Unassociated Document
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
(Mark One)
 
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2011
 
OR 
 
¨
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 000-23357

BIOANALYTICAL SYSTEMS, INC.

(Exact name of the registrant as specified in its charter)

INDIANA
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or
organization)
 
35-1345024
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
2701 KENT AVENUE
WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
47906
(Zip code)
 
(765) 463-4527
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  YES x        NO o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).   YES o   NO o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.  See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):

Large accelerated filer o  Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer o  Smaller Reporting Company x
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    YES o  NO x

As of May 4, 2011, 4,915,318 of the registrant's common shares were outstanding.

 
 

 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
 
Page
PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited):
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2011 and September 30, 2010
3
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Six Months Ended March 31, 2011 and 2010
4
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended March 31, 2011 and 2010
5
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
6
Item 2
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
12
Item 4
Controls and Procedures
23
     
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1A
Risk Factors
24
Item 6
Exhibits
24
 
Signatures
25

 
2

 

BIOANALYTICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share amounts)

   
March 31,
2011
   
September 30,
2010
 
 
 
(Unaudited)
   
 
 
Assets
           
Current assets:
 
  
       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 1,072     $ 1,422  
Accounts receivable
               
Trade
    4,046       3,670  
Unbilled revenues and other
    1,227       1,298  
Inventories
    1,566       1,673  
Refundable income taxes
    16       16  
Prepaid expenses
    569       555  
Total current assets
    8,496       8,634  
                 
Property and equipment, net
    18,787       19,439  
Goodwill
    1,383       1,383  
Intangible assets, net
    68       84  
Debt issue costs
    136       123  
Other assets
    66 1       80  
Total assets
  $ 28,936     $ 29,743  
                 
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 2,183     $ 1,911  
Accrued expenses
    1,766       1,848  
Customer advances
    4,533       4,582  
Income tax accruals
    22       30  
Revolving line of credit
    1,114       1,195  
Fair value of interest rate swaps
          31  
Current portion of capital lease obligation
    431       524  
Current portion of long-term debt
    744       1,855  
Total current liabilities
    10,793       11,976  
                 
Capital lease obligation, less current portion
    397       623  
Long-term debt, less current portion
    6,198       6,477  
                 
Shareholders’ equity:
               
Preferred Shares:
               
Authorized 1,000,000 shares; none issued and outstanding
           
Common shares, no par value:
               
Authorized 19,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 4,915,318 at March 31, 2011 and September 30, 2010
    1,191       1,191  
Additional paid-in capital
    13,432       13,357  
Accumulated deficit
    (3,188 )     (3,981 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    113       100  
Total shareholders’ equity
    11,548       10,667  
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 28,936     $ 29,743  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
3

 

BIOANALYTICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
   
Six Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Service revenue
  $ 6,446     $ 5,247     $ 12,589     $ 10,058  
Product revenue
    1,977       1,688       3,924       3,254  
Total revenue
    8,423       6,935       16,513       13,312  
                                 
Cost of service revenue
    4,833       4,754       9,501       9,325  
Cost of product revenue
    793       696       1,499       1,306  
Total cost of revenue
    5,626       5,450       11,000       10,631  
                                 
Gross profit
    2,797       1,485       5,513       2,681  
Operating expenses:
                               
Selling
    774       683       1,459       1,468  
Research and development
    111       138       223       310  
General and administrative
    1,262       1,944       2,643       3,431  
Total operating expenses
    2,147       2,765       4,325       5,209  
                                 
Operating income (loss)
    650       (1,281 )     1,188       (2,528 )
                                 
Interest expense
    (168 )     (275 )     (403 )     (516 )
Other income
    1             8        
                                 
Income (loss) before income taxes
    483       (1,556 )     793       (3,044 )
                                 
Income tax benefit
          (344 )           (344 )
                                 
Net income (loss)
  $ 483     $ (1,212 )   $ 793     $ (2,700 )
                                 
Basic net income (loss) per share
  $ 0.10     $ (0.25 )   $ 0.16     $ (0.55 )
Diluted net income (loss) per share
  $ 0.10     $ (0.25 )   $ 0.16     $ (0.55 )
                                 
Weighted common shares outstanding:
                               
Basic
    4,915       4,915       4,915       4,915  
Diluted
    5,080       4,915       5,025       4,915  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
4

 

BIOANALYTICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

   
Six Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Operating activities:
           
Net income (loss)
  $ 793     $ (2,700 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    1,049       1,207  
Employee stock compensation expense
    75       126  
Provision for doubtful accounts
    10       55  
Liability incurred on settlement of lease
          216  
Gain on interest rate swaps
    (31 )     (31 )
Gain on sale of property and equipment
    (9 )      
Deferred income taxes
    (8 )      
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts receivable
    (315 )     1,371  
Inventories
    107       (65 )
Refundable income taxes
          31  
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    (27 )     136  
Accounts payable
    272       (47 )
Accrued expenses
    (82 )     (68 )
Customer advances
    (49 )     989  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    1,785       1,220  
                 
Investing activities:
               
Capital expenditures
    (352 )     (56 )
Net cash used by investing activities
    (352 )     (56 )
                 
Financing activities:
               
Payments of long-term debt
    (1,390 )     (260 )
Payments on revolving line of credit
    (15,155 )     (14,408 )
Borrowings on revolving line of credit
    15,074       14,339  
Proceeds from sale and leaseback
          431  
Payments on capital lease obligations
    (319 )     (378 )
Net cash used by financing activities
    (1,790 )     (276 )
                 
Effect of exchange rate changes
    7       (43 )
                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (350 )     845  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    1,422       870  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 1,072     $ 1,715  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
5

 

BIOANALYTICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands unless otherwise indicated)
(Unaudited)

1.
DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Bioanalytical Systems, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“We,” the “Company” or “BASi”) engage in contract laboratory research services and other services related to pharmaceutical development. We also manufacture scientific instruments for life sciences research, which we sell with related software for use in industrial, governmental and academic laboratories. Our customers are located throughout the world.

We have prepared the accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) regarding interim financial reporting. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), and therefore should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements, and the notes thereto, for the year ended September 30, 2010.  In the opinion of management, the condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and six months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 include all adjustments which are necessary for a fair presentation of the results of the interim periods and of our financial position at March 31, 2011. The results of operations for the three and six months ended March 31, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results for the year ending September 30, 2011.

2.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The 2008 Stock Option Plan (“the Plan”) is used to promote our long-term interests by providing a means of attracting and retaining officers, directors and key employees and aligning their interests with those of our shareholders.  The Plan is described more fully in Note 8 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2010.  All options granted under the plan had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common shares on the date of grant.  We expense the estimated fair value of stock options over the vesting periods of the grants.  We recognize expense for awards subject to graded vesting using the straight-line attribution method, reduced for estimated forfeitures. Forfeitures are revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates and an adjustment is recognized at that time.  The assumptions used are detailed in Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2010.  Stock based compensation expense for the three and six months ended March 31, 2011 was $21 and $75 with no tax benefits.  Stock based compensation expense for the three and six months ended March 31, 2010 was $37 and $126 with no tax benefits.

A summary of our stock option activity for the six months ended March 31, 2011 is as follows (in thousands except for share prices):

   
Options
(shares)
   
Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
   
Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 
                   
Outstanding - October 1, 2010
    705     $ 2.66     $ 1.82  
Exercised
    -       -       -  
Granted
    27       2.24       1.84  
Terminated
    (40 )     2.71       1.83  
Outstanding - March 31, 2011
    692     $ 2.64     $ 1.82  

 
6

 

3.
INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE
 
We compute basic income (loss) per share using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.  We compute diluted income (loss) per share using the weighted average number of common and potential common shares outstanding. Potential common shares include the dilutive effect of shares issuable upon exercise of options to purchase common shares.  Shares issuable upon exercise of options were excluded from the computation of income (loss) per share for the three and six months ended March 31, 2010, as they are anti-dilutive.
 
The following table reconciles our computation of basic income (loss) per share to diluted income (loss) per share:

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
   
Six Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Basic net income (loss) per share:
                       
Net income (loss) applicable to common shareholders
  $ 483     $ (1,212 )   $ 793     $ (2,700 )
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    4,915       4,915       4,915       4,915  
Basic net income (loss) per share
  $ 0.10     $ (0.25 )   $ 0.16     $ (0.55 )
                                 
Diluted net income (loss) per share:
                               
Diluted net income (loss) applicable to common shareholders
  $ 483     $ (1,212 )   $ 793     $ (2,700 )
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    4,915       4,915       4,915       4,915  
Dilutive stock options/shares
    165             110        
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
    5,080       4,915       5,025       4,915  
                                 
Diluted net income (loss) per share
  $ 0.10     $ (0.25 )   $ 0.16     $ (0.55 )
 
4.
INVENTORIES

Inventories consisted of the following:

   
March 31, 
2011
   
September 30,
2010
 
             
Raw materials
  $ 1,382     $ 1,534  
Work in progress
    351       283  
Finished goods
    225       218  
    $ 1,958     $ 2,035  
Obsolescence reserve
    (392 )     (362 )
    $ 1,566     $ 1,673  

 
7

 

5.
SEGMENT INFORMATION
 
We operate in two principal segments - research services and research products. Our Services segment provides research and development support on a contract basis directly to pharmaceutical companies. Our Products segment provides liquid chromatography, electrochemical and physiological monitoring products to pharmaceutical companies, universities, government research centers and medical research institutions.  Our accounting policies in these segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies found in Note 2 to Consolidated Financial Statements in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2010.

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
   
Six Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Revenue:
                       
Service
  $ 6,446     $ 5,247     $ 12,589     $ 10,058  
Product
    1,977       1,688       3,924       3,254  
    $ 8,423     $ 6,935     $ 16,513     $ 13,312  
                                 
Operating income (loss):
                               
Service
  $ 479     $ (1,408 )   $ 713     $ (2,601 )
Product
    171       127       475       73  
    $ 650     $ (1,281 )   $ 1,188     $ (2,528 )

6.
INCOME TAXES
 
We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes.  We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. We measure deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. We recognize the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates in income in the period that includes the enactment date.  We record valuation allowances based on a determination of the expected realization of tax assets.
 
We recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the position. We measure the amount of the accrual for which an exposure exists as the largest amount of benefit determined on a cumulative probability basis that we believe is more likely than not to be realized upon ultimate settlement of the position.  At March 31, 2011 and September 30, 2010, we had a $30 liability for other uncertain income tax positions.
 
 We record interest and penalties related to income tax matters as a component of income tax expense. Over the next twelve months we do not expect the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits to change significantly.  Interest and penalties are included in the reserve.
 
We file income tax returns in the U.S., several U.S. States, and the United Kingdom. We remain subject to examination by taxing authorities in the jurisdictions in which we have filed returns for years after 2006.
 
We have an accumulated net deficit in our UK subsidiary. Therefore, we continue to maintain a full valuation allowance on the UK subsidiary deferred income tax balance. Also, a valuation allowance was established in fiscal 2009 against the US deferred income tax balance. Due to the utilization of operating loss carryforwards, we have a 0% effective tax rate for the three and six months ended March 31, 2011.

 
8

 
 
7.
DEBT

Mortgages and note payable

We have notes payable to Regions Bank (“Regions”) aggregating approximately $6,800.
 
Regions notes payable currently include two outstanding mortgages on our facilities in West Lafayette and Evansville, Indiana, which total $5,477. The mortgages mature in November 2012 with an interest rate fixed at 7.1% and monthly principal payments of approximately $38 plus interest.   Another mortgage matured in February 2011 with an interest rate of 6.1%.
 
In addition to the mortgages, we also had a note payable with Regions, which matured on December 18, 2010.  The annual interest rate on this term loan was equal to 6.1% with monthly payments of $9 plus interest. The note payable was collateralized by real estate at our West Lafayette and Evansville, Indiana locations. On November 29, 2010, we executed amendments on two loans with Regions.  Regions agreed to accept a $500 principal payment on the note payable maturing on December 18, 2010 and a $500 principal payment on one mortgage maturing on February 11, 2011.  The principal payments were made on December 17, 2010 and February 11, 2011, respectively.  Upon receipt of these two payments, Regions incorporated the two loans into a replacement note payable for $1,341 maturing on November 1, 2012. The replacement note payable bears interest at a per annum rate equal to the 30-day LIBOR plus 300 basis points (minimum of 4.5%) with monthly principal payments of approximately $14 plus interest.   The replacement note payable is secured by real estate at our West Lafayette and Evansville, Indiana locations.
 
As part of the amendment, Regions also agreed to amend the loan covenants for the related debt to be more favorable to us.  Provided we comply with the revised covenant ratios, the amendment removes limitations on the Company’s purchase of fixed assets.   The covenants, which are common to such agreements, include maintenance of certain financial ratios including a fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.25 to 1.0 and total liabilities to tangible net worth ratio of no greater than 2.1 to 1.0.  At March 31, 2011 we were in compliance with these ratios and based on projections for fiscal 2011, we expect to be in compliance with our covenants throughout fiscal 2011.

The Regions loans contain both cross-default provisions with each other and with the revolving line of credit with Entrepreneur Growth Capital described below.
 
Revolving Line of Credit
 
On January 13, 2010, we entered into a new $3,000 revolving line of credit agreement (“Credit Agreement”) with Entrepreneur Growth Capital LLC (“EGC”), which we use for working capital and other purposes, to replace the PNC Bank line of credit that expired on January 15, 2010.  The initial term of the Credit Agreement was set to expire on January 31, 2011.  If we prepay prior to the expiration of the initial term (or any renewal term), then we are subject to an early termination fee equal to the minimum interest charges of $15 for each of the months remaining until expiration.
 
Borrowings bear interest at an annual rate equal to the Prime Rate plus five percent (5%), or 8.25% as of March 31, 2011, with minimum monthly interest of $15.  Interest is paid monthly.  The line of credit also carries an annual facilities fee of 2% and a 0.2% collateral monitoring fee.  Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are secured by a blanket lien on our personal property, including certain eligible accounts receivable, inventory, and intellectual property assets, a second mortgage on our West Lafayette and Evansville real estate and all common stock of our U.S. subsidiaries and 65% of the common stock of our non-United States subsidiary. Borrowings are calculated based on 75% of eligible accounts receivable.  Under the Credit Agreement, the Company has agreed to restrict advances to subsidiaries, limit additional indebtedness and capital expenditures and comply with certain financial covenants outlined in the Credit Agreement.
 
On December 23, 2010, we negotiated an amendment to this Credit Agreement.  As part of the amendment, the maturity date was extended to January 31, 2013.  The Amendment reduced the minimum tangible net worth covenant requirement from $9,000 to $8,500 and waived all non-compliances with this covenant through the date of the Amendment. The Credit Agreement also contains cross-default provisions with the Regions loans and any future EGC loans. At March 31, 2011, we were in compliance with the minimum tangible net worth covenant requirement.
 
At March 31, 2011, we had available borrowings of $2,076 on this line, of which $1,114 was outstanding.

 
9

 
 
8.
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, inventories, prepaid expenses and other assets, accounts payable and other accruals approximate their fair values because of their nature and respective duration.  The fair value of the revolving credit facility and certain long-term debt is equal to their carrying values due to the variable nature of their interest rates.  Our long-term fixed rate debt was adjusted to market rate on June 30, 2010, which we believe approximates market rates for similar debt instruments at March 31, 2011.

9.
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Total comprehensive income is comprised of the total net income (loss) as well as the change in foreign currency translation. The table below presents comprehensive income (loss) for the three and six months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
   
Three Months ended
March 31,
   
Six Months ended
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
                         
Net income (loss) as reported
  $ 483     $ (1,212 )   $ 793     $ (2,700 )
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    29       (30 )     13       (48 )
                                 
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ 512     $ (1,242 )   $ 806     $ (2,748 )

10.
SETTLEMENT OF CONTINGENT LIABILITY

In June of 2008 as part of selling our Baltimore Clinical Pharmacology Research Unit, we subleased the building space it occupied to the purchaser of the assets.  We remained contingently liable for the rent payments of $800 per year through 2015 in the event the sublessor did not perform.  In 2009, the purchaser ceased operations in Baltimore and sought to renegotiate the terms of its sublease.  In March of 2010, we reached a settlement with the landlord of the building which canceled the sublessor’s and our obligations under the lease in exchange for a cash payment from the sublessor.  We agreed to contribute $250 to the settlement, payable in twenty-five monthly installments of $10 without interest.  We recorded the discounted liability of $216 in March, 2010, and recognized the related expense in general and administrative expenses.

11.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
In August 2008, the SEC announced that it will issue for comment a proposed roadmap regarding the potential use by U.S. issuers of financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards). IFRS is a comprehensive series of accounting standards published by the IASB (International Accounting Standards Board). Under the proposed roadmap, we could be required to prepare financial statements in accordance with IFRS beginning in fiscal 2014. The SEC has indicated it will make a determination in 2011 regarding mandatory adoption of IFRS.

In October 2009, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update on the accounting for revenue recognition to specifically address how to determine whether an arrangement involving multiple deliverables contains more than one unit of accounting.  This guidance was effective for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified beginning October 1, 2010. This update has not impacted revenue in the periods presented, and we do not expect a material change from the methods in which we have historically reported revenues.

 
10

 

12.
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On May 11, 2011, we completed a public offering of 5,506 units at a price of $1,000 per unit. Each unit consists of one 6% Series A convertible preferred share which is convertible into 500 common shares at a conversion price of $2.00 per share, one Class A Warrant to purchase 250 common shares at an exercise price of $2.00 per share, and one Class B Warrant to purchase 250 common shares at an exercise price of $2.00 per share. Until May 11, 2014, the Series A preferred shares have a stated dividend rate of 6% per annum, payable quarterly in cash or, subject to certain conditions, in common shares or a combination of cash and common shares, at our election.  After May 11, 2014, the Series A preferred shares will participate in any dividends payable upon our common shares on an "as converted" basis. If the preferred shares are converted prior to May 11, 2014, we must also pay to the converting holder in cash, or subject to certain conditions, in common shares or a combination thereof, $180 per $1,000 of the stated value of the preferred shares less any dividends paid prior to conversion.  Class A Warrants are exercisable immediately and expire five years after the date of issuance.  Class B Warrants are exercisable immediately and expire one year after the date of issuance. The net proceeds from the sale of the units, after deducting the fees and expenses of the placement agent and other expenses is approximately $4.7 million.  We intend to use the proceeds for the purchase of laboratory equipment and for working capital and general corporate purposes.

No additional matters were identified that would materially impact our consolidated financial statements or require disclosure.

 
11

 

ITEM 2 - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
This Form 10-Q may contain "forward-looking statements," within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and/or Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  Those statements may include, but  are  not  limited to, discussions regarding our intent, belief or current expectations with respect to, but not limited to (i) our strategic plans; (ii) trends in the demand for our products and services; (iii) trends in the industries that consume our products and services; (iv) our ability to develop new products and services; (v) our ability to make capital expenditures and finance operations; (vi) global economic conditions, especially as they impact our markets; (vii) our cash position; (viii) our ability to comply with certain financial covenants in our credit agreement and notes payable; and (ix) our ability to integrate a new marketing team.  Investors  in  our common shares are cautioned that reliance on  any  forward-looking  statement  involves risks and uncertainties, including the risk factors contained in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010.  Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward looking statements as a result of various factors, many of which are beyond our control.

Although we believe that the assumptions on which the forward-looking statements contained herein are based are reasonable, any of those assumptions could prove to be inaccurate, and as a result, the forward-looking statements based upon those assumptions also could be incorrect. In light of the uncertainties inherent in any forward-looking statement, the inclusion of a forward-looking statement herein should not be regarded as a representation by us that our plans and objectives will be achieved. We do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as of and for the three and six months ended March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010, respectively, provided elsewhere in this report.

The following amounts are in thousands, unless otherwise indicated.
 
General
 
We provide contract drug development services and research equipment to many leading global pharmaceutical, medical research and biotechnology companies and institutions that advance the drug discovery and development process. We offer an efficient, variable-cost alternative to our clients' internal product development programs. Outsourcing development work to reduce overhead and speed drug approvals through the Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") is an established alternative to in-house development among pharmaceutical companies. We derive our revenues from sales of our research services and drug development tools, both of which are focused on determining drug safety and efficacy. Since our formation in 1974, our products and services have been utilized in the research of drugs to treat numerous therapeutic areas.

We support the preclinical and clinical development needs of researchers and clinicians for small molecule and large biomolecule drug candidates. We believe our scientists have the skills in analytical instrumentation development, chemistry, computer software development, physiology, medicine, analytical chemistry and toxicology to make the services and products we provide increasingly valuable to our current and potential clients. Our principal clients are scientists engaged in analytical chemistry, drug safety evaluation, clinical trials, drug metabolism studies, pharmacokinetics and basic neuroscience research at many of the small start-up biotechnology companies and the largest global pharmaceutical companies.

Our services and products are marketed globally to pharmaceutical, medical research and biotech companies and institutions engaged in drug research and development. The research services industry is highly fragmented among many niche vendors led by a small number of larger companies; the latter offer an ever-growing portfolio of start-to-finish pharmaceutical development services. Our products are also marketed to academic and governmental institutions. Our services and products may have distinctly different clients (often separate divisions in a single large pharmaceutical company) and requirements. We believe that clients are facing increased pressure to outsource facets of their research and development activities.

Our business is largely dependent on the level of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies' efforts in new drug discovery and approval. Our services segment is a direct beneficiary of these efforts, through outsourcing by these companies of research work. Our products segment is an indirect beneficiary of these efforts, as increased drug development leads to capital expansion, providing opportunities to sell the equipment we produce and the consumable supplies we provide that support our products.

 
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Developments within the industries we serve have a direct, and sometimes material, impact on our operations. Currently, many large pharmaceutical companies have major "block-buster" drugs that are nearing the end of their patent protections. This puts significant pressure on these companies both to develop new drugs with large market appeal, and to re-evaluate their cost structures and the time-to-market of their products. Contract research organizations ("CRO's") have benefited from these developments, as the pharmaceutical industry has turned to out-sourcing to both reduce fixed costs and to increase the speed of research and data development necessary for new drug applications. The number of significant drugs that have reached or are nearing the end of their patent protection has also benefited the generic drug industry. Generic drug companies provide a significant source of new business for CRO's as they develop, test and manufacture their generic compounds.

A significant portion of innovation in the pharmaceutical industry is now being driven by biotech and small, venture capital funded, drug development companies. Many of these companies are "single-molecule" entities, whose success depends on one innovative compound. While several of the biotech companies have reached the status of major pharmaceuticals, the industry is still characterized by smaller entities. These developmental companies generally do not have the resources to perform much of the research within their organizations, and are therefore dependent on the CRO industry for both their research and for guidance in preparing their FDA submissions. These companies have provided significant new opportunities for the CRO industry, including us. They do, however, provide challenges in selling, as they frequently have only one product in development, which causes CRO's to be unable to develop a flow of projects from a single company. These companies may expend all their available funds and cease operations prior to fully developing a product. Additionally, the funding of these companies is subject to investment market fluctuations, which changes as the risk profiles and appetite of investors change.

Research services are capital intensive. The investment in equipment and facilities to serve our markets is substantial and continuing. While our physical facilities are adequate to meet market needs for the near term, rapid changes in automation, precision, speed and technologies necessitate a constant investment in equipment and software to meet market demands. We are also impacted by the heightened regulatory environment and the need to improve our business infrastructure to support our increasingly diverse operations, which will necessitate additional capital investment. Our ability to generate capital to reinvest in our capabilities, both through operations and financial transactions, is critical to our success. While we are currently committed to fully utilizing recent additions to capacity, sustained growth will require additional investment in future periods. Our financial position could limit our ability to make such investments.

With the closing of major mergers from fiscal 2009, the pharmaceutical industry can now return to focusing on driving drugs and therapies through the development pipeline. We believe that such merger and consolidation activity reduced the demand and increased competition for CRO services and was a distraction for the research and development arms of these companies as they awaited finalization of new drug development portfolios.  We believe that as larger pharmaceutical companies become leaner and more efficient, generally focusing on their core competencies of fundamental research and development and commercialization, they will also continue to be conservative in their staffing and further reduce their in-house expertise. This should lead to reinvigoration of outsourcing as they assess their key internal priorities.

Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

In March 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (the “Act”) was enacted by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by the President.  The purpose of the legislation is to extend medical insurance coverage to a higher percentage of U.S. citizens.  Many of the provisions in the Act have delayed effective dates over the next decade, and will require extensive regulatory guidance.  Companies in our principal client industry, pharmaceuticals, will be required under the Act to provide additional discounts on medicines provided under Medicare and Medicaid to assist in the funding of the program; however, government estimates are that over 31 million additional citizens will eventually be covered by medical insurance as a result of the Act, which should expand the markets for their products.  It is premature to accurately predict the impacts these and other competing forces will have on our basic client market, drug development.  Additionally, the Act does not directly impact spiraling health care costs in the U.S., which could lead to additional legislation impacting our target markets in the future.

We maintain an optional health benefits package for all of our full-time employees, which is largely paid by our contributions with employees paying a portion of the cost, generally less than 20% of the total.  Based on our current understanding of the Act, we do not anticipate significant changes to our programs or of their costs to the Company or our employees as a result of the Act.

 
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We have experienced increases in the costs of our health benefit programs in excess of inflation rates, and expect those trends to continue.  We are exploring options in plan funding, delivery of benefits and employee wellness in our continuing effort to obtain maximum benefit for our health care expenditures, while maintaining quality programs for our employees.  We do not expect these efforts to have a material financial impact on the Company.
 
Executive Overview

Our revenues are dependent on a relatively small number of industries and clients. As a result, we closely monitor the market for our services. In the first six months of fiscal 2011, we experienced an increased demand for our products and services as compared to the first six months of fiscal 2010. We believe in the fundamentals of the market and that it will rebound in future periods. For the remainder of fiscal 2011, we plan to continue our focus on sales execution, operational performance and building strategic partnerships with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.
 
We review various metrics to evaluate our financial performance, including period-to-period changes in new orders, revenue, margins and earnings. In the first six months of fiscal 2011, we had new authorizations of $18.0 million, an increase of 9.5% over the same period in fiscal 2010. Gross margin and earnings increased in the first six months of the current fiscal year due to higher revenues of 24.0%, cost containment initiatives and savings in operating expenses of approximately 17%.  For a detailed discussion of our revenue, margins, earnings and other financial results for the three and six months ended March 31, 2011, see “Results of Operations” below.
 
As of March 31, 2011, we had $1,072 of cash and cash equivalents as compared to $1,422 of cash and cash equivalents at the end of fiscal 2010. In the first six months of fiscal 2011, we generated $1,785 in cash from operations. Our accounts receivable and unbilled revenues balances increased $315 from the prior fiscal year primarily due to higher sales in the current year. We plan to continue to monitor accounts receivable and the various factors that affect it, including contract terms, the mix of contracts performed and our success in collecting receivables. During fiscal 2011, we also paid down our long-term debt by $1,000.  We intend to continue to limit unnecessary spending and continue our freeze on wage rates until increases can be supported by continued improvement in operations.

We believe that the development of innovative new drugs is going through an evolution, evidenced by the significant reduction of expenditures on research and development at several major international pharmaceutical companies, accompanied by increases in outsourcing and investments in smaller start-up companies that are performing the early development work on new compounds.  Many of these companies are funded by either venture capital or pharmaceutical investment, or both, and generally do not build internal staffs that possess the extensive scientific and regulatory capabilities to perform the various activities necessary to progress a drug candidate to the filing of an Investigative New Drug (“IND”) application with the FDA.

While continuing to maintain and develop our relationships with large pharmaceutical companies, we intend to aggressively promote our services to developing businesses, which will require us to expand our existing capabilities to provide services early in the drug development process, and to consult with clients on regulatory strategy and compliance leading to their filings.  We have recently launched our Enhanced Drug Discovery services as part of this strategy, utilizing our proprietary Culex® technology to provide early experiments in our laboratories that previously would have been conducted in the sponsor’s facilities.

Critical Accounting Policies
 
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Liquidity and Capital Resources" discuss the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Preparation of these financial statements requires management to make judgments and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Certain significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of the financial statements require management to make difficult, subjective or complex judgments, and are considered critical accounting policies. We have identified the following areas as critical accounting policies.

 
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Revenue Recognition

The majority of our service contracts involve the processing of bioanalytical samples for pharmaceutical companies. These contracts generally provide for a fixed fee for each assay method developed or sample processed and revenue is recognized under the specific performance method of accounting. Under the specific performance method, revenue and related direct costs are recognized when services are performed. Other service contracts generally consist of preclinical studies for pharmaceutical companies. Service revenue is recognized based on the ratio of direct costs incurred to total estimated direct costs under the proportional performance method of accounting. Losses on contracts are provided in the period in which the loss becomes determinable. Revisions in profit estimates are reflected on a cumulative basis in the period in which such revisions become known. The establishment of contract prices and total contract costs involves estimates made by the Company at the inception of the contract period. These estimates could change during the term of the contract which could impact the revenue and costs reported in the consolidated financial statements. Projected losses on contracts are provided for in their entirety when known. Revisions to estimates have not been material. Service contract fees received upon acceptance are deferred and classified within customer advances, until earned. Unbilled revenues represent revenues earned under contracts in advance of billings.

Product revenue from sales of equipment not requiring installation, testing or training is recognized upon shipment to customers. One product includes internally developed software and requires installation, testing and training, which occur concurrently. Revenue from these sales is recognized upon completion of the installation, testing and training when the services are bundled with the equipment sale.  In October 2009, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update on the accounting for revenue recognition to specifically address how to determine whether an arrangement involving multiple deliverables contains more than one unit of accounting.  This update has not impacted revenue in the periods presented, and we do not expect a material change from the methods in which we have historically reported revenues.

Long-Lived Assets, Including Goodwill

Long-lived assets, such as property and equipment, and purchased intangibles subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset.

Goodwill is tested annually for impairment, and more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired, using a two-step process.  In the first step, we compare the fair value of each reporting unit, as computed primarily by present value cash flow calculations, to its book carrying value, including goodwill. We do not believe that market value is indicative of the true fair value of the Company mainly due to average daily trading volumes of less than 1%.  If the fair value exceeds the carrying value, no further work is required and no impairment loss is recognized. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, the goodwill of the reporting unit is potentially impaired and we would then complete step 2 in order to measure the impairment loss. In step 2, the implied fair value is compared to the carrying amount of the goodwill. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the carrying value of goodwill, we would recognize an impairment loss equal to the difference. The implied fair value is calculated by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit (as determined in step 1) to all of its assets and liabilities (including unrecognized intangible assets) and any excess in fair value that is not assigned to the assets and liabilities is the implied fair value of goodwill.

The discount rate and sales growth rates are the two material assumptions utilized in our calculations of the present value cash flows used to estimate the fair value of the reporting units when performing the annual goodwill impairment test. Our reporting units with goodwill are Vetronics, Oregon and Evansville, based on the discrete financial information available which is reviewed by management.  We utilize a cash flow approach in estimating the fair value of the reporting units, where the discount rate reflects a weighted average cost of capital rate. The cash flow model used to derive fair value is sensitive to the discount rate and sales growth assumptions used.

Considerable management judgment is necessary to evaluate the impact of operating and macroeconomic changes and to estimate future cash flows. Assumptions used in our impairment evaluations, such as forecasted sales growth rates and our cost of capital or discount rate, are based on the best available market information. Changes in these estimates or a continued decline in general economic conditions could change our conclusion regarding an impairment of goodwill and potentially result in a non-cash impairment loss in a future period.  The assumptions used in our impairment testing could be adversely affected by certain of the risks discussed in “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of our 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010.  There have been no significant events since the timing of our impairment tests that have triggered additional impairment testing.

 
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At March 31, 2011, remaining recorded goodwill was $1,383, and the net balance of other intangible assets was $68.

Stock-Based Compensation

We recognize the cost resulting from all share-based payment transactions in our financial statements using a fair-value-based method.  We measure compensation cost for all share-based awards based on estimated fair values and recognize compensation over the vesting period for awards. We recognized stock-based compensation related to stock options of $21 and $75 and $37 and $126 during the three and six months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
We use the binomial option valuation model to determine the grant date fair value. The determination of fair value is affected by our stock price as well as assumptions regarding subjective and complex variables such as expected employee exercise behavior and our expected stock price volatility over the term of the award. Generally, our assumptions are based on historical information and judgment is required to determine if historical trends may be indicators of future outcomes. We estimated the following key assumptions for the binomial valuation calculation:
 
 
Risk-free interest rate. The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury yields in effect at the time of grant for the expected term of the option.

 
Expected volatility. We use our historical stock price volatility on our common stock for our expected volatility assumption.

 
Expected term. The expected term represents the weighted-average period the stock options are expected to remain outstanding. The expected term is determined based on historical exercise behavior, post-vesting termination patterns, options outstanding and future expected exercise behavior.

 
Expected dividends. We assumed that we will pay no dividends.
 
Employee stock-based compensation expense recognized in the first three months of fiscal 2011 and 2010 was calculated based on awards ultimately expected to vest and has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. Forfeitures are revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates and an adjustment will be recognized at that time.
 
Changes to our underlying stock price, our assumptions used in the binomial option valuation calculation and our forfeiture rate as well as future grants of equity could significantly impact compensation expense to be recognized in fiscal 2011 and future periods.

Income Taxes

As described in Note 6 to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report, we use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial reporting amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax base and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. We measure deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. We recognize the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates in income in the period that includes the enactment date.  We record valuation allowances based on a determination of the expected realization of tax assets.

We recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the position. We measure the amount of the accrual for which an exposure exists as the largest amount of benefit determined on a cumulative probability basis that we believe is more likely than not to be realized upon ultimate settlement of the position.

 
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We record interest and penalties related to income tax matters as a component of income tax expense. Over the next twelve months we do not expect the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits to change significantly.  Interest and penalties are included in the reserve.

As of March 31, 2011 and September 30, 2010, we had a $30 liability for uncertain income tax positions.

We file income tax returns in the U.S., several U.S. states, and the United Kingdom.  We remain subject to examination by taxing authorities in the jurisdictions in which we have filed returns for years after 2006.

We have an accumulated net deficit in our UK subsidiary. Therefore, we continue to maintain a full valuation allowance on the UK subsidiary deferred income tax balance. Also, a valuation allowance was established in fiscal 2009 against the U.S. deferred income tax balance.

Results of Operations

The following table summarizes the condensed consolidated statement of operations as a percentage of total revenues:

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
   
Six Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Service revenue
    76.5 %     75.7 %     76.2 %     75.6 %
Product revenue
    23.5       24.3       23.8       24.4  
Total revenue
    100.0       100.0       100.0       100.0  
                                 
Cost of service revenue (a)
    75.0       90.6       75.5       92.7  
Cost of product revenue (a)
    40.1       41.2       38.2       40.2  
Total cost of revenue
    66.8       78.6       66.6       79.9  
                                 
Gross profit
    33.2       21.4       33.4       20.1  
                                 
Total operating expenses
    25.5       39.9       26.2       39.1  
                                 
Operating income (loss)
    7.7       (18.5 )     7.2       (19.0 )
                                 
Other expense
    2.0       4.0       2.4       3.9  
                                 
Income (loss) before income taxes
    5.7       (22.5 )     4.8       (22.9 )
                                 
Income tax benefit
          (5.0 )           (2.6 )
                                 
Net income (loss)
    5.7 %     (17.5 )%     4.8 %     (20.3 )%

 
(a)
Percentage of service and product revenues, respectively.

 
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Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2010

Service and Product Revenues

Revenues for the second fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2011 increased 21.5% to $8,423 compared to $6,935 for the same period last year.

Our Service revenue increased 22.9% to $6,446 in the current quarter compared to $5,247 for the prior year period primarily as a result of higher toxicology and other laboratory services revenues.  Volumes of studies and number of samples to assay continue to increase though pricing still lags pre-recession levels.  An increase in proposal opportunities and in new orders accepted in the current fiscal year has led to an increase in our revenues in the current quarter. We have also recently launched our Enhanced Drug Discovery services which have contributed to the revenue increase.  The following table shows more detail for our Service revenue.
   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
             
   
2011
   
2010
   
Change
   
%
 
Bioanalytical analysis
  $ 3,498     $ 3,426     $ 72       2.1 %
Toxicology
    2,448       1,559       889       57.0 %
Other laboratory services
    500       262       238       90.8 %
 
Sales in our Products segment increased 17.1% in the current quarter from $1,688 to $1,977 when compared to the same period in the prior year.  The majority of the increase stems from sales of our Culex automated in vivo sampling systems.   Though we continue to experience sluggish demand for higher priced capital assets, a few customers have begun to release capital funds for larger projects.  The following table shows more detail for our Product revenue.

   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
             
   
2011
   
2010
   
Change
   
%
 
Culex®, in-vivo sampling systems
  $ 1,177     $ 656     $ 521       79.4 %
Analytical instruments
    749       766       (17 )     -2.2 %
Other instruments
    51       266       (215 )     -80.8 %

Cost of Revenues

Cost of revenues for our second fiscal quarter of 2011 was $5,626 or 66.8% of revenue, compared to $5,450, or 78.6% of revenue for the prior year period.

Cost of Service revenue as a percentage of Service revenue decreased to 75.0% in the current quarter from 90.6% in the comparable period last year.  The principal cause of this decrease was the increase in revenues which led to higher absorption of the fixed costs in our Service segment.  A significant portion of our costs of productive capacity in the Service segment are fixed.   Thus, increases in revenues lead to decreases in costs as a percentage of revenue.

Costs of Products revenue as a percentage of Product revenue in the current quarter decreased to 40.1% from 41.2% in the comparable prior year period.   This decrease is mainly due to a change in the mix of products sold in the current quarter.

Operating Expenses

Selling expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2011 increased 13.3% to $774 from $683 for the comparable period last year.  This increase was primarily driven by higher spending for marketing expenditures and consulting services as we implement our new sales and marketing strategy.

 
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Research and development expenses for the second quarter of fiscal 2011 decreased 19.6% over the comparable period last year to $111 from $138.  The decrease was partially due to a decrease in salaries from the reduction in work force in January 2010 as well as reduced spending on temporary labor and operating supplies.

General and administrative expenses for the current quarter decreased 35.1% to $1,262 from $1,944 for the comparable prior year period.  A decline in salaries and hourly wages from the January 2010 reduction in force, a retirement payment accrual for our former CEO in the second quarter of fiscal 2010 and strict controls on other variable expenses contributed to the reduction in expenses in the current fiscal quarter.

Other Income (Expense)

Other expense for the second quarter of fiscal 2011 decreased to $167 from $275 for the same quarter of the prior year.The primary reasons for the decrease are costs incurred in fiscal 2010 for our new line of credit agreement as well as lower mortgage interest in fiscal 2011 as a result of the two $500 principal payments made in fiscal 2011.

Income Taxes

Our effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was 0.0% due to the utilization of operating loss carryforwards.  We continue to maintain a full valuation allowance on our U.S. and UK subsidiary deferred income tax balances.  The benefit recognized in the second quarter of fiscal 2010 is the result of resolving an uncertain state tax liability for less than the recorded amount.  No net benefits were provided on taxable losses in the prior fiscal year.

Six Months Ended March 31, 2011 Compared to Six Months Ended March 31, 2010

Service and Product Revenues

Revenues for the six months ended March 31, 2011 increased 24.0% to $16,513 compared to $13,312 for the same period last year.

Our Service revenue increased 25.2% to $12,589 in the first six months of fiscal 2011 compared to $10,058 for the prior year period primarily as a result of increases in bioanalytical analysis and toxicology revenues.  Increases from the same period in fiscal 2010 are mainly due to increases in new bookings and volumes of studies as well as number of samples to assay.  The following table shows more detail for our Service revenue.

   
Six Months Ended
March 31,
             
   
2011
   
2010
   
Change
   
%
 
Bioanalytical analysis
  $ 7,296     $ 6,054     $ 1,242       20.5 %
Toxicology
    4,401       3,122       1,279       41.0 %
Other laboratory services
    892       882       10       1.1 %

Sales in our Products segment increased 20.6% in the first six months of fiscal 2011 from $3,254 to $3,924 when compared to the same period in the prior year.  The majority of the increase stems from sales of our Culex automated in vivo sampling system over the same period of the prior fiscal year for the reasons cited in the discussion of the current quarter. The following table shows more detail for our Product revenue.

 
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Six Months Ended
March 31,
             
   
2011
   
2010
   
Change
   
%
 
Culex®, in-vivo sampling systems
  $ 2,266     $ 1,361     $ 905       66.5 %
Analytical instruments
    1,447       1,395       52       3.7 %
Other instruments
    211       498       (287 )     -57.6 %

Cost of Revenues

Cost of revenues for the first six months of fiscal 2011 was $11,000 or 66.6% of revenue, compared to $10,631, or 79.9% of revenue for the comparable period in the prior year.

Cost of Service revenue as a percentage of Service revenue decreased to 75.5% in the first six months of fiscal 2011 from 92.7% in the comparable period last year.  The principal cause of this decrease was the increase in revenues which led to higher absorption of the fixed costs in our Service segment.  A significant portion of our costs of productive capacity in the Service segment are fixed.   Thus, increases in revenues lead to decreases in costs as a percentage of revenue.

Cost of Product revenue as a percentage of Product revenue in the six months ending March 31, 2011 decreased to 38.2% from 40.2% in the comparable period in the prior year.   This decrease is mainly due to a change in the mix of products sold in fiscal 2011.

Operating Expenses

Selling expenses for the six months ended March 31, 2011 decreased 0.6% to $1,459 from $1,468 for the comparable period last year.

Research and development expenses for the first half of fiscal 2011 decreased 28.1% from the comparable period last year to $223 from $310. The decrease was partially due to a decrease in salaries from the reduction in work force in January 2010 as well as reduced spending on temporary labor and operating supplies as we completed a project funded by an NIH grant in fiscal 2010.
 
General and administrative expenses for the first six months of fiscal 2011 decreased 23.0% to $2,643 from $3,431 for the comparable period in the prior year.  The decrease is mainly due to the following:  1) severance expenses for former employees recorded in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 from the reduction in force, 2) a retirement payment accrual for our former CEO in the prior year; 3) lease settlement costs in fiscal 2010; and 4) company-wide efforts at cost controls.

Other Income (Expense)

Other expense for the first six months of fiscal 2011 decreased to $395 from $516 for the same period of the prior year.The primary reason for the decrease is lower mortgage interest in fiscal 2011 as a result of the two $500 principal payments made on our mortgages in fiscal 2011.

Income Taxes

Our effective tax rate for the six months ended March 31, 2011 was 0.0% due to the utilization of operating loss carryforwards.  We continue to maintain a full valuation allowance on our U.S. and UK subsidiary deferred income tax balances.  The benefit in the first six months of fiscal 2010 is the result of resolving an uncertain state tax liability for less than the recorded amount.

 
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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Comparative Cash Flow Analysis
 
Since inception, our principal sources of cash have been cash flow generated from operations and funds received from bank borrowings and other financings. At March 31, 2011, we had cash and cash equivalents of $1,072, compared to $1,422 at September 30, 2010.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $1,785 for the six months ended March 31, 2011 compared to $1,220 for the six months ended March 31, 2010.  The increase in cash provided by operating activities in the current fiscal year mainly results from our operating income versus an operating loss in the prior fiscal year.  Other contributing factors to our cash from operations were $1,049 of depreciation and amortization and in increase in accounts payable of $272.  Included in operating activities for fiscal 2010 are non-cash charges of $1,207 for depreciation and amortization, net collections on accounts receivable of $1,371, an increase in customer advances of $989 as we booked new business and the recording of a $216 long-term liability in settlement of a contingent lease liability on our former Baltimore facility.  The impact on operating cash flow of other changes in working capital was not material.

In January 2010, we completed a reduction in work force, through both attrition and terminations, which impacted all areas of operations and reduced our annual compensation expense by approximately 10%.

We anticipate that this impact on our cash flow from operations will continue through fiscal 2011.  We have seen increased order activity in the calendar year 2010 as well as the first three months of calendar 2011, which we expect will translate into earned revenues in future quarters of fiscal 2011.  Selling, general and administrative and other operating expenses declined approximately 17.0% in the first half of fiscal 2011 from the prior year period due to the reduction in work force in January 2010 and cost containment initiatives.  We expect the reduced spending levels to continue and that our efforts to reduce costs will positively impact the remainder of fiscal 2011 as well.

Investing activities used $352 in the first six months of fiscal 2011 due to capital expenditures as compared to $56 in the first six months of fiscal 2010. Our principal investment was a mandated waste-water treatment facility at one of our sites, with selected investments for laboratory equipment replacements and upgrades in all of our facilities, as well as general building and information technology infrastructure expenditures at all sites.  Although we may consider strategic acquisition opportunities, we do not intend to aggressively pursue additional acquisitions until we fully utilize existing capacity.

Financing activities used $1,790 in the first six months of fiscal 2011 as compared to $276 used for the first six months of fiscal 2010. The main use of cash in the first half of fiscal 2011 was for long-term debt and capital lease payments of $1,709, including the $500 individual principal payments on one mortgage and one note payable, as well as net payments on our line of credit of $81.  In the first half of fiscal 2010, we had long-term debt and capital lease payments of $638, as well as net payments on our line of credit of $69.  Also in fiscal 2010, we conducted a sale and leaseback of some of our unencumbered laboratory equipment which netted us $431 of cash.

Capital Resources

We have notes payable to Regions aggregating approximately $6,800 and a $3,000 line of credit with Entrepreneur Growth Capital LLC (EGC).  The EGC line of credit is subject to availability limitations that may substantially reduce or eliminate our borrowing capacity at any time. Regions notes payable currently include two outstanding mortgages on our facilities in West Lafayette and Evansville, Indiana, which total $5,477.  The mortgages mature in November 2012 with an interest rate fixed at 7.1% and monthly principal payments of approximately $38 plus interest.  Another mortgage matured in February 2011 with an interest rate of 6.1%.

In addition to the mortgages, we also had a note payable with Regions, which matured on December 18, 2010.  The annual interest rate on this term loan was equal to 6.1% with monthly payments of $9 plus interest. The note payable was collateralized by real estate at our West Lafayette and Evansville, Indiana locations. On November 29, 2010, we executed amendments on two loans with Regions.  Regions agreed to accept a $500 principal payment on the note payable maturing on December 18, 2010 and a $500 principal payment on one mortgage maturing on February 11, 2011.  The principal payments were made on December 17, 2010 and February 11, 2011, respectively.  Upon receipt of these two payments, Regions incorporated the two loans into a replacement note payable for $1,341 maturing on November 1, 2012. The replacement note payable bears interest at a per annum rate equal to 30-day LIBOR plus 300 basis points (minimum of 4.5%) with monthly principal payments of approximately $14 plus interest.   The replacement note payable is secured by real estate at the Company’s West Lafayette and Evansville, Indiana locations.

 
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As part of the amendment, Regions also agreed to amend the loan covenants for the related debt to be more favorable to us.  Provided we comply with the revised covenant ratios, the amendment removes limitations on the Company’s purchase of fixed assets.   The covenants, which are common to such agreements, include maintenance of certain financial ratios including a fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.25 to 1.0 and total liabilities to tangible net worth ratio of no greater than 2.1 to 1.0.  At March 31, 2011 we were in compliance with these ratios and based on projections for fiscal 2011, we expect to be in compliance with our covenants throughout fiscal 2011.

The Regions loan agreements both contain cross-default provisions with each other and with the revolving line of credit with EGC described below.

Revolving Line of Credit

On January 13, 2010, we entered into a new $3,000 revolving line of credit agreement (“Credit Agreement”), with EGC, which we use for working capital and other purposes, to replace a line of credit with PNC Bank that expired on January 15, 2010. The initial term of the Credit Agreement was set to expire on January 31, 2011.  If we prepay prior to the expiration of the initial term (or any renewal term), then we are subject to an early termination fee equal to the minimum interest charges of $15 for each of the months remaining until expiration.

Borrowings bear interest at an annual rate equal to the Prime Rate plus five percent (5%), or 8.25% as of March 31, 2011, with minimum monthly interest of $15.  Interest is paid monthly.  The line of credit also carries an annual facilities fee of 2% and a 0.2% collateral monitoring fee.  Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are secured by a blanket lien on our personal property, including certain eligible accounts receivable, inventory, and intellectual property assets, a second mortgage on our West Lafayette and Evansville real estate and all common stock of our U.S. subsidiaries and 65% of the common stock of our non-United States subsidiary. Borrowings are calculated based on 75% of eligible accounts receivable.  Under the Credit Agreement, the Company has agreed to restrict advances to subsidiaries, limit additional indebtedness and capital expenditures and comply with certain financial covenants outlined in the Credit Agreement.

On December 23, 2010, we negotiated an amendment to this Credit Agreement (“Amendment”).  As part of the Amendment, the maturity date was extended to January 31, 2013.  The Amendment reduced the minimum tangible net worth covenant requirement from $9,000 to $8,500 and waived all non-compliances with this covenant through the date of the Amendment.  The Credit Agreement also contains cross-default provisions with the Regions loans and any future EGC loans. At March 31, 2011, we were in compliance with the minimum tangible net worth covenant requirement.

Based on our current business activities and cash on hand, we expect to borrow on our revolving credit facility in fiscal 2011 to finance working capital.  To conserve cash, we have continued a freeze on non-essential capital expenditures, limited unnecessary spending and continued a freeze on wage rates until increases can be supported by continued improvement in operations.  As of March 31, 2011, we had $2,076 of total borrowing capacity with the line of credit, of which $1,114 was outstanding, and $1,072 of cash on hand.

In fiscal 2011, we expect to see slow but continued improvement in the volume of new bookings, but little improvement in pricing.  We also expect improved gross profit margins due to cost controls implemented.  Based on our expected increase in revenue, the availability on our line of credit, and the impact of the cost reductions implemented, we project that we will have the liquidity required to meet our fiscal 2011 operations and debt obligations.   Should operations materially fail to meet our expectations for the coming fiscal year, we may not be able to comply with all of our debt covenants, requiring that we obtain a waiver at that time.  If that situation arises, we will be required to negotiate with our lending bank again to obtain loan modifications or waivers as described above.  We cannot predict whether our lenders will provide those waivers, if required, what the terms of any such waivers might be or what impact any such waivers will have on our liquidity, financial condition or results of operations.

Equity Offering

On May 11, 2011, we completed a public offering of 5,506 units at a price of $1,000 per unit. Each unit consists of one 6% Series A convertible preferred share which is convertible into 500 common shares at a conversion price of $2.00 per share, one Class A Warrant to purchase 250 common shares at an exercise price of $2.00 per share, and one Class B Warrant to purchase 250 common shares at an exercise price of $2.00 per share. Until May 11, 2014, the Series A preferred shares have a stated dividend rate of 6% per annum, payable quarterly in cash or, subject to certain conditions, in common shares or a combination of cash and common shares, at our election.  After May 11, 2014, the Series A preferred shares will participate in any dividends payable upon our common shares on an "as converted" basis. If the preferred shares are converted prior to May 11, 2014, we must also pay to the converting holder in cash, or subject to certain conditions, in common shares or a combination thereof, $180 per $1,000 of the stated value of the preferred shares less any dividends paid prior to conversion.  Class A Warrants are exercisable immediately and expire five years after the date of issuance.  Class B Warrants are exercisable immediately and expire one year after the date of issuance. The net proceeds from the sale of the units, after deducting the fees and expenses of the placement agent and other expenses is approximately $4.7 million.  We intend to use the proceeds for the purchase of laboratory equipment and for working capital and general corporate purposes.

 
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ITEM 4 - CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

A material weakness is a control deficiency, or combination of control deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Management’s assessment identified two material weaknesses in the design and operating effectiveness of controls related to accounting for income taxes and debt covenant compliance monitoring.  Based on this assessment we concluded that we did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2010.   The matter relating to accounting for income taxes resulted from the incorrect netting of a deferred  federal tax benefit against the reserve for uncertain tax positions relating to state taxes due to an error in reviewing our deferred tax assets at September 30, 2009. This resulted in us not reflecting the write-off of this asset when we determined that all deferred tax assets should be written off based on our assessment of realizability of such deferred tax assets and this later affected the amount of the reversal of the reserve for uncertain tax positions upon settlement.

With respect to the monitoring of our compliance with debt covenants, we have historically maintained our debt financial covenant compliance monitoring on a quarterly basis as required by our lenders.  On January 13, 2010, we entered into a replacement revolving line of credit agreement with EGC, which necessitates monitoring of our net tangible net worth on a continuous basis (monthly). We did not maintain effective internal control over debt compliance management for the period ended September 30, 2010 since we did not have procedures in place to effectively monitor these covenants on a timely basis.

The liability for the uncertain tax provision mentioned above was settled with the taxing authority in fiscal 2010 for substantially less than the recorded amount.  No further action regarding this amount or its review is required.  In our first fiscal quarter, we initiated a monthly review of requisite debt covenants for the current fiscal year.  With these actions, we believe that both material weaknesses have been corrected.

There were no other changes in our internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act, during the first six months of fiscal 2011 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.
 
Under the supervision and with the participation of our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on this evaluation, our management concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2011.  There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of systems of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures.  Accordingly, even effective systems of disclosure controls and procedures can provide only reasonable assurances of achieving their control objectives.
  
 
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PART II

ITEM 1A - RISK FACTORS
 
You should carefully consider the risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2010, including those under the heading “Risk Factors” appearing in Item 1A of Part I of the Form 10-K and other information contained in this Quarterly Report before investing in our securities. Realization of any of these risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
 
ITEM 6 - EXHIBITS
 
(a) Exhibits:

Number
     
Description of Exhibits
         
(3)
 
3.1
 
Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Bioanalytical Systems, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 1997).
         
   
3.2
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Bioanalytical Systems, Inc., as subsequently amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009).
         
(4)
 
4.1
 
Specimen Certificate for Common Shares (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Registration Statement on Form S-1, Registration No. 333-36429).
         
(10)
 
10.1
 
Fifth Amendment to Loan Agreement between Bioanalytical Systems, Inc. and Regions Bank, executed February 22, 2011 and effective February 11, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 for Form 8-K filed February 24, 2011).
         
   
10.2
 
Employee Incentive Stock Option Agreement between Anthony S. Chilton and Bioanalytical Systems, Inc., dated February 24, 2011 (filed herewith).
         
(31)
 
31.1
 
Certification of Anthony S. Chilton (filed herewith).
         
   
31.2
 
Certification of Michael R. Cox (filed herewith).
         
(32)
  
32.1
  
Written Statement of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. Section 1350) (filed herewith)..

 
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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:

 
BIOANALYTICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
 
(Registrant)
   
Date:   May 12, 2011
By:  /s/   Anthony S. Chilton
 
Anthony S. Chilton
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
   
Date:  May 12, 2011
By:   /s/  Michael R. Cox
 
Michael R. Cox
 
Vice President, Finance and Administration, Chief
Financial Officer and Treasurer

 
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