SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC  20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15 (d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.

 

For the quarterly period ended January 31, 2006

 

Commission File Number  0-15266

 

BIO-REFERENCE LABORATORIES, INC.

481 Edward H. Ross Drive, Elmwood Park, NJ  07407

(201) 791-2600

 

 

NEW JERSEY

22-2405059

 

(State of incorporation)

(IRS Employer Identification No.)

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

Yes o  No ý.

 

Check whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 during the past 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes ý   No o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of accelerated filer and large accelerated file in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large  accelerated filer               Accelerated Filer   ý         Non-accelerated  Filer       

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes o   No ý

 

APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS

 

State the number of shares outstanding of the issuer’s common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 13,013,367 shares of Common Stock ($.01 par value) at March 10, 2006.

 

 

 



 

BIO-REFERENCE LABORATORIES, INC.

 

FORM 10-Q

 

JANUARY 31, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

I N D E X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

 

 

PART I.

 

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

 

Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

Balance Sheets as of January 31, 2006 (unaudited) and October 31, 2005.

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Statements of Operations (unaudited) for the three months ended January 31, 2006 and January 31, 2005

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the three months ended January 31, 2006 and January 31, 2005

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to financial statements (unaudited)

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

10

 

 

 

 

 

Item 3.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

17

 

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

 

Controls and Procedures

 

18

 

 

 

 

 

PART II.

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

19

 

 

 

 

 

Item 6.

 

Exhibits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signatures

 

20

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Certifications

 

21

 

 

 

 

 



 

PART I.   FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1

BIO-REFERENCE LABORATORIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

[Dollars In Thousands Except Per Share Data]

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

January 31,

 

October 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

$

5,343

 

$

4,303

 

Accounts Receivable - Net

 

56,407

 

53,113

 

Inventory

 

1,529

 

1,339

 

Other Current Assets

 

958

 

878

 

Deferred Tax Assets

 

2,886

 

3,606

 

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

 

67,123

 

63,239

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT — AT COST

 

19,258

 

18,703

 

LESS: Accumulated Depreciation

 

7,779

 

6,776

 

PROPERTYAND EQUIPMENT - NET

 

11,479

 

11,927

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

Deposits

 

450

 

450

 

Goodwill - Net

 

8,919

 

8,919

 

Intangible Assets — Net

 

2,936

 

3,079

 

Other Assets

 

809

 

759

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL OTHER ASSETS

 

13,114

 

13,207

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

 

$

91,716

 

$

88,373

 

 

 

 

The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of These Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

1



 

BIO-REFERENCE LABORATORIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

[Dollars In Thousands Except Per Share Data]

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

January 31,

 

October 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts Payable

 

$

13,454

 

$

14,346

 

Accrued Salaries and Commissions Payable

 

3,910

 

3,352

 

Accrued Taxes and Expenses

 

2,843

 

1,028

 

Current Maturities of Long-Term Debt

 

743

 

1,061

 

Capital Lease Obligations - Short-Term Portion

 

2,038

 

2,049

 

Revolving Note Payable - Bank

 

13,159

 

10,888

 

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

36,147

 

32,724

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Capital Lease Obligations—Long-Term Portion

 

3,473

 

3,956

 

Deferred Tax Liabilities

 

90

 

978

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

 

3,563

 

4,934

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred Stock $.10 Par Value;

 

 

 

 

 

Authorized 1,059,589 shares,

 

 

 

 

 

None Issued

 

 

 

Series A Senior Preferred Stock, $.10 Par Value;

 

 

 

 

 

Authorized Issued and Outstanding; None

 

 

 

Series A - Junior Participating Preferred Stock,

 

 

 

 

 

$.10 Par Value, Authorized 3,000 Shares; None Issued

 

 

 

Common Stock, $.01 Par Value;
Authorized 35,000,000 shares: Issued and Outstanding 12,999,367 and 12,981,367 at January 31, 2006 and at October 31, 2005, respectively

 

130

 

130

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional Paid-In Capital

 

32,457

 

32,348

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retained Earnings

 

19,604

 

18,452

 

Totals

 

52,191

 

50,930

 

Deferred Compensation

 

(185

)

(215

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

52,006

 

50,715

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND

 

 

 

 

 

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

$

92,729

 

$

88,373

 

 

 

The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of These Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

2



 

BIO-REFERENCE LABORATORIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

[Dollars In Thousands Except Per Share Data]

 

[UNAUDITED]

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

 

 

January 31,

 

 

 

2 0 0 6

 

2 0 0 5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET REVENUES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

42,918

 

$

36,835

 

COST OF SERVICES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

804

 

681

 

Employee Related Expenses

 

10,893

 

8,938

 

Reagents and Laboratory Supplies

 

6,135

 

5,524

 

Other Cost of Services

 

4,752

 

4,248

 

TOTAL COST OF SERVICES

 

22,584

 

19,391

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GROSS PROFIT

 

20,334

 

17,444

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

355

 

287

 

General and Administrative Expenses

 

12,078

 

10,920

 

Provision for Doubtful Accounts

 

5,904

 

4,583

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL GENERAL AND ADMIN. EXPENSES

 

18,337

 

15,790

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS

 

1,997

 

1,654

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest Expense

 

272

 

253

 

Interest Income

 

(30

)

(19

)

TOTAL OTHER EXPENSES - NET

 

242

 

234

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME BEFORE TAX

 

1,755

 

1,420

 

Provision for Income Taxes

 

602

 

495

 

NET INCOME

 

$

1,153

 

$

925

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE - BASIC:

 

$

.09

 

$

.07

 

WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES - BASIC:

 

12,992,367

 

12,666,689

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE - DILUTED:

 

$

.09

 

$

.07

 

WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES — DILUTED:

 

13,406,809

 

13,345,183

 

 

 

The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of These Consolidated Financial Statements

 

3



 

BIO-REFERENCE LABORATORIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

[Dollars In Thousands Except Per Share Data]

 

[UNAUDITED]

 

 

 

Three months ended

 

 

 

January 31,

 

 

 

2 0 0 6

 

2 0 0 5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income

 

$

1,153

 

$

925

 

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Provided by (used by) Operating Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred Compensation

 

30

 

42

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

1,159

 

968

 

Provision for Bad Debts

 

5,904

 

4,583

 

Deferred Income Tax

 

(168

)

(303

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in Assets and Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

(Increase) Decrease in:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts Receivable

 

(9,198

)

(7,565

)

Inventory

 

(190

)

(118

)

Other Current Assets

 

(132

)

39

 

Other Assets

 

(12

)

(28

)

Increase (Decrease) in:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

 

1,481

 

225

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET CASH - OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

27

 

(1,232

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisition of Equipment and

 

 

 

 

 

Leasehold Improvements

 

(555

)

(612

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Payments of Long-Term Debt

 

(318

)

(318

)

Payments of Capital Lease Obligations

 

(493

)

(383

)

Increase in Revolving Line of Credit - Net

 

2,271

 

3,181

 

Proceeds from Exercise of Options

 

108

 

68

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET CASH - FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

1,568

 

2,548

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

1,040

 

704

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIODS

 

4,303

 

6,681

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIODS

 

$

5,343

 

$

7,385

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid during the period for:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

$

224

 

$

267

 

Income Taxes

 

$

159

 

$

682

 

 

 

The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of These Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

4



 

SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

[Dollars In Thousands Except Per Share Data]

 

 

                During the three month periods ended January 31, 2006 and January 31, 2005 the Company entered into capital leases totaling $26 and $723, respectively.

 

The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of These Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

5



 

BIO-REFERENCE LABORATORIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

[Dollars In Thousands Except Per Share Data, Or Unless Otherwise Noted]

(UNAUDITED)

 

[1] In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments [consisting only of normal adjustments and recurring accruals] which are necessary to present a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented and do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements.

 

[2] The results of operations for the three months ended January 31, 2006 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year.

 

[3] The consolidated financial statements and notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes for the year ended October 31, 2005 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

[4] The significant accounting policies followed by the Company are set forth in Note 2 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements in the October 31, 2005 Form 10-K.

 

[5] Service revenues are principally generated from clinical laboratory testing services including chemical diagnostic tests such as blood and urine analysis, among others.  Service revenues are recognized at the time the testing services are performed and are reported at the estimated net realizable amounts from patients, third-party payors and others for services rendered including prospectively determined adjustments under reimbursement agreements with third-party payors.  These adjustments are accrued on an estimated basis in the period the related services are rendered and adjusted in future periods as final settlements are determined. Revenues on the statements of operations are net of the following amounts for allowances and discounts.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

January 31,

 

 

 

[Unaudited]

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

Medicare/Medicaid

 

$

28,909

 

$

25,575

 

Other

 

43,411

 

31,492

 

 

 

$

72,320

 

$

57,067

 

 

 

A number of proposals for legislation or regulation continue to be under discussion which could have the effect of substantially reducing Medicare reimbursements for clinical laboratories.  Depending upon the nature of regulatory action, if any, which is taken and the content of legislation, if any, which is adopted, the Company could experience a significant decrease in revenues from Medicare and Medicaid, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company.  The Company is unable to predict, however, the extent to which such actions will be taken.

 

[6] An allowance for contractual credits and uncollectible accounts is determined based upon a review of the reimbursement policies and subsequent collections for the different types of payors. Account Receivables on the balance sheets are net of the following amounts for contractual credits and doubtful accounts.

 

 

 

January 31, 2006

 

October 31, 2005

 

 

 

[Unaudited]

 

 

 

Contractual Credits/Discounts

 

$

40,740

 

$

40,945

 

Doubtful Accounts

 

8,607

 

7,975

 

 

 

$

49,347

 

$

48,920

 

 

 

 

6



 

[7] In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections—a replacement of APB Opinion No. 20 and FASB Statement No. 3.”  This Statement applies to all voluntary changes in accounting principle. It also applies to changes required by an accounting pronouncement, in the unusual instance that the pronouncement does not include specific transition provisions. When a pronouncement includes specific transition provisions, those provisions should be followed.  The Company will be required to adopt SFAS No. 154 as of as of November 1, 2006.  The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In June 2005, the EITF reached consensus on Issue No. 05-6, Determining the Amortization Period for Leasehold Improvements (“EITF 05-6”). EITF 05-6 provides guidance on determining the amortization period for leasehold improvements acquired in a business combination or acquired subsequent to lease inception. The guidance in EITF 05-6 will be applied prospectively and is effective for periods beginning after June 29, 2005. EITF 05-6 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

[8] Effective November 1, 2005, the Company adopted the fair value method of recording stock-based compensation, as defined in SFAS No. 123(R) “Stock-Based Payments” for stock options awarded to employees after the date of adoption and for previously issued stock options that were not vested as of November 1, 2005 which were issued under the Company’s three stock based employee compensation plans. Under SFAS No. 123R, the Company is required to recognize compensation expense for options granted after November 1, 2005 and thereafter.

 

Prior to November 1, 2005, the Company applied Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) No. 25 “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” and related interpretations in accounting for stock options and other stock-based compensation. APB No. 25 required the use of the intrinsic value method, which measured compensation cost as the excess, if any, of the quoted market price of the stock at the measurement date over the amount an employee must pay to acquire the stock. The Company made disclosures of pro forma net earnings as if the fair-value-based method of accounting had been applied as required by SFAS No. 123, and as amended by SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation — Transition and Disclosure.”

 

In accordance with APB No. 25, no stock-based compensation cost had been recognized during the three month period ended January 31, 2005. Had compensation cost been determined based on the estimated fair value at grant date consistent with the methodology prescribed in SFAS No. 123, net income for the three month period ended January 31, 2005 would have been as follows.

 

 

7



 

 

 

Three Months Ended
January 31, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income

 

 

 

As Reported

 

$

925

 

Deduct: Stock Based Employee
Compensation expense determined

 

 

 

Under the fair value based method-Net of Tax

 

(489

)

 

 

 

 

Pro-Forma Net Income

 

$

436

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic Earnings Per Share: 

 

 

 

As Reported

 

$

.07

 

Pro-Forma

 

$

.03

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted Earnings per Share:

 

 

 

As Reported

 

$

.07

 

Pro-Forma

 

$

.03

 

 

[9]  The following disclosures present certain information on the Company’s intangible assets as of January 31, 2006 (Unaudited) and October 31, 2005.  All intangible assets are being amortized over their estimated useful lives, as indicated below, with no estimated residual value.

 

Intangible Assets At
January 31, 2006

 

Weighted-Average
Amortization
Period

 

Gross
Carrying
Amount

 

Accumulated
Amortization

 

Net
Balance

 

[Unaudited]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Software Costs

 

5 years

 

$

1,536

 

$

1,311

 

$

225

 

Customer Lists

 

20 years

 

2,456

 

975

 

1,481

 

Covenants not-to-Compete

 

5 years

 

405

 

23

 

382

 

Employment Agreements

 

7 years

 

825

 

793

 

32

 

Costs Related to Acquisitions

 

19 years

 

1,123

 

378

 

745

 

Patent

 

17 Years

 

156

 

85

 

71

 

Totals

 

 

 

$

6,501

 

$

3,656

 

$

2,936

 

 

8



 

Intangible Assets

At October 31, 2005

 

Weighted-Average
Amortization
Period

 

Gross
Carrying
Amount

 

Accumulated
Amortization

 

Net
Balance

 

[Audited]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Software Costs

 

5 years

 

$

1,535

 

$

1,249

 

$

286

 

Customer Lists

 

20 years

 

2,456

 

946

 

1,510

 

Covenants not-to-Compete

 

5 years

 

405

 

3

 

402

 

Employment Agreements

 

7 years

 

825

 

780

 

45

 

Costs Related to Acquisitions

 

19 years

 

1,111

 

348

 

763

 

Patent

 

17 Years

 

156

 

83

 

73

 

Totals

 

 

 

$

6,488

 

$

3,409

 

$

3,079

 

 

The aggregate intangible amortization expense for the three months ended January 31, 2006 and 2005 was $155 and $154, respectively. The estimated intangible asset amortization expense for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2006 and for the four subsequent years is as follows:

Fiscal Year
Ended
October 31,

 

Estimated
Amortization
Expense

 

2006

 

$

344

 

2007

 

300

 

2008

 

291

 

2009

 

271

 

2010

 

250

 

Thereafter

 

1,623

 

 

Total

$

3,079

 

 

[10]  In October 2004, the Company entered into an amended revolving note payable loan agreement with a bank.  The maximum amount of the credit line available to the Company is the lesser of (i) $30,000 or (ii) 50% of the Company’s qualified accounts receivable [as defined in the agreement]. The amended loan agreement provides for an “acquisition subline” of up to $10,000 which can be repaid in 36 equal monthly installments. The amendment to the Loan and Security Agreement provides for interest on advances to be subject to the bank’s prime rate or Eurodollar rate of interest plus, in certain instances, an additional interest percentage.  The additional interest percentage charges on Eurodollar borrowings range from 1% to 4% and are determined based upon certain financial ratios achieved by the Company.  At January 31, 2006, the Company had elected to have $10,000 of the total advances outstanding converted into a Eurodollar rate loan with a variable interest rate of 5.09% at January 31, 2006.  The remaining outstanding advances during that period were subject to the bank’s prime rate of interest.  At January 31, 2006, advances of $3,159 were subject to interest at the prime rate (7.25%).  The credit line is collateralized by substantially all of the Company’s assets. The line of credit is available through October 2007 and may be extended for annual periods by mutual consent, thereafter.  The terms of this agreement contain, among other provisions, requirements for maintaining defined levels of capital expenditures, fixed charge coverage, and the prohibition of the payment by the Company of cash dividends. As of January 31, 2006, the Company utilized $15,705 (including $2,546 utilized under the “acquisition subline”) and had $14,295 of available unused credit under this revolving note payable loan agreement.

 

9



 

[11] The provision for income taxes for the three months ended January 31, 2006, consists of a current tax provision of $770 and a deferred tax benefit of $168. At January 31, 2006, the Company had a current deferred tax asset of $2,886 included in other current assets and a long-term deferred tax liability of $90 incurred in other long-term liabilities.

Item 2.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

COMPARISON OF FIRST QUARTER 2006 VS FIRST QUARTER 2005

[In Thousands Except Per Share Data, Or Unless Otherwise Noted]

 

OVERVIEW

 

We are a clinical laboratory located in northeastern New Jersey. Our regional footprint lies within the New York City metropolitan area and the surrounding areas of New Jersey and southern New York State as well as eastern Pennsylvania and some areas of western Connecticut; under certain circumstances, we provide services further into New York State, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland. As a regional provider, we are a full-service laboratory that primarily services physician office practices; our drivers pick up samples and deliver reports and supplies, we provide sophisticated technical support, phlebotomy services or patient service centers where appropriate, and electronic communication services in many cases. We have also developed a national reputation for our expertise in certain focused areas of clinical testing. GenPath, our cancer and oncology laboratory, is one of the premier hematopathology laboratories in the country. Physicians outside of our regional footprint send samples to our laboratory in order to take advantage of the expertise that we are able to provide in blood-based cancer pathology and associated diagnostics. Our correctional healthcare services are used throughout the country at prisons and jails. The focused markets we serve on a national basis outside of our regional footprint do not require many of the logistical and other ancillary support services required within the region. Even within our regional footprint, we provide the same services that we provide on a national basis as well as some regional focused diagnostic services, such as histology and pathology support services, substance abuse testing, fertility testing, hemostasis testing, women’s health testing, and molecular diagnostics that are unavailable from many of the smaller regional competitors.

 

Over the last few years, there have been fundamental changes in the laboratory services industry. In the 1990s, the industry was negatively impacted by the growth of managed care, increased government regulation, and investigations into fraud and abuse. These factors led to revenue and profit declines and industry consolidations, especially among commercial laboratories. There are currently only three publicly-traded companies, principally engaged in the operation of commercial clinical testing laboratories in the United States; namely the two national mega-laboratories and BioReference Laboratories. However, there are numerous hospital outreach programs and smaller privately owned reference laboratories that compete for the commercial clinical laboratory business scattered throughout the country, as well as two pharmaceutical companies operating commercial laboratories as a small portion of their business. Clinical laboratories have had to improve efficiency, leverage economies of scale, comply with government regulations and other laws and develop more profitable approaches to pricing. Moreover, there has been a proliferation of technology advancements in clinical diagnostics over the last decade that has created significant opportunities for new testing and growth.

 

As a full service clinical laboratory, we are constantly looking for new technologies and new methodologies that will help us to grow. Since the turn of the century, our size alone has made us attractive to companies that are driving the advances in technology. We represent a significant opportunity for these companies to market their products in one of the major population centers of the world—the New York Metropolitan area. We have had several successful strategic relationships

 

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with such technology opportunities. In addition to new technology opportunities, we have an extremely seasoned and talented management staff that has been able to identify emerging laboratory markets that are under-served or under-utilized. We are currently developing programs for histology and women’s health to go along with our existing hemostasis, hematopathology and correctional healthcare initiatives which have already been established and in which we have been increasing our market share for the past several years. We will continue to vigilantly seek focused diagnostic marketing opportunities where we can provide information, technology, service and support that expand and grow our clinical laboratory.

 

While we recognize that we are a clinical laboratory that processes samples, we also understand that we are an information company that needs to effectively communicate the results of our efforts back to healthcare providers. Laboratory results play a major role in the implementation of physician healthcare. Laboratory results are used to diagnose, monitor and classify health concerns. In many cases, laboratory results represent the confirming data in diagnosing complicated health issues. Since laboratory results play such an important role in routine physician care, we have developed informatics solutions that leverage our role in healthcare. We needed to build a web-based solution to quickly, accurately, conveniently and competitively collect ordering information and deliver results, so we built an internal solution that we call CareEvolve. That solution has been so essential to our own operations that we license the technology to other laboratories throughout the country so they may more effectively compete against the national laboratories. These other laboratories licensing our technology are not out competitors since they are outside our regional footprint. In 2001, we entered into a strategic marketing agreement with Roche Diagnostics to co-market CareEvolve to laboratories throughout the country. Thanks to the relationship with Roche, CareEvolve received funding during its early years and built a solid infrastructure for growth and marketing. However, over the subsequent years, it became apparent that the relationship had served its purpose and it was terminated by mutual consent. We own all right, title and interest to CareEvolve and the informatics solution that has been built. We use it for our own customers and to help other smaller labs effectively compete against our common competition.

 

We have also created our PSIMedica business unit which has developed a Clinical Knowledge Management (CKM) System that takes data from enrollment, claims, pharmacy, laboratory results and any other available electronic source to provide both administrative and clinical analysis of a population. The system uses proprietary algorithms to cleanse and configure the data and transfer the resulting information into a healthcare data repository. Using advanced cube technology methodologies, the data can be analyzed from a myriad of views and from highly granular transactional detail to global trended overview. Events such as the Katrina disaster in Louisiana this past summer and general pressures from the government have made development of an electronic medical record system and Pay-for Performance reimbursement priority goals in the healthcare industry. A large portion of an individual’s medical record consists of laboratory data and a key performance indicator in any Pay-for-Performance initiative is laboratory result data. Our CKM system is a mature, full functioning solution that will allow us to play a role in these important national initiatives.

 

To date, neither our PSIMedica business unit nor CareEvolve has produced significant revenues.

 

NET REVENUES:

 

We had net revenues for the three month period ended January 31, 2006 of $42,918 as compared to $36,835 for the three month period ended January 31, 2005. This represents a 17% increase in net revenues. This increase is due primarily to a 13% increase in the number of patients serviced and a 4% increase in net revenue per patient.

 

The number of patients serviced during the quarter ended January 31, 2006 was approximately 730 thousand which was 13% greater when compared to the prior fiscal year’s quarter ended January 31, 2005. Net revenue per patient for the quarter ended January 31, 2006 was $58.26 compared to net revenue per patient for the quarter ended January 31, 2005 of $56.06, an increase of 4%. Esoteric testing continues to be the principal

 

 

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driver in the increase in net revenue per patient.

 

COST OF SERVICES:

 

Cost of Services increased from $19,391 for the three month period ended January 31, 2005 to $22,584 for the three month period ended January 31, 2006, an increase of $3,193 or 16%. This increase has remained consistent in relation to the 17% increase in net revenues. However, employee related expenses increased by $1,955 (22%). This increase was primarily attributable to  the acquisition made on October 28, 2005.

 

GROSS PROFITS:

 

Gross profit on net revenues increased 17% to $20,334 for the three month period ended January 31, 2006 compared to $17,744 for the same period ended January 31, 2005. Gross Profit margins remained at 47% for both comparable periods.

 

GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES:

 

General and administrative expenses for the three month period ended January 31, 2006 were $18,337 compared to $15,790 for the three month period ended January 31, 2005. This represents an increase of $2,547 (16% ) which is in line with the increase in net revenues.

 

INTEREST EXPENSE:

 

Interest expense increased from $253 for the three month period ended January 31, 2005 to $272 for the three month period ended January 31, 2006, an increase of $19 (8%). This increase is due to an increase in the interest rates on the PNC Bank line of credit utilized by the Company.  Management believes that this trend will continue in the future due to the continued use of our revolving line of credit to fund our expansion and growth and the expectation that interest rates will continue to increase during our current fiscal year.

 

INCOME:

 

We realized net income of $1,153 for the three month period ended January 31, 2006 as compared to $925 for the three month period ended January 31, 2005, an increase of 25%.

 

Pre-tax income for the period ended January 31, 2006 was $1,755 as compared to $1,420 for the period ended October 31, 2005, an increase of $335 (24%). The provision for income taxes decreased from $495 (35%) for the period ended January 31, 2005, to $602 (34%) for the current three month period.

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES  [In Thousands]:

 

For the Quarter Ended January 31, 2006

 

Our working capital at January 31, 2006 was $30,976 as compared to $30,515 at October 31, 2005 an increase of $461. Our cash position increased by $1,040 during the current period. We borrowed $2,271 in short term debt and repaid $811 in existing debt. We had current liabilities of $36,147 at January 31, 2006. We generated $27 in cash from operations, compared to a utilization of cash of $1,232 from operations for the quarter ended January 31, 2005, an overall increase of $1,259 in cash generated from operations year over year.

 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, totaled $56,407 at January 31, 2006, an increase of $3,294 from October 31, 2005 or 6%. This increase was primarily attributable to increased revenue.  Cash collected during the three month period ended January 31, 2006 increased 14% over the comparable three month period.

 

Credit risk with respect to accounts receivable is generally diversified due to the large number of patients comprising our client base.  We have significant receivable balances with government payors and various insurance carriers.  Generally, we do not require collateral or other security to support customer receivables.

 

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However, we continually monitor and evaluate our client acceptance and collection procedures to minimize potential credit risks associated with our accounts receivable and establish an allowance for uncollectible accounts. As a consequence, we believe that our accounts receivable credit risk exposure beyond such allowance is not material to the financial statements.

 

A number of proposals for legislation continue to be under discussion which could substantially reduce Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements to clinical laboratories.  Depending upon the nature of regulatory action, and the content of legislation, we could experience a significant decrease in revenues from Medicare and Medicaid, which could have a material adverse effect on us. We are unable to predict, however, the extent to which such actions will be taken.

 

Billing for laboratory services is complicated and we must bill various payors, such as the individual, the insurance company, the government (federal or state), the private company or the health clinic. Other factors that may complicate billing include:

 

                  Differences between fee schedules and reimbursement rates.

                  Incomplete or inaccurate billing information as provided by the physician.

                  Disparity in coverage and information requirements.

                  Disputes with payors.

                  Internal and external compliance policies and procedures.

 

Significant costs are incurred as a result of our participation in government programs since billing and reimbursement for laboratory tests are subject to complex regulations. We perform the requested tests and report the results whether the information is correct or not or even missing. This adds to the complexity and slows the collection process and increases the aging of our accounts receivable (“A/R”). When patient invoices are not collected in a timely manner the item is written off to the allowance. Days Sales Outstanding (“DSO”) for the period ended January 31, 2006, rose to 120 days, an increase of 9 days, or 8%, from the 111 days that we reported at the end of fiscal year 2005. We believe that this increase is due to several factors. (1) Historically, first quarters for our Company are problematic for several reasons, including the fact that most insurance companies re-start the deductibles on January 1, requiring significant collection directly from the patient, along with generally slower payment throughout the holiday season of the year. (for example: DSOs for year end FY 2001 were 103 and Q1FY02 were 111, an increase of 8 days (8%); FY2002 were 100 and Q1FY03 were 105, an increase of 5 days (5%); FY2003 were 101 and Q1FY04 were 109, an increase of 8 days (8%). (2) There was a delay in getting reimbursement from a portion of the Medicare payments because Congress did not pass the Reconciliation Bill of 2005 until February 2006, resulting in an ongoing delay in getting paid for a portion of the Medicare payments effected by a temporary reduction in the physician fee schedule. Medicare expects the delay in payments to be caught up by July 2006. (3) HIPAA took full effect in April 2004 and, on an increasing basis, this has resulted in commercial payers implementing systems that require more information than they had previously required without warning or advice to providers such as our Company. Claims previously paid are now being rejected or delayed on the basis of new rules that are not being disclosed to providers. We are currently addressing this issue with software solutions that we expect will stabilize or improve this issue. The pathology laboratory that we acquired on October 28, 2005, has been unable to get paid by Medicare because of regulatory red-tape necessitated by the change in ownership. This matter is temporary in nature and is currently before the local Medicare contractor for resolution.

 

In October 2004, the Company entered into an amended revolving note payable loan agreement with a bank.  The maximum amount of the credit line available to the Company is the lesser of (i) $30,000 or (ii) 50% of the Company’s qualified accounts receivable [as defined in the agreement]. The amended loan agreement provides for an “acquisition subline” of up to $10,000 which can be repaid in 36 equal monthly installments. The amendment to the Loan and Security Agreement provides for interest on advances to be subject to the bank’s prime rate or Eurodollar rate of interest plus, in certain instances, an additional interest percentage.  The additional interest percentage charges on Eurodollar borrowings range from 1% to 4% and are determined based upon certain financial ratios achieved by the Company.  At January 31, 2006, the Company had elected to have $10,000 of the total advances outstanding converted into a Eurodollar rate loan with a variable interest rate of 5.09% at January 31, 2006.  The remaining outstanding advances during that period were subject to the bank’s prime rate of interest.  At January 31, 2006, advances of $3,159 were subject to interest at the prime rate (7.25%).  The credit line is collateralized by substantially all of the Company’s

 

 

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assets. The line of credit is available through October 2007 and may be extended for annual periods by mutual consent, thereafter.  The terms of this agreement contain, among other provisions, requirements for maintaining defined levels of capital expenditures, fixed charge coverage, and the prohibition of the payment by the Company of cash dividends. As of January 31, 2006, the Company utilized $15,705 (including $2,546 utilized under the “acquisition subline”) and had $14,295 of available unused credit under this revolving note payable loan agreement.

 

We intend to expand our laboratory operations through aggressive marketing while also diversifying into related medical fields through acquisitions.  These acquisitions may involve cash, notes, common stock, and/or combinations thereof.

 

Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

 

 

 

Over the Next

 

 

 

 

 

Five Years

 

FY2006

 

Long - Term Debt

 

$

1,061

 

$

1,061

 

Capital Leases

 

6,823

 

2,504

 

Operating Leases

 

4,441

 

1,323

 

Purchase Obligations

 

18,211

 

7,594

 

Employment/Consultant Contracts

 

8,016

 

2,411

 

Total

 

$

38,552

 

$

14,893

 

 

Our cash balance at January 31, 2006 totaled $5,343 as compared to $4,303 at October 31, 2005.  We believe that our cash position, the anticipated cash generated from future operations,  and the  availability of our credit line with PNC Bank, will meet our anticipated cash needs in fiscal 2006.

 

Impact of Inflation - To date, inflation has not had a material effect on our operations.

 

New Authoritative Pronouncements

 

Effective November 1, 2005, the Company adopted the fair value method of recording stock-based compensation, as defined in SFAS No. 123(R), “Stock-Based Payments” for stock options awarded to employees after the date of Adoption and for previously issued stock options that were not vested as of November 1, 2005 which were issued under the Company’s three stock based employee compensation plans. Under SFAS No. 123R, the Company is required to recognize compensation expense for options granted after November 1, 2005 and thereafter.

 

Prior to November 1, 2005, the Company applied Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” and related interpretations in accounting for stock options and other stock-based compensation. APB No. 25 required the use of the intrinsic value method, which measured compensation cost as the excess, if any, of the quoted market price of the stock at the measurement date over the amount an employee must pay to acquire the stock. The Company made disclosures of pro forma net earnings as if the fair-value-based method of accounting had been applied a required by SFAS No. 123, and as amended by SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation — Transition and Disclosure.”

 

In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections—a replacement of APB Opinion No. 20 and FASB Statement No. 3.”  This Statement applies to all voluntary changes in accounting principle. It also applies to changes required by an accounting pronouncement, in the unusual instance that the pronouncement does not include specific transition provisions. When a pronouncement includes specific transition provisions, those provisions should be followed.  The Company will be required to adopt SFAS No. 154 as of as of November 1, 2006.  The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

 

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In June 2005, the EITF reached consensus on Issue No. 05-6, Determining the Amortization Period for Leasehold Improvements (“EITF 05-6”). EITF 05-6 provides guidance on determining the amortization period for leasehold improvements acquired in a business combination or acquired subsequent to lease inception. The guidance in EITF 05-6 will be applied prospectively and is effective for periods beginning after June 29, 2005. EITF 05-6 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates 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 reported periods.

 

Accounting for Goodwill

 

We evaluate the recoverability and measure the possible impairment of goodwill under SFAS 142, The impairment test is a two-step process that begins with the estimation of the fair value of the reporting unit. The first step screens for potential impairment and the second step measures the amount of the impairment, if any.  Management’s estimate of fair value considers publicly available information regarding our market capitalization as well as (i) publicly available information regarding comparable publicly-traded companies in the clinical laboratory testing industry, (ii) the financial projections and future prospects of our business, including its growth opportunities and likely operational improvements, and (iii) comparable sales prices, if available. As part of the first step to assess potential impairment, management compares the estimate of fair value to book value of the Company’s consolidated net assets.  If the book value of the consolidated net assets is greater than the estimate of fair value, we then proceed to the second step to measure the impairment, if any.  The second step compares the implied fair value of goodwill with its carrying value

 

The implied fair value is determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of that unit as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination and the fair value of the reporting unit was the purchase price paid to acquire the reporting unit.  The excess of the fair value of the reporting unit over the amounts assigned to its assets and liabilities is the implied fair value of goodwill.  If the carrying amount of the goodwill is greater than its implied fair value, an impairment loss will be recognized in that period.

 

Accounting for Intangible and Other Long-Lived Assets

 

We evaluate the possible impairment of our long-lived assets, including intangible assets. We review the recoverability of our long-lived assets when events or changes in circumstances occur that indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable.  Evaluation of possible impairment is based on our ability to recover the asset from the expected future pretax cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) of the related operations. If the expected undiscounted pretax cash flows are less than the carrying amount of such asset, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference between the estimated fair value and carrying amount of the asset.

 

Accounting for Revenue

 

                Service revenues are principally generated from clinical laboratory testing services such as routine and esoteric testing.  Net service revenues are recognized at the time the testing services are performed and are reported at the estimated net realizable amounts from patients, third-party payors and others for services rendered including prospectively determined adjustments under reimbursement agreements with third-party payors.  These adjustments are accrued on an estimated basis in the period the related services are rendered and adjusted in future periods as final settlements are determined.  The Company has a subsidiary that provides non-clinical laboratory services.  Revenues generated from these services are not material for each of

 

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the years presented.

 

Accounting for Contractual Credits and Doubtful Accounts

 

An allowance for contractual credits is determined based upon a review of the reimbursement policies and subsequent collections for the different types of payors (such as the decrease in flow cytometry reimbursement rates from CMS (Medicare/Medicaid) starting January 1, 2005). Agings of accounts receivable are monitored by billing personnel and follow-up activities are conducted as necessary. Bad debt expense is recorded within selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales considered necessary to maintain the allowance for doubtful accounts at an appropriate level, based on our experience with our accounts receivable. We write off accounts against the allowance for doubtful accounts when they are deemed to be uncollectible. For client billing, accounts are written off when all reasonable collection efforts prove to be unsuccessful. Patient accounts are written off after the normal dunning cycle has occurred and the account has been transferred to a third party collection agency. Third party accounts are written off when they exceed the payer’s timely filing limits.

 

Accounting for Employment Benefit Plan

 

We sponsor the Bio-Reference Laboratories, Inc. 401(k) Profit-Sharing Plan [the “Plan”].  Our employees become eligible for participation after attaining the age of eighteen and completing one year of service.  Participants may elect to contribute up to ten percent of their compensation, as defined in the Plan Adoption Agreement, to a maximum allowed by the Internal Revenue Service.  We may choose to make a matching contribution to the plan for each participant who has elected to make tax-deferred contributions for the plan year, at a percentage determined each year by the Company.  For the plan year beginning January 1, 2005 we elected to make a matching contribution of 3% of salary not to exceed $500 per participant which amounted to $182,739.  For the plan years beginning January 1, 2004 and 2003, we elected to make a matching contribution of 3% of salary not to exceed $250 per participant which amounted to $78,000 and $71,000 respectively which were charged to operations.  Our contribution will be fully vested after the third year of service.

 

Accounting for Income Taxes

 

We account for income taxes utilizing the asset and liability method. Under this method deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized 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 for tax loss carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured 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. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Future tax benefits, such as net operating loss carryforwards, are recognized to the extent that realization of such benefits is more likely than not.

 

Forward Looking Statements

 

This Quarterly  Report on Form 10-Q contains historical information as well as forward-looking statements. Statements looking forward in time are included in this Quarterly Report pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results in future periods to be materially different from any future performance suggested herein.

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. While many aspects of our business are subject to complex federal, state and local regulations, the accounting for our business is generally straightforward.  Our revenues are primarily comprised of a high volume of relatively low dollar transactions, and about 42% of all our costs consist of employee compensation and benefits.  Revenues are recognized at the time the services are performed and are

 

 

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reported at the estimated net realizable amounts from patients, third-party payors and others for services rendered including prospectively determined adjustments under reimbursement agreements with third-party payors.  These adjustments are accrued on an estimated basis in the period the services are rendered and adjusted in future periods as final settlements are determined.  These estimates are reviewed and adjusted, if warranted, by senior management on a monthly basis.  We believe that our estimates and assumptions are correct; however, several factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors in addition to those discussed under the caption “Cautionary Statements” contained in Item 1 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2005, as well as elsewhere herein including:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

our failure to integrate newly acquired businesses (if any) and the cost related to such integration.

 

 

 

our failure to obtain and retain new customers and alliance partners, or a reduction in tests ordered or specimens submitted by existing customers.

 

 

 

adverse results from investigations of clinical laboratories by the government, which may include significant monetary damages and/or exclusion from the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

 

 

 

loss or suspension of a license or imposition of a fine or penalties under, or future changes in, the law or regulations of CLIA-88, or those of Medicare, Medicaid or other federal, state or local agencies.

 

 

 

changes in federal, state, local and third party payor regulations or policies (or in the Interpretation of current regulations) affecting governmental and third-party reimbursement for clinical laboratory testing (such as the decrease in Medicare reimbursement for Flow Cytometry testing which occurred in the first quarter of calendar year 2005).

 

 

 

failure to comply with the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements and the recently passed Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act.

 

 

 

failure to comply with HIPAA, which could result in significant fines as well as substantial criminal penalties.

 

 

 

changes in payor mix.

 

 

 

failure to maintain acceptable days sales outstanding levels.

 

 

 

increased competition, including price competition.

 

 

 

our ability to attract and retain experienced and qualified personnel.

 

 

 

adverse litigation results.

 

 

 

liabilities that result from our inability to comply with new corporate governance requirements.

 

 

 

failure to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

Item 3 - QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

We do not invest in or trade market risk sensitive instruments. We also do not have any foreign operations or significant foreign sales so that our exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risk is minimal.

 

We do have exposure to both rising and falling interest rates. At January 31, 2006, advances of approximately $3,159 under our Loan Agreement with PNC Bank were subject to interest charges at the Bank’s then prime rate of 7.25%. In addition, we elected to have the remaining $10,000 of advances outstanding at said date converted into a Eurodollar rate loan with a variable interest rate of 5.09%.

 

We estimate that our monthly cash interest expense at January 31, 2006 was approximately $91 and that a one percentage point increase or decrease in short-term rates would increase or decrease our monthly interest expense by approximately $11.

 

 

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Item 4 — CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

                An evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that those disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

 

Report of Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

                The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that i) pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

 

                Internal control over financial reporting cannot provide absolute assurance regarding the prevention or detection of misstatements because of inherent limitations. These inherent limitations are known by management and considered in the design of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting which reduce, though not eliminate this risk.

 

                Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria set forth in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (“COSO”) of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of January 31, 2006. Management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of January  31, 2006, has been reviewed  by Moore Stephens, P.C., an independent registered public accounting firm.

 

                There was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended January 31, 2006 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 6

 

EXHIBITS

 

31A

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer

31B

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer

32A

 

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 of Chief Executive Officer

32B

 

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 of Chief Financial Officer

 

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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.

 

 

BIO-REFERENCE LABORATORIES, INC.

 

(Registrant)

 

 

 

/S/ Marc D. Grodman, M.D.

 

Marc D. Grodman, M.D.

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

/S/ Sam Singer

 

Sam Singer

 

Chief Financial and Accounting Officer

 

 

 

 

Date:  March 10, 2006

 

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