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EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - ASTEA INTERNATIONAL INCex32-1.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - ASTEA INTERNATIONAL INCex31-1.htm
EX-32.2 - EXHIBIT 32.2 - ASTEA INTERNATIONAL INCex32-2.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - ASTEA INTERNATIONAL INCex31-2.htm


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
___________________________________________

FORM 10-Q
[X]
Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended          September 30, 2010         
or
 
[    ] Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

For the transition period from                                    to                                                                                                                                                                  
 
Commission File Number: 0-26330

ASTEA INTERNATIONAL INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 
         
Delaware
 
23-2119058
 (State or other jurisdiction of
 
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
 
Identification No.)
         
240 Gibraltar Road, Horsham,  PA
 
19044
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (215) 682-2500

N/A
 
(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     

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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes         No     

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 definition of “accelerated filer”, “large accelerated filer”, “non-accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 Large Accelerated Filer __      Accelerated Filer __      Non-accelerated Filer       Smaller Reporting Company X  

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

As of November 8, 2010, 3,555,049 shares of the registrant’s Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, were outstanding.
 
 
 
1

 
 
ASTEA INTERNATIONAL INC.

QUARTERLY REPORT
INDEX
 
   
Page No.
     
Facing Sheet
     
Index
     
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1.
Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
 
     
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
     
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (unaudited)
     
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)
     
 
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
     
 
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
     
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
 
 
Condition and Results of Operations
     
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk
     
     
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
     
     
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
     
Item 6.
Exhibits
     
 
Signatures
     
     
     
 
 
2

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION


Item 1.  CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ASTEA INTERNATIONAL INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
(Unaudited)
   
2009
 
ASSETS
           
Current assets:
           
  Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 1,963,000     $ 2,498,000  
  Investments available for sale
    1,105,000       904,000  
  Receivables, net of reserves of $135,000 (unaudited) and
     $212,000
    3,903,000        4,900,000  
  Prepaid expenses and other
    619,000       439,000  
 
       Total current assets
    7,590,000       8,741,000  
                 
Property and equipment, net
    320,000       230,000  
Intangibles, net
    674,000       878,000  
Capitalized software, net
    2,153,000       2,743,000  
Goodwill
    1,538,000       1,538,000  
Other long-term restricted cash
    71,000       95,000  
Other assets
    109,000       45,000  
 
  $ 12,455,000     $ 14,270,000  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
  Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  $ 2,949,000     $ 2,784,000  
  Deferred revenues
    5,618,000       4,846,000  
 
        Total current liabilities
     8,567,000        7,630,000  
                 
Long-term liabilities:
               
  Deferred tax liability
    184,000       154,000  
                 
Stockholders’ equity:
               
   Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized; issued and
     outstanding 826,000
    8,000        8,000  
   Common stock $.01 par value, 25,000,000 shares authorized; issued
     3,597,000 and 3,596,000; outstanding 3,555,000 and 3,554,000
     36,000        36,000  
   Additional paid-in-capital
    31,095,000       31,005,000  
   Accumulated deficit, including accumulated comprehensive loss of
       of $453,000 and $452,000
    (27,227,000 )     (24,355,000 )
   Less:  treasury stock at cost, 42,000 shares
    (208,000 )     (208,000 )
 
          Total stockholders’ equity
    3,704,000        6,486,000  
 
          Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 12,455,000     $ 14,270,000  
 
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
 

 

 
3

 

ASTEA INTERNATIONAL INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(Unaudited)

   
Three Months
   
Nine Months
 
   
Ended September 30,
   
Ended September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
         
 
 
Revenues:
                       
     Software license fees
  $ 651,000     $ 414,000     $ 2,362,000     $ 1,024,000  
     Services and maintenance
    4,337,000       4,377,000       11,912,000       13,482,000  
 
          Total revenues
    4,988,000       4,791,000       14,274,000       14,506,000  
 
Costs and expenses:
                               
     Cost of software license fees
    465,000       543,000       1,571,000       1,422,000  
     Cost of services and maintenance
    2,796,000       2,707,000       8,148,000       8,017,000  
     Product development
    674,000       526,000       2,383,000       1,687,000  
     Sales and marketing
    875,000       708,000       2,642,000       2,354,000  
     General and administrative
    697,000       665,000       2,439,000       2,307,000  
 
          Total costs and expenses
    5,507,000       5,149,000       17,183,000       15,787,000  
                                 
(Loss) from operations
    (519,000 )     (358,000 )     (2,909,000 )     (1,281,000 )
 
Interest income, net
    18,000       6,000       63,000       24,000  
(Loss) before income taxes
    (501,000 )     (352,000 )     (2,846,000 )     (1,257,000 )
 
Income tax expense
    10,000       1,000       25,000       82,000  
 
Net (loss)
    (511,000 )     (353,000 )     (2,871,000 )     (1,339,000 )
Preferred dividend
    70,000       73,000       211,000       219,000  
 
Net (loss) available to common
   stockholders
  $ (581,000 )   $ (426,000 )   $ (3,082,000 )   $ (1,558,000 )
                                 
 
Net (loss)
  $ (511,000 )   $ (353,000 )   $ (2,871,000 )   $ (1,339,000 )
Cumulative translation adjustment and
   unrealized (loss) gain  on investment
    (63,000 )     54,000       (1,000 )     168,000  
 
Comprehensive (loss)
  $ (574,000 )   $ (299,000 )   $ (2,872,000 )   $ (1,171,000 )
                                 
 
Basic and diluted (loss) per share
  $ (0.16 )   $ (0.12 )   $ (0.87 )   $ (0.44 )
                                 
Weighted Average shares outstanding
    used in computing basic and
    diluted loss per common share
    3,555,000       3,554,000       3,555,000       3,554,000  
                                 
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
 



 
4

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
 
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
     
2010
     
2009
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
   Net (loss)
 
$
(2,871,000
)
 
$
(1,339,000
)
   Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by  operating
        activities:
               
        Depreciation and amortization
   
1,724,000
     
1,662,000
 
        (Decrease) increase in allowance for doubtful accounts
   
(77,000
)
   
89,000
 
        Stock based compensation
   
222,000
     
167,000
 
        Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Receivables
   
1,236,000
     
(58,000
)
Prepaid expenses and other
   
(189,000
)
   
(144,000
)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
   
132,000
     
(37,000
)
Deferred revenues
   
660,000
     
426,000
 
Deferred tax
   
30,000
     
28,000
 
Other assets
   
(62,000
)
   
5,000
 
 
 Net cash provided by operating activities
   
805,000
     
799,000
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
   Sale of short term investments
   
764,000
     
300,000
 
   Purchase of short term investments
   
(966,000
)
   
-
 
   Purchases of property and equipment
   
(215,000
)
   
(58,000
)
   Capitalized software development costs
   
(805,000
)
   
(1,248,000
)
   Decrease of restricted cash
   
23,000
     
44,000
 
 
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(1,199,000
)
   
(962,000
)
                 
 Cash flows from financing activities:
               
   Exercise of stock options
   
3,000
     
-
 
   Dividend payments on preferred stock
   
(135,000
)
   
(135,000
)
 
Net cash used in financing activities
 
 
(132,000
)
   
(135,000
)
 
   Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
   
(9,000
)
   
(72,000
)
 
   Net (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
   
(535,000
)
   
(370,000
)
   Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
   
2,498,000
     
3,144,000
 
 
   Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
 
$
1,963,000
   
$
2,774,000
 
                 
 
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 
 
5

 

 
ASTEA INTERNATIONAL INC., AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   
For the Nine
Months Ended
September 30, 2010
(Unaudited)
   
For the Year
Ended
December 31, 2009
 
    Convertible preferred stock
       
 
 
         Balance, beginning and end of period
  $ 8,000     $ 8,000  
                 
    Common  stock
               
         Balance, beginning and end of period
    36,000       36,000  
                 
     Additional paid-in-capital
               
         Balance, beginning of period
    31,005,000       30,998,000  
         Exercise of stock options
    3,000       -  
         Dividends paid
    (135,000 )     (180,000 )
         Stock based compensation
    222,000       187,000  
 
         Balance, end of period
    31,095,000       31,005,000  
                 
    Accumulated deficit
               
         Balance, beginning of period
    (24,355,000 )     (23,662,000 )
             Net (loss)
    (2,871,000 )     (899,000 )
         Other comprehensive loss:
               
             Net unrealized gain (loss) on investments
                 available for sale
    14,000       (6,000 )
             Translation adjustments
    (15,000 )     212,000  
                 
                        Comprehensive (loss)
    (2,872,000 )     (693,000 )
                 
                        Balance, end of period
    (27,227,000 )     (24,355,000 )
                 
    Treasury stock, at cost
               
         Balance, beginning and end of period
    (208,000 )     (208,000 )
                 
                        Total stockholders’ equity
  $ 3,704,000     $ 6,486,000  


See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 
 
6

 

Item 1.   CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

ASTEA INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

 
1.    BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
The consolidated financial statements at September 30, 2010 and for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 of Astea International Inc. and subsidiaries (“Astea” or the "Company") are unaudited and reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and operating results for the interim periods.  The following unaudited condensed financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information not misleading.  It is suggested that these condensed financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto, included in the Company’s latest annual report (Form 10-K) and our Form 10-Q’s for the quarters ended June 30, 2010, March 31, 2010, September 30, 2009, June 30, 2009 and March 31, 2009.  The interim financial information presented is not necessarily indicative of results expected for the entire year ending December 31, 2010.


2.  RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING GUIDANCE
 
In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued authoritative guidance on the consolidation of variable interest entities, which is effective for us beginning January 1, 2010. The new guidance requires revised evaluations of whether entities represent variable interest entities, ongoing assessments of control over such entities, and additional disclosures for variable interests.  Adoption of this new guidance has not had a material impact on our financial statements.
 
In January 2010, the FASB issued guidance to amend the disclosure requirements related to recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements. The guidance requires new disclosure on the transfers of assets and liabilities between Level 1 (quoted prices in active market for identical assets or liabilities) and Level 2 (significant other observable inputs) of fair value measurements hierarchy, including the reasons and the timing of the transfers. Additionally, the guidance requires a roll forward of activities on purchases, sales, issuance, and settlements of the assets and liabilities measured using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3 fair value measurements). The guidance became effective for us with the reporting period beginning January 1, 2010, except for the disclosure on the roll forward activities for Level 3 fair value measurements, which will become effective for the reporting period beginning January 1, 2011.  Other than requiring additional disclosures, adoption of this new guidance did not have a material impact on our financial statements.


3.  RECENT ACCOUNTING GUIDANCE NOT YET ADOPTED

In October 2009, the FASB issued authoritative guidance on revenue recognition that will become effective for us beginning January 1, 2011, with earlier adoption permitted.  Under the new guidance, arrangements that include tangible products that have software components that are essential to the functionality of the tangible product will no longer be within the scope of the software revenue recognition guidance.  Software-enabled products will now be subject to other relevant revenue recognition guidance.  Additionally, the FASB issued authoritative guidance on revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables that are outside the scope of the software revenue recognition guidance. Under the new guidance, when vendor specific objective evidence or third party evidence for deliverables in an arrangement cannot be determined, a best estimate of the selling price is required to separate deliverables and allocate arrangement consideration using the relative selling price method. The new guidance includes new disclosure requirements on how the application of the relative selling price method affects the timing and amount of revenue recognition.  We believe adoption of this new guidance will not have a material impact on our financial statements.
 
 
 
7

 
 
In June 2010, the FASB issued authoritative guidance on milestone method of revenue recognition that will become effective for us beginning January 1, 2011. Under the new guidance, it clarifies when revenue can be recognized when a milestone is achieved if the milestone meets all criteria to be considered substantive.  A milestone does not include events for which the occurrence is either contingent solely upon the passage of time or the result of a counter-party’s performance.

For a milestone to be substantive it must meet the following criteria: 
 
 
1. 
The consideration being earned should be commensurate with either the vendor’s performance to achieve the milestone or the enhancement of the value of the item delivered as a result of the vendor’s performance,
 
2.  
Should be related solely to past performance,
 
3.  
Be reasonable relative to all deliverables and payment terms in the arrangement, and
 
4. 
Should be considered in its entirety and cannot be bifurcated.
 
The decision to use the milestone method is a policy election and any of the other proportional revenue recognition methods could be applied. The new guidance includes disclosures on how the milestone method should be reported within each reporting period.  We believe adoption of this new guidance will not have a material impact on our financial statements.


4. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, other assets, trade accounts payable, and accrued expenses carrying amounts at face value approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.
 
The investments in debt securities classified as available for sale are measured using quoted market prices multiplied by the quantity held where quoted market prices were available.
 
The fair value of goodwill is determined by estimating the expected present value of future cash flows without reference to observable market transactions.


5.  INVESTMENTS AVAILABLE FOR SALE

The Company defines the fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.

The Company accounts for certain assets and liabilities at fair value.  The hierarchy below lists three levels of fair value based on the extent to which inputs in measuring fair value are observable in the market.  We categorize each of our fair value measurements in one of these three levels based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.  These levels are:

1.  
Level 1 – valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets that the Company has the ability to access. Our Level 1 investments primarily include exchange-traded mutual funds and corporate fixed income bonds.
 
2.  
Level 2 – valuations based on inputs on other than quoted prices included within level 1, that are observable for the asset or the liability, either directly or indirectly.
 
3.  
Level 3 – valuations based on inputs that are unobservable for the asset or the liability measurement.
 
On September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the fair value for all of the Company’s investments was determined based upon quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1).

The carrying amount, gross unrealized holding gains, gross unrealized holding losses, and fair value of available-for-sale debt securities by major security type and class of security at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 were as follows:
 
 
 
8

 

 
   
Aggregate
cost basis
   
Gross
unrealized
holding gains
   
Gross unrealized holding (losses)
   
Aggregate
fair value
 
At September  30, 2010
                       
Available-for-sale:
                       
Mutual Funds
    1,097,000       11,000       (3,000 )     1,105,000  
                                 
    $ 1,097,000     $ 11,000     $ (3,000 )   $ 1,105,000  
At December 31, 2009
                               
Available-for-sale:
                               
Corporate Fixed Income Bonds
  $ 402,000     $     $ (4,000 )   $ 398,000  
          Mutual Funds
    508,000             (2,000 )     506,000  
                                 
    $ 910,000     $     $ (6,000 )   $ 904,000  

The aggregate fair value of mutual funds as of September 30, 2010 was $1,105,000, which contained an unrealized loss of $3,000. These mutual funds contain investments that seek a high level of current income. The funds normally invest at least 80% of net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in floating or adjustable rate senior loans of any maturity or credit quality, including those rated below investment grade or determined by the fund's advisor to be of comparable quality. The unrealized loss on the mutual funds is due to the credit quality of the senior loans in the portfolio.  Based upon the Company’s ability and intent to hold those investments for a reasonable period of time sufficient for a forecasted recovery of fair value, the Company does not consider those investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2010.

6.  INCOME TAX

The Company has identified its federal tax return and its state returns in Pennsylvania and California as “major” tax jurisdictions.  Based on the Company’s evaluation, it has been concluded that there are no significant uncertain tax positions requiring recognition in the Company’s financial statements.  The Company’s evaluation was performed for tax years ended 2004 through 2009, the only periods subject to examination. The Company believes that its income tax positions and deductions will be sustained on audit and does not anticipate any adjustments that will result in a material change to its financial position.  Accordingly, the Company did not record a cumulative effect adjustment for uncertain tax positions.

The Company’s policy for recording interest and penalties associated with audits is to record such items as a component of income before income taxes.  Penalties are recorded in general and administrative expenses and interest paid or received is recorded in interest expense or interest income, respectively, in the statement of operations.  For the third quarter of 2010, there were no interest or penalties related to the settlement of any audits.

At September 30, 2010, the Company maintains a 100% valuation allowance for its remaining deferred tax assets, based on the uncertainty of the realization of future taxable income.

In 2008, the Israel Taxing Authority “ITA” notified the Company that it intends to re-examine a 2002 transaction that it had previously approved. The Company is vigorously defending itself in court and based on information to date, does not expect this issue to result in any additional tax to the Company.  It is the opinion of the Company, based on current information, that this matter will not have a material impact on its financial condition or results of operations.

7.  STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

The Company records stock based compensation using the modified prospective transition method.   Under this method, compensation costs recognized in the first nine months of 2010 include (a) compensation costs for all share-based payments granted to employees and directors prior to, but not yet vested as of January 1, 2006, based on the grant date value estimated and (b) compensation cost for all share-based payments granted subsequent to January 1, 2006, based on the grant date fair value.
 
 
9

 
 
The Company estimates the fair value of stock options granted using the Black-Scholes-Merton (Black-Scholes) option-pricing formula and amortizes the estimated option value using an accelerated amortization method where each option grant is split into tranches based on vesting periods.  The Company’s expected term represents the period that the Company’s share-based awards are expected to be outstanding and was determined based on historical experience regarding similar awards, giving consideration to the contractual terms of the share-based awards and employee termination data.  Executive level employees, who hold a majority of options outstanding, and non-executive level employees each have similar historical option exercise and termination behavior and thus were grouped for valuation purposes.  The Company’s expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of its traded common stock and places exclusive reliance on historical volatilities to estimate our stock volatility over the expected term of its awards.  The Company has historically not paid dividends to common stockholders and has no foreseeable plans to issue dividends.  The risk-free interest rate is based on the yield from the U.S. Treasury zero-coupon bonds with an equivalent term.

As of September 30, 2010, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested options amounted to $289,000 which is expected to be recognized over the options’ average remaining vesting period of 2.33 years.  No income tax benefit was realized by the Company in the nine months ended September 30, 2010.

Under the Company’s stock option plans, option awards generally vest over a four year period of continuous service and have a 10 year contractual term.  The fair value of each option is amortized on a straight-line basis over the option’s vesting period.  The fair value of each option is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model.

There were 20,000 options granted during the first nine months of 2010.  During the same period in 2009, the Company granted no options.

Activity under the Company’s stock option plans is as follows:

   
OPTIONS OUTSTANDING
 
   
 
Shares
   
Wtd. Avg.
Exercise Price
Per Share
 
Balance, December 31, 2009
    531,000     $ 5.20  
   Granted
    20,000       3.32  
   Forfeited
    (2,000 )     6.96  
   Exercised
    (1,000 )     2.75  
   Expired
    (20,000 )     12.47  
 
Balance, September 30, 2010
    528,000     $ 4.86  

The following table summarizes outstanding options under the Company’s stock options plans as of September 30, 2010:

   
Number
of Shares
   
Weighted
Average Exercise
Price Per Share
   
Weighted Average
Remaining Contractual
Term (in years)
   
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
 
 
Outstanding Options
    528,000     $ 4.86       6.41       -  
 
                               
Ending Vested and Expected to Vest
    395,000     $ 5.17       6.93       -  
                                 
Options Exercisable
    308,000     $ 5.64       5.03       -  
 
                               


 
10

 


8. (LOSS) PER SHARE

(Loss) per share is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of shares and common stock equivalents outstanding during the period.  In the calculation of diluted earnings per share, shares outstanding are adjusted to assume conversion of the Company’s non-interest bearing convertible stock and exercise of options as if they were dilutive.  In the calculation of basic earnings (loss) per share, weighted average numbers of shares outstanding are used as the denominator.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Company had a net (loss).  In 2010, there were 1,000 net additional dilutive shares assumed to be converted at an average exercise price of $2.90.  In addition, 100% of the outstanding convertible preferred stock of 826,000 shares were eligible to be converted into common stock. For purposes of this calculation, if converted, it would have been assumed that they were converted into common stock and the related dividends were not paid.   However, all options outstanding at September 30, 2010 and 2009 to purchase shares of common stock and shares of common stock issued on the assumed conversion of the eligible preferred stock were excluded from the diluted (loss) per common share calculation, as the inclusion of these options would have been antidilutive.

In the calculation of basic earnings per share, weighted average numbers of shares outstanding are used as the denominator.  The Company had a net (loss) allocable to the common stockholders for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and September 30, 2009. (Loss) per share is computed as follows:

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Numerator:
                       
Net (loss) available to common shareholders
  $ (581,000 )   $ (426,000 )   $ (3,082,000 )   $ (1,558,000 )
                                 
Denominator:
                               
Weighted average shares used to compute net
    (loss) available to common shareholders per
    common share-basic
      3,555,000         3,554,000         3,555,000       3,554,000  
Effect of dilutive stock options
    -       -       -       -  
Weighted average shares used to compute net
    (loss) available to shareholders per common
    share-dilutive
      3,555,000         3,554,000         3,555,000       3,554,000  
Basic net (loss) per share to common
    shareholder
  $ (0.16 )   $ (0.12 )   $ (0.87 )   $ (0.44 )
                                 
Dilutive net (loss) per share to common
    shareholder
  $ (0.16 )   $ (0.12 )   $ (0.87 )   $ (0.44 )
                                 

9.  MAJOR CUSTOMERS

For the three months ended September 30, 2010 there was one customer that accounted for 11% of total revenues. For the three months ended September 30, 2009, no customer accounted for more than 10% of total revenues. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, there were no customers that accounted for more than 10% of total revenues.  At September 30, 2010 there were three customers that accounted for 19%, 13%, and 10%, respectively, of total accounts receivable and at December 31, 2009, one customer accounted for 13% of total accounts receivable.


 
11

 

10.  GEOGRAPHIC SEGMENT DATA

The Company and its subsidiaries are engaged in the design, development, marketing and support of its service management software solutions.  Substantially all revenues result from the license of the Company’s software products and related professional services and customer support services.  The Company’s chief executive officer reviews financial information presented on a consolidated basis, accompanied by disaggregated information about revenues by geographic region for purposes of making operating decisions and assessing financial performance.  Accordingly, the Company considers itself to have three reporting segments as follows:

   
Three Months
Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Revenues:
                       
   Software license fees
                       
       United States
                       
           Domestic
  $ 252,000     $ 205,000     $ 614,000     $ 697,000  
                Total United States
                               
                     software license fees
    252,000       205,000       614,000       697,000  
                                 
        Europe
    160,000       189,000       630,000       310,000  
        Asia Pacific
    239,000       20,000       1,118,000       17,000  
                Total foreign software
                               
                    license fees
    399,000       209,000       1,748,000       327,000  
                                 
                Total software license fees
    651,000       414,000       2,362,000       1,024,000  
                                 
   Service and maintenance
                               
       United States
                               
           Domestic
    2,381,000       2,320,000       7,043,000       8,813,000  
           Export
    -       297,000       -       483,000  
               Total United States
                               
                   Service and maintenance revenue
    2,381,000       2,617,000       7,043,000       9,296,000  
                                 
       Europe
    621,000       575,000       1,955,000       1,698,000  
       Asia Pacific
    1,335,000       1,185,000       2,914,000       2,488,000  
                Total foreign service and
                               
                    maintenance revenue
    1,956,000       1,760,000       4,869,000       4,186,000  
                Total service and maintenance
                               
                    revenue
    4,337,000       4,377,000       11,912,000       13,482,000  
                                 
Total revenue
  $ 4,988,000     $ 4,791,000     $ 14,274,000     $ 14,506,000  
                                 
Net (loss) income
                               
        United States
  $ (419,000 )   $ (259,000 )   $ (1,951,000 )   $ (1,052,000 )
        Europe
    (86,000 )     (147,000 )     (514,000 )     (499,000 )
        Asia Pacific
    (6,000 )     53,000       (406,000 )     212,000  
                                 
               Net (loss)
  $ (511,000 )   $ (353,000 )   $ (2,871,000 )   $ (1,339,000 )
                                 

 
 
12

 

 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview

This document contains various forward-looking statements and information that are based on management's beliefs, assumptions made by management and information currently available to management.  Such statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to vary materially from those contained in such forward-looking statements.  Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, estimated, expected or projected.   Certain of these, as well as other risks and uncertainties are described in more detail herein and in Astea International Inc.’s (“Astea or the Company”) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.

Astea is a global provider of service management software that addresses the unique needs of companies who manage capital equipment, mission critical assets and human capital.  Clients include Fortune 500 to mid-size companies which Astea services through company facilities in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, the Netherlands and Israel.  Since its inception in 1979, Astea has licensed applications to companies in a wide range of sectors including information technology, telecommunications, instruments and controls, business systems, and medical devices.

Astea Alliance, the Company’s service management suite of solutions, supports the complete service lifecycle, from lead generation and project quotation to service and billing through asset retirement.  It integrates and optimizes critical business processes for Contact Center, Field Service, Depot Repair, Logistics, Professional Services, and Sales and Marketing.  Astea extends its application with portal, analytics and mobile solutions.  Astea Alliance provides service organizations with technology-enabled business solutions that improve profitability, stabilize cash-flows, and reduce operational costs through automating and integrating key service, sales and marketing processes.

Marketing and sales of licenses, service and maintenance related to the Company’s legacy system DISPATCH-1® products are limited to existing DISPATCH-1 customers.

FieldCentrix

On September 21, 2005, the Company, through a wholly owned subsidiary, FC Acquisition Corp., acquired substantially all of the assets of FieldCentrix Inc., the industry’s leading mobile field force automation company.  FieldCentrix develops and markets mobile field service automation (FSA) systems, which include the wireless dispatch and support of mobile field technicians using portable, hand-held computing devices.  The FieldCentrix offering has evolved into a leading complementary service management solution that runs on a wide range of mobile devices (handheld computers, laptops and PC’s, and Pocket PC devices), and integrates seamlessly with popular CRM and ERP applications.  FieldCentrix has licensed applications to Fortune 500 and mid-size companies in a wide range of sectors including HVAC, building and real estate services, manufacturing, process instruments and controls, and medical equipment.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The Company’s significant accounting policies are more fully described in its Summary of Accounting Policies, Note 2, in the Company’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K.  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted within the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions in certain circumstances that affect amounts reported in the accompanying financial statements and related notes.  In preparing these financial statements, management has made its best estimates and judgments of certain amounts included in the financial statements, giving due consideration to materiality.  The Company does not believe there is a great likelihood that materially different amounts would be reported related to the accounting policies described below; however, application of these accounting policies involves the exercise of judgments and the use of assumptions as to future uncertainties and, as a result, actual results could differ from these estimates.

 
13

 
 
Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Astea International Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries and branches. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.  Significant assets and liabilities that are subject to estimates include allowances for doubtful accounts, goodwill and other acquired intangible assets, deferred tax assets and certain accrued and contingent liabilities.

Revenue Recognition

Astea’s revenue is principally recognized from two sources: (i) software licensing arrangements and (ii) services and maintenance.

The Company markets its products primarily through its direct sales force and resellers.  Software license agreements do not provide for a right of return, and historically, product returns have not been significant.

Astea recognizes revenue from software license sales when all of the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the license fee is fixed and determinable and the collection of the fee is probable.  We utilize written contracts as a means to establish the terms and conditions by which our products support and services are sold to our customers.  Delivery is considered to have occurred when title and risk of loss have been transferred to the customer, which generally occurs after a license key has been delivered electronically to the customer.  Revenue for arrangements with extended payment terms is recognized when the payments become due, provided all other revenue recognition criteria are satisfied.  If collectability is not considered probable, revenue is recognized when the fee is collected.  Our typical end user license agreements do not contain acceptance clauses.  However, if acceptance criteria is required, revenues are deferred until customer acceptance has occurred.

Astea allocates revenue to each element in a multiple-element arrangement based on the elements’ respective fair value, determined by the price charged when the element is sold separately.  Specifically, Astea determines the fair value of the maintenance portion of the arrangement based on the price, at the date of sale, if sold separately, which is generally a fixed percentage of the software license selling price.  The professional services portion of the arrangement is based on hourly rates which the Company charges for those services when sold separately from software.  If evidence of fair value of all undelivered elements exists, but evidence does not exist for one or more delivered elements, then revenue is recognized using the residual method.  If an undelivered element for which evidence of fair value does not exist, all revenue in an arrangement is deferred until the undelivered element is delivered or fair value can be determined. Under the residual method, the fair value of the undelivered elements is deferred and the remaining portion of the arrangement fee is recognized as revenue. The residual value, after allocation of the fee to the undelivered elements based on vendor specific objective evidence (VSOE) of fair value, is then allocated to the perpetual software license for the software products being sold.  The Company’s policy is to recognize expenses as incurred when revenues are deferred in connection with transactions where VSOE cannot be established for an undelivered element. Accordingly, all costs associated with the contracts are recorded in the period incurred, which may differ from the period in which revenue is recognized.

When appropriate, the Company may allocate a portion of its software revenue to post-contract support activities or to other services or products provided to the customer free of charge or at non-standard rates when provided in conjunction with the licensing arrangement.  Amounts allocated are based upon standard prices charged for those services or products which, in the Company’s opinion, approximate fair value.  Software license fees for resellers or other members of the indirect sales channel are based on a fixed percentage of the Company’s standard prices.  The Company recognizes software license revenue for such contracts based upon the terms and conditions provided by the reseller to its customer.
 

 
 
14

 
Revenue from post-contract support is recognized ratably over the term of the contract, which is generally twelve months on a straight-line basis.  Consulting and training service revenue is generally unbundled and recognized at the time the service is performed.

Deferred revenue represents payments or accounts receivable from the Company’s customers for amounts billed in advance.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, the Company recognized $14,274,000 and $14,506,000, respectively, of revenue related to software license fees and services and maintenance.

We present taxes assessed by a governmental authority including sales, use, value added and excise taxes on a net basis and, therefore, the presentation of these taxes is excluded from our revenues and is included in accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, until such amounts are remitted to the taxing authority.

Reimbursable Expenses

The Company charges customers for out-of-pocket expenses incurred by its employees during the performance of professional services in the normal course of business.  Billings for out-of-pocket expenses that are reimbursed by the customer are to be included in revenues with the corresponding expense included in cost of services and maintenance.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Investments Available for Sale

Investments that the Company designated as available-for-sale are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).  The Company bases the cost of the investment sold on the specific identification method.  The available-for-sale investment consists of corporate fixed income bonds and mutual funds.  If an available-for-sale investment is other than temporarily impaired, the loss is charged to either earnings or stockholders’ equity depending on our intent and ability to retain the security until we recover the full cost basis and the extent of the loss attributable to the creditworthiness of the issuer.

The Company defines the fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.

The Company accounts for certain assets and liabilities at fair value.  The hierarchy below lists three levels of fair value based on the extent to which inputs in measuring fair value are observable in the market.  We categorize each of our fair value measurements in one of these three levels based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.  These levels are:

1.  
Level 1 - Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets that the Company has the ability to access.
 
2.  
Level 2 - Valuations based inputs on other than quoted prices included within level 1, for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.
 
3.  
Level 3 - Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.
 
On September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the fair value for all of the Company’s investments was determined based upon quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1).
 

 
15

 
 
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Company records an allowance for doubtful accounts based on specifically identified amounts that management believes to be uncollectible.  The Company also records an additional allowance based on certain percentages of aged receivables, which are determined based on historical experience and management’s assessment of the general financial conditions affecting the Company’s customer base. Once management determines that an account will not be collected, the account is written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts.  If actual collections experience changes, revisions to the allowances may be required.

We believe that our estimate of our allowance for doubtful accounts is critical because of the significance of our accounts receivable relative to total assets.  If the general economy deteriorates, or factors affecting the profitability or liquidity of the industry changed significantly, then this could affect the accuracy of our allowance for doubtful accounts.

Capitalized Software Research and Development Costs

The Company capitalizes software development costs incurred during the period from the establishment of technological feasibility through the product’s availability for general release.  Costs incurred prior to the establishment of technological feasibility and after the product is released, are charged to product development expense.  Product development expense includes payroll, employee benefits, other headcount-related costs associated with product development and any related costs to third parties under sub-contracting or net of any collaborative arrangements.

Software development costs are amortized on a product-by-product basis over the greater of the ratio of current revenues to total anticipated revenues (current and future revenues) or on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the products beginning with the initial release to customers.  The Company’s estimated life for its capitalized software products is two years based on current sales trends and the rate of product release. The Company continually evaluates whether events or circumstances have occurred that indicate that the remaining useful life of the capitalized software development costs should be revised or that the remaining balance of such assets may not be recoverable.  The Company evaluates the recoverability of capitalized software based on the estimated future revenues of each product. As of September 30, 2010, management believes that no revisions to the remaining useful lives or write-downs of capitalized software development costs are required.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of businesses acquired over the fair value of the net assets acquired at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is not amortized but rather tested for impairment, at least annually. The Company performs its annual impairment test as of the first day of the fiscal fourth quarter. The impairment test must be performed more frequently if there are triggering events, as for example, when our market capitalization significantly declines for a sustained period which could cause us to do interim impairment testing, that might result in an impairment to goodwill.

The Company uses a two-step method for determining goodwill impairment. In the first step, the Company determines the fair value of the reporting unit and compares that fair value to the carrying value of the reporting unit, including goodwill. The fair value of the reporting unit is determined using various valuation techniques, including a comparable companies market multiple approach and a discounted cash flow analysis (an income approach).  If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the Company performs the second step of the goodwill impairment test to measure the impairment loss, if any.

The Company compares the implied fair value of goodwill with the carrying amount of goodwill.  The Company determined the implied fair value of goodwill in the same manner as if the Company had acquired those business units. Specifically, the Company must allocate the fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets of that unit, including any unrecognized intangible assets, in a hypothetical calculation that would yield the implied fair value of goodwill.

Our annual impairment test, which was completed during the fourth quarter of 2009, indicated that the fair value of our one reporting unit exceeded the carrying value and, therefore, the goodwill amount was not impaired for our one reporting unit. The Company determined there was no triggering event at December 31, 2009 and September 30, 2010 which could require an interim impairment analysis.
 
 
 
16

 
 
The determination of the fair value of the reporting units and the allocation of that value to individual assets and liabilities within those reporting units requires the Company to make significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions primarily include, but are not limited to: the selection of appropriate peer group companies; control premiums appropriate for acquisitions in the industries in which the Company competes; the discount rate; terminal growth rates; and forecasts of revenue, operating income, depreciation and amortization, and capital expenditures.

Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making these estimates, actual financial results could differ from those estimates. Changes in assumptions concerning future financial results or other underlying assumptions could have a significant impact on either the fair value of the reporting unit or the amount of the goodwill impairment charge.

On September 21, 2005, the Company acquired the assets and certain liabilities of FieldCentrix, Inc. through its wholly-owned subsidiary, FC Acquisition Corp. Included in the allocation of the purchase price was goodwill valued at $1,100,000.

The purchase agreement provided for an earn-out provision through June 30, 2007 that paid the sellers a percentage of certain license revenues and certain professional services.  Due to the contingent nature of such payments, the value of the future payments was not included in the purchase price.  However, as such sales transactions occurred, the related earn-out amounts were added to the purchase price, specifically goodwill. The total addition to goodwill from the date the assets of FieldCentrix, Inc. were acquired through the end of the earn-out period June 30, 2007 was $285,000. At September 30, 2010 goodwill was $1,538,000.

Major Customers

For the three months ended September 30, 2010 there was one customer that accounted for 11% of total revenues. For the three months ended September 30, 2009, no customer accounted for more than 10% of total revenues. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, there were no customers that accounted for more than 10% of total revenues.  At September 30, 2010 there were three customers that accounted for 19%, 13%, and 10%, respectively, of total accounts receivable and at December 31, 2009, one customer accounted for 13% of total accounts receivable.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to credit risk, consist of cash equivalents and accounts receivable.  The Company’s policy is to limit the amount of credit exposure to any one financial institution.  The Company places investments with financial institutions evaluated as being creditworthy, or investing in short-term money market which are exposed to minimal interest rate and credit risk.  Cash balances are maintained with several banks.  Certain operating accounts may exceed the FDIC limits.

Concentration of credit risk, with respect to accounts receivable, is limited due to the Company’s credit evaluation process.  The Company sells its products to customers involved in a variety of industries including information technology, medical devices and diagnostic systems, industrial controls and instrumentation and retail systems.  While the Company does not require collateral from its customers, it does perform continuing credit evaluations of its customer’s financial condition.
 
 
Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, other assets, trade accounts payable, and accrued expenses carrying amounts at face value approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.
 
The investments in debt securities classified as available for sale are measured using quoted market prices multiplied by the quantity held where quoted market prices were available.
 
The fair value of goodwill is determined by estimating the expected present value of future cash flows without reference to observable market transactions.
 
 
 
17

 
 
Accounting for Income Taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the difference and carryforwards are expected to be recovered or settled.  A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is provided when we estimate that it is more likely than not that all or a portion of the deferred tax assets may not be realized through future operations.  This assessment is based upon consideration of available positive and negative evidence which included, among other things, our most recent results of operations and expected future profitability.  We consider our actual historical results to have a stronger weight than other more subjective indicators when considering whether to establish or reduce a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets.

The Company prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.  Estimated interest is recorded as a component of interest expense and penalties are recorded as a component of general and administrative expenses.  Such amounts were not material for 2009 and 2008 and did not have a material impact on our financial position.

Currency Translation

The accounts of the international subsidiaries and branch operations translate the assets and liabilities of international operations by using the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. The results of operations are translated at average exchange rates during the period. The effects of exchange rate fluctuations in translating assets and liabilities of international operations into U.S. dollars are accumulated and reflected as a currency translation adjustment in other comprehensive loss in the accompanying consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity. Transaction gains and losses are included in net (loss). General and administrative expenses include exchange gains (losses) of $28,000 and ($51,000) for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Net (Loss) Per Share

Earnings per share is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of shares and common stock equivalents outstanding during the period.  In the calculation of diluted earnings per share, shares outstanding are adjusted to assume conversion of the Company’s non-interest bearing convertible stock and exercise of options as if they were dilutive.  In the calculation of basic earnings (loss) per share, weighted average numbers of shares outstanding are used as the denominator.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Company had a net (loss).  In 2010, there were 1,000 net additional dilutive shares assumed to be converted at an average exercise price of $2.90.  In addition, 100% of the outstanding convertible preferred stock of 826,000 shares were eligible to be converted into common stock. For purposes of this calculation, if converted, it would have been assumed that they were converted into common stock and the related dividends were not paid.   However, all options outstanding at September 30, 2010 and 2009 to purchase shares of common stock and shares of common stock issued on the assumed conversion of the eligible preferred stock were excluded from the diluted (loss) per common share calculation, as the inclusion of these options would have been antidilutive.


 
18

 

 
   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Numerator:
                       
Net (loss) available to common shareholders
  $ (581,000 )   $ (426,000 )   $ (3,082,000 )   $ (1,558,000 )
                                 
Denominator:
                               
Weighted average shares used to compute net
    (loss) available to common shareholders per
    common share-basic
      3,555,000         3,554,000         3,555,000       3,554,000  
Effect of dilutive stock options
    -       -       -       -  
 
Weighted average shares used to compute net
    (loss) available to shareholders per common
    share-dilutive
        3,555,000           3,554,000           3,555,000       3,554,000  
Basic net (loss) per share to common
    shareholder
  $ (0.16 )   $ (0.12 )   $ (0.87 )   $ (0.44 )
                                 
Dilutive net (loss) per share to common
    shareholder
  $ (0.16 )   $ (0.12 )   $ (0.87 )   $ (0.44 )
                                 

Comprehensive (Loss)

Comprehensive (loss) consists of net (loss), unrealized gains (losses) on investments available for sale and foreign currency translation adjustments.  The effects are presented in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity.

Stock Compensation

The Company estimates the fair value of stock options granted using the Black-Scholes-Merton (Black-Scholes) option-pricing formula and amortizes the estimated option value using an accelerated amortization method where each option grant is split into tranches based on vesting periods.  The Company’s expected term represents the period that the Company’s share-based awards are expected to be outstanding and was determined based on historical experience regarding similar awards, giving consideration to the contractual terms of the share-based awards and employee termination data.  Executive level employees who hold a majority of options outstanding, and non-executive level employees each have similar historical option exercise and termination behavior and, thus, were grouped for valuation purposes.  The Company’s expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of its traded common stock and places exclusive reliance on historical volatilities to estimate our stock volatility over the expected term of its awards.  The Company has historically not paid dividends to common stockholders and has no foreseeable plans to issue dividends.  The risk-free interest rate is based on the yield from the U.S. Treasury zero-coupon bonds with an equivalent term.  Results for prior periods have not been restated.

Under the Company’s stock option plans, options awards generally vest over a four year period of continuous service and have a 10 year contractual term.   The fair value of each option is amortized on a straight-line basis over the option’s vesting period.  The fair value of each option is estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes Merton option pricing formula.  There were 20,000 and 0 options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Convertible Preferred Stock

On September 24, 2008, the Company issued 826,000 shares of Series-A Convertible Preferred Stock (“preferred stock”) to its Chief Executive Officer at a price of $3.63 per share for a total of $3,000,000.  Dividends accrue daily on the preferred stock at an initial rate of 6% and shall be payable only when, as and if declared by the Company’s Board of Directors, quarterly in arrears.
 
The preferred stock may be converted into common stock at the initial rate of one share of common for each share of preferred stock.  After six months there is no limit on the number of shares that may be converted. Commencing two years after issuance, the Company shall have certain rights to cause conversion of all of the shares of preferred stock then outstanding.  Commencing four years after issuance, the Company may redeem, subject to board approval, all of the shares of preferred stock then outstanding at a price equal to the greater of (i) 130% of the purchase price plus all accrued and unpaid dividends and (ii) the fair market value of such number of shares of common stock which the holder of the preferred stock would be entitled to receive had the redeemed preferred stock been converted immediately prior to the redemption.
 
 
 
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The Company recorded the preferred stock on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet within Stockholders’ Equity.  The preferred stock is recorded on the consolidated balance sheet at the amount of net proceeds received less an imputed dividend cost.  The imputed dividend cost of  $218,000 was the result of the preferred stock having a dividend rate during the first two years after its issuance (6%) that is lower than the rate that becomes fixed (10%) after the initial two year period.  The imputed dividend cost of $218,000 is being amortized over the first two years from the date of issuance and is based upon the present value of the dividend discount using a 10% yield.

Results of Operations
 
Comparison of Three Months Ended September 30, 2010 and 2009
 
Revenues

Revenues increased $197,000 or 4%, to $4,988,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010 from $4,791,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2009.  Software license fee revenues increased $237,000, or 57%, from the same period last year.  Services and maintenance fees for the three months ended September 30, 2010 amounted to $4,337,000, a 1% decrease from the same quarter in 2009.

The Company’s international operations contributed $2,355,000 of revenues in the third quarter of 2010, which is a 20% increase compared to revenues generated during the second quarter of 2009.  The Company’s revenues from international operations amounted to 47% of the total revenue for the third quarter in 2010, compared to 41% of total revenues for the same quarter in 2009.  The increase is primarily due to revenues generated by our new subsidiary in Japan, which started operations in the first quarter of 2009 and an increase in Asia Pacific license and professional services revenue.

Software license fee revenues increased 57% to $651,000 in the third quarter of 2010 from $414,000 in the third quarter of 2009.  Astea Alliance license revenues increased $464,000 or 459%, to $565,000 in the third quarter of 2010 from $101,000 in the third quarter of 2009. The increase results from Astea license sales in all regions of the Company to both new and existing customers. Included in the increase is the partial recognition of license revenue from a sale that occurred in the first quarter of this year, but due to the nature of the transaction, had to be deferred. The remainder of the license revenue from this transaction is expected to be recognized in the last quarter of 2010. The Company sold $86,000 of software licenses from its FieldCentrix subsidiary compared to $313,000 in the third quarter of 2009.  The decrease was the result of having only one new customer in the third quarter of 2010 compared to a greater distribution of sales to new and existing customers in the same period in 2009.

Services and maintenance revenues decreased to $4,337,000 from $4,377,000 in the third quarter of 2010, a decrease of 1%.  Astea Alliance service and maintenance revenues increased by $195,000 or 6% compared to the third quarter of 2009. The increase resulted primarily from a contract that was signed in the first quarter of 2010 for which the related professional service revenue had to be deferred until certain events occurred. These events occurred this quarter and the Company was able to recognize a portion of the deferred revenue as service and maintenance revenue.  The remainder of the deferred service revenue from this particular transaction is expected to be recognized in the fourth quarter of this year.  Service and maintenance revenues generated by FieldCentrix, decreased by $223,000 or 17% from $1,276,000 to $1,053,000 in 2010 due to reduced demand from customers.  In addition, DISPATCH-1 service and maintenance revenues decreased $12,000 to $64,000 from $76,000 in the prior year quarter.  The decline in service and maintenance revenue for DISPATCH-1 is expected as the Company discontinued development of DISPATCH-1 at the end of 1999.

 
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Costs of Revenues

Cost of software license fees decreased 14% to $465,000 in the third quarter of 2010 from $543,000 in the third quarter of 2009.  Included in the cost of software license fees are the fixed costs of capitalized software amortization and amortization of software acquired from FieldCentrix and any third party software embedded in the Company’s software licenses sold to customers.  The principal cause of the decrease in cost of revenues is lower amortization of capitalized software development cost as certain versions were fully amortized as of the second quarter of 2010.

Amortization of capitalized software development costs was $443,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 compared to $464,000 for the same quarter in 2009.  The software license gross margin percentage was 29% in the third quarter of 2010 compared to (31%) in the third quarter of 2009.  The improvement in license gross margin resulted primarily from the increase in license revenues and decreased amortization expense.

Cost of services and maintenance increased 3% to $2,796,000 in the third quarter of 2010 from $2,707,000 in the second quarter of 2009. The increase in cost of service and maintenance is due to an increase in headcount and restoration of salaries in 2010 compared to the same quarter in 2009.  The services and maintenance gross margin percentage was 36% in the third quarter of 2010 compared to 38% in the third quarter of 2009.  The decrease in services and maintenance gross margin was primarily due to changes in the geographic mix of customers to other regions of the world in which market conditions call for lower fees as well as some fixed price contracts that requires more time to complete than originally expected.

 Product Development

Product development expense increased 28% to $674,000 in the third quarter of 2010 from $526,000 in the third quarter of 2009. The increase resulted from salaries being restored in the beginning of 2010 and a reduction in capitalized product development costs in the third quarter of 2010 compared to the same period in 2009. The Company released version 10 of its Astea Alliance product in January 2010, at which time capitalization of development costs ceased.  Fluctuations in product development expense from period to period can vary due to the amount of development expense which is capitalized.  Development costs of $331,000 were capitalized in the third quarter of 2010 compared to $480,000 during the same period in 2009.  Gross product development expense was $1,005,000 in the quarter ended September 30, 2010 which is comparable to the same quarter in 2009.  Product development expense as a percentage of revenues increased to 14% in the third quarter of 2010 compared with 11% in the third quarter of 2009.  The increase in costs relative to revenues is due to the increase in product development expense, partially offset by a slight increase in revenue.

Sales and Marketing

Sales and marketing expense increased 24% to $875,000 in the third quarter of 2010 from $708,000 in the third quarter of 2009. The increase in sales and marketing is primarily attributable to additional cost related to marketing efforts, additional headcount, and restoration of salaries.  As a percentage of revenues, sales and marketing expense was 18% in the third quarter of 2010 compared to 15% the same quarter of 2009.

General and Administrative

General and administrative expenses increased 5% to $697,000 during the third quarter of 2010 from $665,000 in the third quarter of 2009.  The increase in general and administrative expenses is due to outside consultant fees and restoration of salaries, partially offset by an increase in currency translation gains.  As a percentage of revenue, general and administrative expense was 14% in the third quarter of 2010 and 2009.

Interest Income, Net

Net interest income increased $12,000 to $18,000 in the third quarter of 2010 from the third quarter of 2009.  The increase resulted primarily from interest payments on fixed income bonds and reinvested dividends.
 
 
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Income Tax Expense

The Company recorded a provision for income tax of $10,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010 compared to $1,000 for the same period in 2009.  The increase resulted from reduction in the foreign tax liability from the Pacific region in the third quarter to 2009 that we did not receive in the third quarter of 2010.

International Operations

Total revenue from the Company’s international operations increased by 20% during the third quarter of 2010 to $2,355,000 compared to $1,969,000 for the third quarter of 2009.  The increase in revenue from international operations was primarily attributable to revenue generated by the Asia Pacific region. This includes our Japan office, which opened in early 2009, as well as our Australian office.   Included in the revenue increase is revenue recognized on a sale that occurred in the first quarter of 2010, but due to revenue recognition criteria, had to be deferred at that time. A portion of that revenue was recognized this quarter and the remainder is expected to be recognized in the last quarter of 2010.  International operations generated a net loss of $92,000 for the third quarter ended September 30, 2010 compared to a net loss of $94,000 in the same period in 2009.
 
Net (Loss)

Net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2010 was $511,000 compared to net loss of $353,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2009.  The increase in the net loss compared to the same quarter last year was due to an increase in operating expenses of $358,000, primarily due to an increase in headcount and restoration of salaries in 2010 offset by a decrease in cost of license revenue. In addition there was an increase of $197,000 in revenue and an increase of $12,000 in interest income, which was partially offset by an increase in the tax provision of $9,000.
 
Comparison of Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 and 2009
 
Revenues

Revenues decreased $232,000, or 2%, to $14,274,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 from $14,506,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  Software license revenues increased 131% from the same period last year.  Service and maintenance fees for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 amounted to $11,912,000, a 12% decrease from the same period in 2009.

The Company’s international operations contributed $6,617,000 of revenues in the first nine months of 2010 compared to $4,513,000 in the first nine months of 2009.  This represents a 47% increase from the same period last year and 46% of total Company revenues in the first nine months of 2010.   The increase in international revenues compared to the same period in 2009 is primarily due to increased revenues generated by our new subsidiary in Japan, which started operations in the first quarter of 2009 as well as an increase in European revenues.

Software license fee revenues increased 131% to $2,362,000 in the first nine months of 2010 from $1,024,000 in the first nine months of 2009.  Astea Alliance license revenues increased $1,818,000 to $2,205,000 or 470% in the first nine months of 2010 from $387,000 in the first nine months of 2009. The increase resulted from Astea license sales in the US, Europe, and Asia Pacific to new and existing customers. Partially offsetting the Alliance license increase, license revenue from FieldCentrix decreased by $480,000 or 75% to $157,000. The decrease is attributable to reduced demand for the FX product during this period compared to the first nine months of 2009.
 
Services and maintenance revenues decreased 12% to $11,912,000 in the first nine months of 2010 from $13,482,000 in the first nine months of 2009. Astea Alliance service and maintenance revenue were $8,661,000, a decrease of 9%, or $868,000 over the nine months ended September 30, 2009. The decrease resulted from a reduced demand from customers and lower professional service rates resulting from a change in the mix of professional service projects to reflect an increase in Japanese projects, which generally have lower professional service fees and an increase in fixed price contracts. In addition, a contract signed in the first quarter of 2010 had significant professional services provided. However, due to terms contained in the agreement a portion of the revenue has been deferred and could not be recognized until the occurrence of certain events, some of which occurred in the third quarter of 2010, but the majority of the revenues are expected to be recognized in the last quarter of this year. Partially offsetting the reduction in service and maintenance revenue was an increase in new projects in Japan and Europe.  There was a decrease of 17% or $635,000 of service and maintenance revenues from FieldCentrix in the first nine months of 2010 compared to $3,696,000 for the first nine months of 2009. The decrease is due to a reduction in implementation projects and hosting services compared to the same period in 2009.   DISPATCH-1 service and maintenance revenues decreased by $66,000 to $191,000 from $257,000 in the prior year.  The decline in service and maintenance revenue for DISPATCH-1 was expected as the Company discontinued development of DISPATCH-1 at the end of 1999.
 
 
 
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Costs of Revenues

Cost of software license fees increased 10% to $1,571,000 in the first nine months of 2010 from $1,422,000 in the first nine months of 2009. Included in the cost of software license fees is the fixed cost of capitalized software amortization.  The principal cause of the increase results from an increase in the amortization of capitalized software related to version 10 which began to be amortized after it was released in the first quarter of 2010.  The software licenses gross margin percentage was 33% in the first nine months of 2010 compared to (39%) in the first nine months of 2009. The improvement in license gross margin resulted primarily from the increase in license revenues partially offset by increased amortization expense.

Cost of services and maintenance increased 2% to $8,148,000 in the first nine months of 2010 from $8,017,000 in the first nine months of 2009.  The increase in cost of service and maintenance is attributed primarily to an increase in headcount from last year to this year and salary restorations in the beginning of 2010 offset by a decrease in outside consultants used in the US and European locations.  The services and maintenance gross margin percentage declined to 32% in the first nine months of 2010 compared to 41% in the first six months of 2009.
 
 Product Development

Product development expense increased 41% to $2,383,000 in the first nine months of 2010 from $1,687,000 in the first nine months of 2009. The increase resulted from salaries being restored in the beginning of 2010 and a reduction in capitalized product development costs in the first nine months of 2010 compared to the same period in 2009. The Company released version 10 of its Astea Alliance product in January 2010, at which time capitalization of development costs ceased.  Fluctuations in product development expense from period to period can vary due to the amount of development expense which is capitalized.  Software development costs of $805,000 were capitalized in the first nine months of 2010 compared to $1,248,000 during the same period in 2009.  Gross development expense was $3,188,000 during the first nine months of 2010, 9% greater than $2,935,000 for the same period in 2009.  Product development as a percentage of revenues was 17% in the first nine months of 2010 compared with 12% in the first nine months of 2009.  The increase in costs relative to revenues is due to the increase in product development expense as well as slight decrease in revenue.
 
Sales and Marketing

Sales and marketing expense increased 12% to $2,642,000 in the first nine months of 2010 from $2,354,000 in the first nine months of 2009. The increase in sales and marketing expense is attributable to an increase in costs associated with attending trade shows in 2010, increase in salaries due to restoration of salaries in beginning of 2010, increases in headcount and an increase in commissions from higher licenses sales, partially offset by a decrease in outside consultants.  As a percentage of revenues, sales and marketing expenses increased to 19% from 16% in the first nine months of 2009.
 
 General and Administrative

General and administrative expenses increased 6% to $2,439,000 in the first nine months of 2010 from $2,307,000 in the first nine months of 2009.   The increase in general and administrative expenses is attributable principally to the restoration of salaries in the beginning of 2010, increased operating expenses in our Japanese subsidiary and management bonuses accrued in the first quarter of 2010 offset by a decrease in legal fees and an increase in currency translation gains.  As a percentage of revenues, general and administrative expenses increased to 17% from 16% in the first nine months of 2009.
 
 
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Interest Income, Net

Net interest income increased $39,000 to $63,000 from $24,000 in the first nine months of 2009.  The increase resulted primarily from interest payments on fixed income bonds and dividends.

Net (Loss)

Net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was $2,871,000 compared to a net loss of $1,339,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  The increase in the net loss of $1,532,000 is a direct result of an increase in operating costs of 9% and a decrease in revenues of 2%.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

    Operating Activities

Net cash generated by operating activities increased by $6,000 to $805,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to $799,000 generated for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. The change was attributable to an increase in accounts receivable collections of $1,294,000, an increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $169,000, an increase of deferred revenue of $234,000 and an increase in deferred tax expense of $2,000 offset by an increase in net loss of $1,532,000, a decrease to noncash expenses of $49,000, a decrease in other assets of $67,000 and a decrease in prepaid expenses of $45,000.

    Investing Activities

The Company used $1,199,000 for investing activities in the first nine months of 2010 compared to $962,000 used in the first nine months of 2009.  The increase in cash used for investing activities is attributable to the purchase of an additional $966,000 of short term investments compared to last year, an increase of $157,000 in the purchases of property and equipment, less sales of short term investments of $464,000 compared to the first nine months of 2009 and the release of $21,000 from restricted cash offset by a decrease in capitalized software development costs of $443,000.

    Financing Activities

The Company used $132,000 for financing activities in the first nine months of 2010 compared to using $135,000 in the same period of 2009.  In the first nine months of 2010 and 2009, the only financing expenditures were payments of $135,000 of preferred stock dividends. The reduction in 2010 occurred from the exercise of stock options which provided $3,000.

When comparing the U.S. dollar to other currencies in which the Company operates, primarily the Australian dollar, British pound, Japanese yen and Israel shekel, the effect of exchange rates on cash provided an outflow of $9,000 in 2010 compared to an outflow of $72,000 in 2009.

On May 23, 2006 the Company entered into a secured revolving line of credit (Line) agreement with a bank.  That agreement was amended in June of 2008 with an expiration date of June 30, 2009. The line of credit was modified on July 31, 2009 to a guidance line of credit where all draws will be at the bank’s discretion and had an original term of one year that has been extended to December 31, 2010. The guidance line of credit has no fees associated with it. The guidance line of credit interest rate is the prime rate, with a floor of 5%. There were no amounts outstanding as of September 30, 2010 and 2009.

At September 30, 2010, the Company had a working capital ratio of 0.9:1, with cash and investments available for sale of $3,068,000.  The Company believes that it has adequate cash resources to make the investments necessary to maintain or improve its current position and to sustain its continuing operations for the next twelve months.  The Board of Directors from time to time reviews the Company’s forecasted operations and financial condition to determine whether and when payment of a dividend or dividends is appropriate; other than the mandatory dividends on preferred stock.  The Company does not anticipate that its operations or financial condition will be affected materially by inflation.

 
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Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company is not involved in off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a material current or future impact on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses result in operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

Variability of Quarterly Results and Potential Risks Inherent in the Business

The Company’s operations are subject to a number of risks, which are described in more detail in the Company’s prior SEC filings, including in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.  Risks which are peculiar to the Company on a quarterly basis, and which may vary from quarter to quarter, include but are not limited to the following:

·  
The Company’s quarterly operating results have in the past varied and may in the future vary significantly depending on factors such as the size, timing and recognition of revenue from significant orders, the timing of new product releases and product enhancements, and market acceptance of these new releases and enhancements, increases in operating expenses, and seasonality of its business.

·  
The market price of the Company’s common stock could be subject to significant fluctuations in response to, and may be adversely affected by, variations in quarterly operating results, changes in earnings estimates by analysts, developments in the software industry, adverse earnings or other financial announcements of the Company’s customers and general stock market conditions, as well as other factors.


Item 3.         QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market risk represents the risk of loss that may impact the Company’s financial position due to adverse changes in financial market prices and rates.  The Company’s market risk exposure is primarily a result of fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates.  The Company does not hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes.

Interest Rate Risk. The Company’s exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to the Company’s investment portfolio.  The Company does not have any derivative financial instruments in its portfolio.  The Company places its investments in instruments that meet high credit quality standards.  The Company is adverse to principal loss and ensures the safety and preservation of its invested funds by limiting default risk, market risk and reinvestment risk.  As of September 30, 2010, the Company’s investments consisted only of mutual funds.  The Company does not expect any material loss with respect to its investment portfolio.  In addition, the Company does not believe that a 10% change in interest rates would have a significant effect on its interest income.

Foreign Currency Risk.  The Company does not use foreign currency forward exchange contracts or purchased currency options to hedge local currency cash flows or for trading purposes.  All sales arrangements with international customers are denominated in foreign currency.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, approximately 46% of the Company’s overall revenue resulted from sales to customers outside the United States.  A 10% change in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to each of the currencies of the Company’s non-U.S.-generated sales would not have resulted in a material change to its results of operations.  The Company does not expect any material loss with respect to foreign currency risk.
 
 
Item 4.          CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as required by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(b) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures are effective. There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2010 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
 
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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION


Item 1A.                Risk Factors

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, which could materially affect the Company’s business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in this report and in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 are not the only risks facing the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to the Company or that the Company currently deems to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition and/or operating results.


Item 6.                   Exhibits



 
 
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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.

 
   
ASTEA INTERNATIONAL INC.
       
Date:  November 15, 2010
 
/s/Zack Bergreen
   
Zack Bergreen
   
Chief Executive Officer
   
(Principal Executive Officer)
       
       
       
       
       
       
Date:  November 15, 2010
 
/s/Rick Etskovitz                                  
   
Rick Etskovitz
   
Chief Financial Officer
   
(Principal Financial and Chief Accounting Officer)
       
       
       
       

 
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Exhibit Index

 

 
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