mhform10q.htm
 



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

FORM 10-Q
 
 
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2009
 
 
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from                    to                   
 
Commission file number 0–29486
 
www.merge.com
 
MERGE HEALTHCARE INCORPORATED
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
 
39–1600938
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)
 
(I. R. S. Employer
Identification No.)

 
6737 West Washington Street, Suite 2250, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53214–5650
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
 
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) (414) 977–4000
 

 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes xNo o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “accelerated filers”, “large accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b–2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filero
Non-accelerated filerx
Accelerated filero
Smaller reporting company o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b–2 of the Act).   Yes   o    No  x
 
The number of shares outstanding of the Registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, as of October 27, 2009:  66,134,385
 
 
 

 
 
 INDEX  
         
  ITEM    
Page
 
 
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
     
Item 1.
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
    1  
      1  
      2  
      3  
      4  
      5  
Item 2.
    18  
Item 3.
    28  
Item 4.
    28  
           
 
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
       
Item 1.
    29  
Item 1A.
    29  
Item 2.
    31  
Item 3.
    31  
Item 4.
    31  
Item 5.
    31  
Item 6.
    32  
 
    Exhibit 31.1 Section 302 Certification of Principal Executive Officer
    35  
 
    Exhibit 31.2 Section 302 Certification of Principal Financial Officer
    36  
 
    Exhibit 32 Section 906 Certification of Principal Executive and Financial Officers
    37  
 
 
 

 
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
MERGE HEALTHCARE INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES  
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS  
(In thousands, except for share data)  
             
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
ASSETS
 
(Unaudited)
       
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash of $409 and $621 at September 30, 2009
       
  and December 31, 2008, respectively
  $ 16,883     $ 17,848  
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts and sales returns of $1,173
               
  and $1,378 at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively
    15,714       12,779  
Inventory
    377       550  
Prepaid expenses
    1,965       1,509  
Deferred income taxes
    217       217  
Other current assets
    3,002       721  
Total current assets
    38,158       33,624  
Property and equipment:
               
Computer equipment
    8,189       6,317  
Office equipment
    2,414       1,989  
Leasehold improvements
    1,539       1,272  
      12,142       9,578  
Less accumulated depreciation
    8,737       7,604  
Net property and equipment
    3,405       1,974  
Purchased and developed software, net of accumulated amortization of $14,501 and
               
$12,584 at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively
    13,978       5,653  
Customer relationships and trade names, net of accumulated amortization of $1,998 and $1,259 at
         
September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively
    7,738       2,291  
Goodwill
    25,145       -  
Deferred income taxes
    4,585       4,585  
Investments
    528       5,690  
Other assets
    326       920  
Total assets
  $ 93,863     $ 54,737  
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 5,957     $ 4,036  
Accrued wages
    1,933       1,590  
Restructuring accrual
    1,582       1,173  
Note payable
    14,623       -  
Current portion of capital lease obligations
    188       -  
Other accrued liabilities
    2,669       2,421  
Deferred revenue
    14,895       16,150  
Total current liabilities
    41,847       25,370  
Note payable
    -       14,230  
Capital lease obligations, net of current portion
    94       -  
Deferred income taxes
    39       39  
Deferred revenue
    1,622       644  
Income taxes payable
    5,461       5,418  
Other
    227       195  
Total liabilities
    49,290       45,896  
Shareholders' equity:
               
Series 3 Special Voting Preferred Stock, no par value: one share authorized; zero shares and one share
         
issued and outstanding at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008
    -       -  
Common stock, $0.01 par value: 100,000,000 shares authorized: 65,647,793 shares and 55,506,702
         
shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively
    656       555  
Common stock subscribed, 6,595 shares and 30,271 shares at September 30, 2009 and
               
December 31, 2008, respectively
    26       37  
Additional paid-in capital
    498,576       465,083  
Accumulated deficit
    (456,289 )     (458,641 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    1,604       1,807  
Total shareholders' equity
    44,573       8,841  
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
  $ 93,863     $ 54,737  
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
~ 1 ~

 
MERGE HEALTHCARE INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES  
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS  
(Unaudited)  
(in thousands, except for share and per share data)  
             
   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Net sales:
                       
Software and other
  $ 7,755     $ 7,398     $ 25,459     $ 19,733  
Services and maintenance
    9,152       7,218       22,110       21,941  
Total net sales
    16,907       14,616       47,569       41,674  
Cost of sales:
                               
Software and other
    600       1,314       2,710       3,842  
Services and maintenance
    3,402       2,528       7,925       9,471  
Depreciation and amortization
    899       742       2,172       2,174  
Total cost of sales
    4,901       4,584       12,807       15,487  
Gross margin
    12,006       10,032       34,762       26,187  
Operating costs and expenses:
                               
Sales and marketing
    2,470       1,824       5,968       7,497  
Product research and development
    2,689       2,931       7,503       11,151  
General and administrative
    3,616       3,483       8,972       18,093  
Acquisition-related expenses
    658       -       997       -  
Trade name impairment, restructuring and other expenses
    1,974       (205 )     1,974       11,862  
Depreciation, amortization and impairment
    755       654       1,849       2,954  
Total operating costs and expenses
    12,162       8,687       27,263       51,557  
Operating income (loss)
    (156 )     1,345       7,499       (25,370 )
Other income (expense):
                               
Interest expense
    (775 )     (751 )     (2,304 )     (994 )
Interest income
    6       68       30       218  
Other, net
    18       35       (2,801 )     430  
Total other income (expense)
    (751 )     (648 )     (5,075 )     (346 )
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (907 )     697       2,424       (25,716 )
Income tax expense (benefit)
    29       269       72       (115 )
Net income (loss)
  $ (936 )   $ 428     $ 2,352     $ (25,601 )
Net income (loss) per share - basic
  $ (0.02 )   $ 0.01     $ 0.04     $ (0.59 )
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic
    61,077,637       56,171,905       57,904,467       43,496,189  
                                 
Net income (loss) per share - diluted
  $ (0.02 )   $ 0.01     $ 0.04     $ (0.59 )
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted
    61,077,637       56,859,379       59,552,430       43,496,189  
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
~ 2 ~

 
 
MERGE HEALTHCARE INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES  
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS  
(Unaudited)  
(in thousands)  
   
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income (loss)
  $ 2,352     $ (25,601 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to
               
 net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
               
  Depreciation, amortization and impairment
    4,021       5,128  
  Share-based compensation
    1,256       3,836  
  Loss on disposal of subsidiary
    -       1,665  
  Amortization of note payable issuance costs & discount
    837       336  
  Loss on investment
    3,624       -  
  Trade name impairment
    -       1,060  
  Provision for doubtful accounts receivable and sales returns, net of recoveries
    151       267  
  Deferred income taxes
    -       (384 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:
         
  Accounts receivable
    2       868  
  Inventory
    396       841  
  Prepaid expenses
    349       (683 )
  Accounts payable
    (2,404 )     (3,035 )
  Accrued wages
    (554 )     52  
  Restructuring accrual
    411       1,461  
  Deferred revenue
    (6,189 )     (2,883 )
  Other accrued liabilities
    (373 )     (196 )
  Other
    588       231  
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    4,467       (17,037 )
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired
    (1,752 )     -  
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary
    -       413  
Purchases of property, equipment, and leasehold improvements
    (165 )     (503 )
Change in restricted cash
    338       -  
Proceeds from sale of equity investment
    886       -  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (693 )     (90 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Proceeds from issuance of term note, net of non-cash discount of $510
    -       14,490  
Proceeds from issuance of Common Stock
    -       5,479  
Note and stock issuance costs paid
    -       (2,386 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and employee stock purchase plan
    78       63  
Principal payments on notes
    (4,570 )     -  
Principal payments in capital leases
    (35 )     -  
Repurchase of Common Stock
    -       (47 )
Dividends paid
    -       (57 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (4,527 )     17,542  
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
    -       9  
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (753 )     424  
Cash and cash equivalents (net of restricted cash), beginning of period (1)
    17,227       13,637  
Cash and cash equivalents (net of restricted cash), end of period (2)
  $ 16,474     $ 14,061  
                 
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
               
Cash paid for interest
  $ 1,463     $ 975  
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds
  $ (173 )   $ 17  

 
(1)
Net of restricted cash of $621 and $363 at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
(2)
Net of restricted cash of $409 and $363 at September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
~ 3 ~

 
 
MERGE HEALTHCARE INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES  
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY  
(Unaudited)  
(in thousands, except for share and per share data)  
                                                             
   
Preferred Stock
   
Common Stock
         
Accumulated
       
                                       
Additional
         
Other
   
Total
 
   
Shares
   
Issued
   
Shares
   
Subscribed
   
Shares
   
Issued
   
Paid–in
   
Accumulated
   
Comprehensive
   
Shareholders’
 
   
Issued
   
Amount
   
Subscribed
   
Amount
   
Issued
   
Amount
   
Capital
   
Deficit
   
Income
   
Equity
 
Balance at December 31, 2008
    1     $ -       30,271     $ 37       55,506,702     $ 555     $ 465,083     $ (458,641 )   $ 1,807     $ 8,841  
Exchange of exchangeable share
                                                                               
  rights into Common Stock
    -       -       -       -       719,412       7       (7 )     -       -       -  
Retirement of preferred share
    (1 )     -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Stock issued under ESPP
    -       -       (23,676 )     (11 )     56,830       1       88       -       -       78  
Share-based compensation expense
    -       -       -       -       -       -       1,256       -       -       1,256  
Shares issued for acquisitions
    -       -       -       -       9,364,849       93       32,156       -       -       32,249  
Net income
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       2,352       -       2,352  
Other comprehensive loss
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (203 )     (203 )
Balance at September 30, 2009
    -     $ -       6,595     $ 26       65,647,793     $ 656     $ 498,576     $ (456,289 )   $ 1,604     $ 44,573  
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
~ 4 ~

 
MERGE HEALTHCARE INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES  
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)  
(Unaudited)  
(in thousands)  
           
   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Net income (loss)
  $ (936 )   $ 428     $ 2,352     $ (25,601 )
Translation adjustment
    -       -       -       283  
Unrealized loss on marketable security
    (37 )     (368 )     (203 )     (848 )
Comprehensive net income (loss)
  $ (973 )   $ 60     $ 2,149     $ (26,166 )
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
~ 5 ~

Merge Healthcare Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited and in thousands, except for share and per share data)
 

(1)
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies
 
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for reporting on Form 10-Q.  Accordingly, certain information and notes required by United States of America generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for annual financial statements are not included herein.  These interim statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 of Merge Healthcare Incorporated, a Delaware corporation, and its subsidiaries and affiliates (which we sometimes refer to collectively as “Merge,” “we,” “us” or “our”).
 
Principles of Consolidation
 
Our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position and results of operations.  Such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature, unless otherwise noted.  The results of operations for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future period.
 
Our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP.  These accounting principles require us to make certain estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  We believe that the estimates, judgments and assumptions are reasonable, based on information available at the time they are made.  Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
 
Our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the results of etrials Worldwide, Inc. (“etrials”) since July 20, 2009, and the results of Confirma, Inc. (“Confirma”) since September 1, 2009.  
 
Reclassifications
 
Where appropriate, certain reclassifications have been made to the prior periods’ financial statements to conform to the current year presentation.  Specifically, we have reclassified $649 of certain accrued expenses from other current liabilities to accounts payable in the balance sheet as of December 31, 2008 in order to conform to current year presentation.
 
(2)
Significant Acquisitions
 
etrials Worldwide, Inc.
 
On July 20, 2009, we completed the acquisition of etrials, a provider of clinical trials software and services to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, and contract research organizations.  The transaction was announced on June 1, 2009, upon the execution of a definitive agreement, and closed on July 20, 2009.  Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, we acquired all of the outstanding shares of common stock of etrials for consideration per share of $0.80 in cash, without interest, and 0.3448 shares of Merge Common Stock.  Upon completion of the acquisition, we renamed this entity Merge eClinical.  Our condensed consolidated statements of operations include etrials sales of $2,420 and net loss of $577 for the period July 20, 2009 through September 30, 2009.
 
Reasons for the Transaction
 
Our acquisition of etrials will allow us to create an organization capable of providing clinical trial sponsors and contract research organizations (“CROs”) comprehensive and configurable solutions that integrate critical imaging technologies with electronic eclinical capabilities to address the needs of all the stakeholders in clinical trials utilizing imaging.
 
Purchase Accounting
 
The transaction consideration was valued at approximately $25,077, including the exchange of 3,942,732 shares at a market price of $4.04 per share, and $9,149 in cash.  The fair value of stock issued was based upon the NASDAQ closing price of our stock on July 20, 2009.  The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting.  Merge was considered the accounting acquirer, requiring the purchase consideration to be allocated to etrials’ net tangible and intangible assets based on their respective fair values as of the closing date, with the residual reflected as goodwill.  The allocation of the purchase consideration is preliminary and based upon estimates made by us with the assistance of independent valuation specialists.  The estimated purchase price allocation, based on etrials’ assets and liabilities as of July 20, 2009, was as follows:
 
 
~ 6 ~

Merge Healthcare Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Unaudited and in thousands, except for share and per share data)
 
 
   
Estimated Fair Value
 
Cash
  $ 6,077  
Other tangible assets
    4,565  
Liabilities assumed
    (5,215 )
Purchased and developed software
    3,950  
Customer relationships
    2,640  
In-process research and development
    760  
Trade names
    270  
Goodwill
    12,030  
Total consideration
  $ 25,077  
 
The amounts allocated to purchased and developed software, customer relationships, trade names and in-process research and development (“IPR&D”) are preliminary and estimated by us based on the work performed by independent valuation specialists, primarily through the use of discounted cash flow techniques.  Appraisal assumptions utilized under these methods include a forecast of estimated future net cash flows, as well as discounting the future net cash flows to their present value.  Acquired intangible assets are being amortized over the estimated useful lives as set forth in the following table:
 
   
Years
 
Proprietary technology
    7.0  
Customer relationships
    10.0  
Trade names
    6.0  
IPR&D
 
-
 
Goodwill
 
Indefinite
 
 
The estimated asset lives are determined based on projected future economic benefits and expected life cycles of the acquired intangible assets.  The value assigned to IPR&D will not be amortized until the completion or abandonment of the associated research and development efforts.
 
The value assigned to acquired in-process research and development is determined by identifying the acquired specific in-process research and development projects that will be continued, and for which (1) technological feasibility has not been established at the acquisition date, (2) there is no alternative future use, and (3) the fair value is estimable with reasonable reliability.  The nature of the efforts to develop the in-process technology into the commercially viable products is expected to principally relate to the completion of all planning, designing, prototyping, verification and testing activities that are necessary to establish that the technology can be produced to meet its design specification, including function, features and technical performance requirements. At the date of the business combination, etrials had an in-process project meeting the above criteria involving an electronic data capture (“EDC”) platform.
 
The amount assigned to goodwill is not being amortized, but will be tested for impairment annually or under certain circumstances that may indicate a potential impairment.  The $12,030 assigned to goodwill will not be deductible for federal income tax purposes.
 
Confirma, Inc.
 
On September 1, 2009, we completed the acquisition of Confirma, a provider of computer systems for processing and presentation of data from magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) studies.  The transaction was announced on August 7, 2009, upon the execution of a definitive agreement, and closed on September 1, 2009.  Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, we acquired all outstanding shares of Confirma in exchange for 5,422,104 shares of Merge Common Stock.  Upon completion of the acquisition, we renamed this entity Merge CAD.  Our condensed consolidated statements of operations include Confirma sales of $612 and net loss of $1,005 for the period September 1, 2009 through September 30, 2009.
 
 
~ 7 ~

Merge Healthcare Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Unaudited and in thousands, except for share and per share data)
 
 
Reasons for the Transaction
 
Our acquisition of Confirma creates an organization providing advanced applications for visualization and analysis of MRI studies that has the capability to widen the global adoption of this type of technology through Merge’s international distribution network.
 
Purchase Accounting
 
The transaction consideration was valued at approximately $16,231, including the exchange of 5,422,104 shares at a market price of $3.01 per share, of which 46,628 shares were placed in escrow.  The estimated transaction consideration excludes $89 for claims against the escrow.  The fair value of stock issued was based upon the NASDAQ closing price of our stock on September 1, 2009.  The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting.  Merge was considered the accounting acquirer, requiring the purchase consideration to be allocated to Confirma’s net tangible and intangible assets based on their respective fair values as of the closing date, with the residual reflected as goodwill.  The allocation of the purchase consideration is preliminary and based upon estimates made by us with the assistance of independent valuation specialists.  The estimated purchase price allocation, based on Confirma’s assets and liabilities as of September 1, 2009, was as follows:
 
   
Estimated Fair Value
 
Cash
  $ 2,696  
Other tangible assets
    3,507  
Liabilities assumed
    (9,717 )
Purchased and developed software
    5,300  
Customer relationships
    2,800  
Trade names
    300  
Goodwill
    11,345  
Total consideration
  $ 16,231  
 
The amounts allocated to purchased and developed software, customer relationships and trade names were estimated by us based on the work performed by independent valuation specialists, primarily through the use of discounted cash flow techniques.  Appraisal assumptions utilized under these methods include a forecast of estimated future net cash flows, as well as discounting the future net cash flows to their present value.  Acquired intangible assets are being amortized over the estimated useful lives as set forth in the following table:
 
   
Years
 
Proprietary Technology
    5.3  
Customer Relationships
    9.5  
Trade Names
    10.0  
Goodwill
 
Indefinite
 
 
The estimated asset lives are determined based on projected future economic benefits and expected life cycles of the acquired intangible assets.  The amount assigned to goodwill is not being amortized, but will be tested for impairment annually or under certain circumstances that may indicate a potential impairment.  The $11,345 assigned to goodwill will not be deductible for federal income tax purposes.
 
Pro forma Results
 
As discussed in Note 1, the results of etrials have been included in our condensed consolidated financial statements since July 20, 2009, and the results of Confirma have been included since September 1, 2009.
 
The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, are based on the historical financial statements of Merge, etrials and Confirma giving effect to the business combination as if it had occurred at the beginning of the periods presented.  Therefore, this pro forma data has been adjusted to exclude pre-acquisition intangible amortization, share-based compensation and warrant expense of etrials and Confirma, while including amortization of intangible assets during the entire applicable periods.  This data also reflects only the historical Merge, etrials and Confirma tax expense.  This data is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would have been generated if the transaction had occurred at the beginning of the respective periods.  Moreover, this data is not intended to be indicative of future results of operations.
 
 
~ 8 ~

Merge Healthcare Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Unaudited and in thousands, except for share and per share data)
 
 
   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
  2009
   
2008
 
Revenue
  $ 19,584     $ 22,231  
Net loss
    (3,011 )     (5,690 )
Loss per share:
               
Basic
  $ (0.05 )   $ (0.09 )
Diluted
  $ (0.05 )   $ (0.09 )
                 
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
      2009       2008  
Revenue
  $ 64,679     $ 67,199  
Net loss
    (1,593 )     (40,953 )
Loss per share:
               
Basic
  $ (0.02 )   $ (0.77 )
Diluted
  $ (0.02 )   $ (0.77 )
 
(3)
Intangible Assets
 
        Goodwill is our primary intangible asset not subject to amortization.  The changes in carrying amount of goodwill by segment (as further discussed in Note 13) for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, are as follows:
 
                   
   
Indirect
   
Direct
   
Total
 
Balance at January 1, 2009
  $ -     $ -     $ -  
Goodwill due to etrials acquisition
    -       12,030       12,030  
Goodwill due to Confirma acquisition
    11,345       -       11,345  
Goodwill due to insignificant acquisitions
    -       1,770       1,770  
Balance at September 30, 2009
  $ 11,345     $ 13,800     $ 25,145  
 
Other than capitalized software development costs, our intangible assets subject to amortization are summarized as of September 30, 2009 as follows:
 
   
Weighted
             
   
Average
             
   
Remaining Amortization Period (Years)
 
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Purchased software
    5.0     $ 21,064     $ (8,508 )
Customer relationships
    7.7       9,166       (1,988 )
Trade names
    8.0       570       (10 )
Total
          $ 30,800     $ (10,506 )
 
The estimated asset lives are determined based on projected future economic benefits and expected life cycles of the purchased software and customer relationships.  The gross carrying amounts of purchased software include $760 of IPR&D that is not subject to amortization until completed.
 
Amortization expense for purchased software, which is being expensed within cost of sales on a ratable basis over the life of the related intangible asset, was $665 and $529 in the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and $1,620 and $1,589 in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  Customer relationships and trade names amortization expense, which is being expensed in the depreciation, amortization and impairment classification of operating costs and expenses on a ratable basis over the life of the related intangible asset, was $329 and $245 in the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and $813 and $763 in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
In the three months ended September 30, 2009, we increased the gross carrying amount of purchased software, customer relationships and trade names by $10,010, $5,440 and $570, respectively, upon completion of the acquisitions of etrials and Confirma.  In the nine months ended September 30, 2009, we increased the gross carrying amount of purchased software, customer relationships and trade names by $10,400, $5,690 and $570, respectively.  
 
 
~ 9 ~

Merge Healthcare Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Unaudited and in thousands, except for share and per share data)
 
 
The estimated future amortization expense of purchased software (excluding IPR&D), customer relationships and trade names as of September 30, 2009 is as follows:
 
For the remaining 3 months of the year ended:
2009
  $ 1,286  
For the year ended December 31:
2010
    5,145  
 
2011
    3,497  
 
2012
    2,320  
 
2013
    2,320  
 
2014
    2,229  
 
Thereafter
    3,498  
 
As of September 30, 2009, we had gross capitalized software development costs of $6,655 and accumulated amortization of $5,993.  The weighted average remaining amortization period of capitalized software development costs was 1.2 years as of September 30, 2009.  Capitalized software development amortization expensed within cost of sales was $137 and $213 in the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and $455 and $585 in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
        In the nine months ended September 30, 2009, we received cash proceeds of $510 from the sale of patents which we determined were not necessary to support our business.
 
(4)
Fair Value Measurement
 
We use a three-tier value hierarchy to prioritize the inputs used in measuring fair value of our financial assets and liabilities.  These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore, requiring us to develop our own assumptions.  
 
We also consider additional information in estimating fair value when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased, or circumstances indicate a transaction is not suitable for fair value measurement.  We disclose the required information about fair value of financial instruments in our interim financial statements as well as in our annual financial statements.
 
Non-Current Investments
 
At September 30, 2009, we held securities in a publicly traded entity valued at $115 and private companies valued at $413, which are classified as non-current assets.  In determining fair value, we utilize techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.  In calculating potential impairment losses for the private company securities, we evaluate the fair value of these investments by comparing them to certain public company metrics such as revenue multiples, independent transactions involving such securities, and inquiries and estimates made by us.  The following tables set forth our non-current investments that are carried at fair value:
 
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Balance at September 30, 2009
 
Investment in publicly traded equity security
  $ 115     $ -     $ -     $ 115  
Investments in equity securities of private companies
    -       -       413       413  
Total
  $ 115     $ -     $ 413     $ 528  
                                 
                                 
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Balance at December 31, 2008
 
Investment in publicly traded equity security
  $ 318     $ -     $ -     $ 318  
Investments in equity securities of private companies
    -       -       5,372       5,372  
Total
  $ 318     $ -     $ 5,372     $ 5,690  
 
 
~ 10 ~

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

We performed the evaluation of our Level 3 investments in the quarterly period ended September 30, 2009, and concluded that there was no significant change in their fair value.  Due to the acquisition of Eklin Medical Systems, Inc. (“Eklin”) by VCA Antech, Inc. (“VCA”) in July 2009, we sold our equity investment in Eklin for proceeds of $1,335.  We received cash of $886 in the third quarter of 2009, with the remaining balance of $449 being held in an escrow account for up to two years to satisfy any remaining obligations which may arise from the transaction.  We have recorded an impairment charge of $3,624 in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 related to the impairment of our investment in Eklin.  The impairment charge is included in the other, net line of our condensed consolidated statement of operations.  The following table sets forth the change in the fair value of our Level 3 non-current investments:
 
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Balance at January 1
  $ 5,372     $ 6,030  
Transfer in
    -       -  
Sale of investment
    (1,335 )     -  
Impairment charge
    (3,624 )     -  
Balance at September 30
  $ 413     $ 6,030  
 
Unrealized gains or losses on our available-for-sale (publicly traded) security, as well as foreign currency translation adjustments, are components of accumulated other comprehensive income as set forth in the following table:
 
   
Balance at September 30, 2009
 
Cumulative translation adjustment
  $ 1,936  
Net unrealized loss on available-for-sale security
    (332 )
Total accumulated other comprehensive income
  $ 1,604  
 
Other Financial Instruments
 
Our other financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, deferred revenue, note payable and certain accrued liabilities.  The carrying amounts of these assets and liabilities approximate fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments and, in the case of the note payable, due to the interest rate and terms approximating those available to us for similar obligations.
 
(5)
Debt, Capital Leases and Operating Leases
 
On June 4, 2008, we completed a private placement pursuant to which we raised net proceeds of $16,639 through a transaction with Merrick RIS, LLC (“Merrick”), an affiliate of Merrick Ventures, LLC ("Merrick Ventures"), which was executed on May 21, 2008.  Based on the terms of the private placement, we received $20,000 from Merrick in exchange for a $15,000 senior secured term note due June 4, 2010 and 21,085,715 shares of our Common Stock.  The note bears interest at 13.0% per annum, payable quarterly in arrears on the fourth day of March, June, September and December.  Michael W. Ferro, Jr. and trusts for the benefit of Mr. Ferro’s family members beneficially own a majority of the equity interest in Merrick Ventures.  Mr. Ferro, who is the chairman of our board of directors, also serves as the chairman and chief executive officer of Merrick Ventures.  Accordingly, Mr. Ferro indirectly owns or controls the term note and all of the shares owned by Merrick.  As of September 30, 2009, Merrick and its affiliates owned approximately 42.7% of our Common Stock.  We paid interest to Merrick of $488 and $1,463 in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively.  We paid interest to Merrick of zero and $975 in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively, including $975 of prepaid interest on the date we completed the transaction with Merrick.  As of September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, we have recorded $163, or one month of accrued interest on the note, in other accrued liabilities. The note payable is classified as a short term liability at September 30, 2009, since it is due in June of 2010.
 
We assumed debt of $1,770 and $2,800, respectively, upon completion of our acquisitions of etrials and Confirma.  These balances were repaid in full in the third quarter of 2009.
 

 
~ 11 ~

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

We also assumed certain capital lease obligations associated with the acquisitions.  As of September 30, 2009, the remaining obligations under these capital leases totaled $282.  Equipment acquired under these capital leases had a cost of $428 and accumulated depreciation of $40 at September 30, 2009.  Amortization expense related to equipment acquired under capital leases was $38 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, and is included in the depreciation, amortization and impairment line of operating costs and expenses in our condensed consolidated statement of operations.
 
Payments due under our debt and capital lease obligations are set forth in the following table for the periods indicated:
 
     
Note Payable
 
Capital Leases
   
Total
 
For the remaining 3 months of the year ended:
2009
  $ -     $ 56     $ 56  
For the year ended December 31:
2010
    15,000       195       15,195  
 
2011
    -       61       61  
 
2012
    -       -       -  
 
2013
    -       -       -  
      $ 15,000       312     $ 15,312  
  Less: Amount representing interest
 
    30          
  Present value of future minimum lease payments
 
    282          
  Less: Current portion of capital lease obligation
 
    188          
  Capital lease obligation, net of current portion
 
  $ 94          
 
In the third quarter of 2009, we entered into a new 10-year lease in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada to replace the existing lease which expires December 31, 2009.  We will begin occupancy of the new leased space in the fourth quarter of 2009, which will reduce our rentable area to approximately 24,000 square feet.  We also entered into a new 7-year lease in our Morrisville, North Carolina location, which is the primary location of etrials.  This new lease reduces our rentable area to approximately 15,000 square feet.  In addition, we abandoned approximately 5,000 square feet of leased space in our Bellevue, Washington facility, which is the primary location of Confirma. As a result of this action, we recorded a charge of $255 in the trade name impairment, restructuring and other line of our statement of operations in the third quarter of 2009.  
 
Future minimum lease payments under all of our non–cancelable operating leases are set forth in the following table:
 
     
Operating Leases
 
For the remaining 3 months of the year ended:
2009
  $ 727  
For the year ended December 31:
2010
    1,924  
 
2011
    1,687  
 
2012
    894  
 
2013
    859  
 
2014
    807  
 
thereafter
    3,556  
 
 (6)
Other Transactions with Related Party
 
Effective January 1, 2009, we entered into a consulting agreement with Merrick under which we receive certain consulting services for cash consideration of $100 per quarter, plus reasonable expenses, for a one year term.  We paid $105 and $335 to Merrick for such services in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively, and recognized $122 and $357 in expense within the general and administrative expense classification of operating costs and expenses in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively.  As of September 30, 2009, we have $22 recorded in accounts payable covering obligations under this agreement.
 
As a result of work performed related to our acquisitions of etrials and Confirma, we paid Merrick a success fee of $200 and expensed such amount within the acquisition related expense classification of operating costs and expenses in the three months ended September 30, 2009.
 
On March 31, 2009, we entered into a value added reseller agreement with Merrick Healthcare Solutions, LLC (“Merrick Healthcare”).  Under terms of the agreement, Merrick Healthcare purchased software licenses from us for $400.  Payment of the entire balance was made on the date of the agreement.  We recognized $400 in revenue in the first quarter of 2009 related to this transaction.

 
~ 12 ~

Merge Healthcare Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Unaudited and in thousands, except for share and per share data)
 
 
(7)
Shareholders’ Equity
 
Exchangeable Shares
 
As part of our business combination with Cedara Software Corp. in June 2005, we issued 5,581,517 shares of our Common Stock to the shareholders of Cedara Software Corp. and granted rights for the issuance of 13,210,168 shares of Common Stock to holders of Cedara Software Corp. exchangeable shares on a one-for-one basis.  On February 13, 2009, we exercised our call right regarding redemption of the outstanding exchangeable shares, as certain conditions allowing us to do so were met.  Final redemption occurred on April 15, 2009, and the exchangeable shares were delisted from the Toronto Stock Exchange following the close of trading on April 16, 2009.  The respective weighted average number of these shares has been included within the number of shares of Common Stock used to calculate basic net income (loss) per share (see Note 12).
 
(8)
Share-Based Compensation
 
The following table summarizes share-based compensation expense recognized during the periods indicated:
 
   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Share-based compensation expense included in the statement of operations:
             
Services and maintenance (cost of sales)
  $ 8     $ 4     $ 37     $ 70  
Sales and marketing
    91       (19 )     275       363  
Product research and development
    79       72       249       304  
General and administrative
    193       245       695       1,129  
Trade name impairment, restructuring and other expenses
    -       -       -       1,970  
Total
  $ 371     $ 302     $ 1,256     $ 3,836  
 
Stock option activity in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 is set forth in the following table:
 
   
Number of
 
   
Options
 
Options outstanding, December 31, 2008
    4,696,574  
Options granted
    375,000  
Options exercised
    -  
Options forfeited and expired
    (218,461 )
Options outstanding, September 30, 2009
    4,853,113  
         
Options exercisable, September 30, 2009
    1,941,805  
 
There was no restricted stock award activity in the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  There were 479,997 shares of restricted stock outstanding as of September 30, 2009.
 
As of September 30, 2009, there was approximately $2,859 of unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options and restricted stock that may be recognized in future periods.
 
(9)
Commitments and Contingencies
 
On April 27, 2006, Merge Healthcare received an informal, non-public inquiry from the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) requesting voluntary production of documents and other information.  The inquiry principally related to our announcement, on March 17, 2006, that we would investigate allegations of improprieties related to financial reporting and revise our results of operations for the fiscal quarters ended June 30, 2005, and September 30, 2005.  On July 10, 2007, SEC Staff advised us that the SEC had issued a formal order of investigation in this matter.  Merge Healthcare is cooperating fully with the SEC.  The SEC Staff has informed Merge Healthcare that the Staff is considering recommending an injunctive or cease and desist order against Merge Healthcare prohibiting violations of the reporting, record-keeping, and internal control provisions under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  The Staff did not inform Merge Healthcare that it is considering recommending any monetary sanctions against Merge Healthcare.  However, the matter has not yet been finally resolved, and, until such final resolution, Merge Healthcare will continue to incur expenses, including legal fees and other costs, in connection with the SEC’s investigation.  

 
~ 13 ~

Merge Healthcare Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Unaudited and in thousands, except for share and per share data)
 
 
On June 1, 2009, Merge Healthcare was served with a Summons and Complaint in the Milwaukee County Circuit Court, State of Wisconsin, captioned William C. Mortimore and David M. Nosay v. Merge Technologies Inc. n/k/a Merge Healthcare Inc. [sic], Case Number 09CV008356, Case Code 30301.  The Complaint includes a demand for a jury trial and alleges that Merge unreasonably refused Mortimore and Noshay’s request for indemnification; requests the court order that they are entitled to indemnification under Wisconsin Statute Section 180.0851(2); alleges breaches of certain employment agreements; and a breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing.  Monetary damages being sought are unspecified.  We have retained litigation counsel, notified our appropriate insurers and intend to vigorously defend this action.
 
In addition to the matters discussed above, we are, from time to time, parties to legal proceedings, lawsuits and other claims incident to our business activities.  Such matters may include, among other things, assertions of contract breach or intellectual property infringement, claims for indemnity arising in the course of our business and claims by persons whose employment has been terminated.  Such matters are subject to many uncertainties and outcomes are not predictable with assurance.  Consequently, we are unable to ascertain the ultimate aggregate amount of monetary liability, amounts which may be covered by insurance or recoverable from third parties, or the financial impact with respect to these matters as of the date of this report.
 
(10)
Restructuring
 
On July 20, 2009, we completed a restructuring initiative to reduce our workforce by approximately 35 individuals.  This action was taken concurrent with the acquisition of etrials based upon our assessment of ongoing personnel needs.  As a result, we incurred $935 and $784 of severance and related costs in our Indirect and Direct segments, respectively, in the third quarter of 2009.  These expenses are recorded in the trade name impairment, restructuring and other line of our statement of operations.  The majority of these expenses will be paid out over the next several quarters.
 
In addition, we completed two other separate restructuring and reorganization initiatives in 2008, which had remaining obligations as of December 31, 2008.
 
The following table illustrates the activity related to these three initiatives in the nine months ended September 30, 2009:
 
   
Employee Termination Costs
   
Contract Exit Costs
   
Total
 
First Quarter 2008 Initiative
                 
Balance at December 31, 2008
  $ 31     $ 284     $ 315  
Charges to expense
    -       -       -  
Payments
    (7 )     -       (7 )
Foreign exchange
    4       -       4  
Balance at September 30, 2009
    28       284       312  
Second Quarter 2008 Initiative
                       
Balance at December 31, 2008
    502       371       873  
Charges to expense
    -       -       -  
Payments
    (453 )     (273 )     (726 )
Foreign exchange
    3       15       18  
Balance at September 30, 2009
    52       113       165  
Third Quarter 2009 Initiative
                       
Balance at December 31, 2008
    -       -       -  
Charges to expense
    1,719       -       1,719  
Payments
    (633 )     -       (633 )
Foreign exchange
    21       -       21  
Balance at September 30, 2009
    1,107       -       1,107  
Total Balance at September 30, 2009
  $ 1,187     $ 397     $ 1,584  

 
~ 14 ~

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

         At September 30, 2009, $1,582 of the remaining balance was recorded in the restructuring accrual in current liabilities, with the remainder recorded in other long term liabilities.
 
 (11)
Income Taxes
 
We record income tax expense on an interim basis.  The estimated annual effective income tax rate is adjusted quarterly and items discrete to a specific quarter are reflected in tax expense for that interim period.  The estimated annual effective income tax rate reflects the effect of changes in a valuation allowance due to expected current year earnings or loss.  A valuation allowance is established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount more-likely-than-not to be realized.  Further limitations may apply to deferred tax assets if ownership changes occur.  There was no material change in unrecognized tax benefits in the nine month period ending September 30, 2009, and we do not anticipate a material change in total unrecognized tax benefits within the next 12 months.
 
(12)
Earnings Per Share
 
Basic and diluted net earnings or loss per share is computed by dividing earnings or loss available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding.  Diluted earnings per share includes the dilution that could occur based on outstanding restricted stock awards and the potential exercise of stock options, except for stock options with an exercise price of more than the average market price of our Common Stock, as such exercise would be anti-dilutive.  The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the periods indicated:
 
   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Numerator:
                       
Net income (loss)
  $ (936 )   $ 428     $ 2,352     $ (25,601 )
Denominator:
                               
Weighted average number of shares of Common Stock
                               
outstanding - basic
    61,077,637       56,171,905       57,904,467       43,496,189  
Effect of stock options
    -       65,883       1,167,966       -  
Effect of restricted stock
    -       621,591       479,997       -  
Denominator for net income (loss) per share - diluted
    61,077,637       56,859,379       59,552,430       43,496,189  
Net income (loss) per share - basic
  $ (0.02 )   $ 0.01     $ 0.04     $ (0.59 )
Net income (loss) per share - diluted
  $ (0.02 )   $ 0.01     $ 0.04     $ (0.59 )
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, options to purchase 3,145,000 and 3,587,830 shares of our Common Stock, respectively, had exercise prices greater than the average market price of our Common Stock, and, therefore, are not considered in the above calculations of diluted net income (loss) per share.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, options to purchase 2,945,000 and 3,630,466 shares of our Common Stock, respectively, had exercise prices greater than the average market price of our Common Stock, and, therefore, are not considered in the above calculations of diluted net income (loss) per share.
 
As a result of the loss in the three months ended September 30, 2009, incremental shares from stock options and restricted stock awards totaling 1,797,098 and 479,997, respectively, have been excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.  As a result of the loss in the nine months ended September 30, 2008, incremental shares from stock options and restricted stock awards totaling zero and 1,290,434, respectively, have been excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.
 
(13)
Segment Information
 
Our Chief Executive Officer has been identified as the chief operating decision maker, and relies on the information derived from our financial reporting process to assess the performance and the allocate resources within Merge Healthcare.  On June 30, 2009, we completed enhancements to our financial reporting process to allow us to obtain discrete operating results for our business units.  This business unit information was used by our Chief Executive Officer in the third quarter of 2009 to assess performance and allocate resources within Merge.  As a result, effective in the third quarter of 2009, we have reportable segments, which we have designated as Direct and Indirect.  These reportable segments are based on business unit operations that have similar economic characteristics.  

 
~ 15 ~

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

The Direct segment primarily sells directly to the end-users located primarily in the U.S. and Canada, and also distributes certain products through the Internet via our website.  This segment consists of the North America operations of the Merge Fusion business unit and Merge eClinical business unit.  The Indirect segment primarily sells software products and related services to Original Equipment Manufacturers, Value Added Resellers and distributors world-wide.  This segment consists of the Merge OEM and Merge CAD business units in addition to the Europe, Middle East and Africa operations of the Merge Fusion business unit.
 
 We evaluate the performance of these segments based on their respective revenues and segment operating income, which excludes certain corporate costs, amortization expense that is not specific to a segment, net interest expense and income taxes. The following tables provide segment information for the periods indicated:
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30, 2009
 
   
Indirect
   
Direct
   
Total
 
Net sales:
                 
  Software and other
  $ 5,455     $ 2,300     $ 7,755  
  Service and maintenance
    2,449       6,703       9,152  
Total net sales
  $ 7,904     $ 9,003     $ 16,907  
Expenses
    6,214       7,846       14,060  
Segment income
  $ 1,690     $ 1,157       2,847  
                         
Net corporate/other expenses (1)
                    3,754  
Loss before income taxes
                  $ (907 )
 
   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009
 
   
Indirect
   
Direct
   
Total
 
Net sales:
                 
  Software and other
  $ 18,603     $ 6,856     $ 25,459  
  Service and maintenance
    6,503       15,607       22,110  
Total net sales
  $ 25,106     $ 22,463     $ 47,569  
Expenses
    17,495       17,456       34,951  
Segment income
  $ 7,611     $ 5,007       12,618  
                         
Net corporate/other expenses (1)
                    10,194  
Income before income taxes
                  $ 2,424  
 
(1)
  Net corporate/other expenses include public company costs, share-based compensation,
 
  certain amortization not attributable to business segments, corporate administration costs,
 
  acquisition-related expenses and net interest expense.
       
 
 
   
Indirect
   
Direct
   
Corporate/ Other
   
Consolidated
 
Depreciation and amortization
                       
  Three months ended September 30, 2009
  $ 384     $ 778     $ 492     $ 1,654  
                                 
  Nine months ended September 30, 2009
  $ 838     $ 1,705     $ 1,478     $ 4,021  
                                 
Assets as of September 30, 2009
  $ 37,566     $ 42,745     $ 13,552     $ 93,863  
 
The following tables provide revenue by segment for the prior periods indicated.  Segment profit will not be restated for periods prior to December 31, 2008, as there were significant operational changes during 2008 that will not allow us to capture comparable historical information through our financial reporting system, and it would be impracticable for us to do so.
 
 
~ 16 ~

Merge Healthcare Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
(Unaudited and in thousands, except for share and per share data)
 
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30, 2008
 
   
Indirect
   
Direct
   
Total
 
Net sales:
                 
  Software and other
  $ 4,374     $ 3,024     $ 7,398  
  Service and maintenance
    2,695       4,523       7,218  
Total net sales
  $ 7,069     $ 7,547     $ 14,616  
                         
   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008
 
   
Indirect
   
Direct
   
Total
 
Net sales:
                       
  Software and other
  $ 10,882     $ 8,851     $ 19,733  
  Service and maintenance
    8,786       13,155       21,941  
Total net sales
  $ 19,668     $ 22,006     $ 41,674  
 
(14)
Other Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
We describe below recent pronouncements that have had or may have a significant effect on our financial statements. We do not discuss recent pronouncements that are not anticipated to have an impact on or are unrelated to our financial condition, results of operations, or related disclosures.
 
In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Update No. 2009-01, which establishes the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) as the source of authoritative accounting principles recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).  The ASC is effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009.  We adopted the ASC when referring to GAAP in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal period ending September 30, 2009.  The adoption did not have an impact on our consolidated results.
 
In April 2009, the FASB issued guidance to improve the presentation of other-than-temporary impairments in the financial statements.  This guidance replaced an existing requirement that management assert it has both the intent and ability to hold an impaired debt security until recovery with a requirement that management assert it does not have the intent to sell the security, and it is more likely than not it will not have to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis.  It also provides for increased disclosure about the credit and noncredit components of impaired debt securities that are not expected to be sold and also requires increased and more frequent disclosures regarding expected cash flows, credit losses, and an aging of securities with unrealized losses.  Although this guidance does not result in a change in the carrying amount of debt securities, it does require that the portion of an other-than-temporary impairment not related to a credit loss for a held-to-maturity security be recognized in a new category of other comprehensive income and be amortized over the remaining life of the debt security as an increase in the carrying value of the security.  Our adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the determination or reporting of our financial results.
 
In April 2009 the FASB issued guidance to amend prior standards to require assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination that arise from contingencies to be recognized at fair value, as determined in accordance with ASC Topic No. 820, Fair Value Measurements, if the acquisition-date fair value can be reasonably determined.  If the acquisition-date fair value cannot be reasonably determined, then the future settlement amount would be measured in accordance with existing accounting rules.  This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008.  Our adoption did not have a significant impact on the determination or reporting of our financial results.
 
In May 2009, the FASB issued guidance regarding general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued.  This guidance is set forth in ASC Topic No. 855, Subsequent Events (“ASC No. 855”).  ASC No. 855 sets forth the period after the balance sheet date during which management of a reporting entity should evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements, the circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements, and the disclosures that an entity should make about events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date.  We adopted this standard effective June 15, 2009 and have evaluated any subsequent events through the date of this filing.  We do not believe there are any material subsequent events, other than those addressed in these Notes, which would require further disclosure.
 
In October 2009, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2009-13, Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements (“Update No. 2009-13”). ASU No. 2009-13, amends existing revenue recognition accounting pronouncements that are currently within the scope of FASB ASC Subtopic No. 605-25, Multiple Element Arrangements. This Update provides accounting principles and application guidance on whether multiple deliverables exist, how the arrangement should be separated, and the consideration allocated. This new approach is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2010 and may be applied retrospectively or prospectively for new or materially modified arrangements. In addition, early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of Update No. 2009-13 on our consolidated financial statements.

In October 2009, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2009-14, Certain Arrangements That Contain Software Elements (“Update No. 2009-14”). Update No. 2009-14 amends the scope of ASC Subtopic No. 985-605, Revenue Recognition, to exclude tangible products that include software and non-software components that function together to deliver the product’s essential functionality. This Update shall be applied on a prospective basis for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified in fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010. Earlier application is permitted as of the beginning of a company’s fiscal year provided the company has not previously issued financial statements for any period within that year. An entity shall not elect early application of Update No. 2009-14 unless it also elects early application of Update No. 2009-13. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of Update No. 2009-14 on our consolidated financial statements.
 
 
~ 17 ~


Item 2.
 
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
 
The discussion below contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act.  We have used words such as “believes,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “expects” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements.  These statements are based on information currently available to us and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results of operations, financial condition, cash flows, performance, business prospects and opportunities and the timing of certain events to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these statements.  These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, without limitation, those matters discussed in Item 1A of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.  Except as expressly required by the federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to update such factors or to publicly announce the results of any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future events, developments, or changed circumstances, or for any other reason.  The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, and Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in both our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 and this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis is presented in the following order:
 
·  
Overview
·  
Results of Operations
·  
Business Segments
·  
Liquidity and Capital Resources
·  
Material Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
·  
Critical Accounting Policies
 
Overview
 
We develop software solutions that automate healthcare data and diagnostic workflow to create a more comprehensive electronic record of the patient experience.  Our products, ranging from standards-based development toolkits to fully integrated clinical applications, have been used by healthcare providers worldwide for over 20 years.  We have significantly expanded our product offerings during the last quarter through strategic acquisitions.   
 
On September 1, 2009, we completed the acquisition of Confirma, Inc. (“Confirma”), a provider of computer systems for processing and presentation of data from magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) studies.  Under terms of the agreement, we acquired all the outstanding shares of Confirma in exchange for 5.4 million shares of Merge Common Stock.  Total consideration for the transaction was $16.2 million.  Upon completion of the acquisition, we renamed this entity Merge CAD.
 
On July 20, 2009, we completed the acquisition of etrials Worldwide, Inc. (“etrials”), a provider of clinical trials software and services.  Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, we acquired all of the outstanding shares of common stock of etrials for consideration per share of $0.80 in cash, without interest, and 0.3448 shares of Merge Common Stock.  Total consideration for the transaction was $25.1 million.  Upon completion of the acquisition, we renamed this entity Merge eClinical.  
 
We have seen our markets become increasingly affected by the continuing global macroeconomic downturn.  The downturn, which first started in the U.S., has also impacted our customers in other parts of the world.  We believe that the initiatives undertaken to reduce our operating expenses have appropriately positioned our recurring cost structure.  We believe it is likely that this economic downturn will continue to persist; however, we cannot predict its severity, duration or impact on our future operating results.
 
We will attempt to use the economic downturn as an opportunity to expand our market share and to continue moving into similar, related, or adjacent markets to those in which we currently are active, as well as invest in international growth.  We continue to develop new products and are pleased with the breadth and depth of our product lines and service capabilities.
 
We are also monitoring the increasing regulatory and legislative activity surrounding healthcare and health information technology.  Thus far in 2009, the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act was passed in the U.S. and included stimulus monies for health IT adoption.  Current legislation under discussion in the U.S. includes changes to the utilization factor for reimbursement, which could negatively impact imaging practices, as well as overall healthcare reform.  Due to the complexity of the reform legislation and its potential impact on us as both a vendor and employer, it is difficult to forecast any potential net impact on our customers and market, and thus we remain cautious about the impact on our business.

 
~ 18 ~

 
Results of Operations
 
In addition to the acquisitions of etrials and Confirm, the following operational activities and economic considerations have significantly impacted the comparability of the results of operations for the periods discussed herein:
 
·  
Concurrent with the acquisition of etrials in July 2009, we completed a restructuring initiative to reduce our workforce by approximately 35 individuals based upon an assessment of ongoing personnel needs.  As a result, we incurred $1.7 million of severance and related costs in the third quarter of 2009.
·  
During 2008, we completed two significant restructuring initiatives, the first in February 2008 and the second in June 2008.  Both of these initiatives included workforce reductions in all parts of the organization as well as elimination of facilities.
·  
In the second quarter of 2008, we disposed of our French subsidiary.
·  
In the second quarter of 2008, we completed a private placement pursuant to which we raised net proceeds of $16.6 million.
·  
In the third quarter of 2008, we exited our operations in India.
·  
Our Canadian operations primarily invoice customers in U.S. dollars, whereas the majority of operating expenses, which include approximately one-fourth of our current workforce, are denominated in the Canadian dollar.  During late 2008, the U.S. dollar to Canadian dollar exchange rate significantly strengthened.  As a result, we have experienced an approximate 6% reduction in average cost for our Canadian dollar denominated expenses in the three months ended September 30, 2009 when compared to similar costs in the three months ended September 30, 2008.  In the nine months ended September 30, 2009, we experienced an approximate 15% reduction of similar costs compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as a result of exchange rate changes.
 
In addition, we have enhanced our financial reporting process to allow us to obtain discrete operating results for our business units.  As a result, effective in the third quarter of 2009, we have reportable segments, which we have designated as Direct and Indirect.  See “Business Segments” for further discussion.
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2009 Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2008
 
The results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2009 include those of etrials since July 20, 2009 and Confirma since September 1, 2009.  The following table sets forth selected, summarized, unaudited, consolidated financial data for the periods indicated, as well as comparative data showing increases and decreases between the periods.  All amounts, except percentages, are in thousands.
 
 
~ 19 ~

 
       
 Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Change
 
       
2009
 
%
(1)
 
2008
 
%
(1)
 
$
 
%
 
                                   
Net sales:
                           
 
Software and other
 $      7,755
 
45.9%
   
 $      7,398
 
50.6%
   
 $         357
 
4.8%
 
 
Services and maintenance
         9,152
 
54.1%
   
         7,218
 
49.4%
   
         1,934
 
26.8%
 
Total net sales
       16,907
 
100.0%
   
       14,616
 
100.0%
   
         2,291
 
15.7%
 
Cost of sales:
                           
 
Software and other
            600
 
7.7%
   
         1,314
 
17.8%
   
          (714)
 
-54.3%
 
 
Services and maintenance
         3,402
 
37.2%
   
         2,528
 
35.0%
   
            874
 
34.6%
 
 
Amortization
            899
 
 NM
(2)
 
            742
 
 NM
(2)
 
            157
 
21.2%
 
Total cost of sales
         4,901
 
29.0%
   
         4,584
 
31.4%
   
            317
 
6.9%
 
Gross margin
                           
 
Software and other
         6,256
 
80.7%
(3)
 
         5,342
 
72.2%
(3)
 
            914
 
17.1%
 
 
Services and maintenance
         5,750
 
62.8%
   
         4,690
 
65.0%
   
         1,060
 
22.6%
 
Total gross margin
       12,006
 
71.0%
   
       10,032
 
68.6%
   
         1,974
 
19.7%
 
Operating expenses:
                           
 
Sales and marketing
         2,470
 
14.6%
   
         1,824
 
12.5%
   
            646
 
35.4%
 
 
Product research and development
         2,689
 
15.9%
   
         2,931
 
20.1%
   
          (242)
 
-8.3%
 
 
General and administrative
         3,616
 
21.4%
   
         3,483
 
23.8%
   
            133
 
3.8%
 
 
Acquisition-related expenses
            658
 
3.9%
   
                 -
 
0.0%
   
            658
 
 NM
(2)
 
Trade name impairment, restructuring and other expenses
         1,974
 
11.7%
   
           (205)
 
-1.4%
   
         2,179
 
 NM
(2)
 
Depreciation, amortization and impairment
            755
 
4.5%
   
            654
 
4.5%
   
            101
 
15.4%
 
Total operating costs and expenses
       12,162
 
71.9%
   
         8,687
 
59.4%
   
         3,475
 
40.0%
 
Operating income (loss)
           (156)
 
-0.9%
   
         1,345
 
9.2%
   
       (1,501)
 
-111.6%
 
Other income (expense), net
           (751)
 
-4.4%
   
           (648)
 
-4.4%
   
          (103)
 
15.9%
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
           (907)
 
-5.4%
   
            697
 
4.8%
   
       (1,604)
 
-230.1%
 
Income tax expense (benefit)
              29
 
0.2%
   
            269
 
1.8%
   
          (240)
 
-89.2%
 
Net income (loss)
 $        (936)
 
-5.5%
   
 $         428
 
2.9%
   
 $    (1,364)
 
-318.7%
 

(1)
  Percentages are of total net sales, except for cost of sales and gross margin, which are based upon related net sales.
(2)
  NM denotes percentage is not meaningful.
                 
(3)
  Gross margin for software and other sales includes amortization expense recorded in cost of sales.
 
Net Sales
 
Net sales, by segment, are as follows:
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Change
 
   
2009
   
%
   
2008
   
%
     $       %  
Indirect
                                     
Software and other
  $ 5,455       32.3 %   $ 4,374       29.9 %   $ 1,081       24.7 %
Services and maintenance
    2,449       14.5 %     2,695       18.4 %     (246 )     -9.1 %
Total net sales
    7,904       46.7 %     7,069       48.4 %     835       11.8 %
Direct
                                               
Software and other
    2,300       13.6 %     3,024       20.7 %     (724 )     -23.9 %
Services and maintenance
    6,703       39.6 %     4,523       30.9 %     2,180       48.2 %
Total net sales
    9,003       53.3 %     7,547       51.6 %     1,456       19.3 %
Total net sales
  $ 16,907             $ 14,616             $ 2,291          
 
Software and Other Sales.  Total software and other sales in 2009 were $7.8 million, an increase of $0.4 million, or 4.8%, from $7.4 million in 2008.  Indirect sales increased $1.1 million, including $0.2 million from Confirma, as a result of our 2008 shift in strategic focus towards sales of technology and less emphasis on customer engineering projects.  The third quarter of 2008 was the first full quarter after funding had been received from Merrick (June 2008), which began to alleviate viability concerns, which we believe no longer exist today.  Direct sales decreased $0.7 million, primarily as a result of the downturn in general macroeconomic conditions in North America, transition to a per-study pricing model and 2009 having fewer contracts with significant hardware components when compared to 2008.  We anticipate that the revenue recognized from software and other sales may vary significantly on a quarterly basis, especially in the current economic environment.
 
 
~ 20 ~


Service and Maintenance Sales.  Total service and maintenance sales in 2009 were $9.1 million, an increase of $1.9 million, or 26.8%, from $7.2 million in 2008.  Indirect sales decreased $0.7 million due to a decrease in the number of custom engineering services projects and revenue, primarily as a result of the reluctance of customers to start new projects in the current economic environment and the 2008 shift in strategic focus previously discussed.  Indirect service and maintenance sales in 2009 include $0.4 million from Confirma.  The increase of $2.2 million in Direct is primarily due to the acquisition of etrials, which accounted for $2.4 million in sales.
 
Gross Margin
 
Gross Margin – Software and Other Sales. Gross margin on software and other sales was $6.2 million in 2009, an increase of $0.9 million, or 17.1%, from $5.3 million in 2008.  Gross margin as a percentage of software and other sales increased to 80.7% in 2009 from 72.2% in 2008, primarily due to the change in mix of sales from our segments.  Indirect sales, which typically consist of software only or minimal hardware component contracts that generate high margins, were 70.3% of sales in 2009 compared to 59.1% in 2008.  In addition, Direct sales, which can include greater hardware components, incurred a decrease in the hardware component portion of sales to 9.5% of sales in 2009 compared to 23.8% in 2008.  We expect our gross margin on software and other sales going forward to fluctuate depending on the mix between the segments and the hardware components included in such sales.
 
Gross Margin – Services and Maintenance Sales. Gross margin on services and maintenance sales was $5.8 million in 2009, an increase of $1.1 million, or 22.6%, from $4.7 million in 2008.  Gross margin as a percentage of services and maintenance sales decreased to 62.8% in 2009 from 65.0% in 2008, primarily as a result of the acquisition of etrials.  Costs of sales for etrials include the hosting and other vendor fees associated with the clinical trial services provided.  As the majority of such costs are fixed, we expect our gross margin on services and maintenance sales going forward to fluctuate depending on the sales generated by etrials and overall services and maintenance sales mix between the segments.
 
Sales and Marketing
 
Sales and marketing expense increased $0.6 million, or 35.4%, to $2.4 million in 2009 from $1.8 million in 2008.  The increase was primarily due to expenses associated with the etrials and Confirma businesses, which were acquired in the third quarter of 2009.
 
Product Research and Development
 
Product research and development expense decreased $0.2 million, or 8.3%, to $2.7 million in 2009 from $2.9 million in 2008.  The decrease was primarily due to a $0.3 million reduction in third party service costs as a result of our restructuring initiative completed in 2008, a $0.3 million reduction due to the disposal of our India operations in the third quarter of 2008, and $0.2 million of employee related costs as a result of the July 2009 restructuring initiative.  This decrease was offset by $0.6 million of expenses associated with the etrials and Confirma businesses, which were acquired in the third quarter of 2009.
 
General and Administrative
 
General and administrative expense increased $0.1 million, or 3.8%, to $3.6 million in 2009 from $3.5 million in 2008.  Expenses increased $0.9 million as a result of our acquisitions in the third quarter of 2009, offset by decreases of $0.4 million in legal fees and various expense reduction efforts, such as the disposal of our India operations in the third quarter of 2008.  The 2009 expense includes severance, which did not qualify as a restructuring charge, to former officers of Confirma of $0.2 million.
 
Acquisition-Related Expenses
 
Acquisition-related expenses are costs incurred to effect business combinations, including banking, legal, accounting, valuation and other professional or consulting fees.  In 2009, we incurred $0.7 million in expenses related to our acquisitions of etrials, which we completed in July 2009, and Confirma, which we completed in September 2009.
 
Trade Name Impairment, Restructuring and Other Expenses
 
In 2009, we recorded $2.0 million in trade name impairment, restructuring and other expense, including $1.7 million in restructuring expenses related to the initiative announced in July 2009, and $0.3 million due to the abandonment of a portion of leased space subsequent to the acquisition of Confirma.  In 2008, we recorded a $0.2 million gain due to a $0.1 million gain on the sale of an Indian subsidiary and minor changes in estimates related to the restructuring initiative announced in June 2008.
 
 
~ 21 ~

 
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
 
In 2009, we recorded income tax expense resulting in an effective tax rate of (3.2)%, compared to an effective tax rate of 38.6% in 2008.  Our effective tax rates in 2009 and 2008 differ significantly from statutory rates primarily due to recording a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets that are not more-likely-than-not to be realized, primarily in the U.S., and realizing assets that are fully reserved with a valuation allowance, primarily in Canada.  Our expected effective income tax rate is volatile and may move up or down with changes in, among other items, operating income and the results of changes in tax law and regulations of the U.S. and the foreign jurisdictions in which we operate.
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009 Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008
 
The results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 include those of etrials since July 20, 2009 and Confirma since September 1, 2009.  The following table sets forth selected, summarized, unaudited, consolidated financial data for the periods indicated, as well as comparative data showing increases and decreases between the periods.  All amounts, except percentages, are in thousands.
 
       
 Nine Months Ended September 30,
   
Change
 
       
2009
 
%
(1)
 
2008
 
%
(1)
 
$
 
%
 
                                   
Net sales:
                           
 
Software and other
 $    25,459
 
53.5%
   
 $    19,733
 
47.4%
   
 $      5,726
 
29.0%
 
 
Services and maintenance
       22,110
 
46.5%
   
       21,941
 
52.6%
   
            169
 
0.8%
 
Total net sales
       47,569
 
100.0%
   
       41,674
 
100.0%
   
         5,895
 
14.1%
 
Cost of sales:
                           
 
Software and other
         2,710
 
10.6%
   
         3,842
 
19.5%
   
       (1,132)
 
-29.5%
 
 
Services and maintenance
         7,925
 
35.8%
   
         9,471
 
43.2%
   
       (1,546)
 
-16.3%
 
 
Amortization
         2,172
 
 NM
(2)
 
         2,174
 
 NM
(2)
 
              (2)
 
-0.1%
 
Total cost of sales
       12,807
 
26.9%
   
       15,487
 
37.2%
   
       (2,680)
 
-17.3%
 
Gross margin
                           
 
Software and other
       20,577
 
80.8%
(3)
 
       13,717
 
69.5%
(3)
 
         6,860
 
50.0%
 
 
Services and maintenance
       14,185
 
64.2%
   
       12,470
 
56.8%
   
         1,715
 
13.8%
 
Total gross margin
       34,762
 
73.1%
   
       26,187
 
62.8%
   
         8,575
 
32.7%
 
Operating expenses:
                           
 
Sales and marketing
         5,968
 
12.5%
   
         7,497
 
18.0%
   
       (1,529)
 
-20.4%
 
 
Product research and development
         7,503
 
15.8%
   
       11,151
 
26.8%
   
       (3,648)
 
-32.7%
 
 
General and administrative
         8,972
 
18.9%
   
       18,093
 
43.4%
   
       (9,121)
 
-50.4%
 
 
Acquisition-related expenses
            997
 
2.1%
   
                 -
 
0.0%
   
            997
 
 NM
(2)
 
Trade name impairment, restructuring and other expenses
         1,974
 
4.1%
   
       11,862
 
28.5%
   
       (9,888)
 
-83.4%
 
 
Depreciation, amortization and impairment
         1,849
 
3.9%
   
         2,954
 
7.1%
   
       (1,105)
 
-37.4%
 
Total operating costs and expenses
       27,263
 
57.3%
   
       51,557
 
123.7%
   
     (24,294)
 
-47.1%
 
Operating income (loss)
         7,499
 
15.8%
   
      (25,370)
 
-60.9%
   
       32,869
 
-129.6%
 
Other income (expense), net
        (5,075)
 
-10.7%
   
           (346)
 
-0.8%
   
       (4,729)
 
 NM
(2)
Income (loss) before income taxes
         2,424
 
5.1%
   
      (25,716)
 
-61.7%
   
       28,140
 
-109.4%
 
Income tax expense (benefit)
              72
 
0.2%
   
           (115)
 
-0.3%
   
            187
 
-162.6%
 
Net income (loss)
 $      2,352
 
4.9%
   
 $   (25,601)
 
-61.4%
   
 $    27,953
 
-109.2%
 
 
(1)
  Percentages are of total net sales, except for cost of sales and gross margin, which are based upon related net sales.
(2)
  NM denotes percentage is not meaningful.
                   
(3)
  Gross margin for software and other sales includes amortization expense recorded in cost of sales.
 
Net Sales
 
Net sales, by segment, are as follows:
 

 
~ 22 ~

 
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
   
Change
 
   
2009
   
%
   
2008
   
%
     $       %  
                                       
Indirect
                                     
Software and other
  $ 18,603       39.1 %   $ 10,882       26.1 %   $ 7,721       71.0 %
Services and maintenance
    6,503       13.7 %     8,786       21.1 %     (2,283 )     -26.0 %
Total net sales
    25,106       52.8 %     19,668       47.2 %     5,438       27.6 %
Direct
                                               
Software and other
    6,856       14.4 %     8,851       21.2 %     (1,995 )     -22.5 %
Services and maintenance
    15,607       32.8 %     13,155       31.6 %     2,452       18.6 %
Total net sales
    22,463       47.2 %     22,006       52.8 %     457       2.1 %
Total net sales
  $ 47,569             $ 41,674             $ 5,895          
 
Software and Other Sales.  Total software and other sales in 2009 were $25.4 million, an increase of approximately $5.7 million, or 29.0%, from $19.7 million in 2008.  Indirect sales increased $7.7 million, primarily due to the fact that sales were negatively affected in 2008 because of customer concerns with our financial viability.  We believe that these concerns were largely alleviated with the financing transaction completed in June of 2008. In addition, 2009 Indirect sales, when compared to 2008, include $1.8 million of additional sales from Eklin Medical Systems, Inc. (“Eklin”) due to a new agreement with this customer in the second quarter of 2009.  Direct sales decreased $2.0 million primarily as a result of the downturn in general macroeconomic conditions in North America, transition to a per-study pricing model and 2009 having fewer contracts with significant hardware components compared to 2008.  We anticipate that the revenue recognized from software and other sales may vary significantly on a quarterly basis.
 
Service and Maintenance Sales.  Total service and maintenance sales in 2009 were $22.1 million, an increase of $0.2 million, or 0.8%, from $21.9 million in 2008.  Direct sales increased $2.5 million primarily due to the acquisition of etrials, which accounted for $2.4 million in sales.  Indirect sales decreased $2.3 million due to a decline in the number of custom engineering services projects and revenue, primarily as a result of the reluctance of customers to start new projects in the current economic environment and the 2008 shift in strategic focus previously discussed.  Indirect service and maintenance sales in 2009 include $0.4 million from Confirma.
 
Gross Margin
 
Gross Margin – Software and Other Sales. Gross margin on software and other sales was $20.6 million in 2009, an increase of $6.9 million, or 50.0%, from $13.7 million in 2008.  Gross margin as a percentage of software and other sales increased to 80.8% in 2009 from 69.5% in 2008, primarily due to the mix in sales from our segments.  Indirect sales, which typically consist of software only or minimal hardware component contracts that generate higher margins, were 73.1% of software and other sales in 2009 compared to 55.1% in 2008.  In addition, Direct sales, which can include greater hardware components, incurred a decrease in the hardware component portion of sales to 15.5% of sales in 2009 compared to 30.5% in 2008.  We expect our gross margin on software and other sales going forward to fluctuate depending on the mix of sales between the segments and the hardware components included in such sales.
 
Gross Margin – Services and Maintenance Sales. Gross margin on services and maintenance sales was $14.2 million in 2009, an increase of $1.7 million, or 13.8%, from $12.5 million in 2008.  Gross margin as a percentage of sales increased to 64.2% in 2009 from 56.8% in 2008 primarily due to a decrease in salaries and other related expenses (including travel and entertainment) as a result of our restructuring initiatives completed in 2008. As the majority of service and maintenance costs are fixed, we expect the gross margin going forward to fluctuate depending on the mix of sales between the segments.
 
Sales and Marketing
 
Sales and marketing expense decreased $1.5 million, or 20.4%, to $6.0 million in 2009 from $7.5 million in 2008.  Salaries, commissions and other related expenses (including travel and entertainment) decreased by $1.6 million and share-based compensation expense decreased by $0.2 million as a result of the restructuring initiatives completed in the first half of 2008.  Also, we experienced a $0.2 million decrease in Canadian related costs due to the strengthening of the average exchange rate for the U.S dollar compared to the Canadian dollar in 2009.  In addition, 2008 includes $0.3 million of sales and marketing expenses related to the French subsidiary which we disposed of in April 2008.  These decreases were offset by an increase of $0.8 million in expenses related to our 2009 acquisitions.  We anticipate that the quarterly sales and marketing expenses will increase during the remainder of 2009, when compared to the first three quarters of 2009, due to the additional headcount and related expenses associated with our acquisitions of etrials and Confirma in the third quarter of 2009.
 
 
~ 23 ~

 
Product Research and Development
 
Product research and development expense decreased $3.7 million, or 32.7%, to $7.5 million in 2009 from $11.2 million in 2008.  The decrease was primarily due to a $2.9 million decrease in salaries and related expenses (including travel and entertainment) as a result of our restructuring initiatives in the first half of 2008.  Additional decreases include $0.5 million in reduced Canadian related costs due to strengthening of the average exchange rate for the U.S. dollar compared to the Canadian dollar, $0.2 million of product research and development expenses related to the French subsidiary which we disposed of in April 2008, and $0.7 million due to exiting our India operations in the third quarter of 2008.  These decreases were offset by an increase of $0.7 million in expenses related to our 2009 acquisitions.  We anticipate that the quarterly product research and development expenses will increase during the remainder of 2009, when compared to the first three quarters of 2009, due to the additional headcount associated with our acquisitions of etrials and Confirma in the third quarter of 2009.
 
General and Administrative
 
General and administrative expense decreased $9.1 million, or 50.4 %, to $9.0 million in 2009 from $18.1 million in 2008.  Salaries and related expenses (including travel and entertainment) decreased $2.8 million and share-based compensation expense decreased $0.4 million, primarily due to our restructuring initiatives completed in 2008.  In addition, legal, accounting and other professional fees associated with the settlement of a class action lawsuit and prior restatement of financial statements decreased by $5.9 million (including lawsuit settlement costs of $3.0 million).  We also experienced a $0.2 million decrease in expenses at our French subsidiary, which we disposed of in April 2008, a $0.3 million decrease due to exiting our India operations in the third quarter of 2008, and $0.2 million in reduced Canadian related costs due to strengthening of the average exchange rate for the U.S. dollar compared to the Canadian dollar.  These decreases were offset by an increase of $0.9 million in expenses related to our 2009 acquisitions.  We anticipate that the quarterly general and administrative expenses will increase during the remainder of 2009, when compared to the first three quarters of 2009, due to the additional headcount associated with our acquisitions of etrials and Confirma in the third quarter of 2009.
 
Acquisition-Related Expenses
 
Acquisition-related expenses are costs incurred to effect business combinations, including banking, legal, accounting, valuation and other professional or consulting fees.  In 2009, we incurred $1.0 million in expenses related to our acquisitions of etrials, which we completed in July 2009, and Confirma, which we completed in September 2009.
 
Trade Name Impairment, Restructuring and Other Expenses
 
In 2009, we recorded $2.0 million in trade name impairment, restructuring and other expense, including $1.7 million in restructuring expenses related to the initiative announced in July 2009, and $0.3 million due to the abandonment of a portion of leased space subsequent to the acquisition of Confirma.  In 2008, we recorded $8.7 million in restructuring charges related to the initiatives announced in February 2008 and June 2008.  In addition, we recorded a $1.1 million trade name impairment charge associated with renaming our Cedara Software business unit and a $1.7 million charge associated with the disposal of our French subsidiary in 2008.  We also recorded a $0.4 million charge in 2008 related to a change in estimate associated with our ability to sublease a facility for which we had a prior tenant.
 
Depreciation, Amortization and Impairment  
 
Depreciation, amortization and impairment expense decreased $1.1 million, or 37.4 %, to $1.9 million in 2009 from $3.0 million in 2008, as a result of a $0.5 million impairment of fixed assets held for sale in 2008, a $0.2 million decrease due to the abandonment of certain facilities in 2008, and a $0.5 million decrease in depreciation due to assets being disposed of or becoming fully depreciated.  These decreases are offset by an increase in amortization of $0.1 million resulting from fixed assets and intangible assets acquired in our 2009 acquisitions.
 
Other Income (Expense), Net
 
Other income (expense), net increased by approximately $4.7 million, to $5.0 million of net expense in 2009 from $0.3 million of net expense in 2008.  The net expense in 2009 is primarily due to $2.3 million of interest expense and amortization of issuance costs and note discount associated with the $15.0 million note payable issued pursuant to the Merrick financing transaction in June of 2008 and an impairment charge of $3.6 million related to the sale of our investment in Eklin, offset by a $0.5 million gain on the sale of certain patents that were no longer necessary to support our business and $0.3 million in foreign currency exchange gains.  The net other expense in 2008 is primarily due to $1.0 million of interest expense and amortization of issuance costs and note discount associated with the note payable issued pursuant to the Merrick financing transaction, offset by $0.4 million in foreign exchange gains and $0.2 million of interest income.
 
 
~ 24 ~

 
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
 
        We recorded an income tax expense resulting in an effective tax rate of 3.0% in 2009, compared to an effective rate of 0.4% in 2008.  Our effective tax rates in the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 differ significantly from statutory rates primarily due to recording a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets that are not more-likely-than-not to be realized, primarily in the U.S., and realizing assets that are fully reserved with a valuation allowance, primarily in Canada.  Our expected effective income tax rate is volatile and may move up or down with changes in, among other items, operating income and the results of changes in tax law and regulations of the U.S. and the foreign jurisdictions in which we operate.
 
Business Segments
 
On June 30, 2009, we enhanced our financial reporting process to allow us to obtain discrete operating results for our business units.  As a result, effective in the third quarter of 2009, we have reportable segments, which we have designated as Direct and Indirect.  These reportable segments are based on business unit operations that have similar economic characteristics.  
 
The Direct segment primarily sells directly to the end-users located primarily in the U.S. and Canada, and also distributes certain products through the Internet via our website.  This segment consists of the North America operations of the Merge Fusion business unit and the Merge eClinical business unit.  The Indirect segment primarily sells software products and related services to Original Equipment Manufacturers, Value Added Resellers and distributors world-wide.  This segment consists of the Merge OEM and Merge CAD business units in addition to the Europe, Middle East and Africa operations of the Merge Fusion business unit.
 
 We evaluate the performance of these segments based on their respective revenues and segment operating income, which excludes certain corporate costs, amortization expense that is not specific to a segment, net interest expense and income taxes. The following tables provide segment information for the periods indicated.
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30, 2009
 
   
Indirect
   
Direct
   
Total
 
Net sales:
                 
  Software and other
  $ 5,455     $ 2,300     $ 7,755  
  Service and maintenance
    2,449       6,703       9,152  
Total net sales
  $ 7,904     $ 9,003     $ 16,907  
Expenses
    6,214       7,846       14,060  
Segment income
  $ 1,690     $ 1,157       2,847  
                         
Net corporate/other expenses (1)
                    3,754  
Loss before income taxes
                  $ (907 )
                         
   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009
 
   
Indirect
   
Direct
   
Total
 
Net sales:
                       
  Software and other
  $ 18,603     $ 6,856     $ 25,459  
  Service and maintenance
    6,503       15,607       22,110  
Total net sales
  $ 25,106     $ 22,463     $ 47,569  
Expenses
    17,495       17,456       34,951  
Segment income
  $ 7,611     $ 5,007       12,618  
                         
Net corporate/other expenses (1)
                    10,194  
Income before income taxes
                  $ 2,424  
 
(1)
Net corporate/other expenses include public company costs, share-based compensation, certain amortization not attributable to business segments, corporate  administration costs, acquisition-related expenses and net interest expense.
 
 
~ 25 ~


The results of our Direct segment include Merge eClinical sales of $2.4 million and net loss of $0.6 million, including $0.7 million of restructuring costs, for the period July 20, 2009 through September 30, 2009.  The results of our Indirect segment include Merge CAD sales of $0.6 million and net loss of $1.0 million, including lease abandonment costs of $0.3 million and severance costs of $0.2 million, for the period September 1, 2009 through September 30, 2009.
 
The following tables provide revenue by segments for the prior periods indicated.  Segment profit will not be restated for periods prior to December 31, 2008, as there were significant operational changes during 2008 that will not allow us to capture comparable historical information through our financial reporting system, and it would be impracticable for us to do so.
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30, 2008
 
   
Indirect
   
Direct
   
Total
 
Net sales:
                 
  Software and other
  $ 4,374     $ 3,024     $ 7,398  
  Service and maintenance
    2,695       4,523       7,218  
Total net sales
  $ 7,069     $ 7,547     $ 14,616  
                         
   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008
 
   
Indirect
   
Direct
   
Total
 
Net sales:
                       
  Software and other
  $ 10,882     $ 8,851     $ 19,733  
  Service and maintenance
    8,786       13,155       21,941  
Total net sales
  $ 19,668     $ 22,006     $ 41,674  
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Our cash and cash equivalents were $16.9 million at September 30, 2009, a decrease of approximately $0.9 million, or 5.4%, from our balance of $17.8 million at December 31, 2008.  In addition, our working capital was $10.5 million at September 30, 2009, an increase of $2.2 million from our working capital of $8.3 million at December 31, 2008.  Our calculation of working capital excludes the note payable and related note discount totaling $14.6 million from current liabilities, as well as the related debt issuance costs of $0.4 million from current assets.
 
In the nine months ended September 30, 2009, we sold for cash proceeds of $0.5 million certain patents that had been identified as no longer necessary to support the business.
 
On July 20, 2009, we completed the acquisition of etrials.  Under the terms of the merger agreement, we acquired all of the outstanding shares of common stock of etrials for consideration per share of $0.80 in cash, without interest, and 0.3448 shares of Merge common stock.  Total consideration for the transaction was approximately $25.1 million of which approximately $9.1 million was cash.
 
Operating Cash Flows
 
Cash provided by operating activities was $4.5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2009, compared to cash used in operating activities of $17.0 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2008.  Our operating cash flow in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 was primarily due to the income from operations of $2.4 million increased by the impact of non-cash expenses comprised of depreciation, amortization and impairment expense of $4.0 million, a $3.6 million impairment upon sale of an equity investment, share-based compensation expense of $1.3 million and the amortization of note payable discount and issuance costs of $0.8 million.   These increases were offset by a decrease in deferred revenue of $6.2 million and a decrease in accounts payable of $2.4 million.
 
As a result of our 2008 and 2009 restructuring activities, we paid $1.4 million of termination benefits and contract exit costs in the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  We anticipate that we will pay approximately $1.6 million over the next several quarters for termination benefits and contract exit costs.  
 
Investing Cash Flows
 
On July 20, 2009, we completed the acquisition of etrials.  Total consideration for the transaction included $9.1 million of cash paid in the third quarter of 2009.  We acquired $6.1 million of cash from etrials.  As a result of this acquisition, our cash decreased by $3.0 million.  On September 1, 2009, we completed the acquisition of Confirma from which we obtained $2.5 million of cash, excluding $0.2 million of restricted cash, in the acquisition.  In the nine months ended September 30, 2009, we paid $1.3 million to complete an insignificant asset acquisition.
 
 
~ 26 ~

 
As a result of the final payment to a former officer, pursuant to his separation agreement, $0.3 million of restricted cash was released in the nine months ended September 30, 2009.
 
In the three months ended September 30, 2009, we sold our equity interest in Eklin for $1.3 million.  We received $0.9 million of the balance due in the third quarter of 2009.  The remaining balance is being held in escrow for a period of up to two years.
 
Financing Cash Flows
 
In the third quarter of 2009, we repaid $4.6 million in debt that we had assumed as part of our acquisitions of etrials and Confirma.
 
Contractual Obligations
 
Total outstanding commitments as of September 30, 2009 (in thousands), were as follows:
 
         
Payment due by period
 
         
Less than
               
More than
 
Contractual Obligations
 
Total
   
1 Year
   
1 – 3 Years
   
3 – 5 Years
   
5 Years
 
Operating leases
  $ 10,454     $ 2,157     $ 2,850     $ 1,688     $ 3,759  
Capital leases (including interest)
    312       228       84       -       -  
Note payable (including interest)
    16,463       16,463       -       -       -  
Total
  $ 27,229     $ 18,848     $ 2,934     $ 1,688     $ 3,759  
 
       The above obligations include lease payments, net of contractually committed sub-lease income of $0.2 million, $0.4 million and $0.1 million in the respective periods indicated, involving facilities that we use and those we have either ceased to use or previously abandoned.  The note payable bears interest at 13.0% per annum, payable quarterly in arrears. The note payable contains various operating and financial covenants, including a requirement that we have positive adjusted EBITDA for the last fiscal quarter of 2008 and cumulatively thereafter through the term of the note payable.
 
        Except for restricted cash of $0.4 million at September 30, 2009, we do not have any other significant long-term obligations, contractual obligations, lines of credit, standby letters of credit, guarantees, standby repurchase obligations or other commercial commitments.
 
General
 
We believe our current cash and cash equivalent balances will be sufficient to meet our operating, financing and capital requirements through at least the next 12 months.  However, any projections of future cash inflows and outflows are subject to uncertainty.  In the event that it is necessary to raise additional capital to meet our short term or long term liquidity needs, such capital may be raised through additional debt, equity offerings or sale of certain assets.  If we raise additional funds through the issuance of equity, equity-related or debt securities, such securities may have rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of our Common Stock.  Furthermore, because of the trading price of our Common Stock, the number of shares of any new equity or equity-related securities that may be issued may result in significant dilution to existing shareholders.  In addition, the issuance of debt securities could increase the liquidity risk or perceived liquidity risk that we face.  We cannot, however, be certain that additional financing, or funds from asset sales, will be available on acceptable terms.  If adequate funds are not available or are not available on acceptable terms, we will likely not be able to take advantage of opportunities, develop or enhance services or products or respond to competitive pressures.  Any projections of future cash inflows and outflows are subject to uncertainty.  In particular, our uses of cash in 2009 and beyond will depend on a variety of factors such as the costs to implement our business strategy, the amount of cash that we are required to devote to defend and address any regulatory proceedings, and potential merger and acquisition activities.  For a more detailed description of risks and uncertainties that may affect our liquidity, see Item 1A., “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 and in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
 
Material Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
We have no material off balance sheet arrangements.
 
 
~ 27 ~

 
Critical Accounting Policies
 
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.  The preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements requires our management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.  On an ongoing basis, our management evaluates these estimates.  We base our estimates and judgments on our experience, our current knowledge (including terms of existing contracts), our beliefs of what could occur in the future, our observation of trends in the industry, information provided by our customers and information available from other sources.  Actual results may differ materially from these estimates.
 
We have identified the following accounting policies and estimates as those that we believe are most critical to our financial condition and results of operations and that require management’s most subjective and complex judgments in estimating the effect of inherent uncertainties:  revenue recognition, allowance for sales returns and doubtful accounts, software capitalization, other long-lived assets, goodwill and other intangible asset valuation, investments, share-based compensation expense, income taxes, guarantees and loss contingencies.  There have been no significant changes in the quarterly period ended September 30, 2009 in our method of application of these critical accounting policies.  For a complete description of our critical accounting policies, please refer to Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Critical Accounting Policies” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.
 
Item 3.
 
Interest Rate Risk
 
Our cash and cash equivalents are exposed to financial market risk due to fluctuations in interest rates, which may affect our interest income.  As of September 30, 2009, our cash and cash equivalents included money market funds and short term deposits totaling $16.9 million, and earned interest at a weighted average rate of approximately 0.2 %.  The value of the principal amounts is equal to the fair value for these instruments.  Due to the relative short-term nature of our investment portfolio, our interest income is vulnerable to changes in short-term interest rates.  At current investment levels, our results of operations would vary by approximately $0.2 million on an annual basis for every 100 basis point change in our weighted average short-term interest rate.  We do not use our portfolio for trading or other speculative purposes.
 
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
 
We have sales and expenses in Canada, China and Europe that are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and, as a result, have exposure to foreign currency exchange risk.  In the event our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk increases to levels that we do not deem acceptable, we may choose to hedge those exposures.  We did not enter into any derivative financial instruments to hedge such exposures in 2009 or 2008.
 
Item 4.
 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
We evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2009, as required by Rule 13a-15 of the Exchange Act.  This evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer.  Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that, as of September 30, 2009, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure (1) that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and (2) information required to be disclosed by us in our reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
Management’s report on internal controls over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008 was included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.  In the report, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2008, our internal control over financial reporting was effective.
 
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
        There were no significant changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2009 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
~ 28 ~


PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.
 
On April 27, 2006, Merge Healthcare received an informal, non-public inquiry from the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) requesting voluntary production of documents and other information.  The inquiry principally related to our announcement, on March 17, 2006, that we would investigate allegations of improprieties related to financial reporting and revise our results of operations for the fiscal quarters ended June 30, 2005, and September 30, 2005.  On July 10, 2007, SEC Staff advised us that the SEC had issued a formal order of investigation in this matter.  Merge Healthcare is cooperating fully with the SEC.  The SEC Staff has informed Merge Healthcare that the Staff is considering recommending an injunctive or cease and desist order against Merge Healthcare prohibiting violations of the reporting, record-keeping, and internal control provisions under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  The Staff did not inform Merge Healthcare that it is considering recommending any monetary sanctions against Merge Healthcare.  However, the matter has not yet been finally resolved, and, until such final resolution, Merge Healthcare will continue to incur expenses, including legal fees and other costs, in connection with the SEC’s investigation.
 
On June 1, 2009, Merge Healthcare was served with a Summons and Complaint in the Milwaukee County Circuit Court, State of Wisconsin, captioned William C. Mortimore and David M. Nosay v. Merge Technologies Inc. n/k/a Merge Healthcare Inc. [sic], Case Number 09CV008356, Case Code 30301.  The Complaint includes a demand for a jury trial and alleges that Merge unreasonably refused Mortimore and Noshay’s request for indemnification; requests the court order that they are entitled to indemnification under Wisconsin Statute Section 180.0851(2); alleges breaches of certain employment agreements; and a breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing.  Monetary damages being sought are unspecified.  We have retained litigation counsel, notified our appropriate insurers and intend to vigorously defend this action.
 
In addition to the matters discussed above, we are, from time to time, parties to legal proceedings, lawsuits and other claims incident to our business activities.  Such matters may include, among other things, assertions of contract breach or intellectual property infringement, claims for indemnity arising in the course of our business and claims by persons whose employment has been terminated.  Such matters are subject to many uncertainties and outcomes are not predictable with assurance.  Consequently, we are unable to ascertain the ultimate aggregate amount of monetary liability, amounts which may be covered by insurance or recoverable from third parties, or the financial impact with respect to these matters as of the date of this report.
 
Item 1A.
 
Our operations and financial results are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and the market price for our Common Stock.  Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, includes a detailed discussion of these factors.  These factors have not changed materially from those included in the Form 10-K, other than as set forth below.
 
If we are unable to successfully identify or effectively integrate acquisitions, our financial results may be adversely affected.
 
We have in the past and may in the future acquire and make investments in companies, products or technologies that we believe complement or expand our existing business and assist in quickly bringing new products to market.  There can be no assurance that we will be able to identify suitable candidates for successful acquisitions at acceptable prices.  In addition, our ability to achieve the expected returns and synergies from past and future acquisitions and alliances depends in part upon our ability to integrate the offerings, technology, administrative functions, and personnel of these businesses into our business in an efficient and effective manner.  We cannot predict whether we will be successful in integrating acquired businesses or that our acquired businesses will perform at anticipated levels.  In addition, our past and future acquisitions may subject us to unanticipated risks or liabilities, or disrupt operations and divert management’s attention from day-to-day operations.  In addition, we may use our capital stock to acquire acquisition targets, which could be dilutive to the existing stockholders and cause a decline in the price of our Common Stock.
 
In making or attempting to make acquisitions or investments, we face a number of risks, including risks related to:
 
·  
Identifying suitable candidates, performing appropriate due diligence, identifying potential liabilities and negotiating acceptable terms;
 
 
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·  
Reducing our working capital and hindering our ability to expand or maintain our business, if acquisitions are made using cash;
 
·  
The potential distraction of our management, diversion of our resources and disruption to our business;
 
·  
Retaining and motivating key employees of the acquired companies;
 
·  
Managing operations that are distant from our current headquarters and operational locations;
 
·  
Entering into industries or geographic markets in which we have little or no prior experience;
 
·  
Competing for acquisition opportunities with competitors that are larger or have greater financial and other resources than us;
 
·  
Accurately forecasting the financial impact of a transaction;
 
·  
Assuming liabilities of acquired companies, including existing or potential litigation related to the operation of the business prior to the acquisition;
 
·  
Maintaining good relations with the customers and suppliers of the acquired company; and
 
·  
Effectively integrating acquired companies and achieving expected synergies.
 
In addition, any acquired business, products or technologies may not generate sufficient revenue and net income to offset the associated costs of such acquisitions, and such acquisitions could result in other adverse effects.  Moreover, from time to time, we may enter into negotiations for the acquisition of businesses, products or technologies but be unable or unwilling to consummate the acquisitions under consideration.  This can be expensive and could cause significant diversion of managerial attention and resources.
 
The market price of our Common Stock may decline as a result of acquisitions.
 
The market price of our Common Stock may decline after acquisitions are completed.  Some of the issues that we could face are:
 
·  
the integration of an acquired business is unsuccessful or takes longer or is more disruptive than anticipated;
 
·  
we do not achieve the expected synergies or other benefits of the acquisition as rapidly or to the extent anticipated, if at all;
 
·  
the effect of the acquisition on our financial results does not meet the expectations of Merge, financial analysts or investors; or
 
·  
after the acquisition, the business does not perform as anticipated.
 
In connection with the acquisition of etrials and Confirma, we issued 9.4 million additional shares of our Common Stock.  The increase in the number of outstanding shares of our Common Stock may lead to sales of such shares or the perception that such sales may occur, either of which may adversely affect the market price of our Common Stock.
 
Our acquisitions could trigger certain provisions contained in agreements between third parties and acquired companies that could permit such parties to terminate that agreement.
 
The companies we acquire may be a party to agreements that permit a counter-party to terminate an agreement or receive payments because the acquisition would cause a default or violate an anti-assignment, change of control or similar clause in such agreements.  If this happens, we may have to seek to replace that agreement with a new agreement or make additional payments under such agreements.  However, we may be unable to replace a terminated agreement on comparable terms or at all.  Depending on the importance of such agreement to the acquired business, the failure to replace a terminated agreement on similar terms or at all, and requirements to pay additional amounts, may increase our costs of operating the acquired business or prevent us from operating the acquired business.
 
We have incurred and may continue to incur significant costs associated with acquisition activities.
 
During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, we have incurred $1.0 million of acquisition related costs.  All such direct acquisition costs have been expensed as incurred by us.  In addition, we believe we may incur charges to operations, in the quarters following an acquisition, to reflect costs associated with integrating acquired companies.  We may incur additional material charges in subsequent quarters to reflect additional costs associated with our acquisitions.  We anticipate that our acquisition activities will require significant cash outflows directly related to an acquisition as well as integration related costs.  If the benefits of an acquisition do not exceed the costs of integrating the businesses, our financial results may be adversely affected.
 
 
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Litigation or regulatory actions could adversely affect our financial condition.
 
On April 27, 2006, Merge received an informal, non-public inquiry from the SEC requesting voluntary production of documents and other information.  The inquiry principally related to our announcement, on March 17, 2006, that we would investigate allegations of improprieties related to financial reporting and revise our results of operations for the fiscal quarters ended June 30, 2005, and September 30, 2005.  On July 10, 2007, SEC Staff advised Merge Healthcare that the SEC had issued a formal order of investigation in this matter.  Merge Healthcare is cooperating fully with the SEC.  The SEC Staff has informed us that the Staff is considering recommending an injunctive or cease and desist order against it prohibiting violations of the reporting, record-keeping, and internal control provisions under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  The Staff did not inform us that it is considering recommending any monetary sanctions against it.  However, the matter has not yet been finally resolved, and, until such final resolution, we will continue to incur expenses, including legal fees and other costs, in connection with the SEC’s investigation.
 
On June 1, 2009, Merge Healthcare was served with a Summons and Complaint in the Milwaukee County Circuit Court, State of Wisconsin, captioned William C. Mortimore and David M. Nosay v. Merge Technologies Inc. n/k/a Merge Healthcare Inc. [sic], Case Number 09CV008356, Case Code 30301.  The Complaint includes a demand for a jury trial and alleges that Merge unreasonably refused Mortimore and Noshay’s request for indemnification; requests the court order that they are entitled to indemnification under Wisconsin Statute Section 180.0851(2); alleges breaches of certain employment agreements; and a breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing.  Monetary damages being sought are unspecified.  We have retained litigation counsel, notified our appropriate insurers and intend to vigorously defend this action.
 
As a result of lawsuits and regulatory matters, including the matters discussed above, we have incurred and may continue to incur substantial expenses.
 
Proposed federal U.S. government reductions in Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement rates for radiology procedures could negatively affect revenues of our hospital and imaging clinic customers, which could reduce our customers’ ability to purchase our software and services.
 
Medicare and Medicaid use scanner utilization rates as a factor in determining reimbursement rates.  They currently use a 50% utilization rate factor in the reimbursement formula.  The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) recommended increasing this factor to 90% utilization, or an increase of 80%, as part of the healthcare reform act currently under consideration in Congress.  This change in the utilization rate has the potential to dramatically decrease reimbursements for radiology procedures, and could have a particularly devastating impact on patients, hospitals and imaging clinics in rural regions of the country where utilization rates are naturally lower.  The resulting effect on our business could be a reduction in software and service procurement of our customers and potentially the closure of their facilities.
 
See also the discussions in Part I, Item 2, “Liquidity and Capital Resources” and Part I, Item 4, “Controls and Procedures” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
 
Item 2.
 
None.

 
Item 3.
 
None.

Item 4.
 
None.

Item 5.
 
None.
 
 
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Item 6.
 
(a)  Exhibits
      See Exhibit Index
 
 
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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
Registrant:
   
 
MERGE HEALTHCARE INCORPORATED
     
October 30, 2009
By:
/s/ Justin C. Dearborn
   
Justin C. Dearborn
   
Chief Executive Officer
   
(principal executive officer)
     
October 30, 2009
By:
/s/ Steven M. Oreskovich
   
Steven M. Oreskovich
   
Chief Financial Officer
   
(principal financial officer and principal accounting officer)
 
 
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   EXHIBIT INDEX
  
  2.2  
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 7, 2009,  by and among Registrant, Merge Acquisition corporation, a wholly–owned subsidiary of Registrant, Confirma, Inc. and John L. Brooks(B)
  3.1  
Certificate of Incorporation as filed on October 14, 2008(C)
  3.2  
Certificate of Merger as filed on December 3, 2008 and effective on December 5, 2008(C)
  3.3  
Bylaws of Registrant(C)
  4.1  
Form of Stockholder Support Agreement, dated as of May 30, 2009, by and among Registrant and certain stockholders of etrials Worldwide, Inc. (A)
  4.2  
Term Note, dated June 4, 2008, between Registrant and Merrick RIC, LLC(D)
  10.1  
Registration Rights Agreement, dated June 4, 2008, by and between Registrant and Merrick RIS, LLC(D)
  10.2  
Securities Purchase Agreement, dated May 21, 2008, by and among Registrant, the subsidiaries listed on the Schedule of Subsidiaries attached thereto, and Merrick RIS, LLC(E)
  10.3  
Employment Letter Agreement between the Registrant and Justin C. Dearborn entered into as of June 4, 2008(F)
  10.4  
Employment Letter Agreement between the Registrant and Steven M. Oreskovich entered into as of June 4, 2008(F)
  10.5  
Employment Letter Agreement between the Registrant and Nancy J. Koenig entered into as of June 4, 2008(F)
  10.6  
Employment Letter Agreement between the Registrant and Antonia Wells entered into as of June 4, 2008(F)
  10.7  
Amendment dated July 1, 2008 to that certain Securities Purchase Agreement, dated May 21, 2008, by and among the Registrant, certain of its subsidiaries and Merrick RIS, LLC(G)
  10.8  
Consulting Agreement, effective as of January 1, 2009, by and between Registrant and Merrick RIS, LLC(C)
  10.9  
1996 Stock Option Plan for Employees of Registrant dated May 13, 1996(H), as amended and restated in its entirety as of September 1, 2003(I)
  10.10  
1998 Stock Option Plan for Directors(J)
  10.11  
2000 Employee Stock Purchase Plan of Registrant effective July 1, 2000(K)
  10.12  
2003 Stock Option Plan of Registrant dated June 24, 2003, and effective July 17, 2003(I)
  10.13  
2005 Equity Incentive Plan adopted March 4, 2005, and effective May 24, 2005(L)
  31.1  
Certificate of Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) Pursuant to Rule 13a–14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002
  31.2  
Certificate of Chief Financial Officer (principal accounting officer) Pursuant to Rule 13a–14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002
  32  
Certificate of Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) and Chief Financial Officer (principal accounting officer) Pursuant to Section 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002
 


(A)
  Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8–K dated May 30, 2009.
(B)
  Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8–K dated August 7, 2009.
(C)
  Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10–K dated March 11, 2009.
(D)
  Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8–K dated June 6, 2008.
(E)
  Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8–K dated May 22, 2008.
(F)
  Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8–K dated July 15, 2008.
(G)
  Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8–K dated July 7, 2008.
(H)
  Incorporated by reference from Registration Statement on Form SB-2 No. 333-39111) effective January 29, 1998.
(I)
  Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10–Q for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003.
(J)
  Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10–KSB for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997.
(K)
  Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for Annual Meeting of Shareholders dated May 8, 2000.
(L)
  Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S–8 (No. 333–125386) effective June 1, 2005.
 
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