AUTOSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES CORP - Quarter Report: 2009 September (Form 10-Q)

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




	FORM 10-Q


x	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

	For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2009

	OR


o	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

	For the transition period from ________________ to ________________


Commission file number: 0-26056

Image Sensing Systems, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Minnesota	41-1519168
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

500 Spruce Tree Centre 1600 University Avenue West St. Paul, MN	55104
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

(651) 603-7700
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

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 Web site, 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 the 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
	(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.


Class		Outstanding at November 3, 2009
Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share		3,985,819 shares

IMAGE SENSING SYSTEMS, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS


		Page No.

PART I.	FINANCIAL INFORMATION	1

Item 1.	Financial Statements (unaudited):	1

	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	1

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income	2

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	3

	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	4

Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	9

Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks	15

Item 4T.	Controls and Procedures	16

PART II.	OTHER INFORMATION	16

Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	16

Item 1A.	Risk Factors	16

Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	16

Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	16

Item 4.	Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders	16

Item 5.	Other Information	16

Item 6.	Exhibits	17

SIGNATURES		18

EXHIBIT INDEX		19

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION


Item 1.	Financial Statements (unaudited):

Image Sensing Systems, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
(in thousands)


	September 30, 2009			December 31, 2008
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	7,861		$	10,289
Short-term investments, net (restricted in 2008)		3,940			4,000
Accounts receivable, net		6,498			6,620
Inventories		2,862			1,608
Prepaid expenses		822			376
Deferred income taxes		325			376
Total current assets		22,308			23,269

Property and equipment, net		869			728

Deferred income taxes		1,575			1,575
Goodwill and intangible assets		9,989			10,536
Total assets	$	34,741		$	36,108

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	833		$	251
Bank debt, current portion		—			1,000
Accrued compensation		703			1,091
Accrued warranty and other		742			793
EIS earn-out payable		—			1,164
Income taxes payable		667			283
Total current liabilities		2,945			4,582

Bank debt, long-term		—			2,750
Income taxes payable		204			246

Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock		40			40
Additional paid-in capital		11,919			11,652
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(343	)		(147	)
Retained earnings		19,976			16,985
		31,592			28,530
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	34,741		$	36,108

See accompanying notes.

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Image Sensing Systems, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)


	Three-Month Periods Ended September 30,					Nine-Month Periods Ended September 30,
	2009		2008			2009		2008
Revenue:
International sales	$	1,755	$	1,420		$	4,096	$	4,221
North American sales		1,679		920			4,729		4,468
Royalties		3,389		3,742			9,068		10,007
		6,823		6,082			17,893		18,696

Costs of revenue:
International sales		578		397			1,298		1,638
North American sales		691		463			1,649		1,830
		1,269		860			2,947		3,468
Gross profit		5,554		5,222			14,946		15,228

Operating expenses:
Selling, marketing and product support		1,721		1,695			5,272		4,688
General and administrative		796		980			2,574		2,883
Research and development		868		701			2,541		2,167
Amortization of intangible assets		192		192			576		576
		3,577		3,568			10,963		10,314
Income from operations		1,977		1,654			3,983		4,914

Other income (expense), net		9		(6	)		18		58
Income before income taxes		1,986		1,648			4,001		4,972
Income taxes		426		486			1,010		1,539
Net income	$	1,560	$	1,162		$	2,991	$	3,433

Net income per common share:
Basic	$	0.39	$	0.29		$	0.75	$	0.87
Diluted	$	0.38	$	0.29		$	0.74	$	0.86

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic		3,986		3,942			3,985		3,933
Diluted		4,073		4,005			4,065		4,010

See accompanying notes.

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Image Sensing Systems, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
(in thousands)


	Nine-Month Periods Ended September 30,
	2009			2008
Operating activities:
Net income	$	2,991		$	3,433
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation and amortization		906			863
Stock option expense		266			246
Change in operating assets and liabilities		(1,217	)		(1,215	)
Net cash provided by operating activities		2,946			3,327

Investing activities:
Net purchases of property and equipment		(496	)		(239	)
Payment of EIS earn-out		(1,192	)		—
Net (purchases) sales of investments		60			(5,400	)
Net cash used in investing activities		(1,628	)		(5,639	)

Financing activities:
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		4			109
Repayment of bank debt		(3,750	)		(1,000	)
Cash released from restriction		—			5,263
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		(3,746	)		4,372

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(2,428	)		2,060

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		10,289			5,613
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	7,861		$	7,673

See accompanying notes.

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IMAGE SENSING SYSTEMS, INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
September 30, 2009

Note A: Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Image Sensing Systems, Inc. (the Company) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q. Accordingly, they 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. It is the opinion of management that the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments consisting of normal recurring accruals considered necessary for a fair presentation. Operating results for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2009. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.

We evaluated our quarter ended September 30, 2009 consolidated financial statements for subsequent events through November 12, 2009, the date the financial statements were available to be issued. We are not aware of any subsequent events which would require recognition or disclosure in the financial statements

Note B: Investments

Investments and marketable securities held at September 30, 2009 that do not qualify as cash equivalents have been designated as “available for sale” in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 320, Investment - Debt and Equity Securities. The estimated fair value of the investments held at September 30, 2009 was determined under ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, using level 1 measurements.

At December 31, 2008, we held $4.0 million (par value) of investments comprised of auction rate securities, or ARS, which were designated as “trading” under SFAS No. 115. The balance of investments at December 31, 2008, consisted of the combination of the fair value of ARS as determined under SFAS No. 157 and the fair value of the settlement rights that we received from the broker/dealer under a settlement agreement reached in November 2008. The settlement rights allowed us to put the ARS to the broker/dealer at par between the dates of January 2, 2009 and January 2, 2011. In January 2009, our ARS were purchased by the broker/dealer at par.

Note C: Acquisition

In 2007, we purchased certain assets of EIS Electronic Integrated Systems, Inc. (EIS), including its RTMS radar product line. As part of the purchase agreement, the sellers are eligible to receive an earn-out based on the performance of the EIS assets purchased for approximately the three years after the December 2007 purchase date. Earn-outs will be calculated and paid annually. Based on target achievement, the sellers would receive $2.0 million annually or a total of $6.0 million. Superior performance of the assets could lead to an earn-out in excess of $2 million, as the earn-out is not capped. Earn-out payments related to the EIS asset purchase will be recorded as additional goodwill when earned. In 2008, the sellers earned an earn-out of approximately $1.2 million, which was paid in 2009.

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EIS was named in a U.S. lawsuit in 2006 for infringement of a patent. This lawsuit was dismissed upon appeal in August 2009 and is no longer contested by the plaintiff. We incurred no expense over the life of the lawsuit as EIS was responsible for costs of defense.

Note D: Goodwill and intangible assets

Goodwill consists of $1.1 million related to our acquisition of Flow Traffic Ltd. and $5.0 million related to the EIS asset purchase, consisting of $3.8 million recorded at the purchase date and an additional $1.2 million recognized for earn-out consideration earned for 2008.

Intangible assets consisted of the following (dollars in thousands):


	September 30, 2009			December 31, 2008
Developed technology (8 year life)	$	3,900		$	3,900
Trade names (5 year life)		1,200			1,200
Other intangibles (5 year life)		200			200
Less: Accumulated amortization		(1,395	)		(819	)
Total identifiable intangible assets, net	$	3,905		$	4,481

We expect to continue to recognize amortization expense for the intangible assets in the above table of $768,000 in each of our years ending December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011 and of $749,000 in 2012. Goodwill and intangible assets related to the EIS asset purchase are deductible for tax purposes over 15 years.

We monitor on a quarterly basis our carrying value, the market capitalization of our stock and other variables to determine whether a triggering event has occurred that would require an interim impairment evaluation of our goodwill. We have concluded that no triggering events have occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2009.

Note E: Net Income Per Common Share and Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The following table sets forth the computations of basic and diluted net income per common share for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 (in thousands, except per share data):


	Three-Month Periods Ended September 30,				Nine-Month Periods Ended September 30,
	2009		2008		2009		2008
Numerator:
Net income	$	1,560	$	1,162	$	2,991	$	3,433
Denominator:
Shares used in basic net income per common share calculation		3,986		3,942		3,985		3,933
Effect of diluted securities:
Employee and director stock options		87		63		80		77
Shares used in diluted net income per common share calculations		4,073		4,005		4,065		4,010
Basic net income per common share	$	0.39	$	0.29	$	0.75	$	0.87
Diluted net income per common share	$	0.38	$	0.29	$	0.74	$	0.86

Our comprehensive income for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 was $1.5 million and $1.0 million, respectively, and for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 was $2.8 million and $3.1 million, respectively. In each period, the main difference between net income and comprehensive income arose from foreign currency translation adjustments.

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Note F: Stock-based Compensation

We recorded $266,000 and $246,000 of stock-based compensation in general and administrative expense for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Options to purchase -0- and 31,500 shares, at a weighted average exercise price of $-0- and $14.37, and options to purchase 68,000 and 62,500 shares, at a weighted average exercise price of $8.62 and $15.10, were granted during the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. In addition, in June 2009, under a shareholder approved plan, we exchanged options to purchase 168,500 shares with exercise prices ranging from $12.37 to $17.50 on a one-for-one basis for options at an exercise price of $9.22. As of September 30, 2009, $868,000 of total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock option awards is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.0 years.

We used the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the weighted average fair value of options during the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008.

The Company’s stock options generally vest over three to five years of service and have a contractual life of six to ten years. As of September 30, 2009, we had 107,500 shares available for grants under the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan.

The following table summarizes information about the stock options outstanding at September 30, 2009:


		Options Outstanding					Options Exercisable
Range of Exercise Price		Number Outstanding		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	Weighted Average Exercise Price		Number Exercisable		Weighted Average Exercise Price
$	1.30-1.99		58,500	2.7 years	$	1.34		58,500	$	1.34
	2.00-2.99		16,200	2.4 years		2.35		16,200		2.35
	3.00-3.99		38,933	3.0 years		3.15		38,933		3.15
	7.00-7.99		10,000	2.1 years		7.30		6,000		7.50
	8.00-8.99		48,000	7.1 years		8.63		—		—
	9.00-9.99		174,500	5.6 years		9.20		—		—
	12.00-12.99		49,000	5.4 years		12.46		19,750		12.52
	15.00-15.99		36,000	2.2 years		15.31		36,000		15.31
			431,133	4.6 years		8.10		175,383		6.17

Note G: Income Taxes

In the three month period ending September 30, 2009, our effective tax rate was substantially lower than other periods in 2009 and 2008 due to the recognition of $236,000 in foreign tax credits whose status was uncertain prior to the quarter.

Note H: Segment Information

We currently operate in two reportable segments: Autoscope and RTMS. Autoscope is our machine-vision product line, and revenue consists of royalties (all of which are received from Econolite Control Products, Inc.), as well as a portion of international sales. RTMS is our radar product line acquired in the EIS asset purchase in 2007, and revenue consists of all North American sales and a portion of international sales. All segment revenues are derived from external customers.

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The following table sets forth selected unaudited financial information for each of the Company’s reportable segments for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 (in thousands):


	Autoscope				RTMS					Total
	2009		2008		2009		2008			2009		2008
Revenue	$	4,374	$	4,893	$	2,449	$	1,189		$	6,823	$	6,082
Depreciation		90		67		34		31			124		98
Amortization of intangible assets		—		—		192		192			192		192
Income (loss) before income taxes		1,512		1,952		474		(304	)		1,986		1,648
Capital expenditures		72		46		84		5			156		51
Total assets	$	24,786	$	22,664	$	9,955	$	10,461		$	34,741	$	33,125

The following table sets forth selected unaudited financial information for each of the Company’s reportable segments for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 (in thousands):

	Autoscope				RTMS					Total
	2009		2008		2009		2008			2009		2008
Revenue	$	11,784	$	13,293	$	6,109	$	5,403		$	17,893	$	18,696
Depreciation		237		200		93		87			330		287
Amortization of intangible assets		—		—		576		576			576		576
Income before income taxes		3,066		4,572		935		400			4,001		4,972
Capital expenditures		357		186		139		53			496		239
Total assets	$	24,786	$	22,664	$	9,955	$	10,461		$	34,741	$	33,125

Note I: Derivative Instruments

We have purchased foreign currency forward contracts with our bank to reduce the exposure and volatility arising from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates as it relates to payroll and inventory purchases in certain foreign locations. These contracts have been designated as effective cash flow hedges. At September 30, 2009, we had future commitments through December 2009 to purchase $600,000 of British pounds at rates approximating 1.66.

The fair value of the Company’s derivative instruments is estimated in accordance with the framework for measuring fair value contained in ASC 820, and it is recorded as either an asset or liability in the balance sheet based on changes in the current spot rate as compared to the exchange rates specified in the contracts. For these instruments, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of other comprehensive income and is reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Gains and losses on the derivative representing either hedge ineffectiveness or hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in current earnings. The fair value measurement of the Company’s derivative instruments is estimated using Level 2 inputs which, as defined in ASC 820, are inputs other than quoted prices that are directly or indirectly observable for the asset or liability. We did not record any unrealized gain or losses on our derivative instruments as of September 30, 2009, as the unrealized loss was immaterial.

Note J: New Accounting Pronouncements

Effective September 15, 2009, we adopted ASC 105-10 making the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ASC the single source of authoritative nongovernmental U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. All other accounting literature not included in the ASC is non-authoritative. The Codification did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

In December 2007, the FASB issued ASC 805, Business Combinations. ASC 805 will significantly change the accounting for business combinations. Under ASC 805, an acquiring entity will be required to recognize all the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a transaction at the acquisition-date fair value with limited exceptions. ASC 805 will change the accounting treatment for certain specific items. ASC 805 also includes a substantial number of new disclosure requirements. ASC 805 applies to us prospectively for business combinations beginning in 2009, and this adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

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In December 2007, the FASB issued ASC 810, Consolidation. ASC 810 establishes new accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. ASC 810 also includes expanded disclosure requirements regarding the interests of the parent and its noncontrolling interest. ASC 810 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The adoption of ASC 810 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2009, the FASB issued ASC 855, Subsequent Events, to incorporate the accounting and disclosure requirements for subsequent events into GAAP. ASC 855 introduces new terminology, defines a date through which management must evaluate subsequent events, and lists the circumstances under which an entity must recognize and disclose events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date. It is effective prospectively for interim or annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009. We adopted ASC 855 as of the required effective date and have applied its provisions. The adoption of ASC 855 did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2009, the FASB amended ASC 810, Consolidation, to improve how enterprises disclose their involvement with variable interest entities (VIE), which are special-purpose entities, and other entities whose equity at risk is insufficient or lack certain characteristics. Among other things ASC 810 changes how an entity determines whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE and whether that VIE should be consolidated. ASC 810 requires an entity to provide significantly more disclosures about its involvement with a VIE. Companies must comprehensively review involvements with potential VIEs, including those previously considered to be qualifying special-purpose entities, to determine the effect on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. It is effective prospectively for interim or annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009. We do not believe that the adoption of this portion of ASC 810 will have a significant effect on our consolidated financial statements.

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Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Overview

General. We provide software based computer enabled detection, or CED, products and solutions that use advanced signal processing software algorithms to detect and monitor objects in a designated field of view. Our technology analyzes the signal from a sophisticated sensor and passes the information along to management systems, controllers or directly to users. Our core products, the Autoscope® Video Vehicle Detection System and the RTMS® Radar Detection System, operate using our proprietary software in conjunction with video cameras or radar and commonly available electronic components. Each of these systems is used by traffic managers primarily to improve the flow of vehicle traffic and to enhance safety at intersections, main thoroughfares, freeways and tunnels.

Autoscope systems are sold to distributors and end users of traffic management products in North America, the Caribbean and Latin America by Econolite Control Products, Inc., or Econolite, our exclusive licensee in these regions. We sell RTMS systems to distributors and end users in North America. We also sell both Autoscope and RTMS systems to distributors and end users in Europe and Asia through our European and Hong Kong subsidiaries, respectively. End users of our products throughout the world are generally funded by government agencies responsible for traffic management or traffic law enforcement.

EIS Asset Purchase. In 2007, we purchased certain assets from EIS Electronic Integrated Systems Inc., or EIS, including its principal product line, the RTMS system. In its fiscal year ended September 30, 2007, EIS had revenue of $8.7 million, substantially all of which related to RTMS sales.

Trends and Challenges in Our Business


We believe the historical growth in our business can be attributed primarily to the following global trends:

	•	worsening traffic caused by increased numbers of vehicles in metropolitan areas without corresponding expansions of road infrastructure, which increased demand for our products;

	•	advances in information technology, which have made our products easier to market and implement;

	•	the continuing rise in funding allocations in large cities for centralized traffic management services, which increased the ability of our primary end users to implement our products; and

	•	general increases in the cost-effectiveness of electronics, which make our products more affordable for end users.

We believe our future growth primarily depends upon:

	•	continued adoption and governmental funding of intelligent transportation systems, or ITS, for traffic control in developed countries;

	•	countries in the developing world adopting above-ground detection technology, such as video or radar, instead of in-pavement loop technology to manage traffic;

	•	the use of CED to provide solutions to security/surveillance and environmental issues associated with increasing automobile use in metropolitan areas; and

	•	our ability to develop new products, such as hybrid CED devices incorporating, for example, radar and video technologies, that provide increasingly accurate information and enhance the end users’ ability to cost-effectively manage traffic, security/surveillance and environmental issues.

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Because our principal end users are governmental entities, we are faced with challenges related to potential delays in purchase decisions by those entities and changes in budgetary constraints. These contingencies could result in significant fluctuations in our revenue between periods. The current worldwide recession is further adding to the unpredictability of purchase decisions, creating more delays than usual and decreasing governmental budgets, and it is likely to negatively affect our total 2009 revenue. We believe we may be a beneficiary of the federal stimulus bill enacted early in 2009, but it is too early to determine the level or timing of impact to our operations.

Key Financial Terms and Metrics

Revenue. Revenue historically has been derived from two sources: (1) royalties received from Econolite for sales of the Autoscope system in North America, the Caribbean and Latin America and (2) revenue received from direct sales of Autoscope systems in Europe and Asia. Royalties from Econolite historically have provided the majority of our revenue. We calculate the royalties using a profit sharing model where we split the gross profit on sales of Autoscope product made through Econolite. This royalty arrangement has the benefit of decreasing our cost of revenues and our selling, marketing and product support expenses because these costs and expenses are borne primarily by Econolite. Although this royalty model has a positive impact on our gross margin, it also negatively impacts our total revenue, which would be higher if all the sales made by Econolite were made directly by us. The royalty arrangement is exclusive under a long-term agreement. Our acquisition of the RTMS product line in 2007, which we assemble, gives us an additional source of revenue that has increased our overall revenue and lessened fluctuations in our revenue from period to period due to our ownership of more than one product line and the higher volumes it brings, notwithstanding normal seasonality.

Cost of Revenue. There is no cost of revenue related to royalties, as virtually all manufacturing, warranty and related costs are incurred by Econolite. Cost of revenue related to direct product sales consists primarily of the amount charged by our third party contractors to manufacture the Autoscope and RTMS hardware platforms, which is influenced mainly by the cost of electronic components. The cost of revenue also includes logistics costs and estimated expenses for product warranties and inventory reserves. The key metric that we follow is achieving certain gross margin percentages by geographic region.

Operating Expenses. Our operating expenses fall into three categories: (1) selling, marketing and product support; (2) general and administrative; and (3) research and development. Selling, marketing and product support expenses consist of various costs related to sales and support of our products, including salaries, benefits and commissions paid to our personnel, commissions paid to third parties, travel, trade show and advertising costs, second-tier technical support for Econolite, and general product support, where applicable. General and administrative expenses consist of certain corporate and administrative functions that support the development and sales of our products and provide an infrastructure to support future growth. General and administrative expenses reflect management, supervisory and staff salaries and benefits, legal and auditing fees, travel, rent and costs associated with being a public company, such as board of director fees, Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, listing fees and annual reporting expenses. Research and development expenses consist mainly of salaries and benefits for our engineers and third party costs for consulting and prototyping. We measure all operating expenses against our annually approved budget, which is developed with achieving a certain operating margin as a key focus. Also included in operating expenses is non-cash expense for intangible asset amortization.

Seasonality. Our quarterly revenues and operating results have varied significantly in the past due to the seasonality of our business. Our first quarter generally is the weakest due to weather conditions that make roadway construction more difficult in North America, Europe and northern Asia. We expect such seasonality to continue for the foreseeable future. Additionally, our international revenues have a significant large project component, resulting in a varying revenue stream. Accordingly, we believe that quarter-to-quarter comparisons of our financial results should not be relied upon as an indication of our future performance. No assurance can be given that we will be able to achieve or maintain profitability on a quarterly or annual basis in the future.

History. We were incorporated in the state of Minnesota in December 1984 and began operations by pioneering the commercial application of wide-area video vehicle detection for traffic management. The technology underlying our products was initially developed at the University of Minnesota. In 1989, the University was awarded a patent for that technology, which it exclusively licensed to us. In 1991, we sub-licensed this technology to Econolite, a leading manufacturer and seller of traffic control products in North America and the Caribbean, to manufacture and distribute products incorporating the technology.

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Segments. We currently operate in two reportable segments: Autoscope and RTMS. Autoscope is our machine-vision product line, and revenue consists of royalties (all of which are received from Econolite), as well as a portion of international sales. RTMS is our radar product line acquired in the EIS asset purchase in 2007, and revenue consists of all North American sales and a portion of international sales. All segment revenues are derived from external customers (see Note H).

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, (1) certain statements of income data as a percent of total revenue, (2) gross profit on product sales and royalties as a percentage of product sales and royalties, respectively, and (3) period-to-period changes of items in the consolidated statements of income from 2009 to 2008:


	Three-Month Periods Ended September 30,						Quarter Over Quarter Change
	2009			2008			Quarter Over Quarter Change
International sales		25.7	%		23.3	%		23.6	%
North American sales		24.6			15.1			82.5
Royalties		49.7			61.6			(9.4	)
Total revenue		100.0			100.0			12.2
Gross profit – international sales		67.1			72.0			15.1
Gross profit – North American sales		58.8			49.7			116.2
Gross profit – royalties		100.0			100.0			(9.4	)
Selling, marketing and product support expenses		25.2			27.9			1.5
General and administrative expenses		11.7			16.1			(18.8	)
Research and development expenses		12.7			11.5			23.8
Amortization of intangible assets		2.8			3.2			n/m
Income from operations		29.0			27.2			19.5
Other income (expense), net		0.1			(0.1	)		n/m
Income taxes		6.2			8.0			(12.3	)
Net income		22.9			19.1			34.3


	Nine-Month Periods Ended September 30,						Period Over Period Change
	2009			2008			Period Over Period Change
International sales		22.9	%		22.6	%		(3.0	)%
North American sales		26.4			23.9			5.8
Royalties		50.7			53.5			(9.4	)
Total revenue		100.0			100.0			(4.3	)
Gross profit – international sales		68.3			61.2			8.3
Gross profit – North American sales		65.1			59.0			16.8
Gross profit – royalties		100.0			100.0			(9.4	)
Selling, marketing and product support expenses		29.5			25.1			12.5
General and administrative expenses		14.4			15.4			(10.7	)
Research and development expenses		14.2			11.6			17.3
Amortization of intangible assets		3.2			3.1			n/m
Income from operations		22.3			26.3			(18.9	)
Other income, net		0.1			0.3			(69.0	)
Income taxes		5.6			8.2			(34.4	)
Net income		16.7			18.4			(12.9	)

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Total revenue increased to $6.8 million in the three-month period ended September 30, 2009 from $6.1 million in the same period in 2008, an increase of 12.2%, and decreased to $17.9 million in the first nine months of 2009 from $18.7 million in the same period in 2008, a decrease of 4.3%. Royalties decreased to $3.4 million in the third quarter of 2009 from $3.7 million in same period in 2008, a 9.4% decrease, and they decreased to $9.1 million in the first nine months of 2009 from $10.0 million in the same period in 2008, also a decrease of 9.4%. We attribute the decrease in royalties to the economic recession in North America and its negative impact on state and federal spending. North American sales, which are sales of RTMS in North America, increased to $1.7 million in the third quarter of 2009 from $920,000 in the same period in 2008, an increase of 82.5%, and to $4.7 million in the first nine months of 2009 from $4.5 million in the same period in 2008, an increase of 5.8%, also reflecting the difficult economic environment in North America which was first evident for RTMS in the 2008 third quarter. International sales, which include both Autoscope and RTMS sales outside of North America, increased to $1.8 million in the third quarter of 2009 from $1.4 million in the third quarter of 2008, an increase of 23.6%, and decreased to $4.1 million in the first nine months of 2009 from $4.2 million in the first nine months of 2008, a decrease of 3.0%. The nine month decrease was due mainly to weakness in the Asian market in the first half of 2009.

Gross margins for international sales decreased to 67.1% in the three months ended September 30, 2009 from 72.0% in the same period in 2008, and increased to 68.3% in the first nine months of 2009 from 61.2% in the same period in 2008. Gross margins for North American sales increased to 58.8% in the third quarter of 2009 from 49.7% in the third quarter of 2008 and to 65.1% in the first nine months of 2009 from 59.0% in the first nine months of 2008. The increases resulted mainly from a positive revenue mix shift and to a lesser extent from positive currency exchange rates and fewer lower of cost or market inventory adjustments recorded in 2009 as compared to 2008. Gross margins on royalty income remained consistent at 100.0% in each of the periods of 2009 and 2008.

Selling, marketing and product support expense were $1.7 million, or 25.2% of total revenue, in the three months ended September 30, 2009 and were $1.7 million, or 27.9% of total revenue, in the third quarter of 2008, and increased to $5.3 million, or 29.5% of total revenue, in the first nine months of 2009 from $4.6 million, or 25.1% of total revenue, in the first nine months of 2008. The nine-month increase related mostly to an investment in market expansion activities in Eastern Europe and Asia and the realization of the impact of headcount additions made late in 2008. We anticipate that for the fourth quarter of 2009, the dollar amount of our selling, marketing and product support expense will remain at levels similar to or below those of the 2009 third quarter.

General and administrative expense decreased to $796,000, or 11.7% of total revenue, in the three months ended September 30, 2009, from $980,000, or 16.1% of total revenue, in the same period in 2008, and to $2.6 million, or 14.4% of total revenue, in the first nine months of 2009, from $2.9 million, or 15.4% of total revenue, in the same period in 2008. The 2009 decrease in costs resulted mainly from lower incentive pay expense and foreign currency transaction gains which were partially offset by increased professional services expenses. Additionally, in 2008 we expensed $221,000 related to our withdrawn stock offering. We anticipate that for the fourth quarter of 2009, the dollar amount of our general and administrative expense will be slightly higher than those of the 2009 third quarter.

Research and development expense increased to $868,000, or 12.7% of total revenue, in the third quarter of 2009, up from $701,000, or 11.5% of total revenue, in the same period in 2008, and to $2.5 million, or 14.2% of total revenue, in the first nine months of 2009, up from $2.2 million, or 11.6% of total revenue, in the same period in 2008. The increase was directly related to our investment in video/radar hybrid solutions and tailored international offerings, development projects to reduce manufacturing costs, and the realization of the impact of headcount additions made late in 2008. We anticipate that for the fourth quarter of 2009, the dollar amount of our research and development expense will remain at levels similar to that of the third quarter of 2009.

Amortization of intangibles expense was $192,000 in the third quarter of 2009 and $576,000 in the first nine months of 2009, the same as in these periods in 2008, and reflects the amortization of intangible assets acquired in the EIS asset purchase. Assuming there are no changes to our intangible assets, we anticipate amortization expense will be $768,000 for all of 2009.

Other income was $18,000 in the first nine months of 2009 as compared to other income of $58,000 in the same period in 2008. In 2009, interest on bank debt offset most interest income as we moved into securities that had lower yields than in 2008.

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Income tax expense was $426,000, or 21.5% of pretax income, in the third quarter of 2009, compared to $486,000, or 29.5% of pretax income, in the comparable quarter of 2008, and was $1.0 million, or 25.2% of pretax income, in the first nine months of 2009, compared to $1.5 million, or 31.0% of pretax income, in the comparable period of 2008. The 2009 effective rate was positively impacted by the realization of $236,000 in foreign tax credits whose status was uncertain prior to the third quarter of 2009. We anticipate an effective tax rate below 30% for all of 2009.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

At September 30, 2009, we had $7.9 million in cash and cash equivalents and $3.9 million in short-term investments, compared to $10.3 million in cash and cash equivalents and $4.0 million in short-term investments at December 31, 2008. Our investments held at December 31, 2008 were auction rate securities that were redeemed at par in January 2009.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $2.9 million in the first nine months of 2009, compared to $3.3 million in 2008. The decrease in 2009 versus 2008 was mainly a result of lower net income. We anticipate that average receivable collection days in 2009 will increase over 2008 but that the increase will not have a material impact on our liquidity. Our planned additions of property and equipment are discretionary, and we do not expect them to significantly exceed historical levels in 2009. In addition to equipment purchases, in 2009 we paid our 2008 earn-out liability of $1.2 million to the sellers of the EIS assets. We also retired our bank debt in full in February 2009, paying a total of $3.75 million during the quarter ended March 31, 2009.

We have a revolving line of credit agreement with our bank, Associated Bank. The revolving line of credit provides for up to $5.0 million at an annual interest rate equal to the greater of 4.5% or LIBOR plus 2.75%, as reset from time to time by the bank. Advances on the line of credit cannot exceed a borrowing base determined under a formula, which is a percentage of the amounts of receivables. The line of credit currently has no borrowings outstanding and matures on May 1, 2011. We believe, on an ongoing basis, we have regular availability to draw a minimum of $3.0 million on our line of credit based on qualifying assets.

In conjunction with our EIS asset purchase, the sellers have an earn-out arrangement over approximately three years from the December 2007 date of purchase. The earn-out is based on earnings from RTMS sales less related cost of revenue and operating expenses, depreciation and amortization, and it is calculated annually. If the earnings are at target levels, the sellers would receive $2.0 million annually, or $6.0 million in total. Superior performance of the assets could lead to an earn-out in excess of $2 million, as the earn-out is not capped. Earn-out payments generally are due within three months of the end of an earn-out period. The first earn-out period ran from December 6, 2007 to December 31, 2008. Based on the results for RTMS for the first earn-out period, which ended December 31, 2008, the sellers of the EIS assets were entitled to receive a $1.2 million earn-out payment, which was paid in March and April 2009. Based on results through September 30, 2009, it appears likely that the sellers will be entitled to an earn-out for the second earn-out period, which runs from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009, although this contingency will not be determinable and payable until December 31, 2009. If we are acquired or sell substantially all of our assets before December 6, 2010, we must pay EIS $6.0 million less earn-out amounts previously paid as an acceleration of potential earn-out payments under the EIS asset purchase agreement.

We believe that cash and cash equivalents on hand at September 30, 2009, along with the availability of funds under our $5.0 million revolving line of credit and cash provided by operating activities, will satisfy our projected working capital needs, payments under the EIS earn-out, investing activities, and other cash requirements for the foreseeable future.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not participate in transactions or have relationships or other arrangements with an unconsolidated entity, including special purpose and similar entities or other off-balance sheet arrangements.

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Critical Accounting Policies

Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. The accounting policies used in preparing our interim 2009 Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements set forth elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are the same as those described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

New and Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

Effective September 15, 2009, we adopted Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 105-10 making the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ASC the single source of authoritative nongovernmental U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. All other accounting literature not included in the ASC is non-authoritative. The Codification did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

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Cautionary Statement:

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements represent our expectations or beliefs concerning future events and can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “expects,” “believes,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” or “anticipates” or other comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results to differ materially from the results described in the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such differences include, but are not limited to:


	•	historical dependence on a single product for most of our revenue;

	•	budget constraints by governmental entities that purchase our products, including constraints caused by declining tax revenue;

	•	continuing ability of our licensee to pay royalties owed;

	•	dependence on third parties for manufacturing and marketing our products;

	•	dependence on single-source suppliers to meet manufacturing needs;

	•	failure to secure adequate protection for our intellectual property rights;

	•	development of a competing product by another business using the underlying technology included in the patent we had licensed from the University of Minnesota, which expired in 2006;

	•	our inability to develop new applications and product enhancements;

	•	our inability to respond to low-cost local competitors in Asia and elsewhere;

	•	our inability to properly manage any growth in revenue and/or production requirements;

	•	the influence over our voting stock by insiders;

	•	our inability to hire and retain key scientific and technical personnel;

	•	our inability to achieve and maintain effective internal controls;

	•	our inability to comply with international regulatory restrictions over hazardous substances and electronic waste; and

	•	conditions beyond our control such as war, terrorist attacks, health epidemics and economic recession.

We caution that the forward-looking statements made in this report or in other announcements made by us are further qualified by the risk factors set forth in Item 1A. to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.


Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks

Our foreign sales and results of operations are subject to the impact of foreign currency fluctuations. We have not historically hedged our exposure to translation gains and losses. Beginning in 2009, we have entered into a limited number of hedges that we anticipate will decrease our overall translation exposure. A 10% adverse change in foreign currency rates would not have a material effect on our results of operations or financial position.

We entered into a number of currency hedging arrangements in 2009. The purpose of the hedging was to lock in what we believe to be favorable rates on certain currencies and to increase our predictability on certain expenses at our foreign subsidiaries. All hedging activity is intended to qualify for hedge accounting under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging. We believe all contracts will be utilized to provide funds to cover operating expenses.

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Item 4T.	Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act)). Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

During the fiscal quarter covered by this report, there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION


Item 1.	Legal Proceedings

None.

Item 1A.	Risk Factors

Some of the risk factors to which we and our business are subject are described in the section entitled “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. The risks and uncertainties described in our Annual Report are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that our management currently deems immaterial also may impair our business operations. If any of the risks described were to occur, our business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.


Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

None.

Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

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

None.

Item 5.	Other Information

None.

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Item 6.	Exhibits

The following exhibits are filed as part of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2009:


Exhibit Number		Description

31.1		Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2		Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

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

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

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SIGNATURES

In accordance with 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.


	Image Sensing Systems, Inc.

Dated: November 12, 2009	By:	/s/ Kenneth R. Aubrey
		Kenneth R. Aubrey
		President and Chief Executive Officer
		(principal executive officer)

Dated: November 12, 2009	By:	/s/ Gregory R. L. Smith
		Gregory R. L. Smith
		Chief Financial Officer
		(principal financial and accounting officer)

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EXHIBIT INDEX


Exhibit No.		Description

31.1		Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2		Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

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

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

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