MRI technologists and a $2.5 million increase in employee benefits, including workers’ compensation expense. The 31.5% increase in employee headcount to support the new PET and PET/CT systems in operation were partially offset by a 2.6% decrease in the number of employees necessary to support current MRI systems and a 5.1% decrease in the number of drivers primarily due to a decrease in the number of power units in service. Systems maintenance costs increased $4.2 million, or 10.6%, primarily due to an increase in the number of PET and PET/CT systems which have higher contracted preventative maintenance costs per system. Medical supplies increased $2.3 million, or 15.2%, primarily as a result of an increase in PET and PET/CT scan volume, which use a radiopharmaceutical as a component of the scan. Management contract expenses increased $1.9 million, or 26.2%, primarily as a result of an increase in expenses incurred on behalf of unconsolidated joint ventures. Licenses, taxes and fees increased $1.1 million, or 37.9%, primarily as a result of an increase in property taxes associated with the purchase of 12 PET/CT systems in 2004, which have a higher average property value then MRI systems. Outside medical services increased $1.1 million, or 14.4%, primarily as a result of an increase in outside radiologists service costs associated with an increase in retail revenue. All other operating expenses, excluding depreciation, increased $0.8 million, or 3.1%, primarily due to the increase in the number of systems in service. Cost of revenues, as a percentage of revenue, increased to 50.4% in 2004 from 48.0% in 2003 as a result of the factors described above.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $0.6 million, or 1.4%, to $48.1 million in 2004 compared to $47.5 million in 2003. Compensation and related employee expenses increased $4.2 million,

40




or 14.9%, primarily due to increased costs as a result of changes in the management infrastructure, recruiting costs and an increase in management incentive compensation. This increase was offset by a decrease in the provision for doubtful accounts of $2.0 million, or 71.5% resulting from collection of older accounts receivable in 2004 billed in prior years and higher collections of 2004 revenues. The provision for doubtful accounts decreased as a percentage of revenue to 0.2% of revenue in 2004 compared to 0.7% of revenue in the corresponding period of 2003. Non-cash stock based compensation decreased $1.4 million, or 82.4%, to $0.3 million in 2004 from $1.7 million in 2003, primarily due to decreased costs associated with our amended stock option agreements. All other selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $0.2 million, or 1.2%. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue were 11.1% and 11.5% in 2004 and 2003, respectively.

We recorded employment agreement expenses of $2.1 million in 2004 related to an employment agreement with our former chief financial officer and payments under an amendment to an employment agreement with our former chairman of the board. We recorded employment agreement expenses of $2.4 million in 2003 related to payments under an amendment to an employment agreement with our former chairman of the board. We expect to incur approximately $0.5 million of costs over the remaining 5-month term of the amended employment agreement with our former chairman of the board.

We recorded severance and related costs of $1.2 million in 2004 primarily for severance costs associated with reductions-in-force due to our reduction in the number of geographic regions and a further consolidation of our retail billing and scheduling functions. We recorded severance and related costs of $2.2 million in 2003 primarily related to severance and settlement payments made as a result of reductions-in-force.

We recorded a loss on early retirement of debt of $44.4 million in 2004 related to the refinancing of our 103¤8% Notes and our credit facility. This charge primarily consisted of tender offer and consent payments on the 103¤8% Notes, write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs related to the early extinguishment of debt, and other fees and expenses related to the redemption of the 103¤8% Notes.

We recorded non-cash impairment charges of $73.2 million in 2003, related to the write down of certain MRI equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets under the provisions of SFAS 142 and SFAS 144 as these assets carried book values which exceeded their fair value, and an other than temporary decline in the fair value of our investment in a joint venture.

Depreciation expense increased $2.8 million, or 3.6%, to $80.5 million in 2004 compared to $77.7 million in 2003, principally due to an increase in the number of PET systems which have a shorter depreciable life than MRIs, as well as the change in estimate of new MRI system useful lives from eight years to seven years in the third quarter of 2003.

Amortization expense increased $0.6 million, or 21.6%, to $3.5 million in 2004 compared to $2.9 million in 2003.

Interest expense, net, increased $0.4 million, or 1.0%, to $44.0 million in 2004 compared to $43.6 million in 2003. This increase was due to higher average interest rates on our variable rate term loans primarily resulting from execution of various interest rate swap agreements in 2004 to hedge against future interest rate increases on a portion of our variable rate term loans. This increase was partially offset by a reduction in interest expense due to a lower average debt balances in 2004 compared to 2003.

In 2004, we recorded an income tax benefit of $6.8 million. We recorded a higher than statutory income tax benefit primarily due to the reversal of income tax reserves of $5.1 million primarily related to the favorable outcome of examinations of our 1998 and 1999 federal income tax returns and a favorable final IRS determination related to the treatment of an income item in a federal income tax return of one of our subsidiaries. In 2003, we recorded an income tax benefit of $1.7 million. We recorded a lower than

41




statutory income tax benefit primarily because a portion of the impairment charges related to non-deductible goodwill.

Minority interest expense increased by $0.7 million, or 40.7%, to $2.4 million in 2004 compared to $1.7 million in 2003, primarily due to an increase in earnings of consolidated joint ventures.

Earnings from unconsolidated investees increased by $1.4 million, or 52.1%, to $4.0 million in 2004 compared to $2.6 million in 2003, primarily due to an increase in earnings of unconsolidated investees primarily due to increases in scan volume and the number of systems in operation.

Our net loss was $(0.5) million, or $(0.01) per share on a diluted basis in 2004 compared to net loss of $(31.6) million, or $(0.66) per share on a diluted basis in 2003.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary source of liquidity is cash provided by operating activities. We generated $127.1 million and $120.9 million of cash flow from operating activities in 2005 and 2004, respectively. Our ability to generate cash flow is affected by numerous factors, including demand for MRI, PET and other diagnostic imaging services scans, the price we can charge our clients for providing our services and the costs to us of providing those 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 increased by $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2005 compared to the year ended December 31, 2004, primarily as a result of the collection of higher than normal amounts of aged accounts receivable during 2004.We believe that the number of days of revenue outstanding for our accounts receivable, which was 43 days and 45 days as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively, is among the more favorable in the healthcare services industry. In addition, as of December 31, 2005, we had $34.9 million available for borrowing under our revolving line of credit.

Our primary use of capital resources is to fund capital expenditures. We used cash of $134.4 million and $75.6 million for investing activities in 2005 and 2004, respectively. Investing activities in 2005 includes $50.2 million used for acquisitions. We incur capital expenditures for the purposes of:

·       purchasing new systems;

·       replacing less advanced systems with new systems; and

·       providing upgrades of our MRI and PET and PET/CT systems and upgrading our corporate infrastructure for future growth.

Capital expenditures totaled $76.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2005 compared to capital expenditures of $85.7 million for the year ended December 31, 200 2004. In 2005, excluding systems acquired through our third and fourth quarter acquisitions, we purchased 22 MRI systems, 18 PET or PET/CT systems, 3 CT systems and three other systems. We traded-in or sold a total of 62 total systems for the year ended December 31, 2005. Our decision to purchase a new system is typically predicated on obtaining new or extending existing client contracts, which serve as the basis of demand for the new system. We expect to purchase additional systems in 2006 and finance substantially all of these purchases with our available cash, cash from operating activities, our revolving line of credit, and equipment leases. Based upon the client demand described above, which dictates the type of equipment purchased, we expect capital expenditures to total approximately $75 to $80 million in 2006.

42




In connection with the 1999 acquisition of Alliance Imaging by an affiliate of KKR, we entered into a $616.0 million credit agreement consisting of a $131.0 million Tranche A Term Loan Facility, a $150.0 million Tranche B Term Facility, a $185.0 million Tranche C Term Loan Facilty, and a Revolving Loan Facilty. On June 11, 2002, we entered into a second amendment to the credit agreement and completed a $286.0 million refinancing of our Tranche B and C term loan facility. Under the terms of the amended term loan facility, we received proceeds of $286.0 from a new Tranche C term loan facility, and used the entire amount of the proceeds to retire $145.5 million and $140.5 million owed under Tranche B and C of our existing term loan facility, respectively. The new Tranche C borrowing rate was decreased to London InterBank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 2.375%. The borrowing rate under the previously applicable Tranche B borrowing rate had been LIBOR plus 2.750% and the previously applicable Tranche C borrowing rate had been LIBOR plus 3.000%.

In December 2004, we entered into a third amendment to our credit agreement which revised our Tranche C term loan facility (“Tranche C1”) resulting in incremental borrowings of $154.0 million and decreased the maximum amount of availability under our existing revolving loan facility from $150.0 million to $70.0 million. We used the proceeds from the amendment to retire $256.4 million of our $260.0 million 10 3/8% Notes through a cash tender offer (the “Tender Offer”, described below). The amended Tranche C1 borrowing rate decreased to LIBOR plus 2.250%. On December 19, 2005 we entered into a fourth amendment to our Credit Agreement which revised our maximum consolidated leverage ratio covenant to a level not to exceed 4.00 to 1.00 as of the last day of any fiscal quarter until the expiration of the agreement. Prior to the fourth amendment, our maximum consolidated leverage ratio covenant was 3.75 to 1.00 as of the last day of any fiscal quarter beginning March 31, 2006 to the expiration of the agreement. The fourth amendment also requires us to maintain a maximum consolidated senior leverage ratio covenant at a level not to exceed 3.00 to 1.00 as of the last day of any fiscal quarter. The amendment increased the Tranche C1 LIBOR margin from an annual rate of 2.250% to 2.500%. In connection with the amendment, we incurred an amendment fee of $0.6 million.

At December 31, 2005, we had $29.5 million in borrowings outstanding under the revolving loan facility and $34.9 million in available borrowings under the revolving loan facility. The amended credit agreement contains restrictive covenants which, among other things, limit the incurrence of additional indebtedness, dividends, transactions with affiliates, asset sales, acquisitions, mergers and consolidations, liens and encumbrances, capital expenditures and prepayments of other indebtedness.

As of December 31, 2005, we are in compliance with all covenants contained in our credit agreement and forecast that we will be in compliance with these covenants in 2006. However, if we are unable to generate sufficient Adjusted EBITDA, as defined in our credit agreement, or manage our indebtedness to sufficient levels, we could be out of compliance with our maximum consolidated leverage ratio and maximum consolidated senior leverage ratio. Our failure to comply with these covenants could permit the lenders under the credit agreement to declare all amounts borrowed under the agreement, together with accrued interest and fees, to be immediately due and payable. If the indebtedness under the credit facility is accelerated, we may not have sufficient assets to repay amounts due under the credit facility. If we are not able to refinance our debt, we could become subject to bankruptcy proceedings.

In December 2004, we completed a Tender Offer and redeemed $256.4 million of our outstanding 103¤8% Notes. We redeemed substantially all of the 103¤8% Notes at a redemption price equal to 113.856% of the principal amount, together with the accrued interest to the redemption date. We incurred a loss on early retirement of debt of $44.4 million for the tender offer which represents the tender premium and consent payment to redeem the 103¤8% Notes, write off of unamortized debt issuance costs, and fees and expenses related to the redemption of the 103¤8% Notes. We used the remaining proceeds from the amended term loan facility, proceeds from the sale of our 7¼% Notes, and existing cash to settle the tender premium and consent payment. At December 31, 2005, we had $3.6 million remaining of the original $260.0 million 103¤8% Notes. As of December 31, 2005, we were in compliance with all covenants contained in our 103¤8% Notes and forecast that we will be in compliance with these covenants in 2006.

43




In December 2004, we issued $150.0 million of our 71¤4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2012 (the “7¼% Notes”) in a transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and used the proceeds to repay a portion of our 103¤8% Notes. The 7¼% Notes contain restrictive covenants which, among other things, limit the incurrence of additional indebtedness, dividends, transactions with affiliates, asset sales, acquisitions, mergers and consolidations, liens and encumbrances, and restrictive payments. The 7¼% Notes are unsecured senior subordinated obligations and are subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future senior debt, including bank debt, and all obligations of our subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2005, we were in compliance with all covenants contained in the 7¼% Notes and forecast that we will be in compliance with these covenants in 2006. Our failure to comply with these covenants could permit the trustee under the Indenture relating to the 71¤4% Notes and the note holders to declare the principal amounts under the 71¤4% Notes, together with accrued and unpaid interest, to be immediately due and payable. If the indebtedness under the 71¤4% Notes, or any of our other indebtedness, is accelerated, and we are not able to refinance our debt, we could become subject to bankruptcy proceedings.

During 2004, we entered into interest rate swap agreements, with notional amounts of $56.8 million, $46.8 million and $48.4 million to hedge the future cash interest payments associated with a portion of our variable rate bank debt. These agreements mature in 2007. We have designated these swaps as cash flow hedges of variable future cash flows associated with our long-term debt and will record changes in the fair value of the swaps through other comprehensive income during the period these instruments are designated as hedges.

In the first quarter of 2005, we entered into multiple interest rate collar agreements for our variable rate bank debt. The total underlying notional amount of the debt was $178.0 million. Under these arrangements we have purchased a cap on the interest rate of 4.00% and have sold a floor of 2.25%. We paid a net purchase price of $1.5 million for these collars. These agreements are two and three years in length and mature at various dates between January 2007 and January 2008. We have designated these collars as cash flow hedges of variable future cash flows associated with our long-term debt and will record subsequent changes in the fair value of the collars through comprehensive income during the period these instruments are designated as hedges.

In 2005, we used cash flow from operating activities to pay down $19.9 million under Tranche A of the term loan facility and $5.1 million under Tranche C1 of the term loan facility.

The maturities of our long-term debt, including interest, future payments under our operating leases and binding equipment purchase commitments as of December 31, 2005 are as follows:

Contractual Obligations

 

 

 

2006

 

2007

 

2008

 

2009

 

2010

 

Thereafter

 

Total

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Term Loan—Tranche C1

 

$

28.3

 

$

28.3

 

$

28.4

 

$

28.2

 

$

27.8

 

 

$

389.2

 

 

$

530.2

 

Revolving Loan Facility

 

1.8

 

1.8

 

1.8

 

1.8

 

31.3

 

 

 

 

38.5

 

103¤8% Senior Subordinated Notes

 

0.4

 

0.4

 

0.4

 

0.4

 

0.4

 

 

3.5

 

 

5.5

 

71¤4% Senior Subordinated Notes

 

10.9

 

10.9

 

10.9

 

10.9

 

10.9

 

 

171.3

 

 

225.8

 

Equipment Loans

 

4.6

 

3.5

 

2.6

 

1.8

 

0.9

 

 

 

 

13.4

 

Operating Leases

 

6.4

 

5.9

 

4.5

 

3.1

 

2.3

 

 

2.9

 

 

25.1

 

Letters of Credit

 

5.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.6

 

Equipment Purchase Commitments

 

24.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

24.7

 

Total Contractual Obligation Payments

 

82.7

 

50.8

 

48.6

 

46.2

 

73.6

 

 

566.9

 

 

868.8

 

Less Amount Representing Interest

 

(38.2

)

(38.0

)

(37.9

)

(37.5

)

(37.1

)

 

(45.1

)

 

(233.8

)

Present Value of Future Contractual Obligations

 

$

44.5

 

$

12.8

 

$

10.7

 

$

8.7

 

$

36.5

 

 

$

521.8

 

 

$

635.0

 

 

44




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 loan facility, will be sufficient over the next one to two years to fund anticipated capital expenditures and make required payments of principal and interest on our debt.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for a summary of significant accounting policies. The significant accounting policies which we believe are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results include the following:

Revenue Recognition

The majority of our revenues are derived directly from healthcare providers and are primarily for imaging services. To a lesser extent, revenues are generated from direct billings to patients or their medical payors which are recorded net of contractual discounts and other arrangements for providing services at less than established patient billing rates. Revenues from direct patient billing amounted to approximately 13%, 13% and 12% of revenues in the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004, and 2003, respectively. We continuously monitor collections from direct patient billings and compare these collections to revenue, net of contractual discounts, recorded at the time of service. While such contractual discounts have historically been within our expectations and the provisions established, an inability to accurately estimate contractual discounts in the future could have a material adverse impact on our operating results. As the price is predetermined, all revenues are recognized at the time the delivery of imaging service has occurred and collectibility is reasonably assured which is based upon contract terms with healthcare providers and negotiated rates with third party payors and patients.

Accounts Receivable

We provide shared and single-user diagnostic imaging equipment and technical support services to the healthcare industry and directly to patients on an outpatient basis. Substantially all of our accounts receivable are due from hospitals, other healthcare providers and health insurance providers located throughout the United States. Services are generally provided pursuant to long-term contracts with hospitals and other healthcare providers or directly to patients, and generally collateral is not required. Receivables generally are collected within industry norms for third-party payors. We continuously monitor collections from our clients and maintain a provision for estimated credit losses based upon any specific client collection issues that we have identified and our historical experience. While such credit losses have historically been within our expectations and the provisions established, an inability to accurately estimate credit losses in the future could have a material adverse impact on our operating results.

Goodwill and Long-Lived Assets

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (“SFAS 142”) requires that goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives not be amortized, but instead be tested for impairment at least annually. In accordance with SFAS 142, we have selected to perform an annual impairment test for goodwill based on the financial information for the twelve months ended September 30, or more frequently when an event occurs or circumstances change to indicate an impairment of these assets has possibly occurred. Goodwill is allocated to our various reporting units which are our geographical regions. SFAS 142 requires us to compare the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying amount on an annual basis to determine if there is potential impairment. If the fair value of the

45




reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the implied fair value of the goodwill within the reporting unit is less than the carrying value. The fair value of the reporting unit is determined based on discounted cash flows, market multiples or appraised values as appropriate. We comply with periodic impairment test procedures. In 2003, based on the factors described in Note 4 to the financial statements, we performed an interim valuation analysis in accordance with SFAS 142 and recognized a goodwill impairment charge in three of our reporting units. In 2004 and 2005, we concluded that the fair value of each reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, indicating no goodwill impairment was present. No triggering events have occurred during the fourth quarters of 2004 and 2005 which would require an additional impairment test as of December 31, 2004 and 2005. SFAS 142 also requires intangible assets with definite useful lives to be amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values and reviewed for impairment in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long Lived-Assets”.

Deferred Income Taxes

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, applying enacted statutory tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Future income tax benefits are recognized only to the extent that the realization of such benefits is considered to be more likely than not. We regularly review our deferred income tax assets for recoverability and establish a valuation allowance based on historical taxable income, projected future taxable income, and the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences. If we are unable to generate sufficient future taxable income, or if there is a material change in the actual effective income tax rates or time period within which the underlying temporary differences become taxable or deductible, we could be required to significantly increase our valuation allowance resulting in a substantial increase in our effective tax rate which could have a material adverse impact on our operating results.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS 153, “Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets” (“SFAS 153”), which is an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29, “Accounting for Nonmonetary Transactions,” (“APB 29”). This statement addresses the measurement of exchanges of nonmonetary assets, and eliminates the exception from fair value measurement for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets as defined in paragraph 21(b) of APB 29, and replaces it with an exception for exchanges that do not have commercial substance. This statement specifies that a nonmonetary exchange has commercial substance if the future cash flows of the entity are expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange. SFAS 153 is effective for nonmonetary asset exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005. The adoption of SFAS 153 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS 123(R) (revised December 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS 123(R)”), which is a revision of SFAS 123 and supersedes APB No. 25. This statement requires that the fair value at the grant date resulting from all share-based payment transactions be recognized in the financial statements. Further, SFAS 123(R) requires entities to apply a fair-value based measurement method in accounting for these transactions. This value is recorded over the vesting period. This statement is effective for the first fiscal year beginning after June 15, 2005. We will adopt SFAS 123(R) for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2006. We will use the modified prospective application transition method and estimate that the adoption of SFAS 123(R) for share-based awards issued to employees will reduce our 2006 net income by approximately $1.5 million to $2.5 million. This estimate is based upon various assumptions, including an estimate of the number of share-based awards that will be granted, cancelled or

46




expired during 2006, as well as our future stock prices. These assumptions are highly subjective and changes in these assumptions would materially affect our estimates. In addition, our net income will continue to be reduced by compensation expense for share-based awards to non-employees.

In March 2005, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 47, “Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations” (“FIN 47”), an interpretation of SFAS 143, “Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations.” This interpretation clarifies that an entity is required to recognize a liability for the fair value of a conditional asset retirement obligation when incurred if the liability’s fair value can be reasonably estimated. This interpretation also clarifies when an entity would have sufficient information to reasonably estimate the fair value of an asset retirement obligation. This statement is effective no later than the end of fiscal years ending after December 15, 2005. The adoption of FIN 47 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS 154, “Accounting for Changes and Error Corrections” (“SFAS 154”), which is a replacement of APB Opinion No. 20, “Accounting Changes,” and SFAS 3, “Reporting Accounting Changes in Interim Financial Statements.” This statement changes the requirements for the accounting for and reporting of all voluntary changes in accounting principle and in the instance that a pronouncement does not include specific transition provisions. This statement requires retrospective application to prior periods’ financial statements of changes in accounting principle, unless it is impracticable to determine either the period-specific effects or the cumulative effect of the change. SFAS 154 is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. We believe the adoption of SFAS 154 will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In June 2005, the FASB issued Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 04-05, “Determining Whether a General Partner, or the General Partners as a Group, Controls a Limited Partnership or Similar Entity When the Limited Partners Have Certain Rights”(“EITF 04-05”). EITF 04-05 clarifies how general partners in a limited partnership should determine whether they control a limited partnership. A general partner of a limited partnership is presumed to control the limited partnership unless the limited partners have substantive kick-out rights or participating rights. For general partners of all new limited partnerships formed and for existing limited partnerships for which the partnership agreements are modified, EITF 04-05 is effective after June 29, 2005. For general partners in all other limited partnerships, EITF 04-05 is effective for the first period in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. We believe the adoption of EITF 04-05 will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In June 2005, the FASB issued EITF 05-06, “Determining the Amortization Period for Leasehold Improvements” (“EITF 05-06”). EITF 05-06 defines the useful life for leasehold improvements acquired in a business combination, or purchased significantly after, and not contemplated at the beginning of the lease term. EITF 05-06 is effective for leasehold improvements purchased or acquired in reporting periods after June 29, 2005. The adoption of EITF 05-06 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

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 section entitled “Liquidity and Capital Resources”, and elsewhere in this in this annual report on Form 10-K, are “forward-looking statements,” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements which address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future, including such things as results of operations and financial condition, capital expenditures, the consummation of acquisitions and financing transactions and the effect of such transactions on our

47




business and our plans and objectives for future operations and expansion are examples of forward-looking statements. In some cases you can identify these statements by forward-looking words like “may”, “will”, “should”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate” “predict”, “continue” or similar words. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from our expectations, forecasts and assumptions. These risks and uncertainties include factors affecting our leverage, including fluctuations in interest rates, the risk that the counter-parties to our interest rate swap agreements fail to satisfy their obligations under these agreements, our ability to incur financing, the effect of operating and financial restrictions in our debt instruments, the accuracy of our estimates regarding our capital requirements, the effect of intense levels of competition in our industry, changes in the rates or methods of third party reimbursements for diagnostic imaging services, changes in the healthcare regulatory environment, our ability to keep pace with technological developments within our industry, the growth rate of MRI industry-wide scan volumes, the disruptive effect of hurricanes and other natural disasters, and other risks and uncertainties, including those enumerated and described under “Risk Factors” in this annual report on Form 10-K. The foregoing should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements made by us.

Item 7A.                Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

We sell 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 which are variable. The recorded carrying amount of our long-term debt under our existing 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 entered into multiple interest rate swap and collar agreements for a portion of our variable rate debt. These swaps and collars are designated as cash flow hedges of variable future cash flows associated with our long-term debt.

During 2004 we entered into swap agreements which have notional amounts of $56.8 million, $46.8 million and $48.4 million at December 31, 2005. Under the terms of these agreements, we receive three-month LIBOR and pay a fixed rate of 3.15%, 3.89%, and 3.69%, respectively. The net effect of the hedges is to record interest expense at fixed rates of 5.65%, 6.39% and 6.19% respectively, as the debt incurs interest based on three-month LIBOR plus 2.50%. For the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, we recorded a net settlement amount on the swap agreements of $0.8 million and $1.0 million, respectively. The swap agreements mature during 2007.

During 2005 we have also entered into multiple interest rate collar agreements which have a total notional amount of $178.0 million. Under the terms of these agreements, we have purchased a cap on the interest rate of 4.00% and have sold a floor of 2.25%. For the year ended December 31, 2005, we did not record any net settlement on these collar agreements. The collar agreements mature at various dates between January 2007 and January 2008.

The swap and collar agreements have been designated as cash flow hedges of variable future cash flows associated with our long term debt. In accordance with SFAS 133, the swaps and collars are recorded at fair value. On a quarterly basis, the fair value of the swaps and collars will be determined based on quoted market prices and, assuming perfect effectiveness, the difference between the fair value and the book value of the swaps and collars will be recognized in comprehensive income, a component of shareholders’ equity. Any ineffectiveness of the swaps and collars is required to be recognized in earnings.

48




The outstanding interest rate swaps and collars expose us to credit risk in the event that the counterparties to the agreements do not or cannot meet their obligations. The notional amount is used to measure interest to be paid or received and does not represent the amount of exposure to credit loss. The loss would be limited to the amount that would have been received, if any, over the remaining life of the swap and collar agreements. The counterparties to the swaps and collars are major financial institutions and we expect the counterparties to be able to perform their obligations under the swaps and collars. We use derivative financial instruments for hedging purposes only and not for trading or speculative purposes.

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. The recorded carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents approximate fair value due to their short-term maturities.

The table below provides information about our financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates. For long-term debt obligations, the table presents principal cash flows and related weighted average interest rates by expected (contractual) maturity dates. All amounts are in United States dollars.

 

 

Expected Maturity as of December 31, 2005

 

 

 

2006

 

2007

 

2008

 

2009

 

2010

 

Thereafter

 

Total

 

Fair Value

 

 

 

(dollars in millions)

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed rate

 

$3.9

 

$3.0

 

$2.3

 

$1.7

 

$0.8

 

 

$153.5

 

 

$165.2

 

 

$141.2

 

 

Average interest rate

 

7.56%

 

7.43%

 

7.22%

 

7.11%

 

6.85%

 

 

7.32%

 

 

7.32%

 

 

7.38%

 

 

Variable rate

 

$3.9

 

$3.9

 

$3.9

 

$3.9

 

$33.4

 

 

$365.4

 

 

$414.4

 

 

$414.4

 

 

Average interest rate

 

6.34%

 

6.40%

 

6.48%

 

6.48%

 

6.48%

 

 

6.50%

 

 

6.50%

 

 

6.50%

 

 

 

49




Item 8.                        Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

ALLIANCE IMAGING, INC.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

50




REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Alliance Imaging, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Alliance Imaging, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income, cash flows and stockholders’ deficit for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2005. Our audits also included the consolidated financial statement schedule for the three years in the period ended December 31, 2005, listed in the Index at Item 15(a)(2). These consolidated financial statements and the consolidated financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and the consolidated financial statement schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Alliance Imaging, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2005, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such consolidated financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 16, 2006 expressed an unqualified opinion on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Deloitte & Touche LLP

Costa Mesa, California
March 16, 2006

51




ALLIANCE IMAGING, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

December 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2004

 

2005

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

$

20,721

 

 

 

$

13,421

 

 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $7,376 in 2004 and $5,858 in 2005

 

 

50,146

 

 

 

48,236

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

12,782

 

 

 

6,186

 

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

3,082

 

 

 

3,686

 

 

Other receivables

 

 

3,323

 

 

 

8,983

 

 

Total current assets

 

 

90,054

 

 

 

80,512

 

 

Equipment, at cost

 

 

727,232

 

 

 

752,128

 

 

Less accumulated depreciation

 

 

(373,721

)

 

 

(393,179

)

 

Equipment, net

 

 

353,511

 

 

 

358,949

 

 

Goodwill

 

 

122,992

 

 

 

154,656

 

 

Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $17,538 in 2004 and $20,701in 2005

 

 

28,249

 

 

 

39,071

 

 

Deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization of $6,289 in 2004 and $8,492 in 2005

 

 

9,264

 

 

 

8,236

 

 

Other assets

 

 

18,128

 

 

 

33,918

 

 

Total assets

 

 

$

622,198

 

 

 

$

675,342

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

 

$

20,518

 

 

 

$

23,672

 

 

Accrued compensation and related expenses

 

 

15,661

 

 

 

14,088

 

 

Accrued interest payable

 

 

717

 

 

 

4,561

 

 

Income taxes payable

 

 

865

 

 

 

87

 

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

 

22,177

 

 

 

29,064

 

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

 

9,390

 

 

 

7,781

 

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

69,328

 

 

 

79,253

 

 

Long-term debt, net of current portion

 

 

412,733

 

 

 

418,260

 

 

Senior subordinated notes

 

 

153,541

 

 

 

153,541

 

 

Minority interests and other liabilities

 

 

4,164

 

 

 

4,400

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

49,960

 

 

 

60,144

 

 

Total liabilities

 

 

689,726

 

 

 

715,598

 

 

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 10)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ deficit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized and no shares issued and outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $0.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; shares issued and outstanding - 49,024,596 at December 31, 2004 and 49,572,206 at December 31, 2005

 

 

490

 

 

 

496

 

 

Additional paid-in deficit

 

 

(15,798

)

 

 

(11,876

)

 

Accumulated comprehensive (loss) income

 

 

(278

)

 

 

3,217

 

 

Accumulated deficit

 

 

(51,942

)

 

 

(32,093

)

 

Total stockholders’ deficit

 

 

(67,528

)

 

 

(40,256

)

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit

 

 

$

622,198

 

 

 

$

675,342

 

 

 

See accompanying notes.

52




ALLIANCE IMAGING, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
AND COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2003

 

2004

 

2005

 

Revenues

 

$

413,553

 

$

432,080

 

$

430,788

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization

 

198,456

 

217,605

 

226,294

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

47,472

 

48,142

 

48,077

 

Employment agreement costs

 

2,446

 

2,064

 

366

 

Severance and related costs

 

2,246

 

1,223

 

826

 

Loss on early reitrement of debt

 

 

44,393

 

 

Impairment charges

 

73,225

 

 

 

Depreciation expense

 

77,675

 

80,488

 

82,505

 

Amortization expense

 

2,897

 

3,522

 

3,954

 

Interest expense, net of interest income of $201 in 2003, $215 in 2004 and $608 in 2005

 

43,589

 

44,039

 

37,491

 

Other (income) and expense, net

 

(200

)

(484

)

(399

)

Total costs and expenses

 

447,806

 

440,992

 

399,114

 

(Loss) income before income taxes, minority interest expense and earnings from unconsolidated investees

 

(34,253

)

(8,912

)

31,674

 

Income tax (benefit) expense

 

(1,680

)

(6,770

)

13,450

 

Minority interest expense

 

1,686

 

2,373

 

1,718

 

Earnings from unconsolidated investees

 

(2,649

)

(4,029

)

(3,343

)

Net (loss) income

 

$

(31,610

)

$

(486

)

$

19,849

 

Comprehensive (loss) income, net of taxes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (loss) income

 

$

(31,610

)

$

(486

)

$

19,849

 

Unrealized (loss) gain on hedging transactions, net of related tax effects of $186 in 2004 and $2,318 in 2005 

 

 

(278

)

3,495

 

Comprehensive (loss) income

 

$

(31,610

)

$

(764

)

$

23,344

 

(Loss) earnings per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

(0.66

)

$

(0.01

)

$

0.40

 

Diluted

 

$

(0.66

)

$

(0.01

)

$

0.39

 

Weighted average number of shares of common stock and common stock equivalents:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

47,872

 

48,350

 

49,378

 

Diluted

 

47,872

 

48,350

 

50,262

 

 

See accompanying notes.

53




ALLIANCE IMAGING, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(dollars in thousands)

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2003

 

2004

 

2005

 

Operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (loss) income

 

$

(31,610

)

$

(486

)

$

19,849

 

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for doubtful accounts

 

2,843

 

809

 

2,638

 

Non-cash stock-based compensation

 

1,672

 

322

 

278

 

Impairment charges

 

73,225

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

80,572

 

84,010

 

86,459

 

Amortization of deferred financing costs

 

3,021

 

3,039

 

2,203

 

Loss on early retirement of debt

 

 

44,393

 

 

Distributions less than equity in undistributed income of investee

 

(104

)

(1,359

)

(478

)

Deferred income taxes

 

(4,167

)

1,106

 

12,814

 

Gain on sale of assets

 

(231

)

(483

)

(400

)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

2,417

 

(5,679

)

3,062

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

278

 

(364

)

(583

)

Other receivables

 

(499

)

(348

)

(5,586

)

Other assets

 

(1,596

)

(1,056

)

(1,390

)

Accounts payable

 

2,990

 

4,525

 

1,716

 

Accrued compensation and related expenses

 

(1,023

)

5,829

 

(1,768

)

Accrued interest payable

 

(325

)

(6,359

)

3,844

 

Income taxes payable

 

289

 

(9,272

)

(778

)

Other accrued liabilities

 

733

 

2,117

 

4,983

 

Minority interests and other liabilities

 

522

 

154

 

211

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

129,007

 

120,898

 

127,074

 

Investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equipment purchases

 

(90,245

)

(85,676

)

(76,460

)

(Increase) decrease in deposits on equipment

 

(7,281

)

7,004

 

(9,652

)

Acquisitions, net of cash received

 

(10,981

)

 

(50,207

)

Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures

 

 

(3,145

)

 

Proceeds from sale of assets

 

2,136

 

6,259

 

1,882

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(106,371

)

(75,558

)

(134,437

)

Financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal payments on equipment debt

 

(6,602

)

(6,050

)

(7,004

)

Proceeds from equipment debt

 

 

4,176

 

1,450

 

Principal payments on term loan facility

 

(26,875

)

(51,250

)

(25,000

)

Proceeds from term loan facility

 

 

154,000

 

 

Principal payments on revolving loan facility

 

(20,000

)

 

(39,500

)

Proceeds from revolving loan facility

 

20,000

 

 

69,000

 

Principal payments on senior subordinated notes

 

 

(256,459

)

 

Proceeds from senior subordinated notes

 

 

150,000

 

 

Payments of debt issuance costs

 

(220

)

(8,327

)

(1,175

)

Payments of debt retirement costs

 

 

(35,532

)

 

Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options

 

231

 

3,842

 

2,292

 

Net proceeds from issuance of common stock

 

348

 

50

 

 

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

 

(33,118

)

(45,550

)

63

 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

 

(10,482

)

(210

)

(7,300

)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

 

31,413

 

20,931

 

20,721

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

 

$

20,931

 

$

20,721

 

$

13,421

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest paid

 

$

41,102

 

$

47,573

 

$

32,052

 

Income taxes paid, net of refunds

 

3,200

 

395

 

1,356

 

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net book value of assets exchanged

 

$

2,090

 

$

261

 

$

9,261

 

Capital lease obligations assumed for the purchase of equipment

 

7,001

 

 

3,924

 

Capital lease obligation transferred for the sale of equipment

 

(1,139

)

 

 

Comprehensive (loss) income from hedging transactions, net of taxes

 

 

(278

)

3,495

 

 

See accompanying notes.

54




ALLIANCE IMAGING, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

Paid-In

 

Comprehensive

 

Accumulated

 

Stockholders’

 

 

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

(Deficit)

 

(Loss) Income

 

Deficit

 

Deficit

 

Balance at December 31, 2002

 

47,682,576

 

 

$

477

 

 

 

$

(22,940

)

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

(19,846

)

 

 

$

(42,309

)

 

Exercise of common stock options

 

210,000

 

 

2

 

 

 

229

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

231

 

 

Issuance of common stock to officer

 

66,411

 

 

1

 

 

 

347

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

348

 

 

Non-cash stock-based compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,672

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,672

 

 

Stock option income tax benefit

 

 

 

 

 

 

870

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

870

 

 

Net loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(31,610

)

 

 

(31,610

)

 

Balance at December 31, 2003

 

47,958,987

 

 

480

 

 

 

(19,822

)

 

 

 

 

 

(51,456

)

 

 

(70,798

)

 

Exercise of common stock options

 

1,033,850

 

 

10

 

 

 

3,832

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,842

 

 

Issuance of common stock to officer

 

11,933

 

 

 

 

 

50

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

50

 

 

Issuance of common stock under directors’ deferred compensation plan

 

19,826

 

 

 

 

 

124

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

124

 

 

Non-cash stock-based compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

322

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

322

 

 

Stock option income tax benefit adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 

(304

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(304

)

 

Unrealized loss on hedging transaction, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(278

)

 

 

 

 

 

(278

)

 

Net loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(486

)

 

 

(486

)

 

Balance at December 31, 2004

 

49,024,596

 

 

490

 

 

 

(15,798

)

 

 

(278

)

 

 

(51,942

)

 

 

(67,528

)

 

Exercise of common stock options

 

547,610

 

 

6

 

 

 

2,286

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,292

 

 

Non-cash stock-based compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

278

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

278

 

 

Stock option income tax benefit

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,358

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,358

 

 

Unrealized gain on hedging transaction, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,495

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,495

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19,849

 

 

 

19,849

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2005

 

49,572,206

 

 

$

496

 

 

 

$

(11,876

)

 

 

$

3,217

 

 

 

$

(32,093

)

 

 

$

(40,256

)

 

 

See accompanying notes.

55




ALLIANCE IMAGING, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2005
(dollars in thousands, excepts per share amounts)

1.   Description of the Company and Basis of Financial Statement Presentation

Description of the Company   Alliance Imaging, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) provides diagnostic imaging services primarily to hospitals and other healthcare providers on a shared and full-time service basis, in addition to operating a growing number of fixed-site imaging centers primarily in partnerships with hospitals or health systems. The Company’s services normally include the use of their imaging systems, technologists to operate the systems, equipment maintenance and upgrades and management of day-to-day operations. The Company also offers ancillary services including marketing support, education and training and billing assistance. The Company operates entirely within the United States and is one of the largest providers of shared service and fixed-site magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) and positron emission tomography and positron emission tomography/computed tomography (“PET and PET/CT”) services in the country. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, MRI services and PET and PET/CT services generated 68% and 23% of the Company’s revenue, respectively.

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Financial Statement Presentation   The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company include the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of all majority-owned subsidiaries over which the Company exercises control. Intercompany transactions have been eliminated. We record minority interest expense related to our consolidated subsidiaries which are not wholly owned. Investments in non-consolidated investees are accounted for under the equity method. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

2.   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Cash and Cash Equivalents   The Company classifies short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less as cash equivalents.

Accounts Receivable   The Company provides shared and single-user diagnostic imaging equipment and technical support services to the healthcare industry and directly to patients on an outpatient basis. Substanitally all of the Company’s accounts receivables are due from hospitals, other healthcare providers and health insurance providers located throughout the United States. A substantial portion of the Company’s services are provided pursuant to long-term contracts with hospitals and other healthcare providers or directly to patients. Receivables generally are collected within industry norms for third-party payors. Estimated credit losses are provided for in the consolidated financial statements and losses experienced have been within management’s expectations.

Concentration of Credit Risk   Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk principally consists of cash, cash equivalents and trade receivables. The Company invests available cash in money market securities of high-credit-quality financial institutions. The Company had cash and cash equivalents in the amount of $19,854 and $12,305 as of December 31, 2004 and 2005, respectively, in excess of federally insured limits. At December 31, 2004 and 2005, the Company’s accounts receivable were primarily from clients in the healthcare industry. To reduce credit risk, the Company performs periodic credit evaluations of its clients, but does not generally require advance payments or collateral. Credit losses to clients in the healthcare industry have not been material. The provision for doubtful accounts was 0.7%, 0.2%, and 0.6% of revenues in 2003, 2004 and 2005, respectively.

56




Equipment   Equipment is stated at cost and is depreciated using the straight-line method over an initial estimated life of three to seven years to an estimated residual value, between five and ten percent of original cost. If the Company continues to operate the equipment beyond its initial estimated life, the residual value is then depreciated to a nominal salvage value over three years.

Routine maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Major repairs and purchased software and hardware upgrades, which extend the life of or add value to the equipment, are capitalized and depreciated over the remaining useful life.

With the exception of a relatively small dollar amount of office furniture, office equipment, computer equipment, software and leasehold improvements, substantially all of the property owned by the Company relates to diagnostic imaging equipment, power units and mobile trailers used in the business.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets   Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (“SFAS 142”) requires that goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives not be amortized, but instead be tested for impairment at least annually. In accordance with SFAS 142, the Company has selected to perform an annual impairment test for goodwill based on the financial information for the twelve months ended September 30, or more frequently when an event occurs or circumstances change to indicate an impairment of these assets has possibly occurred. Goodwill is allocated to the Company’s various reporting units, which are its geographical regions. SFAS 142 requires the Company to compare the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying amount on an annual basis to determine if there is potential impairment. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the implied fair value of the goodwill within the reporting unit is less than the carrying value. The fair value of the reporting unit is determined based on discounted cash flows, market multiples or appraised values as appropriate. In 2003, based on the factors described in Note 4, management performed an interim valuation analysis in accordance with SFAS 142 and recognized a goodwill impairment charge in three of its reporting units. In 2004 and 2005, management performed an interim valuation analysis and concluded that the fair value of each reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, indicating no goodwill impairment was present. No triggering events have occurred during the fourth quarters of 2004 and 2005 which would require an additional impairment test as of December 31, 2004 and 2005. SFAS 142 also requires intangible assets with definite useful lives to be amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values and reviewed for impairment in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long Lived-Assets” (“SFAS 144”).

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets   The Company accounts for long-lived assets in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 144. SFAS 144 requires that long-lived assets be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to undiscounted future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. During 2003, as discussed in Note 4, the Company evaluated the recoverability of the carrying amount of certain long-lived assets and recognized an impairment charge to reduce these assets to their fair value.

Revenue Recognition   The majority of the Company’s revenues are derived directly from healthcare providers and are  primarily for imaging services. To a lesser extent, revenues are generated from direct billings to third-party payors or patients which are recorded net of contractual discounts and other arrangements for providing services at less than established patient billing rates. Revenues from billings to third-party payors and patients amounted to approximately 12%, 13% and 13% of revenues in the years ended December 31, 2003, 2004 and 2005, respectively. No single customer accounted for more than 3% of consolidated revenues in each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2005. The Company

57




recognizes revenue in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104, “Revenue Recognition” (“SAB 104”). As the price is predetermined, all revenues are recognized at the time the delivery of imaging service has occurred and collectibility is reasonably assured which is based upon contract terms with healthcare providers and negotiated rates with third party payors and patients. The Company also records revenue from management services that it performs based upon management service contracts with predetermined pricing. Revenues from these services amounted to approximately 6%, 7% and 9% of total revenue in the years ended December 31, 2003, 2004 and 2005, respectively. These revenues are recorded in the period in which the service is performed and collections of the billed amounts are reasonably assured in accordance with SAB 104.

Stock-Based Compensation   The Company accounts for stock based compensation awards using the intrinsic value method prescribed under APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (“APB No. 25”), and its related interpretations. For the years ended December 31, 2003, 2004 and 2005 the Company recorded non-cash stock-based compensation of $72, $48 and $24, respectively, for options issued with exercise prices below the fair value of the common stock. All other employee stock-based awards were granted with an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant and no compensation cost is reflected in the Company’s operating results for those awards. For the years ended December 31, 2003, 2004, and 2005 the Company recorded non-cash stock-based compensation of $1,600, $274 and $228, respectively, as a result of amending certain stock option agreements in June 2001 and May 2004 to reduce performance targets. In 2005 the Company created an advisory committee of industry and medical consultants. Non-employee stock-based awards are granted to the members of the advisory committee with an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. For the year ended December 31, 2005 the Company recorded non-cash stock-based compensation of $27, as a result of granting stock options to these non-employees.

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (“SFAS 123”), requires presentation of pro forma information regarding net (loss) income and (loss) earnings per share determined as if the Company has accounted for its employee stock options granted subsequent to December 31, 1994 under the fair value method of that Statement. The fair value for these options was estimated as of the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions for 2003, 2004 and 2005, respectively: risk-free interest rates of 3.25%, 3.32% and 3.88%; no dividend yield; volatility factors of the expected market price of the Company’s common stock of 78.0%, 53.3% and 51.69%; and a weighted average expected life of the options of 6.22, 5.69 and 5.66 years. The weighted average fair value of options granted during 2003, 2004 and 2005 is $3.32 per share, $2.02 per share and $5.57 per share, respectively.

58




For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the options is amortized to expense over the options’ expected vesting period. Had compensation cost for the Company’s stock option plan been determined based on the estimated fair value at the grant dates for awards under the plan consistent with the fair value method of SFAS No. 123 utilizing the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, the Company’s net (loss) income and basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share for the years ended December 31, would have approximated the pro forma amounts indicated below:

 

 

2003

 

2004

 

2005

 

Net (loss) income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

 

$

(31,610

)

$

(486

)

$

19,849

 

Add: Stock-based compensation expense included in reported net (loss) income, net of related tax effects

 

978

 

190

 

167

 

Deduct: Stock-based compensation expense determined under fair value based method, net of related tax effects

 

(248

)

(951

)

(1,370

)

Pro forma net (loss) income

 

$

(30,880

)

$

(1,247

)

$

18,646

 

Basic (loss) earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

 

$

(0.66

)

$

(0.01

)

$

0.40

 

Pro forma

 

$

(0.65

)

$

(0.03

)

$

0.38

 

Diluted (loss) earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

 

$

(0.66

)

$

(0.01

)

$

0.39

 

Pro forma

 

$

(0.65

)

$

(0.03

)

$

0.37

 

 

Employment Agreement Costs   The Company recorded employment agreement costs of $2,446 for the year ended December 31, 2003, related to payments under an amendment to an employment agreement (“amended agreement”) with its former chairman of the board. The Company recorded employment agreement costs of $2,064 for the year ended December 31, 2004, related to an employment agreement with its former chief financial officer and payments under the amended agreement with their former chairman of the board. The Company recorded employment agreement costs of $366 for the year ended December 31, 2005, related to the amended agreement with its former chairman of the board. The Company does not expect to incur any further costs relating to the amended agreement with its former chairman of the board.

Derivatives   The Company accounts for derivative instruments and hedging activities in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Actvities” (“SFAS 133”) and SFAS 138, “Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS 138”), an amendment of SFAS 133. On the date the Company enters into a derivative contract, management designates the derivative as a hedge of the identified exposure. The Company does not enter into derivative instruments that do not qualify as cash flow hedges as described in SFAS 133 and SFAS 138. 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 measures effectiveness of its hedging relationships, both at the hedge inception and on an ongoing basis, in accordance with its risk management policy. 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, (iv) because a hedged firm commitment no longer meets the definition of a firm commitment, or (v) 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.

59




For derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges any unrealized gains or losses on fair value are included in comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax.

Income Taxes   The provision for income taxes is determined in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, applying enacted statutory tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Future income tax benefits are recognized only to the extent that the realization of such benefits is considered to be more likely than not. The Company regularly reviews its deferred tax assets for recoverability and establishes a valuation allowance, when it is more likely than not that such deferred tax assets will not be recoverable, based on historical taxable income, projected future taxable income, and the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences.

Fair Values of Financial Instruments   The carrying amount reported in the balance sheet for cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value based on the short-term maturity of these instruments. The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet for accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value based on the short-term nature of these accounts. The carrying amount reported in the balance sheet for 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. The fair value of the Company’s senior subordinated notes and its equipment loans was $168,357 and $141,243 compared to the carrying amount reported on the balance sheet of $165,357 and $165,207 as of December 31, 2004 and 2005, respectively. The fair value of the Company’s senior subordinated notes was based upon the bond trading prices at December 31, 2004 and 2005, respectively. The fair value of the equipment loans was estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, based on the Company’s current incremental rates for similar types of equipment loans.

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

Comprehensive (Loss) Income   For the year ended December 31, 2003, the Company did not have any components of comprehensive income as defined in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130, “Reporting Comprehensive Income” (“SFAS 130”). During the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2005, the Company entered into interest rate swap agreements and interest rate collar agreements, as discussed in Note 9, for which unrealized gains and losses are classified as a component of comprehensive (loss) income as defined in SFAS 130.

Segment Reporting   The chief operating decision maker reviews the operating results of the Company’s geographic regions for the purpose of making operating decisions and assessing performance. Based on the aggregation criteria in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,” the Company has aggregated the results of its geographic regions into one reportable segment.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements   In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS 153, “Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets” (“SFAS 153”), which is an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29, “Accounting for Nonmonetary Transactions,” (“APB 29”). This statement addresses the measurement of exchanges of nonmonetary assets, and eliminates the exception from fair value measurement for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets as defined in paragraph 21(b) of APB 29, and replaces it with an exception for exchanges that do not have commercial substance. This statement specifies that a nonmonetary exchange has commercial substance if the future cash flows of the entity are expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange. SFAS 153 is effective for nonmonetary asset exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005. The adoption of SFAS 153 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

60




In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS 123(R) (revised December 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS 123(R)”), which is a revision of SFAS 123 and supersedes APB No. 25. This statement requires that the fair value at the grant date resulting from all share-based payment transactions be recognized in the financial statements. Further, SFAS 123(R) requires entities to apply a fair-value based measurement method in accounting for these transactions. This value is recorded over the vesting period. This statement is effective for the first fiscal year beginning after June 15, 2005. The Company will adopt SFAS 123(R) for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2006. The Company will use the modified prospective application transition method and estimates that the adoption of SFAS 123(R) for share-based awards issued to employees will reduce the Company’s 2006 net income by approximately $1.5 million to $2.5 million. This estimate is based upon various assumptions, including an estimate of the number of share-based awards that will be granted, cancelled or expired during 2006, as well as the Company’s future stock prices. These assumptions are highly subjective and changes in these assumptions would materially affect the Company’s estimates. In addition, the Company’s net income will continue to be reduced by compensation expense for share-based awards to non-employees.

In March 2005, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 47, “Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations” (“FIN 47”), an interpretation of SFAS 143, “Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations.” This interpretation clarifies that an entity is required to recognize a liability for the fair value of a conditional asset retirement obligation when incurred if the liability’s fair value can be reasonably estimated. This interpretation also clarifies when an entity would have sufficient information to reasonably estimate the fair value of an asset retirement obligation. This statement is effective no later than the end of fiscal years ending after December 15, 2005. The adoption of FIN 47 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS 154, “Accounting for Changes and Error Corrections” (“SFAS 154”), which is a replacement of APB Opinion No. 20, “Accounting Changes,” and SFAS 3, “Reporting Accounting Changes in Interim Financial Statements.” This statement changes the requirements for the accounting for and reporting of all voluntary changes in accounting principle and in the instance that a pronouncement does not include specific transition provisions. This statement requires retrospective application to prior periods’ financial statements of changes in accounting principle, unless it is impracticable to determine either the period-specific effects or the cumulative effect of the change. SFAS 154 is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. The Company believes the adoption of SFAS 154 will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In June 2005, the FASB issued Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 04-05, “Determining Whether a General Partner, or the General Partners as a Group, Controls a Limited Partnership or Similar Entity When the Limited Partners Have Certain Rights”(“EITF 04-05”). EITF 04-05 clarifies how general partners in a limited partnership should determine whether they control a limited partnership. A general partner of a limited partnership is presumed to control the limited partnership unless the limited partners have substantive kick-out rights or participating rights. For general partners of all new limited partnerships formed and for existing limited partnerships for which the partnership agreements are modified, EITF 04-05 is effective after June 29, 2005. For general partners in all other limited partnerships, EITF 04-05 is effective for the first period in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. The Company believes the adoption of EITF 04-05 will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In June 2005, the FASB issued EITF 05-06, “Determining the Amortization Period for Leasehold Improvements” (“EITF 05-06”). EITF 05-06 defines the useful life for leasehold improvements acquired in a business combination, or purchased significantly after, and not contemplated at the beginning of the lease term. EITF 05-06 is effective for leasehold improvements purchased or acquired in reporting periods after June 29, 2005. The adoption of EITF 05-06 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

61




3.   Transactions

On March 30, 2003, the Company entered into a joint venture agreement with GE Capital Corporation to form Affordable Imaging Rentals, LLC (“AIR”), subsequently renamed to Mobile Interim Solutions (“MIS”). MIS owns and operates a diagnostic imaging rental fleet of approximately 50 systems, primarily used by hospital and other healthcare clients for short-term, unstaffed MRI and CT rental needs. The Company has a 50% equity interest in MIS for which it paid $8,700 in cash. This equity interest is an investment in a non-consolidated investee, because the Company does not possess control, and is being accounted for under the equity method. The Company also entered into a long-term management agreement with MIS to provide logistics and related services for the rental fleet.

Effective September 1, 2005, the Company acquired certain assets associated with nine multi-modality fixed-site diagnostic imaging centers. The multi-modality fixed-site diagnostic imaging centers include one MRI system, six CT systems, and 29 other modality systems. The purchase price consisted of $7,650 in cash and $826 in assumed liabilities and transaction costs. The acquisition was financed using the Company’s internally generated funds. As a result of this acquisition, the Company recorded goodwill and intangible assets of $2,246 and $2,400, respectively. The intangible assets were recorded at fair value at the acquisition date. All recorded goodwill is deductible for tax purposes and will be amortized over 15 years for tax purposes. The acquisition also includes $246 of contingent payment due to the shareholders of the centers if certain performance targets are met over a three year period. When the contingency is resolved and consideration is distributable, the Company will record the fair value of the consideration as additional purchase price to goodwill. Adjustments to goodwill may occur in future periods as a result of changes in the original valuation of assets and liabilities acquired. The year ended December 31, 2005 includes four months of operations from this acquisition. The Company has not included pro forma information as this acquisition did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Effective October 1, 2005, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding stock of PET Scans of America Corp. (“PSA”), a mobile provider of PET and PET/CT services primarily to hospitals in 13 states. The purchase price consisted of $36,596 in cash and $3,692 in assumed liabilities and transaction costs. The acquisition was financed using the Company’s revolving line of credit, internally generated funds, and capital leases. As a result of this acquisition the Company acquired intangible assets of $11,400, of which $9,100 was assigned to PSA customer contracts, which will be amortized over 10 years, and $2,100 was assigned to certificates of need held by PSA, which have indefinite useful lives and are not subject to amortization. These assets were recorded at fair value at the acquisition date. The Company recorded total goodwill of $22,472, which includes $3,007 of goodwill related to income tax timing differences as a result of the acquisition. None of the goodwill recorded is deductible for tax purposes. Adjustments to goodwill may occur in future periods as a result of changes in the original valuation of assets and liabilities acquired. The year ended December 31, 2005 includes three months of operations from this acquisition. The Company has not included pro forma information as this acquisition did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In late December 2005, the Company purchased an additional equity interest in a joint venture the Company formed in 2004 with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The joint venture, Alliance Oncology (“AO”), is designed to partner with hospitals to build and operate radiation oncology centers, with an emphasis on intensity modulated radiation therapy and image guided radiation therapy. The purchase price for the additional equity interest was $8,000, which was financed through the Company’s revolving line of credit. The Company now owns 80% of AO. As a result of this acquisition the Company recorded goodwill of $6,946, which is deductible for tax purposes and will be amortized over 15 years for tax purposes. Adjustments to goodwill may occur in future periods as a result of changes in the original valuation of assets and liabilities acquired. The year ended December 31, 2005 did not include any consolidated results of operations from this acquisition due to the small number of days between the

62




acquisition date and the fiscal year end. During the year the Company recorded earnings in unconsolidated investees for the Company’s share of AO’s previously unconsolidated earnings. The Company has not included pro forma information as this acquisition did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

4.   Impairment Charges

In 2003, the Company saw an increase in the competitive climate in the MRI industry, resulting in an increase in activity by original equipment manufacturers selling systems directly to certain of the Company’s clients. This has caused an increase in the number of the Company’s clients deciding not to renew its contracts, and as a result, the Company’s MRI revenues have declined and they continue to decline through 2005. These events triggered an acceleration of the review of the recoverability of the carrying value of certain equipment, goodwill, and other intangible assets according to the provisions of SFAS 144 and SFAS 142. Due to the factors noted above, in 2003 the Company recognized a non-cash impairment charge totaling $73,225 associated with goodwill and other intangible assets and certain equipment in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 142 and 144, and an impairment of an investment in a joint venture, the components of which are described in more detail below.

In 2003, as discussed in Note 5, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $41,916 under SFAS 142 related to goodwill and an impairment charge of $802 under SFAS 144 related to certain customer contract intangible assets.

The Company evaluated the recoverability of the carrying amount of certain long-lived assets, specifically its 1.0 Tesla and 0.2 Tesla MRI systems, as a result of the decline in client demand for these systems. An impairment is assessed when the undiscounted expected future cash flows derived from the asset are less than its carrying amount. The Company used its best judgment based upon the most current facts and circumstances when applying these impairment rules. Based upon the analysis performed on the 1.0 Tesla and 0.2 Tesla MRI systems, an impairment charge of $22,793 was recognized to reduce certain of these assets to their fair market value as of September 30, 2003. Fair market value was based upon quoted market prices. The Company revised its estimate of residual values on all of its MRI equipment from 20% to 10%. In addition, the Company also changed its estimate of useful lives of 1.5 Tesla MRI systems from 8 years to 7 years. Both of these changes in estimates are being recognized on a prospective basis.

In 2003, the Company recognized a $7,714 impairment charge relating to an other than temporary decline in the fair value of the Company’s investment in a joint venture. The Company concluded that its investment was other than temporarily impaired because the Company’s carrying value of the investment exceeded the calculated fair value of the investment and the prospects for recovery are still considered weak. The fair value of the investment was based upon the Company’s best estimate of the expected discounted future cash flows of the joint venture.

5.   Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows:

Balance at December 31, 2004

 

$

122,992

 

Goodwill acquired during the year (see Note 3)

 

31,664

 

Balance at December 31, 2005

 

$

154,656

 

 

63




Intangible assets consisted of the following:

 

 

December 31, 2004

 

December 31, 2005

 

 

 

Gross Carrying

 

Accumulated

 

Intangible

 

Gross Carrying

 

Accumulated

 

Intangible

 

 

 

Amount

 

Amortization

 

Assets, net

 

Amount

 

Amortization

 

Assets, net

 

Amortizing intangible assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Customer contracts

 

 

$

40,426

 

 

 

$

(15,528

)

 

 

$

24,898

 

 

 

$

51,063

 

 

 

$

(18,791

)

 

 

$

32,272

 

 

Other

 

 

3,272

 

 

 

(2,010

)

 

 

1,262

 

 

 

4,467

 

 

 

(1,910

)

 

 

2,557

 

 

Total amortizing intangible assets

 

 

$

43,698

 

 

 

$

(17,538

)

 

 

$

26,160

 

 

 

$

55,530

 

 

 

$

(20,701

)

 

 

$

34,829

 

 

Intangible assets not subject to amortization

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

2,089

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

4,242

 

 

Total other intangible assets, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

28,249

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

39,071

 

 

 

The Company reviews the recoverability of the carrying value of goodwill on an annual basis or more frequently when an event occurs or circumstances change to indicate an impairment of these assets has possibly occurred. Goodwill is allocated to the Company’s various reporting units which represent the Company’s geographical regions. The Company compares the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying amount to determine if there is potential impairment.

In 2003, the Company recognized a goodwill impairment charge of $41,916 in three of its reporting units to reduce these assets to their fair value as of September 30, 2003. The implied fair value for goodwill is determined based on the fair value of assets and liabilities of the respective reporting units, in accordance with SFAS 142, based on discounted cash flows, market multiples, or appraised values as appropriate.

Also in the third quarter of 2003 in accordance with SFAS 144, the Company determined that certain intangible assets acquired in May 1998 were impaired, and the Company recorded a charge of $802 to two of its reporting units in order to record these assets at fair value. Fair market value was determined based upon discounted cash flows.

Based upon the SFAS 144 study performed, the Company changed its estimate for the amortization period of certain customer contracts from a weighted average useful life of 19 years to 15 years in the third quarter of 2003. This change in estimate has been recognized on a prospective basis. Other intangible assets subject to amortization were determined to have a weighted average useful life of four years. Amortization expense for intangible assets subject to amortization was $2,897, $3,522 and $3,954 for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2004 and 2005, 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:

2006

 

$

4,871

 

2007

 

4,655

 

2008

 

4,441

 

2009

 

4,120

 

2010

 

4,032

 

 

64




6.   Other Accrued Liabilities

Other accrued liabilities consisted of the following:

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2004

 

2005

 

Accrued systems rental and maintenance costs

 

 

$

3,058

 

 

$

5,801

 

Accrued site rental fees

 

 

1,796

 

 

1,242

 

Accrued property and sales taxes payable

 

 

8,061

 

 

10,569

 

Accrued self-insurance expense

 

 

4,789

 

 

5,725

 

Other accrued expenses

 

 

4,473

 

 

5,727

 

Total

 

 

$

22,177

 

 

$

29,064

 

 

7.   Long-Term Debt and Senior Subordinated Credit Facility

Long-term debt consisted of the following:

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2004

 

2005

 

Term loan facility

 

$

409,875

 

$

384,875

 

Revolving loan facility

 

 

29,500

 

Senior subordinated notes

 

153,541

 

153,541

 

Equipment debt

 

12,248

 

11,666

 

Long-term debt, including current portion

 

575,664

 

579,582

 

Less current portion

 

9,390

 

7,781

 

Long-term debt

 

$

566,274

 

$

571,801

 

 

Bank Credit Facilities   On November 2, 1999, the Company entered into a $616,000 Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) consisting of a $131,000 Tranche A Term Loan Facility, a $150,000 Tranche B Term Facility, a $185,000 Tranche C Term Loan Facilty, and a Revolving Loan Facilty. On June 11, 2002, the Company entered into a second amendment to its Credit Agreement in order to complete a $286,000 refinancing of its Tranche B and C term loan facility. Under the terms of the amended term loan facility, the Company received proceeds of $286,000 from a new Tranche C term loan facility, and used the entire amount of the proceeds to retire $145,500 and $140,500 owed under Tranche B and C of its existing term loan facility, respectively. The new Tranche C borrowing rate was decreased to the London InterBank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 2.375%. The borrowing rate under the previously applicable Tranche B borrowing rate had been LIBOR plus 2.750% and the previously applicable Tranche C borrowing rate had been LIBOR plus 3.000%.

On December 29, 2004, the Company entered into a third amendment to its Credit Agreement which revised the Tranche C term loan facility (“Tranche C1”) resulting in incremental borrowings of $154,000 and decreased the maximum amount of availability under the existing revolving loan facility from $150,000 to $70,000. The proceeds from the amendment were used to complete a cash tender offer to retire $256,459 of the $260,000 103¤8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2011, as discussed below. The Tranche C1 borrowing rate decreased to LIBOR plus 2.250%. On December 19, 2005 the Company entered into a fourth amendment to its Credit Agreement which revised the Company’s maximum consolidated leverage ratio covenant to a level not to exceed 4.00 to 1.00 as of the last day of any fiscal quarter until the expiration of the agreement. Prior to the fourth amendment, the Company’s maximum consolidated leverage ratio covenant was 3.75 to 1.00 as of the last day of any fiscal quarter beginning March 31, 2006 to the expiration of the agreement. The fourth amendment also requires the Company to maintain a maximum consolidated senior leverage ratio covenant at a level not to exceed 3.00 to 1.00 as of the last day

65




of any fiscal quarter. The amendment increased the Tranche C1 LIBOR margin from an annual rate of 2.250% to 2.500%. In connection with the amendment, the Company incurred an amendment fee of $594.

At December 31, 2005, the Company had $29,500 in borrowings outstanding under the revolving loan facility and $34,879 in available borrowings under the revolving loan facility. The Company’s Credit Agreement, as amended, will govern the Tranche C1 and the revolving loan facility with the same security provisions and the revised restrictive covenants which, among other things, limit the incurrence of additional indebtedness, dividends, transactions with affiliates, asset sales, acquisitions, mergers and consolidations, liens and encumbrances, and restrictive payments. As of December 31, 2005, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Agreement. As noted in the maturities schedule, principal payments are required in 2006 and on various dates through 2011 for the Tranche C1 and revolving loan facility. Voluntary prepayments are permitted in whole or in part without premium or penalty. Interest under Tranche C1 and the revolving loan facility is variable based on the Company’s leverage ratio and changes in specified published rates and the bank’s prime lending rate.

The weighted average interest rates on Tranche A and the Tranche C1 term loan facilities at December 31, 2004 were 3.500% and 4.690%, respectively. The remaining principal balance of Tranche A was paid during 2005. The weighted average interest rates on Tranche C1 and the revolving loan facility at December 31, 2005 were 6.282% and 5.875%, respectively. The Company pays a commitment fee equal to 0.50% per annum on the undrawn portion available under the revolving loan facility. The Company also pays variable per annum fees in respect of outstanding letters of credit. The Credit Agreement is collateralized by the Company’s equity interests in its majority owned subsidiaries, partnerships and limited liability companies and its unencumbered assets, which include accounts receivable, inventory, equipment, and intellectual property.

103¤8% Senior Subordinated Notes   In December 2004 the Company completed a cash tender offer (the “Tender Offer”) for any and all of its outstanding 103¤8% Notes. The Company redeemed substantially all of the 103¤8% Notes at a redemption price equal to 113.856% of the principal amount, together with the accrued interest to the redemption date. The Company incurred a loss on early retirement of debt of $44,393 for the tender offer which represents the tender premium and consent payment to redeem the 103¤8% Notes, write off of unamortized debt issuance costs related to the retired debt, and fees and expenses related to the redemption of the 103¤8% Notes. The Company used the remaining proceeds from Tranche C1, proceeds from the sale of the 71¤4% Notes described below, and existing cash to settle the tender premium and consent payment. At December 31, 2005, the Company had $3,541 remaining of the original $260,000 103¤8% Notes. As of December 31, 2005, the Company was in compliance with all covenants contained in our 103¤8% Notes.

71¤4% Senior Subordinated Notes   On December 29, 2004, the Company issued $150,000 of its 71¤4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2012 (the “71¤4% Notes”) in a transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and used the proceeds to repay a portion of its 103¤8% Notes. The 71¤4% Notes contain restrictive covenants which, among other things, limit the incurrence of additional indebtedness, dividends, transactions with affiliates, asset sales, acquisitions, mergers and consolidations, liens and encumbrances, and restrictive payments. The 71¤4% Notes are unsecured senior subordinated obligations and are subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future senior debt, including bank debt, and all obligations of its subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2005, the Company was in compliance with all covenants contained in the 71¤4% Notes.

66




The maturities of long-term debt as of December 31, 2005 are as follows:

 

 

Bank Credit Facilities

 

Subordinated

 

Equipment

 

 

 

 

 

Tranche C1

 

Revolver

 

Notes

 

Loans

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ending December 31:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2006

 

 

$

3,900

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

3,881

 

 

$

7,781

 

2007

 

 

3,900

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,022

 

 

6,922

 

2008

 

 

3,900

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,255

 

 

6,155

 

2009

 

 

3,900

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,681

 

 

5,581

 

2010

 

 

3,900

 

 

29,500

 

 

 

 

 

827

 

 

34,227

 

Thereafter

 

 

365,375

 

 

 

 

153,541

 

 

 

 

 

518,916

 

 

 

 

$

384,875

 

 

$

29,500

 

 

$

153,541

 

 

 

$

11,666

 

 

$

579,582

 

 

Of the Company’s total indebtedness at December 31, 2005, $570,877 is an obligation of the Company and $8,705 is an obligation of the Company’s consolidated subsidiaries.

8.   Stockholders’ Deficit

(Loss) Earnings Per Common Share   The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2003

 

2004

 

2005

 

Numerator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (loss) income

 

$

(31,610

)

$

(486

)

$

19,849

 

Denominator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average shares—basic

 

47,872

 

48,350

 

49,378

 

Effect of dilutive securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employee stock options

 

 

 

884

 

Weighted-average shares—diluted

 

47,872

 

48,350

 

50,262

 

(Loss) earnings per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

(0.66

)

$

(0.01

)

$

0.40

 

Diluted

 

$

(0.66

)

$

(0.01

)

$

0.39

 

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

 

4,149

 

1,291

 

1,279

 

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

 

$

6.31

 

$

8.19

 

$

11.60

 

 

67




Stock Options and Awards   In December 1997, the Company adopted an employee stock option plan (“1997 Equity Plan”) pursuant to which options with respect to a total of 4,685,450 shares of the Company’s common stock were available for grant. Options were granted at their fair value at the date of grant. All options have 10-year terms. On November 2, 1999, in connection with the 1999 Recapitalization Merger, all options under the 1997 Equity Plan became fully vested.

In connection with the Company’s acquisition of all of the outstanding common stock of Three Rivers Holding Corporation (“Three Rivers”), the parent corporation of SMT Health Services, Inc., in 1999, outstanding employee stock options under the 1997 Three Rivers Stock Option Plan were converted into options to acquire shares of the Company’s common stock. The Three Rivers stock option plan allowed for options with respect to a total of 2,825,200 shares of the Company’s common stock to be available for grant. Options were granted at their fair value at the date of grant. All options have 10-year terms. On November 2, 1999, in connection with a series of transactions contemplated by an Agreement and Plan of Merger between Viewer Acquisition Corp and the Company in November 1999 (the “1999 Recapitalization Merger”), all options under the 1997 Three Rivers Stock Option Plan became fully vested.

In connection with the 1999 Recapitalization Merger, the Company adopted an employee stock option plan (the “1999 Equity Plan”) pursuant to which options with respect to a total of 6,325,000 shares of the Company’s common stock will be available for grant. Options are granted with exercise prices equal to fair value of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant, except as noted below. All options have 10-year terms. A portion of the options vest in equal increments over five years and a portion vest after eight years (subject to acceleration if certain financial performance targets are achieved). In November 2000, the Company granted 865,000 options to certain employees at exercise prices below the fair value of the Company’s common stock, of which 35,000 options were outstanding at December 31, 2005. The exercise price of these options and the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the grant date were $5.60 and $9.52 per share, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2003, 2004 and 2005 the Company recorded non-cash stock-based compensation of $72, $48 and $24, respectively, with an offset to additional paid-in deficit.

Under the 1999 Equity Plan, a portion of the options granted are “performance options.” These options vest on the eighth anniversary of the grant date if the option holder is still an employee, but the vesting accelerates if the Company meets the operating performance targets specified in the option agreements. On June 20, 2001, the Company’s compensation committee authorized the Company to amend the option agreements under its 1999 Equity Plan to reduce the performance targets for 1,899,600 performance options out of the 2,284,222 performance options outstanding. On May 18, 2004, the Company’s compensation committee authorized the Company to make a second amendment to the option agreements under its 1999 Equity Plan to further reduce the performance targets for all of the 1,914,500 performance options outstanding. As a result of the amendment, if the Company achieves the reduced performance targets but does not achieve the original performance targets, and an option holder terminates employment prior to the eighth anniversary of the option grant date, the Company would be required to record a non-cash stock-based compensation charge equal to the amount by which the actual value of the shares subject to the performance option on the date of the amendment exceeded the option’s exercise price. Management estimates that the Company could incur an additional $200 to $500 in the aggregate of these non-cash stock-based compensation charges over the next 31¤2 years. These charges, however, may not be evenly distributed over each of those three years or over the four quarters in any one year, depending upon the timing of employee turnover and the number of shares subject to the options held by departing employees. For the year ended December 31, 2003, 2004 and 2005, the Company recorded $1,600, $274 and $228, respectively, in non-cash stock-based compensation as a result of the amendment.

68




In 2005, the Company created an advisory committee of industry and medical consultants. Non-employee stock-based awards are granted to the members of the advisory committee with an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. For the year ended December 31, 2005 the Company recorded non-cash stock-based compensation of $27, as a result of granting stock options to these non-employees.

The following table summarizes the Company’s stock option activity:

 

 

 

 

Weighted Average

 

 

 

Shares

 

Exercise Price

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2002

 

5,429,300

 

 

$

4.35

 

 

Granted

 

2,511,000

 

 

4.77

 

 

Exercised

 

(210,000

)

 

1.10

 

 

Canceled

 

(2,909,420

)

 

4.10

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2003

 

4,820,880

 

 

4.86

 

 

Granted

 

987,500

 

 

3.92

 

 

Exercised

 

(1,033,850

)

 

3.72

 

 

Canceled

 

(1,085,420

)

 

5.75

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2004

 

3,689,110

 

 

4.67

 

 

Granted

 

1,078,500

 

 

10.88

 

 

Exercised

 

(547,610

)

 

4.19

 

 

Canceled

 

(648,725

)

 

6.71

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2005

 

3,571,275

 

 

$

6.25

 

 

 

69




The following table summarizes information about all stock options outstanding at December 31, 2005:

 

 

 

 

Weighted Average

 

 

 

 

Options

 

Exercise

 

Remaining

 

Options

 

Exercise

Outstanding

 

Price

 

Contractual Life

 

Exercisable

 

Price

 

9,000

 

 

 

$

  2.04

 

 

 

1.8

 

 

 

9,000

 

 

$  2.04

 

62,500

 

 

 

2.20

 

 

 

3.2

 

 

 

62,500

 

 

2.20

 

214,450

 

 

 

5.60

 

 

 

3.8

 

 

 

214,450

 

 

5.60

 

35,000

 

 

 

5.60

 

 

 

4.8

 

 

 

35,000

 

 

5.60

 

27,400

 

 

 

13.00

 

 

 

5.6

 

 

 

21,920

 

 

13.00

 

10,000

 

 

 

13.00

 

 

 

5.6

 

 

 

8,000

 

 

13.00

 

35,000

 

 

 

10.65

 

 

 

6.0

 

 

 

24,500

 

 

10.65

 

1,000,000

 

 

 

5.27

 

 

 

7.0

 

 

 

500,000

 

 

5.27

 

246,000

 

 

 

5.19

 

 

 

7.0

 

 

 

84,000

 

 

5.19

 

400,000

 

 

 

2.95

 

 

 

7.3

 

 

 

200,000

 

 

2.95

 

53,000

 

 

 

4.95

 

 

 

7.4

 

 

 

26,500

 

 

4.95

 

48,000

 

 

 

3.55

 

 

 

7.7

 

 

 

19,200

 

 

3.55

 

359,425

 

 

 

3.67

 

 

 

8.0

 

 

 

19,771

 

 

3.67

 

70,000

 

 

 

4.04

 

 

 

8.4

 

 

 

21,000

 

 

4.04

 

40,000

 

 

 

4.06

 

 

 

8.4

 

 

 

12,000

 

 

4.06

 

35,000

 

 

 

4.19

 

 

 

8.6

 

 

 

35,000

 

 

4.19

 

20,000

 

 

 

7.20

 

 

 

8.8

 

 

 

4,000

 

 

7.20

 

15,000

 

 

 

6.94

 

 

 

8.8

 

 

 

5,000

 

 

6.94

 

2,500

 

 

 

10.98

 

 

 

9.0

 

 

 

833

 

 

10.98

 

574,500

 

 

 

12.35

 

 

 

9.0

 

 

 

9,250

 

 

12.35

 

80,000

 

 

 

9.60

 

 

 

9.2

 

 

 

8,000

 

 

9.60

 

15,000

 

 

 

9.17

 

 

 

9.2

 

 

 

1,500

 

 

9.17

 

10,000

 

 

 

10.41

 

 

 

9.3

 

 

 

1,000

 

 

10.41

 

50,000

 

 

 

10.71

 

 

 

9.4

 

 

 

5,000

 

 

10.71

 

2,500

 

 

 

8.62

 

 

 

9.7

 

 

 

 

 

8.62

 

150,000

 

 

 

5.56

 

 

 

9.9

 

 

 

 

 

5.56

 

6,000

 

 

 

7.75

 

 

 

9.8

 

 

 

 

 

7.75

 

1,000

 

 

 

5.62

 

 

 

10.0

 

 

 

 

 

5.62

 

3,571,275

 

 

 

$

  6.25

 

 

 

7.5

 

 

 

1,327,424

 

 

$  5.09

 

Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan   Effective January 1, 2000, the Company established a Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Director Plan”) for all non-employee directors. Each of the non-employee directors has elected to participate in the Director Plan and have their annual fee of $25 deferred into a stock account and converted quarterly into Phantom Shares. Upon retirement, separation from the Board of Directors, or the occurrence of a change of control, each director has the option of being paid cash or issued common stock for their Phantom Shares. For the years ended December 31, 2003, 2004 and 2005 the Company recorded additional director fees of zero, $299, and ($220) respectively, with an increase (decrease) to other accrued liabilities for the difference between the current fair market value and the original issuance price of the Phantom Shares. At December 31, 2004 and 2005, $946 and $668, respectively was included in other accrued liabilities relating to the Director Plan.

9.   Derivatives

In the second quarter of 2004, the Company entered into interest rate swap agreements, with notional amounts of $56,813, $46,813 and $48,438 to hedge the future cash interest payments associated with a

70




portion of the Company’s variable rate bank debt. These agreements are three years in length and mature in 2007. As of December 31, 2004, and 2005 the fair value of the Company’s interest rate swap agreements was an accumulated loss of $464 and an accumulated income of $2,824, respectively. Under these arrangements, the Company receives three-month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) and pays a fixed rate of 3.15%, 3.89% and 3.69%, respectively. The net effect of the hedges is to record interest expense at fixed rates of 5.65%, 6.39% and 6.19%, respectively, as the debt incurs interest based on three-month LIBOR plus 2.50%. For the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2005, the Company recorded a net settlement amount of $1,020, and $756, respectively. The Company has designated these swaps as cash flow hedges of variable future cash flows associated with its long-term debt. For the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2005, the Company recognized a comprehensive loss, net of tax, of $278, and a comprehensive income, net of tax, of $1,980, based on the change in fair value of these instruments. The Company will continue to record subsequent changes in the fair value of the swaps through comprehensive (loss) income during the period these instruments are designated as hedges.

In the first quarter of 2005, the Company entered into multiple interest rate collar agreements for its variable rate bank debt. The total underlying notional amount of the debt was $178,000. Under these arrangements the Company has purchased a cap on the interest rate of 4.00% and has sold a floor of 2.25%. The Company paid a net purchase price of $1,462 for these collars. These agreements are two and three years in length and mature at various dates between January 2007 and January 2008. As of December 31, 2005, the fair value of the Company’s interest rate collar agreements was an accumulated income of $2,525. For the year ended December 31, 2005, the Company did not record any net settlement amount. The Company has designated these collars as cash flow hedges of variable future cash flows associated with its long-term debt. For the year ended December 31, 2005, the Company recognized a comprehensive income, net of tax, of $1,515 based on the change in fair value of these instruments. The Company will record subsequent changes in the fair value of the collars through comprehensive (loss) income during the period these instruments are designated as hedges.

10.   Commitments and Contingencies

The Company has maintenance contracts with its equipment vendors for substantially all of its diagnostic imaging equipment. The contracts are between one and five years from inception and extend through the year 2008, but may be canceled by the Company under certain circumstances. The Company’s total contract payments for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2004 and 2005 were $33,598, $35,214 and $35,972, respectively. At December 31, 2005, the Company had binding equipment purchase commitments totaling $24,744.

The Company leases office and warehouse space and certain equipment under non-cancelable operating leases. The office and warehouse leases generally call for minimum monthly payments plus maintenance and inflationary increases. The future minimum payments under such leases are as follows:

Year ending December 31:

 

 

 

2006

 

$

6,439

 

2007

 

5,903

 

2008

 

4,492

 

2009

 

3,073

 

2010

 

2,307

 

Thereafter

 

2,908

 

 

 

$

25,122

 

 

71




The Company’s total rental expense, which includes short-term equipment rentals, for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2004 and 2005 was $8,852, $8,722 and $9,518 respectively.

The Company has applied the disclosure provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others,” to its agreements that contain guarantee or indemnification clauses. These disclosure provisions expand those required by FASB Statement No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies,” by requiring a guarantor to disclose certain type of guarantees, even if the likelihood of requiring the guarantor’s performance is remote. The following is a description of arrangements in which the Company is the guarantor or indemnifies a party.

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, we are obligated to indemnify, to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law, our 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. Historically, payments made related to these indemnifications have been immaterial. At December 31, 2005 the Company has determined that no liability is necessary related to these guarantees and indemnities.

The Company guarantees a portion of a loan on behalf of an unconsolidated investee under an agreement executed prior to 2002. The maximum potential future payment under this financial guarantee is $191 at December 31, 2005. The Company has not recorded an obligation for this guarantee.

On May 5, 2005, Alliance Imaging, Inc. was served with a complaint filed in Alameda County Superior Court alleging wage and hour claims on behalf of a putative class of approximately 400 former and current California employees of the Company. On August 19, 2005, the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint, which the Company answered on September 23, 2005. In this suit, captioned Linda S. Jones, et al. v. Alliance Imaging, Inc., et al., the plaintiffs allege violations of California's wage, meal period, and break time laws and regulations. Plaintiffs sought recovery of unspecified economic damages, statutory penalties, attorneys' fees, and costs of suit. The parties are currently taking discovery to develop facts relevant to the named plaintiffs' expected motion for certification of one or more classes. On or about March 10, 2006, plaintiffs filed a second amended complaint adding a cause of action for conversion and a plea for punitive damages. The Company has not yet responded to the second amended complaint and anticipates filing a demurrer and/or motion to strike the new claim and plea. A hearing for any such challenge to the second amended complaint has been scheduled for May 4, 2006. No date for the filing or hearing of a motion for class certification has been set and no trial date has been set. The Company is currently evaluating the allegations of the second amended complaint and are unable to predict the likely timing or outcome of the lawsuit.

The Company from time to time is also involved in other 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 or financial position.

72




11.   401(k) Savings Plan

The Company established a 401(k) Savings Plan (the “Plan”) in January 1990. Effective August 1, 1998, the Plan was amended and restated in its entirety. Currently, all employees who are over 21 years of age are eligible to participate after attaining three months of service. Employees may contribute between 1% and 25% of their annual compensation. The Company matches 50 cents for every dollar of employee contributions up to 5% of their annual compensation, subject to the limitations imposed by the Internal Revenue Code. Employees vest in employer contributions 25% per year, over 4 years. The Company may also make discretionary contributions depending on profitability. No discretionary contributions were made in 2003, 2004 or 2005. The Company incurred and charged to expense $1,454, $1,468 and $1,421 during 2003, 2004 and 2005, respectively, related to the Plan.

12.   Income Taxes

The (benefit) provision for income taxes shown in the consolidated statements of operations consists of the following:

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2003

 

2004

 

2005

 

Current:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

$

(100

)

$

(5,099

)

$

649

 

State

 

1,302

 

732

 

9

 

Total current

 

1,202

 

(4,367

)

658

 

Deferred:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

(1,635

)

(1,566

)

10,321

 

State

 

(1,247

)

(837

)

2,471

 

Total deferred

 

(2,882

)

(2,403

)

12,792

 

Total (benefit) provision for income taxes

 

$

(1,680

)

$

(6,770

)

$

13,450

 

 

Significant components of the Company’s net deferred tax assets (liabilities) at December 31 are as follows:

 

 

2004

 

2005

 

Basis differences in equipment

 

$

(93,985

)

$

(87,601

)

Basis differences in intangible assets

 

(5,621

)

(11,315

)

Net operating losses

 

71,932

 

60,345

 

Accounts receivable

 

3,027

 

2,248

 

State income taxes

 

3,117

 

4,065

 

Accruals not currently deductible for income tax purposes

 

2,739

 

5,485

 

Basis differences associated with acquired investments

 

(2,228

)

(6,097

)

Other

 

1,954

 

(2,975

)

Total deferred taxes

 

(19,065

)

(35,845

)

Valuation allowance

 

(18,113

)

(18,113

)

Net deferred taxes

 

$

(37,178

)

$

(53,958

)

Current deferred tax asset

 

$

12,782

 

$

6,186

 

Noncurrent deferred tax liability

 

(49,960

)

(60,144

)

Net deferred taxes

 

$

(37,178

)

$

(53,958

)

 

73




A reconciliation of the expected total (benefit) provision for income taxes, computed using the federal statutory rate on income (loss) is as follows:

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2003

 

2004

 

2005

 

U.S. Federal tax (benefit) expense at statutory rate

 

$

(11,989

)

$

(3,119

)

$

11,086

 

State income taxes, net of federal benefit

 

454

 

(68

)

1,752

 

Amortization or write-off of non-deductible goodwill

 

8,132

 

 

 

Performance based stock options

 

 

569

 

 

Minority interest expense

 

(589

)

(830

)

(601

)

Earnings from unconsolidated investees

 

927

 

1,410

 

1,170

 

Tax settlement

 

 

(5,095

)

 

Other

 

1,385

 

363

 

43

 

(Benefit) provision for income taxes

 

$

(1,680

)

$

(6,770

)

$

13,450

 

 

As of December 31, 2005, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $163,840 and $40,063 for federal and state income tax purposes, respectively. The utilization of the majority of these net operating loss carryforwards may be subject to limitation under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. These loss carryforwards will expire at various dates from 2006 through 2025. As of December 31, 2005, the Company also had alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards of $1,223 with no expiration date.

The Company maintains a valuation allowance to reduce certain deferred tax assets to amounts that are, in management’s estimation, more likely than not to be realized. This allowance primarily relates to the deferred tax assets established for certain state net operating loss carryforwards, as well as net operating loss carryforwards from the acquisition of Mobil Technology, Inc. (“MTI”) in 1998 which are subject to limitation. Any reductions in the valuation allowance resulting from realization of the MTI net operating loss carryforwards will result in a reduction of goodwill.

During 2004, the Company recorded a higher than statutory income tax benefit primarily due to the reversal of income tax reserves of $5,095 primarily related to the favorable outcome of examinations of its 1998 and 1999 federal income tax returns and a favorable final IRS determination related to the treatment of an income item in a federal income tax return of one of its subsidiaries.

At December 31, 2005, approximately $1,200 of tax contingency accruals remain as the Company feels it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the contingency can be reasonably estimated based on specific events.

13.   Related-Party Transactions

The Company recorded management fees payable to Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co (“KKR”) of $650 in 2003, 2004 and 2005, and will continue to receive financial advisory services from KKR on an ongoing basis. At December 31, 2004 and 2005, the Company has accrued $163 related to these services.

Revenue from management agreements with unconsolidated equity investees was $9,028, $11,508 and $11,873 during 2003, 2004 and 2005, respectively.

14.   Investments in Unconsolidated Investees

The Company has direct ownership in five unconsolidated investees at December 31, 2005. The Company owns between 30 percent and 50 percent of these investees, and provides management services under agreements with three of these investees, expiring at various dates through 2023. As discussed in Note 3, in late December 2005 the Company purchased an additional equity interest in AO, a joint venture

74




formed in 2004, which was an unconsolidated investee prior to purchase of the additional equity interest. AO was included in the total unconsolidated investee count of six at December 31, 2004. The Company’s earnings in unconsolidated investees for the years ended December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2005 include the Company’s percentage of AO’s earnings for these periods. At December 31, 2005 the Company also has ownership in an unconsolidated investee of AO. AO owns 50% of this investee and provides management services under an agreement which expires in 2025. All of these investees are accounted for under the equity method since the Company does not exercise control over the operations of these investees.

Set forth below is certain financial data of these investees (amounts in thousands):

 

 

Decmber 31,

 

 

 

2004

 

2005

 

Combined Balance Sheet Data:

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

$

15,342

 

$

11,232

 

Noncurrent assets.

 

24,740

 

31,958

 

Current liabilities

 

9,136

 

12,230

 

Noncurrent liabilities

 

11,763

 

12,779

 

 

 

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2003

 

2004

 

2005

 

Combined Operating Results:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

34,921

 

$

30,799

 

$

34,709

 

Expenses

 

29,279

 

22,061

 

25,332

 

Net income

 

5,642

 

8,738

 

9,377

 

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investees

 

2,649

 

4,029

 

3,343

 

 

15.   Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

The following table sets forth selected unaudited quarterly information for the Company’s last eight fiscal quarters. This information has been prepared on the same basis as the Consolidated Financial Statements and all necessary adjustments (which consisted only of normal recurring adjustments) have been included in the amounts stated below to present fairly the results of such periods when read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included elsewhere herein.

 

 

Quarter Ended

 

 

 

Mar. 31,
2004

 

Jun. 30,
2004

 

Sep. 30,
2004

 

Dec. 31,
2004

 

Revenues

 

$

105,646

 

$

109,481

 

$

109,760

 

$

107,193

 

Income (loss) before income taxes, minority interest expense and earnings from unconsolidated investees

 

7,538

 

10,656

 

11,041

 

(38,147

)

Net income (loss)

 

4,540

 

11,723

 

6,966

 

(23,715

)

Earnings (loss) per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.09

 

$

0.24

 

$

0.14

 

$

(0.49

)

Diluted

 

$

0.09

 

$

0.24

 

$

0.14

 

$

(0.49

)

 

75




 

 

 

Quarter Ended

 

 

 

Mar. 31,
2005

 

Jun. 30,
2005

 

Sep. 30,
2005

 

Dec. 31,
2005

 

Revenues

 

$

105,964

 

$

108,434

 

$

106,198

 

$

110,192

 

Income before income taxes, minority interest expense and earnings from unconsolidated investees

 

9,995

 

9,956

 

8,055

 

3,668

 

Net income

 

6,135

 

6,155

 

5,011

 

2,548

 

Earnings per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.12

 

$

0.12

 

$

0.10

 

$

0.05

 

Diluted

 

$

0.12

 

$

0.12

 

$

0.10

 

$

0.05

 

 

The Company experiences seasonality in the revenues and margins generated for its 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 during the period. Fourth quarter revenue is affected primarily by holiday and client and patient vacation schedules and inclement weather, also resulting in fewer scans during the period. During the fourth quarter of 2005, the expected slight decrease in revenue due to seasonality issues was offset by an increase in revenue as a result of the Company’s acquisition activity in the third and fourth quarters of 2005, as discussed in Note 3. The variability in margins is higher than the variability in revenues due to the fixed nature of the Company’s costs.

76




Item 9.                        Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

None.

Item 9A.                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 at the reasonable assurance level.

There has been no change in our internal controls over financial reporting during our most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Internal control over financial reporting refers to the process designed by, or under the supervision of, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, and effected by our board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and includes those policies and procedures that:

(1)   Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;

(2)   Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of managements and directors of the Company; and

(3)   Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Internal control over financial reporting cannot provide absolute assurance of achieving financial reporting objectives because of its inherent limitations. Internal control over financial reporting is a process that involves human diligence and compliance and is subject to lapses in judgment and breakdowns

77




resulting from human failures. Internal control over financial reporting also can be circumvented by collusion or improper management override. Because of such limitations, there is a risk that material misstatements may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by internal control over financial reporting. However, these inherent limitations are known features of the financial reporting process. Therefore, it is possible to design into the process safeguards to reduce, though not eliminate, this risk. Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company.

Management has used the framework set forth in the report entitled “Internal Control—Integrated Framework” published by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (“COSO”) of the Treadway Commission to evaluate the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Management has concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2005. Deloitte & Touche LLP has issued an attestation report on management’s assessment of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Paul S. Viviano, Chief Executive Officer
Howard K. Aihara, Chief Financial Officer

78




REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Alliance Imaging, Inc.
Anaheim, California

We have audited management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, that Alliance Imaging, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, management’s assessment that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

79




We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule as of and for the year ended December 31, 2005 of the Company and our report dated March 16, 2005 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and financial statement schedule.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Costa Mesa, California
March 16, 2006

80




Item 9B.               Other Information

None

PART III

Item 10.                 Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.

The information required by Item 10 of Form 10-K with respect to identification of our directors is incorporated by reference from the information contained in the section captioned “Nominees and Other Members of the Board of Directors” in our 2006 definitive proxy statement.

The information required by Item 10 of Form 10-K with respect to compliance with Section 16 (a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended, is incorporated by reference from the information contained in the section captioned “Section 16(a) Beneficial Reporting Compliance” in our 2006 definitive proxy statement.

The information required by Item 10 of Form 10-K with respect to our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to our senior financial officers is incorporated by reference from the section captioned “Availability of Certain Documents” in our 2006 definitive proxy statement.

The information required by Item 10 of Form 10-K with respect to audit committees and audit committee financial experts is incorporated by reference from the information contained in the section captioned “Corporate Governance and Board Committees” in our 2006 definitive proxy statement.

Item 11.                 Executive Compensation.

The information required by Item 11 of Form 10-K is incorporated by reference from the information contained in the sections captioned “Directors Compensation”, “Summary Compensation Table”, “Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year”, “Aggregated Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and Fiscal Year End Option Values”, “Employment and Change of Control Arrangements”, “Stock Performance Graph”, “Report of the Compensation Committee on Executive Compensation”, and “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” in our 2006 definitive proxy statement.

Item 12.                 Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

The information required by Item 12 of Form 10-K with respect to security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is incorporated by reference from the information contained in the section captioned “Ownership of Alliance Common Stock” in our 2006 definitive proxy statement.

The information required by Item 12 of Form 10-K with respect to securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans is incorporated by reference from the information contained in Item 5 of Part II of this Form 10-K.

Item 13.                 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.

The information required by Item 13 of Form 10-K is incorporated by reference from the information contained in the section captioned “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” in our 2006 definitive proxy statement.

Item 14.                 Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

The information required by Item 14 of Form 10-K with respect to principal accountant fees and services is incorporated by reference from the section captioned “Ratification of the Appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as Independent Auditors” in our 2006 definitive proxy statement.

81




PART IV

Item 15.                 Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

(a)           The following documents are filed as part of this Form 10-K:

1.     Financial Statements:

A listing of the Consolidated Financial Statements of Alliance Imaging, Inc., related notes and Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm is set forth in Item 8 of this report on Form 10-K.

The consolidated balance sheets of Alliance-HNI L.L.C. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income, Changes in Members’ Capital, and Cash Flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2005, related notes and the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm are set forth in Exhibit 99.1 to this Form 10-K.

2.     Financial Statement Schedules:

The following Financial Statement Schedule for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 is set forth on page 87 of this report on Form 10-K:

Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

All other schedules have been omitted because the required information is not present or is not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule, or because the information required is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes for the year ended December 31, 2005.

3.     Index to Exhibits:

Exhibit No.

 

Description

 

3.1

 

 

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Alliance.(7)

 

3.2

 

 

Amended and Restated By-laws of Alliance.(7)

 

4.1

 

 

Indenture dated as of April 10, 2001 by and between the Registrant and the Bank of New York with respect to $260 million aggregate principal amount of 103¤8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2011.(5)

 

4.2

 

 

Credit Agreement dated as of November 2, 1999, as amended.(5)

 

4.3

 

 

Specimen certificate for shares of common stock, $.01 par value, of Alliance.(7)

 

4.4

 

 

Second Amendment dated as of June 10, 2002 to Credit Agreement.(8)

 

4.5

 

 

Indenture dated as of December 29, 2004 by and between the Registrant and the Bank of New York with respect to $150 million aggregate principal amount of 71¤4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2012 and 71¤4% Series B Senior Subordinated Notes due 2012.(13)

 

4.6

 

 

Supplemental Indenture dated as of December 14, 2004 by and between Registrant and the Bank of New York with respect to 103¤8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2011. (13)

 

4.7

 

 

Third Amendment dated as of December 29, 2004 to Credit Agreement.(13)

 

4.8

 

 

Fourth Amendment dated as of December 19, 2005 to Credit Agreement.(16)

 

10.1

 

 

The 1999 Equity Plan for Employees of Alliance and Subsidiaries including the forms of option agreements used thereunder, as amended.(5)

82




 

10.2

 

 

The Alliance 1997 Stock Option Plan, including form of option agreement used thereunder, as amended.(5)

 

10.3

 

 

The Three Rivers Holding Corp. 1997 Stock Option Plan, as amended.(5)

 

10.4

 

 

Alliance Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended.(6)

 

10.5

 

 

2003 Incentive Plan(9)

 

10.6

 

 

Employment Agreement dated as of July 23, 1997 between Alliance and Richard N. Zehner.(1)

 

10.7

 

 

Agreement Not to Compete dated as of July 23, 1999 between Alliance and Richard N. Zehner.(1)

 

10.8

 

 

Amendment to Employment Agreement dated as of July 23, 1997 between Alliance and Richard N. Zehner.(2)

 

10.9

 

 

Amendment to Employment Agreement dated as of December 31, 1997 between Alliance and Richard N. Zehner.(3)

 

10.10

 

 

Second Amendment to Employment Agreement dated as of February 5, 1998 between Alliance and Richard N. Zehner.(3)

 

10.11

 

 

Employment Agreement dated as of January 19, 1998 between Alliance and Kenneth S. Ord.(4)

 

10.12

 

 

Agreement Not to Compete dated as of January 19, 1998 between Alliance and Kenneth S. Ord.(4)

 

10.15

 

 

Employment Agreement dated as of April 29, 1998 between Alliance and Russell D. Phillips, Jr.(3)

 

10.16

 

 

Agreement Not to Compete dated as of April 29, 1998 between Alliance and Russell D. Phillips, Jr.(3)

 

10.17

 

 

Employment Agreement dated as of January 1, 2003 between Alliance and Paul S. Viviano.(9)

 

10.18

 

 

Agreement Not to Compete dated as of January 1, 2003 between Alliance and Paul S. Viviano.(9)

 

10.19

 

 

Stock Subscription Agreement dated as of January 2, 2003 between Alliance and Paul S. Viviano.(9)

 

10.20

 

 

Stock Subscription Agreement dated as of February 3, 2003 between Alliance and Paul S. Viviano.(9)

 

10.21

 

 

Form of Stockholder’s Agreement.(5)

 

10.23

 

 

Registration Rights Agreement dated as of November 2, 1999.(5)

 

10.24

 

 

Management Agreement, dated as of November 2, 1999, between Alliance and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., LLP.(5)

 

10.25

 

 

Amendment No. 1 to Management Agreement, effective as of January 1, 2000, between Alliance and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., LLP.(5)

 

10.26

 

 

Form of Indemnification Agreement.(6)

 

10.27

 

 

Amendment to Employment Agreement, Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement and Non-Compete Agreement, dated as of May 21, 2003, between Alliance and Richard N. Zehner.(10)

83




 

10.29

 

 

Amendment to Employment Agreement and Stockholders’ Agreement, dated March 29, 2004 by and between Alliance, Viewer Holdings, LLC and Kenneth S. Ord.(12)

 

10.30

 

 

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated as of May 9, 2005 between Alliance and Paul S. Vivano.(15)

 

10.31

 

 

Agreement Not to Compete dated as of May 9, 2005 between Alliance and Paul S. Vivano.(15)

 

10.32

 

 

Employment Agreement dated as of May 9, 2005 between Alliance and Andrew P. Hayek.(15)

 

10.33

 

 

Agreement Not to Compete dated as of May 9, 2005 between Alliance and Andrew P. Hayek.(15)

 

10.34

 

 

Employment Agreement dated as of December 1, 2005 between Alliance and Howard K. Aihara.(17)

 

10.35

 

 

Agreement Not to Compete dated as of December 1, 2005 between Alliance and Howard K. Aihara.(17)

 

21.1  

 

 

List of subsidiaries.(17)

 

23.1  

 

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.(17)

 

23.2  

 

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.(17)

 

31     

 

 

Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.(17)

 

32     

 

 

Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.(17)

 

99.1  

 

 

Alliane-HNI L.L.C. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2005 and 2004 and the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income, Changes in Members’ Capital, and Cash Flows for each of the Three Years in the Period Ended December 31, 2005 and Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.(17)


(1)          Incorporated by reference to exhibits filed with the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-2, No. 333-33817.

(2)          Incorporated by reference herein to the indicated Exhibit in response to Item 14(a)(3), “Exhibits” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 (File No. 000-16334).

(3)          Incorporated by reference herein to the indicated Exhibit in response to Item 14(a)(3), “Exhibits” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 (File No. 000-16334).

(4)          Incorporated by reference to exhibits filed in response to Item 6, “Exhibits” of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998 (File No. 000-16334).

(5)          Incorporated by reference to exhibits filed with the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4, No. 333-60682, as amended.

(6)          Incorporated by reference to exhibits filed with the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, No. 333-64322, as amended.

84




(7)          Incorporated by reference to exhibits filed in response to Item 6, “Exhibits” of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2001 (File No. 001-16609).

(8)          Incorporated by reference to exhibits filed in response to Item 6, “Exhibits” of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002 (File No. 001-16609).

(9)          Incorporated by reference herein to the indicated Exhibit response in Item 15(a)(3), “Exhibits” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 (File No. 001-16609).

(10)   Incorporated by reference to exhibits filed in response to Item 6, “Exhibits” of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 (File No. 001-16609).

(11)   Incorporated by reference herein to the indicated Exhibit response in Item 15(a)(3), “Exhibits” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 (File No. 001-16609).

(12)   Incorporated by reference to exhibits filed in response to Item 6, “Exhibits” of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 (File No. 001-16609).

(13)   Incorporated by reference to exhibits filed in response to Item 9.01(c), “Exhibits” of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated December 29, 2004 (File No. 001-16609).

(14)   Incorporated by reference herein to the indicated Exhibit response in Item 15(a)(1), “Exhibits” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 (File No. 001-16609).

(15)   Incorporated by reference to exhibits filed in response to Item 6, “Exhibits” of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2005 (File No. 001-16609).

(16)   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 December 22, 2005 (File No. 001-16609).

(17)   Filed herewith

85




SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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 IMAGING, INC.

March 16, 2006

 

By:

 

/s/ PAUL S. VIVIANO

 

 

 

 

Paul S. Viviano,

 

 

 

 

Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on March 16, 2006.

Signature

 

 

Title

 

/s/ PAUL S. VIVIANO

 

Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

Paul S. Viviano

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ HOWARD K. AIHARA

 

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Howard K. Aihara

 

(Principal Financial Officer)

/s/ NICHOLAS A. POAN

 

Vice President and Corporate Controller

Nicholas A. Poan

 

(Principal Accounting Officer)

/s/ NEIL F. DIMICK

 

Director

Neil F. Dimick

 

 

/s/ ANTHONY B. HELFET

 

Director

Anthony B. Helfet

 

 

/s/ KENNETH W. FREEMAN

 

Director

Kenneth W. Freeman

 

 

/s/ MICHAEL W. MICHELSON

 

Director

Michael W. Michelson

 

 

/s/ JAMES C. MOMTAZEE

 

Director

James C. Momtazee

 

 

/s/ EDWARD L. SAMEK

 

Director

Edward L. Samek

 

 

/s/ JAMES H. GREENE

 

Director

James H. Greene, Jr.

 

 

 

 

86




ALLIANCE IMAGING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

Balance at
Beginning of
Period

 

Additions
Charged to
Expense

 

Deductions (Bad Debt
Write-offs, net
of Recoveries)

 

Balance at
End of Period

 

Year ended December 31, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

 

 

$

7,376

 

 

 

$

2,638

 

 

 

$

(4,156

)

 

 

$

5,858

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

 

 

$

8,376

 

 

 

$

809

 

 

 

$

(1,809

)

 

 

$

7,376

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

 

 

$

9,187

 

 

 

$

2,843

 

 

 

$

(3,654

)

 

 

$

8,376

 

 

 

87



EX-10.34 2 a06-1844_2ex10d34.htm EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

Exhibit 10.34

 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into as of December 1, 2005, by and between Alliance Imaging, Inc., a Delaware corporation (hereinafter called the “Corporation”), and Howard K. Aihara (hereinafter called the “Executive”). For purposes of this Agreement, employment with the Corporation shall include employment with any of its affiliated companies.

WITNESSETH THAT:

The Corporation desires to employ the Executive as an Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (collectively, the “CFO”), and the Executive desires to accept such employment;

NOW, THEREFORE, the Corporation and the Executive, each intending to be legally bound, hereby mutually covenant and agree as follows:

1.     Employment and Term.

 

(a)     Employment.  The Corporation shall employ the Executive as the CFO of the Corporation, and the Executive shall so serve, for the term set forth in Paragraph 1(b).

(b)     Term.  The term of the Executive’s employment under this Agreement shall commence on the date hereof (the “Effective Time”) and shall end on the nine month anniversary of the Effective Time, subject to the extension of such term as hereinafter provided and subject to earlier termination as provided in Paragraph 8.  The expiration of the term of this Agreement shall be extended automatically by an additional three months as of the last day of each quarterly period following the Effective Time unless either party desires to modify or terminate this Agreement and notifies the other party of its desire to modify or terminate this Agreement at least 30 days prior to any such quarterly renewal date.  The period of employment as provided in this Paragraph 1(b) is sometimes referred to herein as the “Term”.

2.     Duties.

During the Term, the Executive shall serve as the CFO of the Corporation and have all powers and duties consistent with such position.  The Executive shall devote substantially his entire time during reasonable business hours (reasonable sick leave and vacations excepted) and use diligent efforts to fulfill faithfully, responsibly and to the best of his ability his duties hereunder; provided, however, that Executive may engage in and devote time to other non-competitive activities such as serving as an expert witness to the extent that such time spent is immaterial and does not interfere with Executive’s obligations hereunder.  During the Term, Executive shall report to the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation.  Executive’s duties shall be performed, initially, principally at the Corporation’s current offices located in Anaheim, California, or such other locations agreed upon by the parties.  Notwithstanding, the foregoing, Executive may be required

 

 



 

to travel in the conduct of the Corporation’s business and to discharge his duties hereunder, provided that the amount and nature of such travel is reasonably consistent with the amount and nature of travel engaged in by other executive officers of the Corporation during the twelve-month period immediately preceding the date of this Agreement.

3.     Salary.

The Corporation shall pay to the Executive as compensation for his services a salary of not less than $210,000.00 per year effective December 1, 2005 through December 31, 2006, payable in accordance with the Corporation’s payroll procedures.  From time to time, the Board of Directors of the Corporation or a committee thereof (the “Board”) will review the Executive’s performance and compensation, and will consider adjustments thereto.

4.     Bonuses.

 

(a)     Annual.  For calendar year 2006 and each calendar year thereafter during the term of employment, the Executive shall be eligible to receive a cash bonus based on the Corporation’s achievement of certain operating and/or financial or other goals established by the Board in its sole discretion, with an initial annual target bonus amount equal to 75% (the “Target Bonus”) of the Executive’s then current annual base salary.  The bonus plan shall be adopted and administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board.  Subsequent to 2006, bonuses, if any, will be paid to Executive in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Corporation’s Executive Incentive Plan.

5.     Equity Incentive Compensation.

During the term of employment hereunder the Executive shall be eligible to participate in the Corporation’s Stock Option Plan in effect as of the date hereof.  Executive shall be entitled to a stock option grant of one hundred fifty thousand shares to be granted as of the Effective Time.

6.     Other Benefits.

In addition to the compensation described in Paragraphs 3 through 5, above, the Executive shall also be entitled to the following:

(a)     Expense Reimbursement.  Executive will be reimbursed all reasonable, ordinary and necessary business expenses, including expenses for entertainment, travel and similar items that are approved by the Corporation in accordance with its regular policy(ies) for business expense reimbursement.  The Corporation will reimburse Executive for all  expenses upon presentation by Executive of itemized accounts of such expenditures in accordance and in the manner and on a form reasonably prescribed by the Corporation.

(b)     Car Allowance.  The Corporation shall pay to the Executive a monthly automobile allowance (the “Automobile Allowance”) of not less than $600, to help

 

2



 

defray the costs associated with Executive’s acquisition or maintenance (by lease or otherwise) of an automobile and the related insurance and maintenance therefor.

(c)     Vacation.  The Executive shall be entitled to all legal holidays, and three weeks paid vacation per annum, in accordance with the Corporation’s current policies.

(d)     Insurance and Benefits.  The Executive and his “dependents,” to the extent eligible thereunder, shall be entitled to participate in all employee and executive benefit plans, programs and policies currently available to other Corporation employees of comparable status, title and experience, as well as any plans, programs and policies adopted by the Corporation during the Term of this Agreement.

(e)     Participation in Other Benefit Plans.  In addition to the foregoing, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in all of the other various retirement, welfare, fringe benefit, executive perquisite, and expense reimbursement plans, programs and arrangements of the Corporation to the same extent that employees generally of the Corporation are eligible for participation under the terms of such plans, programs and arrangements.

7.     Confidentiality.

In view of the fact that Executive’s work as an executive of the Corporation will bring Executive into close contact with many confidential affairs of the Corporation, including matters of a business nature, such as information about customers (including pricing information), costs, profits, markets, sales, strategic plans for future development and any other information not readily available to the public, Executive hereby agrees:

(a)     To keep secret all confidential matters of the Corporation (including without limitation such matters which the Corporation notifies Executive are confidential) learned prior to the date of this Agreement and in the course of Executive’s employment hereunder, and not to disclose them to anyone outside of the Corporation, either during or after Executive’s employment with the Corporation, or both, until such time as the Corporation gives its written consent to such disclosure;

(b)     To deliver promptly to the Corporation on termination of Executive’s employment by the Corporation or at any other time the Corporation may so request, all memoranda, notes, records, reports and other documents (and all copies thereof) relating to the Corporation’s business which Executive may then possess or have under Executive’s control; and

(c)     That violation of this Paragraph 7 would cause the Corporation irreparable damage for which the Corporation cannot be reasonably compensated in damages in an action at law, and therefore in the event of any breach or threatened breach by Executive of this Paragraph 7, the Corporation shall be entitled to make application to a court of competent jurisdiction for equitable relief by way of injunction or otherwise (without being required to post a bond).  This provision shall not, however, be construed as a waiver of any of the rights which the Corporation may have for damages under this

 

3



 

Agreement or otherwise, and all of the Corporation’s rights and remedies shall be unrestricted and cumulative.

(d)     For purpose of this Paragraph 7, the term Corporation shall include Alliance Imaging, Inc., its subsidiaries and its affiliates.

(e)     The foregoing provisions of this Section 7 shall not apply to information that (i) is not unique to the Corporation, (ii) is generally known to the industry or the public (other than as a result of Executive’s breach of this covenant), (iii) was known by Executive prior to his becoming employed by the Corporation, or (iii) is subsequently obtained by Executive other than in the course of performing duties for the Corporation.

8.     Termination.

Unless earlier terminated in accordance with the following provisions of this Paragraph 8, the Corporation shall continue to employ the Executive and the Executive shall remain employed by the Corporation during the entire Term.  Paragraph 9 hereof sets forth certain obligations of the Corporation in the event that the Executive’s employment hereunder is terminated.  Certain capitalized terms used in this Paragraph 8, Paragraph 9 and Paragraph 10 hereof are defined in Paragraph 8(d), below.

(a)     Death or Disability.  Except to the extent otherwise provided in Paragraph 9 with respect to certain post-Date of Termination payment obligations of the Corporation, this Agreement shall terminate immediately as of the Date of Termination in the event of the Executive’s death or in the event that the Executive becomes disabled.  The Executive will be deemed to be disabled upon the earlier of (i) the end of a six (6) consecutive month period during which, by reason of physical or mental injury or disease, the Executive has been unable to perform substantially all of his usual and customary duties under this Agreement or (ii) the date that a reputable physician selected by the Board, and as to whom the Executive has no reasonable objection, determines in writing that the Executive will, by reason of physical or mental injury or disease, be unable to perform substantially all of the Executive’s usual and customary duties under this Agreement for a period of at least six (6) consecutive months.  If any question arises as to whether the Executive is disabled, upon reasonable request therefor by the Board, the Executive shall submit to reasonable medical examination for the purpose of determining the existence, nature and extent of any such disability.  In accordance with Paragraph 14, the Board shall promptly give the Executive written notice of any such determination of the Executive’s disability and of any decision of the Board to terminate the Executive’s employment by reason thereof.

(b)     Discharge for Cause.  In accordance with the procedures hereinafter set forth, the Corporation may discharge the Executive from his employment hereunder for Cause. Except to the extent otherwise provided in Paragraph 9 with respect to certain post-Date of Termination obligations of the Corporation, this Agreement shall terminate immediately as of the Date of Termination in the event the Executive is discharged for Cause.  Any discharge of the Executive for Cause shall be communicated by a Notice of Termination to the Executive given in accordance with Paragraph 14 of this Agreement. 

 

4



 

For purposes of this Agreement, a “Notice of Termination” means a written notice which (i) indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon and (ii) if the Date of Termination is to be other than the date of receipt of such notice, specifies the termination date (which date shall in all events be within fifteen (15) days after the giving of such notice). In the case of a discharge of the Executive for Cause, the Notice of Termination shall include a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the Board at a meeting called and held for such purpose authorizing such action. No purported termination of the Executive’s employment for Cause shall be effective without a Notice of Termination.

(c)     Termination for Other Reasons.  The Corporation may discharge the Executive without Cause by giving written notice to the Executive in accordance with Paragraph 14 at least thirty (30) days prior to the Date of Termination. The Executive may resign from his employment by giving written notice to the Corporation in accordance with Paragraph 14 at least thirty (30) days prior to the Date of Termination. Except to the extent otherwise provided in Paragraph 9 with respect to certain post-Date of Termination obligations of the Corporation, this Agreement shall terminate immediately as of the Date of Termination in the event the Executive is discharged without Cause or resigns.

(d)     Definitions.  For purposes of this Agreement, the following capitalized terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

(i)

 

“Accrued Obligations” shall mean, as of the Date of Termination, the sum of (A) the Executive’s base salary under Paragraph 3 through the Date of Termination to the extent not theretofore paid, (B) the amount of any bonus, incentive compensation, deferred compensation and other cash compensation earned by the Executive under the terms and conditions of the applicable bonus plan, incentive compensation plan and/or deferred compensation plan as of the Date of Termination to the extent not theretofore paid and (C) any vacation pay, expense reimbursements and other cash entitlements accrued by the Executive as of the Date of Termination to the extent not theretofore paid.

 

 

 

(ii)

 

“Cause” means that any of the following has occurred with respect to Executive: (A) Executive has been convicted of a felony (other than a motor vehicle moving violation); (B) Executive has been convicted of stealing funds or property from the Corporation or otherwise engaged in fraudulent conduct against the Corporation; (C) Executive has engaged in knowing and willful misconduct which is materially injurious to the Corporation; (D) Executive has failed or refused to comply with the directions of the Board that are reasonably consistent with Executive’s current executive employee title and the terms of this Agreement, the failure with which to comply is materially injurious to the Corporation; or (E) Executive has repeatedly failed or refused to comply with the directions of the Board that are reasonably consistent with Executive’s current executive employee title and the terms of this Agreement. Notwithstanding clause (E) of the preceding sentence, no act or omission by the Executive shall constitute Cause hereunder unless the Corporation has given detailed

 

 

5



 

written notice thereof to the Executive, and the Executive has failed to remedy such act or omission within a reasonable time after receiving such notice.

 

(iii)

 

“Date of Termination” shall mean (A) in the event of a discharge of the Executive by the Board for Cause, the date the Executive receives a Notice of Termination, or any later date specified in such Notice of Termination, as the case may be, (B) in the event of a discharge of the Executive without Cause or a resignation by the Executive, the date specified in the written notice to the Executive (in the case of discharge) or the Corporation (in the case of resignation), which date shall be no less than thirty (30) days from the date of such written notice, (C) in the event of the Executive’s death, the date of the Executive’s death, and (D) in the event of termination of the Executive’s employment by reason of disability pursuant to Paragraph 8(a), the date the Executive receives written notice of such termination (or, if earlier, six (6) months following the date the Executive’s disability began).

 

 

 

(iv)

 

“Good Reason” shall mean any of the following:

 

(A)

 

the Corporation materially reduces Executive’s base salary; or

 

 

 

(B)

 

the assignment to the Executive of any duties inconsistent in any material respect with the Executive’s positions with the Corporation as set forth in this Agreement (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties or responsibilities as contemplated by Paragraph 2; or

(C)

 

any material failure by the Corporation to comply with any of the provisions of this Agreement, which is not remedied within 15 days after notice thereof from the Executive.

 

 

 

(D)

 

the Corporation requires Executive to change the location of his principal office or offices in a manner inconsistent with Paragraph 2 hereof; or

 

 

 

(E)

 

the Corporation or the Board shall notify the Executive that it does not want to renew the Term pursuant to Paragraph 1(b).

 

9.     Obligations of the Corporation Upon Termination.

The following provisions describe the obligations of the Corporation to the Executive under this Agreement upon termination of his employment.

(a)     Death, Disability, Discharge for Cause, or Resignation Without Good Reason.  In the event this Agreement terminates pursuant to Paragraph 8(a) by reason of the death or disability of the Executive, or pursuant to Paragraph 8(b) by reason of the discharge of the Executive by the Corporation for Cause, or pursuant to Paragraph 8(c) by reason of

 

6



 

the resignation of the Executive other than for Good Reason, the Corporation shall pay to the Executive, or his heirs or estate, in the event of the Executive’s death, all Accrued Obligations in a lump sum in cash within thirty (30) days after the Date of Termination; provided further that in the event this Agreement terminates pursuant to Paragraph 8(a) by reason of the disability of the Executive, the Corporation shall continue to provide to the Executive, for a period of nine (9) months from the commencement of such disability, all health benefits at least equal to those which would have been provided to Executive in accordance with the plans, programs and arrangements referred to in Paragraph 6(d) and (e) of this Agreement, in addition to any other benefits or payments to which Executive is entitled hereunder or otherwise.

(b)     Discharge Without Cause or Resignation with Good Reason.  In the event that this Agreement terminates pursuant to Paragraph 8(c) by reason of the discharge of the Executive by the Corporation other than for Cause, death or disability or by reason of the resignation of the Executive for Good Reason (any such termination, a “Severance”):

(i)

 

The Corporation shall pay all Accrued Obligations to the Executive in a lump sum in cash within thirty (30) days after the Date of Termination;

 

 

 

(ii)

 

For a period equal to nine (9) months, the Corporation shall continue to provide benefits to the Executive and/or the Executive’s dependents at least equal to those which would have been provided to them in accordance with the plans, programs and arrangements referred to in Paragraph 6(d) and (e) of this Agreement; and

 

 

 

(iii)

 

The Corporation shall, at its sole expense, provide the Executive with outplacement services not to exceed $15,000.00 the scope and provider of which shall be mutually agreed upon by the Executive and the Corporation.

 

 

 

10.                       DEFRA Limitation.

 

(a)     Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, in the event that the provisions of the Deficit Reduction Act of 1984 (“DEFRA”) relating to “excess parachute payments” shall be applicable to any payment or benefit received or to be received by Executive in connection with a termination of the Executive’s employment with the Corporation, then the total amount of payments or benefits payable to Executive which are deemed to constitute parachute payments shall be reduced to the largest amount such that provisions of DEFRA relating to “excess parachute payment” shall no longer be applicable. Should such a reduction be required, the Executive shall determine, in the exercise of his sole discretion, which payment or benefit to reduce, extend or eliminate. Pending such determination, the Corporation shall continue to make all other required payments to Executive at the time and in the manner provided herein and shall pay the largest portion of any parachute payments such that the provisions of DEFRA relating to “excess parachute payments” shall no longer be applicable.

(b)     Recharacterization of Payments.  Due to the complexity in the application of Section 280(G) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) it is

 

7



 

possible that payments made or benefits received hereunder should not have been made under Paragraph 10(a) (an “Overpayment”). In the event that it is determined in writing by the Corporation’s outside auditors in their reasonable good faith judgment or by any court of competent jurisdiction that an Overpayment has been made resulting in an “Excess Parachute Payment” as defined in Section 280G(b)(1) of the Code, then any such Overpayment shall be treated for all purposes as an unsecured, long-term loan from the Corporation to the Executive, his personal representative, his successors or assigns, as the case may be, that is payable, together with accrued interest from the date of the making of the Overpayment at the rate of 8% per annum on the later to occur of the third anniversary of the payment of such Overpayment, or 6 months following the date upon which it is determined an Overpayment was made. Should it be determined that such an Overpayment has been made, the Executive shall determine, in the exercise of his sole discretion, which payments or benefits shall be deemed to constitute the Overpayment.

11.                       No Set-Off or Mitigation.

The Corporation’s obligation to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other claim, right or action which the Corporation may have against the Executive or others.  In no event shall the Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to the Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement and such amounts shall not be reduced whether or not the Executive obtains other employment.

12.                       Payment of Certain Expenses.

The losing party in any suit or proceeding to enforce this Agreement shall reimburse the prevailing party for all reasonable costs and expenses incurred in connection with such suit or proceeding.

13.                       Binding Effect.

This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs and representatives of the Executive and the successors and assigns of the Corporation.  The Corporation shall require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, reorganization, consolidation, acquisition of property or stock, liquidation, or otherwise) to all or a substantial portion of its assets, by agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Executive, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Corporation would be required to perform this Agreement if no such succession had taken place. Regardless of whether such an agreement is executed, this Agreement shall be binding upon any successor of the Corporation in accordance with the operation of law, and such successor shall be deemed the “Corporation” for purposes of this Agreement.

14.                       Notices.

All notices, requests, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered by hand or mailed

 

8



 

within the continental United States by first class certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

(a)     If to the Board or the Corporation, to:

Alliance Imaging, Inc.

1900 S. State College Blvd., Ste. 600

Anaheim, CA 92806

Attention: General Counsel

Facsimile: (714) 688-3377

 

 

 

(b)     If to the Executive, to:

Mr. Howard K. Aihara

2366 Tryall

Tustin, CA 92782

 

 

Such addresses may be changed by written notice sent to the other party at the last recorded address of that party.

 

15.                       Indemnification.

The Corporation agrees to indemnify the Executive to the fullest extent permitted by law for his services to, or on behalf of the Corporation, as an Executive hereunder, as a director (as applicable) and in any and every other capacity in which he may serve the Corporation or its interests. In furtherance of such agreement to indemnify, but not by way of limitation, the terms of the Corporation’s certificate of incorporation and by-laws providing for such indemnification and payment of expenses, as in effect on the date hereof, are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully stated herein.  For the purpose of this Agreement, any amendment to said certificate of incorporation or by-laws shall not be effective to reduce, qualify or otherwise limit the scope, benefit or enforceability of this provision; provided, however, if any such amendment extends or improves the scope, benefit or enforceability of the indemnification and payment of expenses contained in such certificate of incorporation or by-laws for any officer, director, employee or agent, such extended or improved provisions shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference herein for the benefit of the Executive without any further action by the Corporation or the Executive.

The indemnification provided in this Section 15 shall include, without limitation, all legal fees and expenses that may be incurred by Executive (whether during the term of his employment hereunder or following the termination of this Agreement) to the extent that such legal fees and expenses relate to any claim or other cause of action in respect of the Corporation or Executive’s services to, or on behalf of, the Corporation as

 

9



 

Executive hereunder, as a director (as applicable), and in any and every other capacity in which he may serve the Corporation or its interests.

16.                       Tax Withholding.

The Corporation shall provide for the withholding of any taxes required to be withheld by federal, state, or local law with respect to any payment in cash, shares of stock and/or other property made by or on behalf of the Corporation to or for the benefit of the Executive under this Agreement or otherwise.  The Corporation may, at its option: (a) withhold such taxes from any cash payments owing from the Corporation to the Executive, (b) require the Executive to pay to the Corporation in cash such amount as may be required to satisfy such withholding obligations and/or (c) make other satisfactory arrangements with the Executive to satisfy such withholding obligations.

17.                       Arbitration.

Except as to any controversy or claim which the Executive elects, by written notice to the Corporation, to have adjudicated by a court of competent jurisdiction, any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the breach hereof shall be settled by arbitration in Los Angeles, California in accordance with the laws of the State of California.  The arbitration shall be conducted in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association.  The costs and expenses of the arbitrator(s) shall be borne by the Corporation. The award of the arbitrator(s) shall be binding upon the parties. Judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator(s) may be entered in any court having jurisdiction.

18.                       No Assignment.

Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, this Agreement is not assignable by any party and no payment to be made hereunder shall be subject to anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance or other charge.

19.                       Execution in Counterparts.

This Agreement may be executed by the parties hereto in two (2) or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall constitute one and the same instrument, and all signatures need not appear on any one counterpart.

20.                       Jurisdiction and Governing Law.

Except as provided in Paragraph 17, jurisdiction over disputes with regard to this Agreement shall be exclusively in the courts of the State of California, and this Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of California, other than the conflict of laws provisions of such laws.

 

10



 

21.                       Severability.

If any provision of this Agreement shall be adjudged by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason, such judgment shall not affect, impair or invalidate the remainder of this Agreement.  Furthermore, if the scope of any restriction or requirement contained in this Agreement is too broad to permit enforcement of such restriction or requirement to its full extent, then such restriction or requirement shall be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law, and the Executive consents and agrees that any court of competent jurisdiction may so modify such scope in any proceeding brought to enforce such restriction or requirement.

22.                       Prior Understandings.

This Agreement and that certain Letter Agreement by and between the Corporation and Executive dated even date herewith embodies the entire understanding of the parties hereto and, upon its effectiveness, will supersede all other oral or written agreements or understandings between them regarding the subject matter hereof.  No change, alteration or modification hereof may be made except in a writing, signed by each of the parties hereto.  The headings in this Agreement are for convenience and reference only and shall not be construed as part of this Agreement or to limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed and delivered this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

Attest:

 

 

ALLIANCE IMAGING, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Russell D. Phillips, Jr.

 

By:

/s/ Paul S. Viviano

 

Name:

Russell D. Phillips, Jr.

 

Name:

Paul S. Viviano

 

 

 

 

Title:

Chairman of the Board

 

 

 

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXECUTIVE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Howard K. Aihara

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

Howard K. Aihara

 

 

 

 

 

 

Executive Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

11


 

EX-10.35 3 a06-1844_2ex10d35.htm MATERIAL CONTRACTS

Exhibit 10.35

 

December 1, 2005

Mr. Howard K. Aihara

2366 Tryall

Tustin, CA  92782

AGREEMENT

Dear Mr. Aihara:

1.     Reference is made to (i) the Alliance Imaging, Inc. 1999 Equity Plan (the “Option Plan”) and (ii) the Stock Option Agreement (the “Option Agreement”) between Alliance Imaging, Inc. (the “Company”) and you, dated as of December 1, 2005.  In consideration of the Company granting you options under the Option Plan, executing and delivering the Option Agreement and making the payments described in Paragraph 5 below, you agree that no Competition Event (as defined below) shall occur prior to nine (9) months after the Date of Termination (as defined in the employment agreement between the Company and you as of the date hereof (the “Employment Agreement”)).  Defined terms used but not defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the Employment Agreement.

2.     For purposes of this letter agreement, a Competition Event shall occur if you directly or indirectly (i) engage in any imaging business or any other business that becomes material to the Company’s business during your employment by the Company (the “Company Business”) within the United States that is the same or substantially similar to or competitive with any service provided by the Company; (ii) compete or participate as agent, employee, consultant, advisor, representative or otherwise in any enterprise engaged in a business which has any operations engaged in the Company Business within the United States that is the same or substantially similar to or competitive with any service provided by the Company; or (iii) compete or participate as a stockholder, partner or joint venturer, or have any direct or indirect financial interest, in any enterprise which has any material operations engaged in the Company Business within the United States that is the same or substantially similar to or competitive with any service provided by the Company; provided, however, that nothing contained herein shall prohibit you from owning no more than five percent (5%) of the equity of any publicly traded entity with respect to which you do not serve as an officer, director, employee, consultant or in any other capacity other than as an investor.

3.     As a means reasonably designed to protect certain confidential information of the Company which would otherwise inherently be utilized in the

 

 



 

following proscribed activities, and in partial consideration of the Company’s covenant to make the payment described in Paragraph 5, you agree that you will not, prior to the nine (9) month anniversary of the Date of Termination, solicit or make any other contact with, directly or indirectly, any customer of the Company as of the Date of Termination with respect to the provision by you of any service to any such customer that is the same or substantially similar to any service provided to such customer by the Company.

4.     In partial consideration of the Company’s covenant to make the payment described in Paragraph 5, you agree that you will not, prior to the nine (9) month anniversary of the Date of Termination, solicit or make any other contact with, directly or indirectly, any employee of the Company on the Date of Termination (or any person who was employed by the Company at any time during the three-month period prior to the Date of Termination) with respect to any employment, services or other business relationship.

5.     In partial consideration of your covenants contained herein, the Company shall, following the Date of Termination, pay you an amount equal to nine (9) months of your annual base salary as of the effective date of the general release referred in Paragraph 6 below.  The payment under this Paragraph 5 shall be made in a lump sum.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not be obligated to make any payments under this Paragraph 5 to you if your employment with the Company is terminated by reason of your death or disability or for Cause or by reason of your resignation other than for Good Reason.

6.     In partial consideration of the Company’s covenant to make the payment described in Paragraph 5, the Company may require you to execute a full release of claims against the Company and its officers, directors, agents and affiliates concerning such matters and in such form as the Company shall prescribe.

7.     Notwithstanding paragraph 1 through 4 hereof, if the Company shall fail to make any payment to you that the Company is obligated to make pursuant to Paragraph 5 and such failure shall continue for more than five days after receipt of notice from you, all future payments to you, if any, under Paragraph 5 shall become immediately due and payable and you shall be relieved of all obligations under this Agreement.

8.     For purposes of paragraph 2 through 4 hereof, the term Company shall include Alliance Imaging, Inc., its subsidiaries and/or its affiliates.

9.     You acknowledge that irreparable damage would occur in the event of a breach of the provisions of this Agreement by you.  It is accordingly agreed that, in addition to any other remedy to which it is entitled at law or in equity, the Company shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of



 

this letter agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this letter agreement.

10.   If, at the time of enforcement, any sentence, paragraph, clause, or combination of the same of this Agreement is in violation of the law of any state where applicable, such sentence, paragraph, clause, or combination of the same shall be void in the jurisdictions where it is unlawful, and the remainder of this Agreement shall remain binding on the parties.  In the event that any part of any covenant of this Agreement is determined by a court of law to be overly broad thereby making the covenant unenforceable, the parties agree that such court shall substitute a judicially enforceable limitation in its place, and that as so modified, the covenants shall be binding upon the parties as if originally set forth in this Agreement.

If you are in agreement with the foregoing, please sign a copy of this letter where indicated below.

Very truly yours,

 

 

ALLIANCE IMAGING, INC.

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Paul S. Viviano

 

Name:

 

Paul S. Viviano

 

Title:

 

Chairman of the Board

 

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

Acknowledged and agreed to

as of the date first above

written:

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Howard K. Aihara

 

 

Name: Howard K. Aihara

 

 

 

 


EX-21.1 4 a06-1844_2ex21d1.htm SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT

Exhibit 21.1

ALLIANCE IMAGING, INC. SIGNIFICANT SUBSIDIARIES

 

 

State of Incorporation

 

SMT Health Services, Inc.

 

Delaware

 

Alliance Imaging NC, Inc. (f/k/a Mobile Technology Inc)

 

Delaware

 

Medical Diagnostics, Inc.

 

Delaware

 

 

 

 


EX-23.1 5 a06-1844_2ex23d1.htm CONSENTS OF EXPERTS AND COUNSEL

Exhibit 23.1

 

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following registration statements of Alliance Imaging, Inc., Nos. 333-73314, 333-73316 and 333-120130 on Form S-8 of our reports dated March 16, 2006, relating to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule of Alliance Imaging, Inc., and management’s report on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Alliance Imaging, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2005.

 

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

 

 

Costa Mesa, California

March 16, 2006

 


EX-23.2 6 a06-1844_2ex23d2.htm CONSENTS OF EXPERTS AND COUNSEL

Exhibit 23.2

 

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following registration statements of Alliance-HNI, L.L.C. , Nos. 333-73314, 333-73316 and 333-120130 on Form S-8 of our report dated March 16, 2006, relating to the consolidated financial statements of Alliance-HNI, L.L.C., appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Alliance Imaging, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2005.

 

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

 

 

Costa Mesa, California

March 16, 2006

 


EX-31 7 a06-1844_2ex31.htm 302 CERTIFICATION

Exhibit 31

CERTIFICATION

I, Paul S. Viviano, certify that:

1.   I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K of Alliance Imaging, Inc.;

2.   Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.   The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and we have:

a)   designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)   designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)   evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)   disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and;

5.   The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)   all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)   any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Dated: March 16, 2006

/s/ PAUL S. VIVIANO

 

Paul S. Viviano
Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer

 




CERTIFICATION

I, Howard K. Aihara, certify that:

1.   I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K of Alliance Imaging, Inc.;

2.   Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.   The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and we have:

a)   designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)   designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)   evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)   disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and;

5.   The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)   all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)   any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Dated: March 16, 2006

/s/ HOWARD K. AIHARA

 

Howard K. Aihara
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 



EX-32 8 a06-1844_2ex32.htm 906 CERTIFICATION

Exhibit 32

Certification of Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as created by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the undersigned officer of Alliance Imaging, Inc. (the “Company”) hereby certifies, to such officer’s knowledge, that:

(i)    the accompanying Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2005 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

(ii)   the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated: March 16, 2006

/s/ PAUL S. VIVIANO

 

Paul S. Viviano
Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer




Certification of Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as created by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the undersigned officer of Alliance Imaging, Inc. (the “Company”) hereby certifies, to such officer’s knowledge, that:

(i)    the accompanying Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2005 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

(ii)   the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated: March 16, 2006

/s/ HOWARD K. AIHARA

 

Howard K. Aihara
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 



EX-99.1 9 a06-1844_2ex99d1.htm EXHIBIT 99

Exhibit 99.1

 

Alliance-HNI L.L.C. and Subsidiaries

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2005 and 2004 and the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income, Changes in Members’ Capital, and Cash Flows for Each of the Three Years in the Period Ended December 31, 2005 and Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 



 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

Board of Directors
Alliance-HNI, L.L.C.

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Alliance-HNI, L.L.C. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, changes in members’ capital and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2005. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, and audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Alliance-HNI, L.L.C and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2005 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

 

Costa Mesa, California

March 16, 2006

 



 

ALLIANCE-HNI, L.L.C. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

DECEMBER 31, 2005 AND 2004

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

1,812,000

 

$

1,841,000

 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $751,000 in 2005 and $543,000 in 2004

 

3,657,000

 

3,620,000

 

Other current assets

 

6,000

 

335,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total current assets

 

5,475,000

 

5,796,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT—At cost:

 

 

 

 

 

Land

 

40,000

 

40,000

 

Equipment

 

31,491,000

 

27,390,000

 

Less accumulated depreciation

 

(11,604,000

)

(9,415,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property and equipment—net

 

19,927,000

 

18,015,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EQUIPMENT DEPOSITS

 

32,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED INVESTEES

 

3,000

 

21,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INVESTMENT IN DIRECT FINANCING LEASE, Net of unearned income of $151,000 in 2005 and $70,000 in 2004

 

1,255,000

 

881,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER ASSETS, Net of accumulated amortization of $26,000 in 2005 and $20,000 in 2004

 

293,000

 

390,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL

 

$

26,985,000

 

$

25,103,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS’ CAPITAL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

164,000

 

$

98,000

 

Accrued equipment payments

 

163,000

 

1,700,000

 

Other liabilities

 

1,693,000

 

970,000

 

Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations

 

4,873,000

 

5,111,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

 

6,893,000

 

7,879,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INTEREST RATE SWAP

 

22,000

 

65,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LONG-TERM DEBT AND CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS—Net of current portion

 

9,308,000

 

7,251,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

 

16,223,000

 

15,195,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MEMBERS’ CAPITAL

 

10,762,000

 

9,908,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL

 

$

26,985,000

 

$

25,103,000

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

2



 

ALLIANCE-HNI, L.L.C. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004, AND 2003

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REVENUES

 

$

24,717,000

 

$

23,210,000

 

$

18,141,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COSTS AND EXPENSES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization

 

13,410,000

 

12,016,000

 

8,703,000

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

847,000

 

970,000

 

277,000

 

Depreciation expense

 

3,311,000

 

2,731,000

 

2,510,000

 

Amortization expense

 

6,000

 

7,000

 

13,000

 

Interest expense—net

 

669,000

 

479,000

 

641,000

 

Other expense and (income)—net

 

94,000

 

1,000

 

(2,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total costs and expenses

 

18,337,000

 

16,204,000

 

12,142,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before losses from unconsolidated investee

 

6,380,000

 

7,006,000

 

5,999,000

 

Losses from unconsolidated investee

 

19,000

 

4,000

 

3,000

 

NET INCOME

 

$

6,361,000

 

$

7,002,000

 

$

5,996,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

6,361,000

 

$

7,002,000

 

$

5,996,000

 

Comprehensive income—change in fair value of derivative instruments

 

43,000

 

125,000

 

180,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

$

6,404,000

 

$

7,127,000

 

$

6,176,000

 

 

3



 

ALLIANCE-HNI, L.L.C. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN MEMBERS’ CAPITAL

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

Members’

 

Cumulative

 

Cumulative

 

Comprehensive

 

 

 

 

 

Capital

 

Earnings

 

Distributions

 

Loss

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MEMBERS’ CAPITAL—December 31, 2002

 

$

130,000

 

$

33,248,000

 

$

(27,373,000

)

$

(370,000

)

$

5,635,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

5,996,000

 

 

 

 

 

5,996,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

180,000

 

180,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distributions to members

 

 

 

 

 

(4,300,000

)

 

 

(4,300,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MEMBERS’ CAPITAL—December 31, 2003

 

130,000

 

39,244,000

 

(31,673,000

)

(190,000

)

7,511,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

7,002,000

 

 

 

 

 

7,002,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

125,000

 

125,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distributions to members

 

 

 

 

 

(4,730,000

)

 

 

(4,730,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MEMBERS’ CAPITAL—December 31, 2004

 

130,000

 

46,246,000

 

(36,403,000

)

(65,000

)

9,908,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

6,361,000

 

 

 

 

 

6,361,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

43,000

 

43,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distributions to members

 

 

 

 

 

(5,550,000

)

 

 

(5,550,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MEMBERS’ CAPITAL—December 31, 2005

 

$

130,000

 

$

52,607,000

 

$

(41,953,000

)

$

(22,000

)

$

10,762,000

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

4



 

ALLIANCE-HNI, L.L.C. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

6,361,000

 

$

7,002,000

 

$

5,996,000

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for doubtful accounts

 

208,000

 

558,000

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

3,317,000

 

2,738,000

 

2,523,000

 

Equity in earnings of partnerships

 

(19,000

)

(4,000

)

(3,000

)

Loss (gain) on sale of equipment

 

94,000

 

1,000

 

(2,000

)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

(245,000

)

(919,000

)

(1,368,000

)

Other current assets

 

329,000

 

77,000

 

(136,000

)

Other assets

 

(226,000

)

187,000

 

29,000

 

Accounts payable

 

66,000

 

23,000

 

(101,000

)

Other liabilities

 

(977,000

)

(72,000

)

580,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

8,908,000

 

9,591,000

 

7,518,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property and equipment

 

(5,154,000

)

(4,103,000

)

(200,000

)

Proceeds from sale of equipment

 

 

 

19,000

 

Payments for certificates of need and construction costs

 

(20,000

)

(104,000

)

(85,000

)

(Increase) decrease in deposits on equipments

 

(32,000

)

155,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(5,206,000

)

(4,052,000

)

(266,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal payments on long-term debt

 

(5,970,000

)

(3,804,000

)

(3,440,000

)

Proceeds from long-term debt

 

7,789,000

 

3,996,000

 

 

Distributions to members

 

(5,550,000

)

(4,730,000

)

(4,300,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(3,731,000

)

(4,538,000

)

(7,740,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

(29,000

)

1,001,000

 

(488,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—Beginning of year

 

1,841,000

 

840,000

 

1,328,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—End of year

 

$

1,812,000

 

$

1,841,000

 

$

840,000

 

 

5



 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION—Cash paid during the year for interest

 

$

786,000

 

$

566,000

 

$

641,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital lease obligations for the acquisition of equipment

 

$

 

$

 

$

5,949,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment in direct financing lease of previously capitalized leased equipment

 

$

669,000

 

$

 

$

1,095,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in fair market value of derivative instrument

 

$

43,000

 

$

125,000

 

$

180,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued liabilty for acquisition of operating equipment

 

$

163,000

 

$

1,700,000

 

$

 

 

6



 

ALLIANCE-HNI, L.L.C. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004 AND 2003

 

1.                      ORGANIZATION

 

Alliance-HNI, L.L.C. (the “Company”) was originally formed under the name of MCIC-HNI as a general partnership on September 10, 1986, with the execution of a Joint Venture Agreement between Medical Consultants Imaging, Co. (“MCIC”) and Hospital Network, Inc. (“HNI”). The Joint Venture Agreement was amended from time to time, and on November 20, 1997, MCIC-HNI converted into a limited liability company with no interruption of its legal existence. The Articles of Organization of the Company, which provide for perpetual existence, were amended effective October 1, 1998 to change the name of the Company to its current name. The Company provides magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography/computed tomography (“PET/CT”) and computed tomography (“CT”) services to hospitals in the State of Michigan under the assumed name of Alliance-HNI Health Care Services.

 

MCIC, an Ohio partnership, and HNI, a Michigan corporation, were the joint venture partners, each contributing initial capital of $65,000 for a 50% interest in the joint venture. Alliance Imaging, Inc. (“Alliance”) purchased MCIC on November 21, 1997 and, therefore, acquired MCIC’s interest in the joint venture.

 

Alliance-HNI Leasing Co. (“L.L.C.”) was originally formed under the name of MCIC-HNI Leasing Co., L.L.C. On October 2, 1996, the Company formed the L.L.C., a related company, in which it holds a 98% interest. The remaining 2% is owned equally by Alliance and HNI, the previously mentioned joint venture partners. The Articles of Organization of the L.L.C. were amended effective October 6, 1999 to change the name of the company to its current name. The Company’s allocation of the L.L.C.’s net income for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 was $138,000, $130,000, and $117,000, respectively, and is included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003. At December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, the minority interest equity was $597,000, $459,000, and $329,000, respectively, and is included in members’ capital. The L.L.C. is organized as a limited liability company to provide MRI, PET/CT and CT diagnostic imaging equipment to hospitals and outpatient clinics in the State of Michigan.

 

On December 11, 2001, the Company formed Diagnostic Imaging Associates-April, L.L.C. (“DIAA”), a related company, in which it holds a 28.57% interest. The Company’s investment losses from DIAA for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 was ($19,000), ($4,000), and ($3,000), respectively. The Company accounts for its investment in DIAA under the equity method. DIAA is organized as a limited liability company to provide MRI diagnostic imaging equipment to its members.

 

2.                      SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Basis of Presentation—The accompanying consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and include the accounts of the Company and L.L.C. Intercompany balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents—The Company considers short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

 

7



 

Revenues and Accounts Receivable—The majority of the Company’s revenues are derived from healthcare providers and are primarily for imaging services. The Company also generates revenue from management contracts. All revenue is recognized at the time the delivery of imaging service has occurred and collectibility is reasonably assured. Substantially all of the Company’s trade accounts receivable are due from hospitals located in Michigan. Revenues from the Company’s largest customer accounted for 5%, 6%, and 9% of net revenues in 2005, 2004 and 2003 respectively. Trade accounts receivable from the largest customer aggregated 7% and 8% of total trade accounts receivable at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The Company also has other receivables from revenue generated from management contracts. Revenues from management contracts at December 31, 2005, 2004, and 2003 accounted for 14%, 16%, and 10% of total net revenues. At December 31, 2005 and 2004, other receivables from management contracts totaled $920,000, and $1,100,000, respectively. The largest other receivable from management contracts was from MRI Consultants and DIAA, which aggregated 42% and 56% of total other receivables at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The Company performs credit evaluations of its customers and generally does not require collateral.

 

Concentration of Credit Risk—Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk principally consist of cash, cash equivalents and trade receivables. The Company invests available cash in money market securities of high credit quality financial institutions. At December 31, 2005 and 2004, cash in excess of federally insured limits amounted to approximately $1,612,000 and $1,641,000, respectively. At December 31, 2005 and 2004, the Company’s accounts receivable were primarily from clients in the health care industry. The Company also has other receivables from revenue generated from management contracts. At December 31, 2005 and 2004 the Company had a bad debt allowance of $751,000 and $543,000 for accounts receivable and other receivables from management contracts which have been deemed uncollectible. To reduce credit risk, the Company performs periodic credit evaluations of its clients but does not generally require advance payments or collateral. Credit losses to clients in the health care industry have not been material.

 

Equipment—Equipment is stated at cost and is generally depreciated to estimated residual value using the straight-line method over initial estimated lives of three to seven years. Routine maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Major repairs and purchased software and hardware upgrades, which extend the life of, or add value to, the equipment, are capitalized and depreciated over the remaining useful life.

 

Other Assets— At December 31, 2005 and 2004, the net unamortized balance of other assets was $293,000 and $390,000, respectively. These costs include costs to obtain Certificates of Need and to secure MRI service agreements with hospitals. As these other assets have indefinite lives they are not subject to amortization.

 

Long-Lived Assets—The Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The recoverability test is performed at the lowest level at which net cash flows can be directly attributable to long-lived assets and is performed on an undiscounted basis. For any assets identified as impaired, the Company measures the impairment as the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. In estimating the fair value of the asset, management utilizes a valuation technique based on the present value of expected future cash flows.

 

Income Taxes—The Company is a limited liability company whereby its income is included in the taxable income of the members; therefore, no provision has been made for income taxes in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

Use of Estimates—The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions

 

8



 

that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Derivatives The Company accounts for derivative instruments and hedging activities in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS 133”) and Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 138, “Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (SFAS 138”), an amendment of SFAS 133. On the date the Company enters into a derivative contract, management designates the derivative as a hedge of the identified exposure. The Company does not enter into derivative instruments that do not qualify as cash flow hedges as described in SFAS 133 and SFAS 138. 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 measures effectiveness of its hedging relationships, both at the hedge inception and on an ongoing basis, in accordance with its risk management policy. 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) when the derivative is designated as a hedge instrument, because it is probable that the forecasted transaction will not occur, (iv) because a hedged firm commitment no longer meets the definition of a firm commitment, or (v) 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 derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges any unrealized gains or losses on fair value are included in other comprehensive income, net of tax.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements—In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS 153, “Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets” (“SFAS 153”), which is an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29, “Accounting for Nonmonetary Transactions,” (“APB 29”). This statement addresses the measurement of exchanges of nonmonetary assets, and eliminates the exception from fair value measurement for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets as defined in paragraph 21(b) of APB 29, and replaces it with an exception for exchanges that do not have commercial substance. This statement specifies that a nonmonetary exchange has commercial substance if the future cash flows of the entity are expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange. SFAS 153 is effective for nonmonetary asset exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005. The adoption of SFAS 153 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

In March 2005, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 47, “Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations” (“FIN 47”), an interpretation of SFAS 143, “Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations.” This interpretation clarifies that an entity is required to recognize a liability for the fair value of a conditional asset retirement obligation when incurred if the liability’s fair value can be reasonably estimated. This interpretation also clarifies when an entity would have sufficient information to reasonably estimate the fair value of an asset retirement obligation. This statement is effective no later than the end of fiscal years ending after December 15, 2005. The Company adopted FIN 47 in 2005 and the adoption of FIN 47 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS 154, “Accounting for Changes and Error Corrections” (“SFAS 154”), which is a replacement of APB Opinion No. 20, “Accounting Changes,” and SFAS 3, “Reporting Accounting Changes in Interim Financial Statements.” This statement changes the requirements for the accounting for and reporting of all voluntary changes in accounting principle and in the instance that a pronouncement does not include specific transition provisions. This statement requires retrospective application to prior periods’ financial statements of changes in accounting principle, unless it is

 

9



 

impracticable to determine either the period-specific effects or the cumulative effect of the change. SFAS 154 is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. The Company believes the adoption of SFAS 154 will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

In June 2005, the FASB issued Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 04-05, “Determining Whether a General Partner, or the General Partners as a Group, Controls a Limited Partnership or Similar Entity When the Limited Partners Have Certain Rights”(“EITF 04-05”). EITF 04-05 clarifies how general partners in a limited partnership should determine whether they control a limited partnership. A general partner of a limited partnership is presumed to control the limited partnership unless the limited partners have substantive kick-out rights or participating rights. For general partners of all new limited partnerships formed and for existing limited partnerships for which the partnership agreements are modified, EITF 04-05 is effective after June 29, 2005. For general partners in all other limited partnerships, EITF 04-05 is effective for the first period in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. The Company believes the adoption of EITF 04-05 will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

In June 2005, the FASB issued EITF 05-06, “Determining the Amortization Period for Leasehold Improvements” (“EITF 05-06”). EITF 05-06 defines the useful life for leasehold improvements acquired in a business combination, or purchased significantly after, and not contemplated at the beginning of the lease term. EITF 05-06 is effective for leasehold improvements purchased or acquired in reporting periods after June 29, 2005. The adoption of EITF 05-06 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

3.                      LONG-TERM DEBT

 

Long-term debt consists of the following at December 31:

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes payable to National City Bank, due in various installments through November 2010, at interest rates between 3.99% and 8.72% per annum

 

$

13,020,000

 

$

10,768,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital lease obligations payable to lessor, due in various installments through June 2008, at an imputed interest rate of 4.11%

 

1,161,000

 

1,594,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt, including current maturities

 

14,181,000

 

12,362,000

 

Less current maturities

 

4,873,000

 

5,111,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

$

9,308,000

 

$

7,251,000

 

 

The notes payable to the bank are collateralized by equipment with an aggregate book value of $18,826,000. The notes contain restrictive covenants which limit distributions based on cash flow coverage, require a minimum net worth, a minimum current ratio and a maximum debt to EBITDA ratio. The Company is in compliance with these covenants at December 31, 2005.

 

Maturities of the notes payable as of December 31, 2005 are as follows:

 

10



 

Year Ending

 

 

 

December 31

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2006

 

$

4,423,000

 

2007

 

3,638,000

 

2008

 

2,473,000

 

2009

 

2,288,000

 

2010

 

198,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

13,020,000

 

 

Maturities of the capital lease obligations as of December 31, 2005 are as follows:

 

Year Ending

 

 

 

December 31

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2006

 

$

490,000

 

2007

 

490,000

 

2008

 

244,000

 

 

 

 

 

Total capital lease payments

 

1,224,000

 

Less amount representing interest

 

(63,000

)

 

 

 

 

Present value of future minimum capital lease payments

 

$

1,161,000

 

 

4.                      COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Rent expense, which includes short-term equipment rentals, for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 aggregated $1,319,000, $2,405,000, and $1,136,000, respectively.

 

5.                      ACCUMULATED COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

The Company has entered into two interest rate swap agreements, which are stated at fair value. The first agreement terminated in 2003, along with the associated debt agreement. The second agreement has a notional amount of $2,130,000 as of December 31, 2005. This agreement terminates in 2006, along with the associated debt agreement. Under these arrangements, the Company receives the one-month London InterBank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) and pays a fixed rate of 6.25% and 6.97%, respectively. The net effect of the hedges was to record interest expense at fixed rates of 7.92% and 8.72%, respectively, as the debt incurs interest based on one-month LIBOR plus 1.67% and 1.75%, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 the Company recorded a net settlement amount of $54,000, $141,000, and $211,000, respectively. The Company has designated these swaps as cash flow hedges of variable future cash flows associated with its long-term debt. Changes in the fair value of these interest rate swaps are recognized as comprehensive income. The Company will continue to record subsequent changes in fair value of the swaps through comprehensive income during the period these instruments are designated as hedges.

 

6.                      INVESTMENT IN DIRECT FINANCING LEASE

 

In November 2003 the Company entered into an agreement to lease one of its MRI units. At inception of the agreement the Company had a note payable with National City Bank related to the unit. In connection with the agreement, the Company remained primarily responsible for the note payable, which is included in the

 

11



 

long-term debt at December 31, 2005 and 2004. This transaction has been treated as a direct financing lease in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 13, "Accounting for Leases." At inception of the lease the Company recorded an investment in direct financing lease of $1,095,000, net of unearned income of $86,000, representing the carrying value of the leased equipment. In August 2005, the MRI unit was upgraded and the lease amount increased to $1,341,000, net of unearned income of $161,000. As of December 31, 2005 and 2004 the balance of the net investment in direct financing lease was $1,255,000 and $881,000, net of unearned income of $151,000 and $70,000, respectively.

 

The future minimum lease payments of the direct financing lease as of December 31, 2005 are as follows:

 

Year Ending

 

 

 

December 31

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2006

 

$

269,000

 

2007

 

287,000

 

2008

 

307,000

 

2009

 

327,000

 

2010

 

216,000

 

Less: unearned income

 

(151,000

)

 

 

$

1,255,000

 

 

7.                      RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

HNI is partially owned by two hospitals, Oaklawn Hospital (“Oaklawn”) and Bronson Methodist Hospital (“Bronson”), that purchase imaging services from the Company. The Company earned imaging revenues from these hospitals totaling $655,000, $774,000 and $1,547,000 for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Accounts receivable from Oaklawn and Bronson aggregated $101,000 and $61,000 at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

The Company has a management agreement with Alliance to provide certain services, including management of promotional and marketing activities, management of all financial activities and long-term strategic planning, which includes new product and service development and introduction. The Company paid management services fees to Alliance totaling $1,243,000, $1,077,000, and $937,000 for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

The Company purchases, on an as-needed basis, all technical, accounting, billing and other support services from Alliance. Other support services include development of informational databases for regulatory compliance. The Company paid $264,000, $196,000, and $166,000 for these services for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Other liabilities include $683,000 and $409,000 owed to Alliance at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively, for reimbursable expenses paid by Alliance on the Company’s behalf. These amounts are settled monthly.

 

The Company rented MRI and CT diagnostic imaging equipment to Alliance on an as-needed basis during 2005, 2004 and 2003. The equipment rental revenue totaled $233,562, $66,000, and $31,000 in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

The Company has a management agreement with HNI to provide certain services, including monitoring regulatory activities, maintaining current customer relations, developing prospective customers and developing new capital sources. Management fees paid totaled $527,000, $445,000, and $383,000 for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

12



 

In 2001, the Company entered into a 60-month lease with DIAA to provide MRI diagnostic imaging equipment to DIAA. The lease revenue from DIAA totaled $545,000 in 2005, 2004 and 2003.

 

Beginning in 2001, the Company rented MRI diagnostic imaging equipment from DIAA on an as-needed basis. The equipment rental expense totaled $1,309,000, $1,279,000, and $879,000 in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

The Company manages DIAA and receives a management fee from DIAA. Management services include management of promotional and marketing activities, management of all financial activities and long-term strategic planning. DIAA paid $96,000 to the Company for management services for each of the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003.

 

* * * * * *

 

13


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