SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
FORM 10-K
FOR ANNUAL AND TRANSITION REPORTS
PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
(Mark One)
| [X] |
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
|
| For the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2003 OR | ||
| [ ] |
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
|
| For the transition period from to . |
Commission File Number: 000-24193
ATLANTIC DATA SERVICES, INC.
| MASSACHUSETTS (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) |
04-2696393 (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
One Batterymarch Park, Quincy, Massachusetts 02169
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
(617) 770 3333
(Registrants Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None.
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock, $.01 par value
(Title of Class)
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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrants knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [ X ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). Yes [ ] No [ X ].
The aggregate market value of the voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the Company was approximately $7,300,000 on September 30, 2002 based on the last reported sale price of the Companys Common Stock on The NASDAQ National Market on September 30, 2002 of $1.70 per share. There were 13,045,245 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2002.
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ATLANTIC DATA SERVICES, INC.
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
FOR THIS FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2003
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Report includes forward-looking statements, which are made pursuant to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these forward-looking statements when you see us using words such as expect, anticipate, believe, intend, may, predict, and other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements cover, among other items: events, conditions and financial trends that may affect our future plans of operation, business strategy, growth of operations and financial position, including statements regarding revenue and earnings or loss per share projections, concentration of revenues among a limited number of customers, expected capital expenditures for fiscal 2004 and sufficiency of cash to meet working capital and capital expenditure requirements for 2004. Any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are necessarily subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control. These risks and uncertainties include, among others: variability of our quarterly operating results due to, among other things, the number, size and scope of customer projects commenced and completed during a quarter, changes in employee utilization rates and changes in average billing rates; our dependence on the financial services industry; general economic uncertainty; concentration of revenues and our dependence on major customers; risks associated with fixed price contracts; our dependence on key personnel; intense competition in the IT consulting industry; and risks associated with potential acquisitions. Because of these risks and uncertainties, the forward-looking events discussed in this Report might not transpire.
PART I
ITEM 1: BUSINESS
A. General
Atlantic Data Services, Inc. (We or ADS), provides information technology (IT) strategy consulting and systems integration services to the financial services industry. We offer rapid, cost-effective IT solutions to the business challenges faced by financial services companies through our in-depth financial services experience, technological expertise and project management skills. Our service offerings are organized around four practice areas: Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Conversions and Consolidations, IT Strategy and Consulting, and e-Business. We were incorporated in Massachusetts on March 25, 1980.
The business challenges created by deregulation and consolidation, coupled with the need to maintain existing systems and incorporate new technologies, have forced banks to turn to third party IT providers for assistance in developing IT solutions to meet their changing needs. Because of the critical importance of their IT systems, many banks seek to engage IT service providers who have in-depth knowledge of their systems and business processes and who can assume responsibility for project management and delivery. IT service providers working with banks must possess extensive experience in the financial services industry and be fluent in both traditional legacy systems and newer technologies. However, there is a shortage of professionals who have this combination of skills. While many banks are concluding that using outside specialists enables them to develop better IT solutions in less time and to reduce implementation risks, most IT consulting firms do not have the specialized knowledge of the financial services industry necessary to assist banks in rapidly and cost-effectively meeting their business challenges.
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We enable our customers to leverage their existing IT systems and personnel to compete more effectively, to rapidly assimilate changing technologies and to meet their evolving business needs in a timely and cost-effective manner. We work closely with our customers management and IT personnel from the diagnostic and strategic planning stages through project completion. Our IT professionals have extensive experience in the diverse technical environments, legacy hardware platforms, programming languages, and software used by banks, as well as newer technologies, including client/server applications and the Internet. In addition, we have developed proprietary tools and methodologies designed to reduce the risks inherent in complex systems implementations. We work closely with our customers to determine the appropriate resources and staffing to assign to their projects and deploy our staff from throughout the United States to meet a customers needs.
Practice Areas
We offer and deliver our services through four practice areas that address the major areas of interest and activity of our customers. These four practice areas are:
CRM. We understand that a key success factor for financial services organizations is the acquisition, servicing and growth of profitable customer relationships. Our goal is to help our clients become more customer-focused so they can maintain and grow market share in the competitive financial services marketplace. Our approach is to assist our clients by delivering a practical plan for transforming the enterprise to support their customer-oriented business strategy. Then as each initiative is launched, our requirements documentation services team can assist in the translation of business needs into formal requirements for the project team assuring that the solution delivers business results. As an independent services firm, our team of experts can also assist in the acquisition of best of breed tools and solutions. We also recognize that high-performance customer information is the foundation of any CRM program. Our customer information teams can provide everything from diagnostic services to complete systems integration to assure that this valuable asset supports our customers CRM program. Our approach with every engagement is to focus on business objectives and return-on-investment, and to deliver value at every step.
Conversions and Consolidations. The financial services industry continues to undergo tremendous change and reorganization. We have been a leading solution provider in hundreds of conversions, consolidations and migrations, deploying the financial services expertise necessary to contribute to our customers successes. As a core competency, we provide the requisite project management skills to help our customers tackle the business and technological challenges before them, and to exceed the goals of their original strategic objectives. The financial industry experience resident on our consulting staff enables us to provide our clients with both the business insight and operational expertise to guarantee successful business integrations.
IT Strategy and Consulting. Firms in every segment of financial services are facing unprecedented pressure to innovate and change. In the face of competition from new and traditional rivals, financial institutions must simultaneously develop or acquire new products and services, improve the level of personalized service provided to customers, and significantly improve operating efficiency. We provide the operational insight and major project discipline to complete these strategic initiatives successfully. We leverage our industry knowledge and technology expertise to help clients identify, design and implement business solutions that produce measurable improvements. Not only are new capabilities implemented, but operational performance efficiencies are also achieved, resulting in a clients improved bottom line.
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e-Business. ADS defines e-Business as the transformation of key business processes using Internet technologies. We believe that successful e-Business is all about operational efficiency, return on investment, and execution. We bring over twenty years of in-depth banking, project management, and systems integration experience to assist clients in realizing their e-Business potential. Our banking and system integration experience enables us to identify innovative opportunities to achieve operational efficiency through e-Business; our project management expertise ensures execution within fiscal and scheduling constraints; and the combination of this efficiency and execution results in a favorable return on investment for our clients. Our e-Business services fall into three main categories: strategy, design, and implementation. Combining our technology and financial industry expertise, we work with our customers to create systems that build virtual bridges between buyers, suppliers, customers, and financial institutions for swift and reliable transactions.
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B. Customers
Our customers consist primarily of banks and other financial services companies located in the United States and Canada. The following is a list of representative customer during fiscal 2003:
| The BISYS Group, Inc. | IntraNet, Inc., a TSZ Company | |
| Capital One Services, Inc. | Wells Fargo Services Company | |
| Citizens Financial Corporation | Zions Bancorporation | |
| FleetBoston Financial Corporation |
We have derived and expect to continue to derive a significant portion of our revenues from a relatively limited number of customers. For example, our five largest customers in fiscal 2003, Citizens Financial Corporation, Zions Bancorporation, FleetBoston Financial Corporation, IntraNet Inc., a TSA Company and Capital One Services, Inc. accounted for approximately 41.7%, 32.5%, 9.0%, 6.9% and 1.8%, respectively, of revenues. In fiscal 2002, FleetBoston Financial Corporation, Citizens Financial Corporation, Zions Bancorporation, IntraNet, Inc., a TSA Company and National City Corporation accounted for approximately 24.7%, 23.8%, 21.6%, 7.3% and 4.1%, respectively, of revenues. Because a significant portion of our revenues are derived from services related to deregulation and consolidation activities in the financial services industry, changes in the regulatory environment or a reduction in consolidation activity have in the past, and may in the future, have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the loss of a major customer or termination of a major project as a result of an acquisition of a customer by an organization to which we do not currently provide services could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Although our largest customers have varied from period to period, we anticipate that our results of operations will continue to significantly depend upon revenues from a small number of customers. We cannot assure you that our major customers will continue to purchase our services at current levels, if at all, or that we would be able to replace revenues from lost customers with revenues from other customers. The loss of, or a significant reduction in revenues from, any of our major customers could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
C. Sales and Marketing
We market and sell our services directly through our professional sales and marketing staff and senior management operating principally from our offices in Quincy, Massachusetts. As of March 31, 2003, we had 9 persons engaged in sales and marketing activities.
Our senior business development representatives are assigned to a limited number of customers to foster an in-depth understanding of each customers individual needs and build a long-term customer relationship. We attempt to develop customer relationships through a carefully coordinated effort between our sales and professional services staff. Initial sales calls are made at the customers senior management level and followed up by detailed presentations targeted to their specific needs.
We employ a variety of business development and marketing techniques to communicate directly with current and prospective customers, including targeted print and direct mail advertisements, participation in financial services industry trade shows and conferences, and our web site. In addition, we maintain relationships with key industry research groups such as TowerGroup, American Bankers Association, and the Bank Administration Institute.
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As part of our sales and marketing strategy, we intend, from time to time, to partner with other IT consulting firms, including in some instances our competitors, and to explore relationships with certain third party software providers to the financial services market.
D. Employees
As of March 31, 2003, we had 89 full time employees, of which 61 were project personnel, 19 employees were in finance and administration and 9 were in sales and marketing. None of our employees are subject to a collective bargaining agreement. We believe relations with our employees are good.
E. Intellectual Property Rights
Our success is dependent upon certain proprietary methodologies and software tools, including our Engagement Management Methodology and Conversion Productivity Tool that we use in providing services to customers. Our business also includes developing custom software for various customers. Ownership of such software is generally assigned to the customer, and we retain no right, title or interest in it.
We rely on a combination of trade secret, nondisclosure and other contractual arrangements and copyright and trademark laws to protect our proprietary rights. We currently hold no patents or registered copyrights. We generally enter into confidentiality agreements with our outside consultants, customers and potential customers and limit access to and distribution of our proprietary information. While we do not usually enter into confidentiality agreements with our employees, such employees are generally required to sign confidentiality agreements in connection with specific customer engagements. There is no assurance that these steps will be adequate to deter misappropriation of our proprietary information or of our customers or that we will be able to detect unauthorized use of, and take appropriate steps to enforce, our intellectual property rights.
In the future, litigation may be necessary to enforce and protect our trade secrets, copyrights and other intellectual property or proprietary rights. We may also be subject to litigation alleging claimed infringement or litigation to determine the scope and validity of the intellectual property or proprietary rights of others. Although we are not aware that our services, trademarks or other proprietary rights infringe upon the proprietary rights of others, there is no assurance that third parties will not assert infringement claims against us or that such claims will not result in a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Any litigation concerning our use of technology could result in substantial cost to us in defending such actions and/or divert our attention from operations, either of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
F. Competition
The IT and systems integration market, especially in the financial services industry, includes a large number of competitors and is subject to rapid technological and market changes. We compete for customer projects and experienced personnel with a number of companies having significantly greater financial, technical and marketing resources and revenues. Many of these competitors also have greater name recognition in the financial services industry. Our competitors operate in a variety of market segments, including systems consulting and integration, application software, professional services (such as computer equipment companies like International Business Machines Corporation), multinational professional service firms, and general management consulting firms (such as Accenture, Computer Sciences Corporation and Electronic Data Systems Corporation). In addition, the custom software development market is highly fragmented with numerous firms, many of which focus on their respective local markets. We also face competition from internal IT departments of our customers.
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We expect to experience increasing competition from companies offering established integration services and new service offerings and technologies. In addition, current and potential competitors may make strategic acquisitions or establish cooperative relationships among themselves or with others, thereby increasing their ability to expand or increase their service offerings to address the needs of our existing or prospective customers. Accordingly, it is possible that new competitors or alliances among current and new competitors may emerge and rapidly gain significant market share. Increased competition could result in lower utilization rates, billing rate reductions, fewer customer engagements, reduced gross margins, and loss of market share for us, any of which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We believe the principal competitive factors in our market are: knowledge of the financial services industry, responsiveness to customer needs, quality of service, project management capability, technical expertise and price. We believe we compete favorably in most of these areas and excel in the depth of industry knowledge and experience we bring to our financial services customers. We believe our ability to compete also depends in part on factors outside of our control, including the ability of our competitors to attract, motivate and retain project managers and other personnel.
To be successful in the future, we must respond promptly and effectively to customer demands, technological changes and competitors innovations. Our competitors may be able to respond more quickly to new and emerging technologies and changes in service offerings to prospective customers. There is no assurance that we will be able to compete successfully with existing or new competitors or that competition will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
ITEM 2: PROPERTIES
Our headquarters and administrative, sales and marketing operations are in Quincy, Massachusetts in a leased facility, which currently consists of 27,325 square feet. At December 31, 2003, our lease arrangement provides that the amount of leased space will be reduced to 16,376 square feet. At April 1, 2005, our lease arrangement provides that the amount of space will be further reduced to 14,836 square feet. The lease expires on March 31, 2010.
ITEM 3: LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
On June 4, 2003, ADS and each of its directors were served with a complaint filed as a purported class action lawsuit in Massachusetts state court by two of the Companys stockholders on behalf of all other stockholders of the Company. The complaint alleges, among other things, that ADS and its directors have breached or may have breached fiduciary duties owed to ADS stockholders in connection with its May 5, 2003 announcement that ADS had received from certain of its directors and stockholders a preliminary expression of interest to engage in a going private transaction. We believe that the action is without merit and intend to contest it vigorously. Otherwise, we are not a party to any litigation that we believe could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
ITEM 4: SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
No matters were submitted to a vote of our security holders during the fourth quarter of the year ended March 31, 2003.
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PART II
ITEM 5: MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANTS COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Price Range of Common Stock
The Companys stock is currently traded on The NASDAQ National Market (NASDAQ) under the symbol ADSC. The following table sets forth, on a per share basis for the periods shown, the high and low bid information of our common stock as reported on NASDAQ. Such information reflects inter-dealer prices, without retail markup, markdown or commission and may not represent the price of actual transactions.
| High | Low | ||||||||
Fiscal Year 2003: |
|||||||||
First Quarter (April 1 June 30, 2002) |
$ | 2.4000 | $ | 1.8000 | |||||
Second Quarter (July 1 Sept. 30, 2002) |
2.2900 | 1.3600 | |||||||
Third Quarter (Oct. 1 Dec. 31, 2002) |
2.9900 | 1.5500 | |||||||
Fourth Quarter (Jan. 1 March 31, 2003) |
3.2200 | 2.0200 | |||||||
Fiscal Year 2002: |
|||||||||
First Quarter (April 1 June 30, 2001) |
$ | 2.8400 | $ | 2.0000 | |||||
Second Quarter (July 1 Sept. 30, 2001) |
2.7200 | 2.0100 | |||||||
Third Quarter (Oct. 1 Dec. 31, 2001) |
2.1000 | 1.6000 | |||||||
Fourth Quarter (Jan. 1 March 31, 2002) |
2.4000 | 1.7700 | |||||||
As of June 13, 2003, there were approximately 126 stockholders of record.
Dividend Policy
We do not intend to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future. The payment of any future dividends will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon, among other things, future earnings, operations, capital requirements of the Company, business conditions and contractual restrictions on payment of dividends, if any.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
| Number of | ||||||||||||
| securities remaining | ||||||||||||
| available for future | ||||||||||||
| issuance under | ||||||||||||
| equity | ||||||||||||
| Weighted-average | compensation plans | |||||||||||
| Number of securities issuable | exercise price of | (excluding | ||||||||||
| upon exercise of outstanding | outstanding options, | securities reflected | ||||||||||
| Plan Category | options, warrants and rights | warrants and rights | in column (a)) | |||||||||
Equity compensation plans
approved by security holders |
1,629,251 | $ | 4.09 | 1,474,499 | ||||||||
Total |
1,629,251 | $ | 4.09 | 1,474,499 | ||||||||
All equity compensation plans have been approved by security holders.
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ITEM 6: SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The selected consolidated financial data presented below as of and for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000 and 1999 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements. This data should be read in conjunction with Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, our Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes thereto, and other financial information appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K. All amounts are in thousands, except per share data.
| Years Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | ||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated Statements of Operations |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Data: |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Total revenue |
$ | 21,703 | $ | 20,419 | $ | 34,135 | $ | 35,186 | $ | 66,763 | ||||||||||||
Gross profit |
9,477 | 6,882 | 10,245 | 8,979 | 25,680 | |||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) from operations |
2,856 | (2,709 | ) | (1,868 | ) | (1,694 | ) | 12,362 | ||||||||||||||
Income (loss) from continuing
operations |
2,228 | (3,394 | ) | 26 | 19 | 7,759 | ||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) |
2,299 | (6,121 | ) | 26 | 19 | 7,759 | ||||||||||||||||
Basic earnings (loss) per share: |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Continuing operations |
0.17 | (0.26 | ) | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.62 | ||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) |
0.18 | (0.47 | ) | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.60 | ||||||||||||||||
Diluted earnings (loss) per share: |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Continuing operations |
0.17 | (0.26 | ) | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.62 | ||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) |
0.17 | (0.47 | ) | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.60 | ||||||||||||||||
Shares used in computing earnings
(loss) per share (basic) |
13,062 | 13,028 | 12,998 | 12,925 | 12,468 | |||||||||||||||||
Shares used in computing earnings
(loss) per share (diluted) |
13,253 | 13,028 | 13,213 | 13,254 | 12,855 | |||||||||||||||||
| Years Ended March 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | |||||||||||||||||
Consolidated Balance Sheets Data: |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 27,329 | $ | 15,457 | $ | 36,655 | $ | 38,347 | $ | 37,326 | |||||||||||
Short-term investments |
8,982 | 16,601 | | | | ||||||||||||||||
Working capital |
37,730 | 35,219 | 37,000 | 39,670 | 39,077 | ||||||||||||||||
Total assets |
40,241 | 38,762 | 44,617 | 46,115 | 46,883 | ||||||||||||||||
Total stockholders equity |
38,103 | 35,709 | 41,165 | 40,976 | 40,745 | ||||||||||||||||
Cash dividends paid |
| | | | | ||||||||||||||||
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FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Report includes forward-looking statements, which are made pursuant to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these forward-looking statements when you see us using words such as expect, anticipate, believe, intend, may, predict, and other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements cover, among other items: events, conditions and financial trends that may affect our future plans of operation, business strategy, growth of operations and financial position, including statements regarding revenue and earnings or loss per share projections, concentration of revenues among a limited number of customers, expected capital expenditures for fiscal 2004 and sufficiency of cash to meet working capital and capital expenditure requirements for 2004. Any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are necessarily subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control. These risks and uncertainties include, among others: variability of our quarterly operating results due to, among other things, the number, size and scope of customer projects commenced and completed during a quarter, changes in employee utilization rates and changes in average billing rates; our dependence on the financial services industry; general economic uncertainty; concentration of revenues and our dependence on major customers; risks associated with fixed price contracts; our dependence on key personnel; intense competition in the IT consulting industry; and risks associated with potential acquisitions. Because of these risks and uncertainties, the forward-looking events discussed in this Report might not transpire.
ITEM 7: MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
ADS provides information technology (IT) strategy consulting and systems integration services to the financial services industry. We offer rapid, cost-effective IT solutions to the business challenges faced by financial services companies through our in-depth financial services experience, technological expertise and project management skills. Our service offerings are organized around four practice areas: Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Conversions and Consolidations, IT Strategy and Consulting, and e-Business.
On May 5, 2003, we announced that we received a preliminary expression of interest to engage in a going private transaction from a group consisting of two current members of management who are also Directors of the Company, one outside Director and another entity affiliated with one of our outside Directors (collectively, the Principals). The Board of Directors has appointed an Independent Committee of the Board to consider the proposal and enter into negotiations with the Principals regarding the proposal.
Our revenues are derived primarily from professional fees billed to customers on a time and materials basis or, in certain limited instances, on a fixed price basis. Included in revenues are reimbursable contract-related travel expenses, which are separately billed to customers. Substantially all of our contracts, other than fixed price contracts, are terminable by the customer following limited notice and without significant penalty to the customer. Revenues from fixed price contracts represented approximately 1.4% and 2.2% of our revenues for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
We have derived, and expect to continue to derive, a significant portion of our revenues from a relatively limited number of customers. Revenues from our five largest customers in fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001 were 91.9%, 81.5% and 65.4%, respectively, as a percentage of revenues. In the near and intermediate term, we expect that this heavy concentration of revenues will continue. In fiscal 2003, Citizens
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Financial Corporation, Zions Bancorporation, FleetBoston Financial Corporation, IntraNet Inc., a TSA Company and Capital One Services, Inc. accounted for approximately 41.7%, 32.5%, 9.0%, 6.9% and 1.8%, respectively, of revenues. In fiscal 2002, FleetBoston Financial Corporation, Citizens Financial Corporation, Zions Bancorporation, IntraNet, Inc., a TSA Company and National City Corporation accounted for approximately 24.7%, 23.8%, 21.6%, 7.3% and 4.1%, respectively, of revenues. In fiscal 2001, FleetBoston Financial Corporation, Citizens Banking Corporation (MI), Brokat Financial Systems, NBT Bancorp and Corillian Corporation accounted for approximately 27.2%, 12.5%, 9.2%, 8.3% and 8.2%, respectively, of revenues. Because a significant portion of our revenues are derived from services related to deregulation and consolidation activities in the financial services industry, changes in the regulatory environment or a reduction in consolidation activity have in the past, and could in the future, have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the loss of a major customer or termination of a major project as a result of an acquisition of a customer by an organization to which we do not currently provide services, or for any other reason, could have a material adverse effect on our business, revenues and profitability.
Cost of revenues consists primarily of salaries and employee benefits for personnel dedicated to customer assignments, fees paid to subcontractors for work performed in connection with customer assignments, and reimbursable contract-related travel expenses incurred in connection with the delivery of our services. Customer project margins and personnel utilization percentages are the most significant variables in determining our income from continuing operations. We manage our personnel utilization rates by monitoring personnel needs and generally adjust personnel levels based on specific project requirements. The number of staff assigned to particular projects may vary widely depending on the size, duration, and degree of completion and complexity of each engagement. Delays in project completion and in implementation may result in periods when personnel are not assigned to active projects and, accordingly, result in lower average utilization rates during such periods, which could have a materially adverse effect on our operating results. In addition, we must maintain appropriate numbers of senior professionals both to oversee existing engagements and for business development activities.
Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of salaries, employee benefits, travel expenses and promotional costs. General and administrative expenses consist primarily of expenses associated with our management, finance and administrative groups, including recruiting, training, depreciation and amortization, and occupancy costs.
First Quarter Outlook
For the first quarter of fiscal 2004, we anticipate that revenue will be in the $4.1 to $4.4 million range, with net loss in the range of ($.01) to ($.03) per share. The Company had previously projected revenue of $4.7 to $5.0 million and net income of $.01 to $.03 per share. Revenue is lower than projected because the Company did not enter into certain contracts it expected to sign.
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Results of Operations
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain financial data as a percentage of revenues:
| Year Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||
| 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | ||||||||||||
Revenues |
100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | ||||||||
Cost of revenues |
56.3 | 66.3 | 70.0 | |||||||||||
Gross profit |
43.7 | 33.7 | 30.0 | |||||||||||
Operating expenses: |
||||||||||||||
Sales and marketing |
7.6 | 16.1 | 14.2 | |||||||||||
General and administrative |
22.9 | 26.4 | 20.3 | |||||||||||
Restructuring expense |
| 4.5 | 1.0 | |||||||||||
Total operating expenses |
30.5 | 47.0 | 35.5 | |||||||||||
Income (loss) from operations |
13.2 | (13.3 | ) | (5.5 | ) | |||||||||
Interest income, net |
3.1 | 5.1 | 6.3 | |||||||||||
Write-down of investment |
| 14.7 | | |||||||||||
Income (loss) from continuing operations before
income taxes |
16.3 | (22.9 | ) | 0.8 | ||||||||||
Provision (benefit) for income taxes |
6.0 | (6.2 | ) | 0.7 | ||||||||||
Income (loss) from continuing operations |
10.3 | (16.7 | ) | 0.1 | ||||||||||
Discontinued operations: |
||||||||||||||
Loss from operations of discontinued business,
net of tax |
| 3.9 | | |||||||||||
(Income) loss on disposal of business, net of tax |
(0.3 | ) | 9.4 | | ||||||||||
Net income (loss) |
10.6 | % | (30.0 | )% | 0.1 | % | ||||||||
Variability of Operating Results
Variations in our revenues and operating results have occurred from quarter to quarter, and on an annual basis, and may continue to occur as a result of a number of factors. Revenues and operating results can depend on:
| | the number, size and scope of customer projects commenced and completed during a quarter, | |
| | changes in employee utilization rates, | |
| | changes in average billing rates, | |
| | the number of working days in a quarter, | |
| | the timing of introduction of new service offerings, both by us and our competitors, | |
| | changes in pricing, both by us and our competitors, | |
| | loss of a significant customer, | |
| | increased competition from our competitors, | |
| | loss of key personnel, | |
| | other factors that adversely impact the financial services industry, | |
| | general economic conditions, | |
| | potential acquisitions and our ability to successfully integrate the acquired business or technologies into our existing business and operations, and | |
| | our ability to develop and introduce new service offerings, improve existing service offerings and develop and maintain the skills necessary to keep pace with changing technologies. |
The timing of revenues is difficult to forecast because our sales cycle is relatively long, ranging from one to six months for new projects with existing customers and three to six months for new customers, and
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may depend on factors such as the size and scope of projects or other factors that adversely impact the financial services industry and general economic conditions. In addition, the relatively long length of our sales cycle may negatively impact the operating results for any particular quarter as a result of increased sales and marketing expenses without associated increases in revenues in the particular quarter. Furthermore, many of our projects are, and may be in the future, terminable without customer penalty. An unanticipated termination of a major project or loss of a major customer could require us to maintain or terminate underutilized employees, resulting in a higher than expected number of unassigned persons or higher than expected severance expenses.
Year Ended March 31, 2003 Compared to Year Ended March 31, 2002
Revenues
Revenues increased 6.4% for the year ended March 31, 2003 compared to the year ended March 31, 2002, to $21.7 million from $20.4 million. This increase was predominately due to an increase in the volume of services delivered to customers, offset in part by a 2.2% decrease in the average billing rate from $139 per hour for fiscal 2002 to $136 per hour for fiscal 2003.
Cost of Revenues
Cost of revenues decreased 9.6% to $12.2 million in fiscal 2003 compared to $13.5 million in fiscal 2002, representing 56.3% and 66.3% of revenues, respectively. The dollar decrease in cost of revenues was primarily due to a decrease in the average number of billable personnel from 90 for fiscal 2002 to 75 for fiscal 2003. The percentage decrease was due to an increase in the utilization rate from 71.0% for the year ended March 31, 2002 to 86.2% for the year ended March 31, 2003.
Sales and Marketing
Sales and marketing expenses decreased 51.5% to $1.6 million in fiscal 2003 compared to $3.3 million in fiscal 2002, representing 7.6% and 16.1% of revenues, respectively. The overall dollar decrease resulted primarily from a decrease in our sales and marketing group from an average of 16 employees for fiscal 2002 to an average of 8 employees for fiscal 2003. The percentage decrease is the result of decreased expenses as well as an increase in the revenue on which the percentage is calculated.
General and Administrative
General and administrative expenses decreased 7.4% to $5.0 million in fiscal 2003 compared to $5.4 million in fiscal 2002, representing 22.9% and 26.4% of revenues, respectively. The dollar decrease is primarily due to a decrease in compensation expenses as a result of a reduction in the average number of general and administrative personnel from 21 employees for fiscal 2002 to 19 for fiscal 2003. The percentage decrease is the result of decreased expenses as well as an increase in the revenue on which the percentage is calculated.
Restructuring Expense
In April of fiscal 2002, we reduced our headcount by 35 employees, resulting in a pre-tax restructuring expense of $925,000.
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Write-Down of Investment
On September 8, 2000, we made a $3 million preferred stock investment, representing a minority interest in S2 Systems, Inc., a software solutions provider in the banking and diversified financial services markets. This investment was stated at cost. During the quarter ended September 30, 2001, we determined that our investment was permanently impaired and it was written-down to zero.
Interest Income, Net
Interest income, net decreased 34.6% to $681,000 in fiscal 2003 compared to $1.04 million for fiscal 2002. This decrease was principally due to average interest rate decreases of approximately 37.0%, offset in part by a 4.6% increase in the average balances of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments. Interest expense is immaterial.
Provision for Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes from continuing operations increased $2.6 million to $1.3 million in fiscal 2003 compared to a $(1.3) million tax benefit in fiscal 2002. The provision was established due to profitability. The benefit was the result of the Economic Stimulus Act, which allowed a company to carryback losses for five years to recover taxes previously paid. The tax benefit was initiated in Q4 2002 and was net of a provision for taxes in Q1 2002 of $.4 million, which was to establish a valuation allowance for deferred taxes. We established the valuation allowance because we believe it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will not be realizable.
Due to varying state and local income tax rates and depending on our levels of profitability, our effective tax rate may vary from period to period, depending on the states in which we do business.
Discontinued Operations
On March 29, 2002, we announced our decision to discontinue the operations of Cool Springs Associates, Inc. d/b/a EarningsInsights (EI). Consequently, we incurred a charge of $1.9 million, net of income tax benefit, relating to the write-off of EI assets and an accrual for estimated losses during the phase-out period.
The disposition of the EI operation represented the disposal of a business segment under APB No. 30. Accordingly, results of this operation have been classified as discontinued, and interim quarterly periods have been restated. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2002, EI incurred a $797,000 loss, net of income tax benefit.
For the year ended March 31, 2003, we had income on the disposal of business (net of tax) of $71,000. This was because actual disposal costs were less than those estimated in fiscal 2002.
Year Ended March 31, 2002 Compared to Year Ended March 31, 2001
Revenues
Revenues decreased 40.2% for the year ended March 31, 2002 compared to the year ended March 31, 2001, to $20.4 million from $34.1 million. This decrease was predominately due to a 46.6% decrease in volume of services delivered to customers due to the continued IT spending freeze, offset in part by a 14.9% increase in the average billing rate from $121 per hour for fiscal 2001 to $139 per hour for fiscal 2002.
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Cost of Revenues
Cost of revenues decreased 43.3% to $13.5 million in fiscal 2002 compared to $23.9 million in fiscal 2001, representing 66.3% and 70.0% of revenues, respectively. The dollar decrease in cost of revenues was primarily due to a decrease in the average number of billable personnel from 150 for fiscal 2001 to 90 for fiscal 2002. The decrease in cost of revenues as a percentage of revenues is due to the increase in the average billing rate.
Sales and Marketing
Sales and marketing expenses decreased 32.4% to $3.3 million in fiscal 2002 compared to $4.9 million in fiscal 2001, representing 16.1% and 14.2% of revenues, respectively. The overall dollar decrease resulted primarily from a decrease in our sales and marketing group from an average of 21 employees for fiscal 2001 to an average of 16 employees for fiscal 2002. The increase in sales and marketing expense as a percentage of revenues is due to the significant reduction in revenue from the prior year.
General and Administrative
General and administrative expenses decreased 22.2% to $5.4 million in fiscal 2002 compared to $6.9 million in fiscal 2001, representing 26.4% and 20.3% of revenues, respectively. The dollar decrease is primarily due to a decrease in compensation expenses as a result of a reduction in the average number of general and administrative personnel from 28 employees for fiscal 2001 to 21 for fiscal 2002. The percentage change is primarily due to the significant reduction in revenue from the prior year.
Restructuring Expense
In April of fiscal 2002, we reduced our headcount by 35 employees, resulting in a pre-tax restructuring expense of $925,000. In January of fiscal 2001, we also reduced our headcount by 28 employees resulting in a pre-tax restructuring expense of $337,000.
Write-Down of Investment
On September 8, 2000, we made a $3 million preferred stock investment, representing a minority interest in S2 Systems, Inc., a software solutions provider in the banking and diversified financial services markets. This investment was stated at cost. During the quarter ended September 30, 2001, we determined that our investment was permanently impaired and it was written-down to zero.
Interest Income, Net
Interest income, net decreased $1.1 million to $1.0 million in fiscal 2002 compared to $2.1 million for fiscal 2001. This decrease was principally due to interest rate decreases and lower cash balances. Interest expense is immaterial.
Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes
The provision (benefit) for income taxes from continuing operations decreased $1.5 million to a $(1.3) million tax benefit in fiscal 2002 compared to a $250,000 provision in fiscal 2001. The benefit was the result of the passage of the Economic Stimulus Act which allowed a company to carry-back losses for five years to recover taxes previously paid. That tax benefit was initiated in Q4 2002 and was net of a provision for taxes in Q1 2002 of $.4 million which was to establish a valuation allowance for deferred taxes. Management established the valuation allowance because it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will not be realizable.
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Discontinued Operations
On March 29, 2002, we announced our decision to discontinue the operations of EI. Consequently, we incurred a charge of $1.9 million, net of income tax benefit, relating to the write-off of EI assets and an accrual for estimated losses during the phase-out period.