<PAGE> 1
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
------------------------------
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
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 0-21485
SUPERIOR CONSULTANT HOLDINGS CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
DELAWARE 38-3306717
(State or other jurisdiction (IRS Employer
of incorporation or organization) Identification Number)
4000 TOWN CENTER, SUITE 1100
SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN 48075
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
</TABLE>
REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (810) 386-8300
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE ACT: NONE
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(G) OF THE ACT:
COMMON STOCK, PAR VALUE $.01 PER SHARE
(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 registrant's 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]
The aggregate market value of voting stock held by non-affiliates of the
registrant based upon the closing sale price of the stock as reported on the
Nasdaq National Market on March 17, 1997, was $51,462,951.
At March 17, 1997, 7,634,325 shares of the registrant's Common Stock were
outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
The registrant's definitive proxy statement for the annual meeting of
stockholders, to be held on May 14, 1997, is incorporated by reference into Part
III of this Form 10-K.
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Superior Consultant Holdings Corporation (the "Company") is a national
healthcare consulting firm that provides a wide range of information technology
("IT") consulting and strategic and operations management consulting services to
a broad cross section of healthcare industry participants and healthcare
information system vendors. The Company's comprehensive continuum of solutions
range from strategic planning and operations management consulting, to
information systems planning, implementation and integration, to interim
management and outsourcing. The Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Unitive,
assists clients in various industries in developing, designing, implementing and
maintaining groupware and intranet and web based information systems and
solutions, as well as enterprise messaging and custom application and legacy
systems integration. Superior Consultant Company, Inc. ("Superior") and Unitive
Corporation ("Unitive") are wholly-owned operating subsidiaries of the Company.
Unless the context otherwise indicates, all references to the "Company" include
Superior and Unitive.
INDUSTRY BACKGROUND
General
The United States healthcare industry is undergoing rapid, profound change.
The Company believes that the consolidation of healthcare systems and the aging
of the U.S. population should result in continued dramatic change in the
healthcare industry. Healthcare providers today face external and internal
pressures to meet the competitive demands of the marketplace, comply with
increasing government regulations and cope with the advent of managed care.
These challenges, combined with increased demands on capital resources, are
forcing healthcare providers to seek new ways to structure and manage their
organizations and deliver services. In the past, the financial risk of
healthcare delivery was absorbed principally by third-party payors, and
providers did not focus on cost containment. Now, through managed care
arrangements and provider capitation (under which providers are paid an annual
fixed fee per individual to deliver all healthcare services required by that
individual), the economic risk of healthcare delivery is shifting from payors to
providers. In order to manage this risk, providers must enhance their
understanding of treatment costs, variability of costs and cost control and must
restructure their processes and organizations to enhance efficiency and
accountability. Providers must achieve each of these objectives, while at the
same time continuing to demonstrate increasing quality and consistency in
healthcare delivery. The shifting of risk from payor to provider has also
encouraged and accelerated consolidation among healthcare providers as
healthcare organizations integrate horizontally and vertically to create
Integrated Delivery Networks (IDNs). As industry consolidation and IDN
formations create larger and increasingly far-reaching healthcare organizations,
and as the demand for information services is increasingly required to cross
multiple points of care, IDNs must place greater focus on information management
and business process solutions to control costs, demonstrate quality, measure
performance, and increase efficiency.
Information Technology
The increased demand for tools to collect, analyze and interpret clinical,
operational and financial information rapidly, flexibly and in a technological
framework that supports today's diverse healthcare environment is intensifying
the reliance of the healthcare industry on IT solutions. Healthcare IT spending
is being driven not only by the heightened need for better management
information systems, but also continued price-performance improvements in
hardware and software, the ability to develop increasingly user-friendly
software applications and the emergence of better application development tools.
The Company believes that healthcare participants will continue to turn to
outside consultants, external management of internal information systems and
full outsourcing as a means of coping with the financial and technical demands
of information systems management. The Company also believes this dynamic is
occurring across other industries as organizations look to external management
and outsourcing of their information systems in order to remain focused on their
core business.
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Consulting
The changing business environment has also produced an evolving range of
strategic and operating options for healthcare entities, many of which are
unfamiliar to an industry that had long operated under a non-aligned, third
party payor environment. In response, healthcare participants are formulating
and implementing new strategies and tactics, including redesigning business
processes and workflows, acquiring better technology and adopting or remodeling
customer service and marketing programs. The Company believes that healthcare
participants will continue to turn to outside consultants to assist in this
process for several reasons: the pace of change is eclipsing their own internal
resources and capacity to identify, evaluate and implement the full range of
options; consultants enable them to develop better solutions in shorter time
frames; and purchasing consulting expertise can be more cost effective. By
employing outside expertise, healthcare providers can often improve their
ability to compete by more rapidly deploying new processes.
Increasingly, the competitive advantage in healthcare consulting will be
gained by those consulting firms which (i) are able to marshal the necessary
expertise and resources to offer comprehensive skill sets to clients; (ii) have
the strength and consistency of advice along the entire service continuum (from
strategy to selection to implementation); and (iii) offer the flexibility to
meet the challenges of the rapidly changing healthcare and IT industries.
THE SUPERIOR SOLUTION
The Company uses its in-depth institutional knowledge of healthcare
delivery systems and nationally deployed group of experienced consultants to
help clients plan and execute business strategies. The Company offers its
clients solutions ranging from strategic planning and operations management
consulting, to information system planning, implementation and integration, to
interim management and outsourcing. The Company adheres to a central philosophy
of structuring a project team for each client and engagement that understands
the complexities of the healthcare environment for that particular client and
can concurrently address the management and technical ramifications of change
and improvement. In structuring an engagement the Company does not impose any
preordained program on its clients. Rather, utilizing the professional judgment
derived from their years of experience, the Company's consultants work in
concert with each client to develop custom-tailored solutions. As each client
relationship evolves, the Company's professionals add their experiences to the
Company's proprietary databases to accumulate a detailed and intimate
understanding of each client and its specific needs. The Company's nationally
deployed professionals are aided by instant access, via its proprietary
information and communication system (a virtual electronic hallway), to its
knowledge and client resource databases and collaboration with colleagues. This
unified-team approach helps to ensure high quality, consistent and
geographically seamless client service.
The Company's services integrate many diverse facets and constituencies of
the healthcare industry. Through its strategic consulting, the Company brings
together the healthcare and business relationships required to establish and
maintain efficient and collaborative healthcare delivery networks. Through its
operations management consulting, the Company links the needs and optimizes the
contributions of clinical, information and management personnel. Through its
value-added information systems implementation and integration consulting, the
Company forges a link between healthcare information systems vendors and their
customers by helping each group maximize the potential of existing technology.
The Company also provides a bridge between existing and emerging technologies by
supplying vendors with needed knowledge to develop innovations focused on the
changing needs of the marketplace and by assisting healthcare industry
participants to assess the relative merits and risks of selecting and
implementing new technologies. The Company also helps its clients take advantage
of the opportunities presented by budding technologies such as the internet and
intranet, local and wide area communication networks, telemedicine and document
imaging solutions.
To ensure that its clients receive the optimal strategic, operational
and/or IT solution for their business needs, the Company implements solutions
that are unbiased to specific organizations, hardware or software vendors. The
Company offers an objective assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of
each particular strategic, operational and/or IT solution, including packaged
software applications, platform and operating
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systems. Through its unbiased solutions, the Company can take a flexible
approach to its clients' business problems and provide them with the best
solution.
SERVICES
The Company offers its clients comprehensive healthcare consulting
services, from visioning, to strategy, to selection of appropriate solutions,
implementation and on-going management. The Company offers custom-tailored
solutions based on an assessment of the client's needs. The Company offers
services in the following three broadly defined categories:
Information Technology Consulting. The Company provides high quality
services in developing long term IT strategy through selection of technology and
products, systems implementation, integration and management, and contract
negotiation. While the Company's consultants have a wide variety of skills, the
majority have concentrated capabilities in the IT area. Their experience is
derived from a combination of work for Company clients as well as experience
gained prior to joining the Company. The Company's consultants have evaluation,
implementation, operational or other experience with one or more established and
emerging healthcare information systems or technologies offered by over 90
information system vendors.
Strategic Planning and Management Consulting. The Company's management
consulting services include such focus areas as strategic planning, analysis of
current industry and competitive conditions, formation of physician-hospital
alliances, mergers and affiliations, multi-specialty group practice formation,
practice valuations and acquisitions, IDN formation, financial advice and
establishment of managed care organizations.
Operations Consulting. The Company provides business process redesign and
operations improvement as methods to help clients eliminate organizational
redundancy, reduce cost and implement changes in the areas of patient care,
administrative services, quality management, finance, physician support and
nursing. The Company can provide executive and staff education, interim
management and operational assistance and offers a comprehensive program for
information systems outsourcing.
In order to offer its clients a depth of proficiency and experience the
Company organizes its services by its 15 National Practice Areas which work
together synergistically to serve its clients, many of whom have consulting
needs in multiple areas. The National Practice Areas operate in conjunction with
the Company's client relationship executives who coordinate how the Company's
specialty areas can work together to achieve optimum productivity and cost
effectiveness. The Company has developed methodologies for delivering these
skills in a consistent, coordinated manner, either as a full project team, a
joint client-consultant or joint vendor-consultant project team, selected
expertise or as part of a seminar or workshop.
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Set forth below is a list of the healthcare consulting services and skills
offered by the Company:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CATEGORY DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES
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<S> <C>
INFORMATION SYSTEMS CONSULTING - Strategic information system planning, budgeting,
development and implementation
- Interim management and facilities management
- Outsourcing
- Executive Planning Systems (EPS)
- Executive and technical education and end user training
- Legacy system maximization
- Unbiased product selection and vendor negotiation
- Applications testing and quality assurance
- System implementation and integration, including products
of SMS, Cerner, HBOC and others
- Network and client-server planning and design
- Imaging system feasibility studies, design and
implementation
STRATEGIC AND OPERATIONS - Strategic and tactical planning
MANAGEMENT CONSULTING - Collaboration strategies, mergers, acquisitions and
affiliations
- Physician integration and transactional support
- Executive and departmental interim management
- Operational and executive assessment
- Re-engineering and business process improvement and
redesign
- Project management
- State and local comparative data analysis/benchmarking
- Decision Support and Executive Information Systems
(DSS/EIS)
- Computerized patient record (CPR) planning and
implementation
- Productivity and quality improvement
- Payor and customer surveys and profiles
- Market and competitive landscape research and analysis
INTEGRATED DELIVERY NETWORK (IDN) - IDN planning and development
CONSULTING - Managed care seminars and retreats
- Managed care organization development -- physician
partnerships, PHOs and MSOs
- Network formation planning
- Market analysis and business planning
- Managed care contracting strategies
- Insurance company partner selection
- Community health information network planning and
development
- Capitation and risk contracting
- Case management/utilization management
- Managed care systems assessment, evaluation and
implementation
- Medicare and Medicaid risk contracting
- Purchasing and Materials Management
- System implementation
HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT - Medical Records Department review/utilization review
CONSULTING - Health information network planning and development
- Clinical data repositories/longitudinal patient records
- Interim management
- Coding and grouping
</TABLE>
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CATEGORY DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES
-------- -----------------------
<S> <C>
FINANCIAL CONSULTING - Revenue enhancement
- Business Office review
- Revenue cycle management/cash acceleration
- Interim management
- System implementation support
- Accounts management, including admissions, billing and collections
- Reimbursement analysis/charge capture analysis
- Diagnostic review
- Capital and financial planning
- Physician practice valuation
CLINICAL CONSULTING - Patient-focused care planning
- Clinical systems implementation
- Clinical workflow analysis and reengineering
- Information systems selection and implementation
- Interim management
- Clinical benchmarking
- Quality measurement and outcomes management
- Clinical protocol and pathway development
- Laboratory consolidation
- Laboratory operation/information management consulting services
- JCAHO compliance
AMBULATORY PRACTICE MANAGEMENT - Operations assessment and reengineering
CONSULTING - Systems selection and implementation
- Practice revenue analysis
- Facilities management
</TABLE>
UNITIVE
Unitive Corporation provides information technology consulting services
specializing in groupware communications, enterprise messaging, application
development, and outsourced information services to companies in numerous
industries that seek solutions to intranet and internet company workgroup and
web-based information and communications problems. Unitive assists clients in
planning and implementing large-scale groupware deployments, establishing
protocols including security conventions, user interfaces, naming conventions
and coding efficiency protocols, developing methodologies for rapid application
development, defining administrative procedures, training and implementing
intranet and internet solutions. In addition, Unitive provides custom
application and data integration services. Unitive also offers workgroup
application and web site hosting services on servers located at Unitive's own
facilities. Unitive's successful work with Lotus Notes groupware solutions
places it in the top tier of Lotus-designated Business Partners leveraging
product sales and number of certified professionals, qualifying Unitive for
designation as a Lotus Premium Business Partner in 1995, 1996 and 1997. In 1996
Unitive accounted for 8.2% of the Company's consolidated revenues.
SUPERIOR EMPLOYEES
The Company believes that one of its key strengths lies in its ability to
attract, develop, motivate and retain a talented, creative and highly skilled
work force of senior-level professionals who are specialists in one or more
areas of healthcare and/or information technology. The Company's healthcare
consultants are highly experienced, with an average of over a decade of
healthcare and IT experience. Many of these consultants have established their
credentials as healthcare executives and senior management of healthcare
entities, business office managers, medical records administrators, nurse
administrators, nurses, hospital admissions directors, and information
management and information systems technical personnel. As of March 22, 1997,
the Company employed 397 employees, 321 of whom were consultants.
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The Company believes it has a unique corporate culture built upon open
communication across geographic regions and practice areas (fostered by the
Company's proprietary information and communications system) and a motivational
and interactive work environment that features extensive professional
development opportunities and productivity incentives.
Through the establishment of its Superior Institute, the Company has
developed a comprehensive training and ongoing education program, to guide its
professionals through a progression of skill enhancement programs. As part of
this effort, the Company provides training curricula in new trends in
healthcare, information technology and business management. An integral part of
the on-going education process at the Company takes place through its
proprietary information and communications system. This allows the Company's
consultants to continue to upgrade their skills while remaining deployed in the
field. In addition, the Company has developed an employee orientation program
that features a sophisticated presentation to provide new employees with a
comprehensive understanding of the Company's structure and approach to
healthcare consulting. The Company also maintains a formal and active network of
former employees; these alumni provide expertise on projects, introduce the
Company to new client leads, and, in several cases, have returned to the Company
from experiences elsewhere in the healthcare industry.
SALES AND MARKETING
The Company's business development efforts are based upon a highly
organized, company-wide, consistent approach. All personnel are trained and
reinforced in the Company's marketing methods and philosophy, and are encouraged
to identify, develop and pursue client service opportunities. The Company's
marketing efforts are directed by senior management, practice area leaders and
strategic service group leaders, who focus on client development strategies,
geographic market penetration and cross-selling new and existing clients.
Business development is an integral part of the formal responsibilities at all
levels of the Company's management, including its National Practice Area
leaders, and the Company sets business development goals on both a departmental
and individual basis.
The Company's business development efforts focus primarily on identifying
key decision makers in the healthcare industry, determining the value to be
provided to each potential client and then managing the sales process to
completion through a sophisticated client resource database, developed and
maintained by Unitive. Each potential client lead is entered into the database,
and that profile is updated for subsequent developments and information
throughout the entire life of the Company's relationship with the potential
client, as well as after a client retains the Company for services. At any given
time, numerous Company professionals are active in the development of business
from either a new or existing client, and the client resource database enables
all Company personnel to access up-to-date information on the Company's efforts
with respect to a client or client prospect, to identify other Company contacts
with that client, and to review the particular needs expressed by the client to
date.
In addition, the Company relies upon its reputation in the marketplace, the
personal contacts and networking of the Company's professionals, direct industry
marketing programs, trade shows, and the industry presence maintained by Company
professionals to enhance its business development efforts. The Company's
marketing efforts are enhanced by its presence within the healthcare industry by
virtue of its employees' speaking engagements and publications on topics
affecting healthcare. The Company's healthcare consultants have been published
extensively on current and emerging topics in healthcare information and
management and have participated in external speaking engagements and
presentations to industry associations and client audiences across the nation.
The Company operates its healthcare consulting business through a
combination of its national presence, regional relationships and its 15 National
Practice Areas. Each National Practice Area offers a selected variety of the
Company's healthcare consulting services and often two or more of these areas
work synergistically to provide solutions to clients. Each area is managed by a
National Practice Area leader who has profit and loss responsibility for the
specific area and is responsible for its growth. As the Company adds to its
services through internal growth and acquisition, it will evaluate adding new
practice areas or augmenting the services of its existing National Practice
Areas. The Company actively markets the subject-matter
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expertise of its National Practice Areas through the focus of its Strategic
Services Groups. Each Strategic Services Group is responsible for developing and
enhancing knowledge of local regulation and market factors, as well as
developing and nurturing knowledge of and relationships with specific client
organizations. The Company then combines the expertise of its National Practice
Areas to form solutions that are responsive to local conditions and of value to
specific clients.
COMPETITION
The market for the Company's services is highly fragmented, highly
competitive and is subject to rapid change. The Company believes that it
currently competes principally with systems integration firms, national
consulting firms, including the consulting divisions of the "Big Six" accounting
firms, information system vendors, service groups of computer equipment
companies, facilities management companies, general management consulting firms
and regional and specialty consulting firms. Many of the Company's competitors
have significantly greater financial, technical and marketing resources than the
Company, generate greater revenues and have greater name recognition than the
Company. Moreover, those competitors that sell or license their own software may
in the future attempt to limit or eliminate the use of third party consultants,
such as the Company, to implement and/or customize such software. In addition,
vendors whose systems may enjoy wide market acceptance and large market share
could enter into exclusive or restrictive agreements with other consulting firms
which could eliminate or substantially reduce the Company's implementation work
for those systems. There are relatively low barriers to entry into the Company's
markets, and the Company has faced and expects to continue to face additional
competition from new entrants into its markets. In addition, combinations and
consolidations in the consulting industry will give rise to larger competitors,
whose relative strengths are impossible to predict. The Company also competes
with its clients' internal resources, particularly where these resources
represent a fixed cost to the client. This internal client competition may
heighten as consolidation of healthcare providers creates organizations large
enough to support internal information management capabilities.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND OTHER PROPRIETARY RIGHTS
The Company's success is in part dependent upon its proprietary internal
information and communications systems, databases, tools and the methods and
procedures that it has developed specifically to serve its clients. In addition,
Unitive has and will continue to develop proprietary groupware tools and
applications. The Company has no patents; consequently, it relies on a
combination of non-disclosure and other contractual arrangements and copyright,
trademark and trade secret laws to protect its proprietary systems, information,
and procedures. There can be no assurance that the steps taken by the Company to
protect its proprietary rights will be adequate to prevent misappropriation of
such rights or that the Company will be able to detect unauthorized use and take
appropriate steps to enforce its proprietary rights. The Company believes that
its systems and procedures and other proprietary rights do not infringe upon the
proprietary rights of third parties. There can be no assurance, however, that
third parties will not assert infringement claims against the Company in the
future or that any such claims will not require the Company to enter into
materially adverse license arrangements or result in protracted and costly
litigation, regardless of the merits of such claims.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
In January and March 1997 the Company announced the signing of two
five-year outsourcing agreements with Botsford General Hospital and The Detroit
Medical Center ("DMC"), respectively. Under the Botsford agreement, the Company
will assume responsibility for the information systems function, including
planning, project management, "just in time" opportunities, and data center
operations. The contract with DMC encompasses a wide array of applications
management services, including patient financial, clinical and operational
projects.
On March 12, 1997, the Company purchased The Kaufman Group, Inc., a
healthcare consulting business in California for $3.2 million in cash, $1.6
million of newly-issued common stock, and a maximum additional payment of $1.45
million in cash over a three-year period contingent on the continued efforts of
the selling Kaufman Group stockholders as part of Superior or, alternatively,
achievement of certain performance goals
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by the Kaufman Group, as a practice area of the Company. The Kaufman Group is a
leader in strategies for physician group organizations, including mergers,
acquisitions and alliances. The Kaufman Group is operating as a practice area
within the Company, and its market research, strategy, transaction and valuation
services complement the Company's existing services and broaden the Company's
offerings.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The Company's executive officers are as follows:
Richard D. Helppie, Jr., age 41, has served as Superior's President and
Chief Executive Officer since he founded Superior in May 1984. Mr. Helppie also
founded Unitive Corporation and currently serves as Unitive's Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer. Mr. Helppie also serves as Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer, and is a Director, of the Company. Mr. Helppie has more than 21 years
of experience in the healthcare and information systems industries.
Charles O. Bracken, age 47, joined Superior in March 1987 as Executive Vice
President. Mr. Bracken has more than 26 years of experience in the healthcare
and information systems industries. Prior to joining Superior, Mr. Bracken spent
three years as vice president of marketing of a healthcare software firm,
preceded by 10 years of related experience, most recently as chief information
officer of a multi-hospital corporation. Mr. Bracken has also served as a board
member for the Center for Health Information Management.
Robert R. Tashiro, age 41, joined Superior in 1985 as a Systems Consultant.
He was appointed Vice President in 1990, Senior Vice President in 1992 and Chief
Operating Officer in June 1996. Mr. Tashiro has more than 18 years of experience
in the information systems industry and more than 11 years of experience in the
healthcare industry. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Tashiro served as an
Information Systems Department project manager at Kettering Medical Center.
Prior to that, Mr. Tashiro worked for EDS.
James T. House, age 35, joined Superior in 1988 as its Controller. Since
that time, he has held various positions with the Company and is currently the
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Superior.
Kenneth T. Boone, age 41, joined Unitive and Superior in March 1993 as
Chief Information Officer. He served in this role for both companies until 1995
when he became President and Chief Operating Officer of Unitive. From July 1992
to March 1993, Mr. Boone served as President of Boone Engineering Services, Inc.
From January 1987 to July 1992, Mr. Boone was employed by Lotus Development
Corporation, and served as District Sales Manager during the last two years of
his tenure.
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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The Company's headquarters is located in approximately 35,000 square feet
of leased office space in Southfield, Michigan. Superior also leases an
aggregate of approximately 18,000 square feet of additional office space in
Clearwater, Florida; Atlanta, Georgia; Dallas, Texas; San Diego, California; and
Walnut Creek, California. The Company believes that its facilities are adequate
for its current needs and that additional facilities can be leased to meet
future needs.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is not now a party to, and is not aware of, any pending or
threatened litigation that would have a material adverse effect on the Company
and its business.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
On October 10, 1996 (prior to the consummation of the Company's initial
public offering) the security holders of 100% of the issued and outstanding
shares of Common Stock of the Company on that date unanimously approved the
Company's Long-Term Incentive Plan and the execution by the Company of
indemnification agreements with the directors and certain of the executive
officers of the Company. Such action was approved pursuant to an informal action
in lieu of a meeting of the security holders of the Company in accordance with
Section 228 of the Delaware General Corporation Law.
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PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
STOCK INFORMATION
Price Range of Common Stock
The Company's common stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under
the symbol SUPC. The following table shows high and low closing prices as
reported by Nasdaq for the fourth quarter, commencing October 10, 1996 when the
Company's stock began trading.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL 1996 HIGH LOW
----------- ---- ---
<S> <C> <C>
October 10, 1996-December 31, 1996.......................... $25 7/8 $20 1/2
</TABLE>
At March 17, 1997, there were approximately 27 shareholders of record.
The Company has not paid cash dividends to the holders of its Common Stock.
It is the Company's present intention to retain earnings for use in the
Company's business. Accordingly, the Company does not anticipate that cash
dividends will be paid in the foreseeable future.
On March 12, 1997, the Company issued an aggregate of 74,590 shares of
Common Stock in connection with the acquisition of the Kaufman Group, Inc. Such
issuance was made in reliance upon exemptions from registration set forth in
Section 4(2) of the Securities Act for transactions not involving a public
offering.
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ITEM 6. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA
The following financial data as of and for the years ended December 31,
1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996 have been derived from the audited consolidated
financial statements of the Company as reported on by Grant Thornton LLP,
independent certified public accountants. The selected financial data for 1992
has been prepared by management and is unaudited. This information is qualified
in its entirety by reference to the Company's consolidated financial statements
and related notes included elsewhere in this report.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------------------------------------------
PRO PRO
FORMA FORMA
1992 1993 1994 1995 1995(1) 1996 1996(1)
---- ---- ---- ---- ------- ---- -------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Revenues..................... $14,316 $15,559 $19,234 $25,906 $25,906 $35,925 $35,925
Cost of services............. 6,822 6,802 8,505 12,008 12,008 17,743 17,743
Selling, general and
administrative expenses.... 5,712 6,200 8,223 10,045 10,045 13,498 13,498
Executive compensation
expense(2)................. 3,480 1,931 2,445 3,730 1,060 4,579 1,060
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Earnings (loss) from
operations................. (1,698) 626 61 123 2,793 105 3,624
Interest and other expense
(income)................... (34) 22 (28) (58) (58) (359) (359)
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Earnings (loss) before income
taxes...................... (1,664) 604 89 181 2,851 464 3,983
Income taxes................. -- -- -- 165 1,215 886 1,568
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net earnings (loss).......... $(1,664) $ 604 $ 89 $ 16 $ 1,636 $ (422) $ 2,415
======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Pro forma net earnings per
share...................... $ 0.36 $ 0.44
======= =======
Shares used in computing pro
forma net earnings per
share...................... 4,607 5,455
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------------------
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital.................................... $ 344 $ 918 $ 955 $1,457 $39,628
Total assets....................................... 3,293 4,061 5,072 7,405 49,602
Total debt......................................... 355 345 5 206 --
Total stockholders' equity......................... 832 1,496 1,585 1,861 41,448
</TABLE>
- -------------------------
(1) The pro forma statement of operations information has been computed for each
pro forma period by adjusting the Company's net earnings, as reported for
such period, to (i) eliminate executive compensation expense for such period
in excess of the amount of executive compensation (including the full amount
of potential bonus) that would have been paid had the executive compensation
agreements, which became effective upon the closing of the Company's initial
public offering in October 1996 ("IPO"), been effective throughout such
period; and (ii) record income taxes, assuming an effective tax rate of
42.6% for the year ended December 31, 1995 and 39.4% for the year ended
December 31, 1996, which would have been recorded had Superior been a C
Corporation during such periods.
(2) Executive compensation expense includes salary and bonuses for Richard D.
Helppie, Jr., Charles O. Bracken and Robert R. Tashiro. The Company has
entered into agreements with these three officers, effective upon the
closing of the IPO through December 31, 1997, which will provide them with
annual compensation in the aggregate amount of $1,060,000, comprised of base
salary and bonus compensation based on achievement of certain pre-determined
performance criteria. These limitations did not apply to amounts paid to
these three officers on or prior to the closing of the IPO.
11
<PAGE> 13
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
OVERVIEW
Statements included in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations which are not historical in nature, are
intended to be, and are hereby identified as, "forward looking statements" for
purposes of the safe harbor provided by Section 21E of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended by Public Law 104-67. Forward-looking statements may be
identified by words including "anticipate," "believe," "intends," "estimates,"
"expect" and similar expressions. The Company cautions readers that
forward-looking statements, including without limitation, those relating to the
Company's future business prospects, revenues, working capital, liquidity, and
income, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual
results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward looking
statements, due to several important factors herein identified, among others,
and other risks and factors identified from time to time in the Company's
reports filed with the SEC.
The Company conducts business through its two operating subsidiaries,
Superior and Unitive. Superior is a leading healthcare consulting firm that
provides a wide range of information technology consulting and strategic and
operations management consulting services to a broad cross-section of healthcare
industry participants and healthcare information system vendors. The Company's
wholly-owned subsidiary, Unitive, assists clients in various industries in
developing, designing, implementing and maintaining groupware and intranet and
web based information systems and solutions, as well as enterprise messaging and
custom applications and legacy systems integration.
The Company derives substantially all of its revenues from fees for
professional services, the substantial majority of which are billed at
contracted hourly rates. The Company establishes standard billing guidelines
based on the type and level of service offered. Actual billing rates are
established on a project by project basis and may vary from the standard
guidelines. Billings are typically made on a bi-weekly basis to monitor client
satisfaction and manage outstanding accounts receivable balances. Revenue on
time and materials contracts is recognized as the services are provided. A
percentage of the Company's projects are billed on a fixed-fee basis, which is
distinguishable from the Company's general method of billing on a time and
materials basis. The Company recognizes revenue on fixed fee projects using the
percentage of completion basis. To date in 1997, the Company has increased the
number and size of projects billed on a fixed-fee basis. Increased use of fixed-
fee contracts subjects the Company to increased risks, including cost overruns.
To date in 1997, the Company has been awarded two significant contracts to
provide healthcare IT outsourcing services. There can be no assurance that the
Company will be able to achieve profit margins on outsourcing contracts which
are consistent with its historical levels of profitability.
The Company's historical revenue growth is attributable to various factors,
including an increase in the number of projects for existing and new clients,
and expanded geographic presence. In addition, the Company seeks to increase
revenues by expanding its range of specialty services. The Company manages its
client development efforts through several strategic services groups, each
having specific geographic responsibility and focus.
The Company's most significant expense is cost of services, which consists
primarily of consultant salaries and benefits. In recent years, consultant
compensation expense has grown faster than consultant billing rates, resulting
in an increase in the Company's cost of services as a percentage of revenues.
The Company has sought to address this issue by adding an additional variable
portion of compensation payable upon the achievement of measurable performance
goals.
The Company's cost of services as a percentage of revenues is also impacted
by its consultant utilization. The Company manages utilization by monitoring
project requirements and timetables. The number of consultants assigned to a
project will vary according to the size, complexity, duration and demands of the
project. Project terminations, completions and scheduling delays may result in
periods when consultants are not fully utilized. An unanticipated termination of
a significant project could cause the Company to experience lower consultant
utilization, resulting in a higher than expected number of unassigned
consultants. In addition,
12
<PAGE> 14
the establishment of new practice areas and the hiring of consultants in peak
hiring periods have resulted in periods of lower consultant utilization (and
resulting downward pressure on margins) until project volume increases in these
new areas. In the future, the establishment of new practice areas, as well as
further geographic expansion, could from time to time adversely affect
utilization. Variations in consultant utilization would result in quarterly
variability of the Company's cost of services as a percentage of revenues. The
Company's consultants are generally employed on a full-time basis, and therefore
the Company will, in the short run, incur substantially all of its
employee-related costs even during periods of low utilization.
Selling, general and administrative expenses include the costs of
recruiting, continuing education, marketing, facilities, equipment depreciation,
and administration, including compensation and benefits. Selling, general and
administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenues continues to decrease
as the Company leverages its infrastructure expense across its growing revenue
base. The Company incurred increased rent associated with the Company's move in
the third quarter of 1996 to larger headquarters to accommodate its growth.
Historically, executive compensation expense consisted of salaries, formula
bonuses and discretionary bonuses paid to the majority stockholder and two other
key executives. The Company's historical levels of executive compensation were
related primarily to the Company's status as a Subchapter S Corporation and
period to period increases in executive compensation expense were related
primarily to the Company's period to period earnings growth. The Company has
entered into agreements with these individuals effective upon the closing of the
IPO through December 31, 1997, which provide maximum annual compensation in an
aggregate amount of $1,060,000 for these three key executives, comprised of base
salary, and bonus amounts to be awarded based on the attainment of certain
financial performance criteria. The foregoing compensation arrangements for
these three officers did not apply to amounts paid on or prior to the closing of
the IPO.
The pro forma statement of operations data reflects an adjustment for
executive officer compensation for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 to
eliminate the amount by which key executive compensation paid in such periods
was in excess of the estimated compensation that would have been paid under the
recently adopted executive compensation agreements, as if such agreements were
in place throughout such periods. The estimated amount payable under the
executive compensation agreements was calculated by assuming the payment to the
executive officers of their base salaries plus 100% of their potential bonus for
the applicable period.
From January 1, 1987 to October 9, 1996 Superior was treated as a
Subchapter S corporation for federal income tax purposes under Subchapter S of
the Internal Revenue Code and for certain state income tax purposes. As a
result, substantially all of the income of Superior during this period was taxed
directly to its stockholders rather than Superior. In addition, prior to January
1, 1995, Unitive was taxed as a Subchapter S corporation and thereafter as a
Subchapter C corporation. Following the closing of the IPO, the Company,
Superior and Unitive were subject to corporate federal income taxation on a
consolidated basis as Subchapter C corporations.
The pro forma statement of operations data reflects an adjustment to
federal income taxes for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, assuming
Superior had been operating as a C Corporation during such periods, and reflects
an effective tax rate of 39.4% and 42.6% respectively, after giving effect to
the executive officer compensation expense adjustments.
In connection with the termination of Superior's S Corporation status, in
the fourth quarter of 1996 the Company recorded deferred income taxes of
approximately $130,000 in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." This income tax expense was in
addition to income tax expense otherwise incurred in such quarter and was
incurred upon termination of the Company's S Corporation status.
13
<PAGE> 15
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, selected
statement of operations data and selected pro forma data expressed as a
percentage of revenues. The trends illustrated in the following table may not
necessarily be indicative of future results.
PERCENTAGE OF REVENUES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------------------------------------
PRO FORMA PRO FORMA
1994 1995 1995 1996 1996
---- ---- --------- ---- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues.................................. 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
Cost of services.......................... 44.2 46.3 46.3 49.4 49.4
Selling, general and administrative
expenses................................ 42.8 38.8 38.8 37.6 37.6
Executive compensation expense............ 12.7 14.4 4.1 12.7 2.9
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Earnings from operations.................. 0.3 0.5 10.8 0.3 10.1
Interest expense.......................... -- -- -- 0.1 0.1
Other (income) net........................ (0.2) (0.2) (0.2) (1.1) (1.1)
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Earnings before income taxes.............. 0.5% 0.7% 11.0 1.3% 11.1
===== ===== =====
Pro forma income taxes.................... 4.7 4.4
----- -----
Pro forma net earnings.................... 6.3% 6.7%
===== =====
</TABLE>
1996 COMPARED TO 1995
Revenues. Revenues increased by $10.0 million, or 38.7%, to $35.9 million
for the year ended December 31, 1996, as compared to $25.9 million for the year
ended December 31, 1995. The revenue growth was attributable primarily to an
increased number of new client assignments.
Cost of services. Cost of services increased by $5.7 million, or 47.8%, to
$17.7 million for the year ended December 31, 1996, as compared to $12.0 million
for the year ended December 31, 1995. The increase was primarily due to the
additional number of consultants required to staff the larger revenue base, as
well as increases in their compensation levels. Cost of services as a percentage
of revenues increased to 49.4% for the year ended December 31, 1996, as compared
to 46.3% for the year ended December 31, 1995. This increase was due to an
increase in compensation levels, with average billing rates remaining relatively
constant. In addition, in 1996 the Company initiated two new national practice
areas, which required both more highly-compensated individuals and produced
lower consultant utilization during start-up.
Selling, general, and administrative expenses. Selling, general and
administrative expenses increased by $3.5 million, or 34.4%, to $13.5 million
for the year ended December 31, 1996, as compared to $10.0 million for the year
ended December 31, 1995. This increase was due primarily to the increase in
incentive and other compensation, as well as higher recruiting and training
expenses consistent with the Company's growth and enhanced marketing efforts to
achieve higher revenue levels. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a
percentage of revenues decreased to 37.6% for the year ended December 31, 1996,
as compared to 38.8% for the year ended December 31, 1995. This decrease was due
to increased operating efficiencies resulting from higher revenue levels.
Executive compensation expense. Executive compensation expense increased by
$849,000 to $4.6 million for the year ended December 31, 1996, as compared to
$3.7 million for the year ended December 31, 1995. The Company's historical
levels of executive compensation were related primarily to the Company's status
as a subchapter S Corporation and period to period increases in executive
compensation expense were related primarily to the Company's period to period
earnings growth.
14
<PAGE> 16
1996 COMPARED TO 1995-CONTINUED
Other Income. Other income increased by $332,000 to $406,000 for the year
ended December 31, 1996, as compared to $74,000 for the year ended December 31,
1995. This increase was due primarily to interest earned on the investment of
the majority of the net proceeds of approximately $39.7 million from the IPO in
October 1996.
1995 COMPARED TO 1994
Revenues. Revenues increased by $6.7 million, or 34.7%, to $25.9 million
for the year ended December 31, 1995, as compared to $19.2 million for the year
ended December 31, 1994. The revenue growth was attributable primarily to an
increase in the number of new client assignments. During 1995, in order to
provide better client service, the Company refocused its service organization
into National Practice Areas and refocused its marketing efforts into strategic
service groups having specific geographic areas of responsibility.
Cost of services. Cost of services increased by $3.5 million, or 41.2%, to
$12.0 million for the year ended December 31, 1995, as compared to $8.5 million
for the year ended December 31, 1994. The increase was primarily due to the
additional number of consultants required to staff the larger revenue base, as
well as increases in their compensation levels. Cost of services as a percentage
of revenues increased to 46.3% for the year ended December 31, 1995, as compared
to 44.2% for the year ended December 31, 1994. This increase was due to an
increase in compensation levels, with average billing rates remaining relatively
constant. In addition, the Company's organizational shift to National Practice
Areas initially required both more highly-compensated individuals and produced a
lower consultant utilization.
Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and
administrative expenses increased by $1.8 million, or 22.2%, to $10.0 million
for the year ended December 31, 1995, as compared to $8.2 million for the year
ended December 31, 1994. This increase was due primarily to the increase in
incentive and other compensation, as well as higher recruiting and training
expenses consistent with the Company's growth and refocused marketing efforts to
achieve higher revenue levels. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a
percentage of revenues decreased to 38.8% for the year ended December 31, 1995,
as compared to 42.8% for the year ended December 31. 1994. This decrease was due
to increased efficiencies resulting from higher revenue levels. Included in
selling, general and administrative expenses is bad debt expense, which
increased by $221,000 to $230,000 for the year ended December 31, 1995, as
compared to $9,000 for the year ended December 31, 1994, due primarily to the
recognition of potential collection problems with two specific minor clients, as
well as an increase in reserves for non client-specific collection risk.
Executive compensation expense. Executive compensation expense increased by
$1.3 million to $3.7 million for the year ended December 31, 1995, as compared
to $2.4 million for the year ended December 31, 1994, due to increased formula
and discretionary bonuses.
15
<PAGE> 17
QUARTERLY RESULTS
The following table sets forth certain unaudited quarterly operating
information for each of the last eight quarters. Results for any previous
quarter are not necessarily indicative of results for any future quarter.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
QUARTERS ENDED
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MAR. 31, JUNE 30, SEPT. 30, DEC. 31, MAR. 31, JUNE 30, SEPT. 30, DEC. 31,
1995 1995 1995 1995 1996 1996 1996 1996
-------- -------- --------- -------- -------- -------- --------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues.......................... $5,816 6$,105.. 6$,961.. $7,024 $8,162 $8,385 $8,955 $10,423
Cost of services.................. 2,725 2,827 3,088 3,368 3,924 4,273 4,388 5,158
Selling, general and
administrative expenses......... 2,282 2,390 2,768 2,605 3,078 3,172 3,302 3,946
Executive compensation expense.... 875 891 976 988 1,436 1,164 1,673 306
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ -------
Earnings (loss) from operations... (66) (3) 129 63 (276) (224) (408) 1,013
Interest and other expense
(income) (5) (16) -- (37) (1) (5) 15 (368)
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ -------
Earnings (loss) before income
taxes........................... $ (61) $ 13 $ 129 $ 100 $ (275) $ (219) $ (423) $ 1,381
====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== =======
Pro forma earnings before income
taxes(1)........................ $ 549 $ 640 $ 840 $ 822 $ 896 $ 680 $ 985 $ 1,422
Pro forma net earnings(1)......... 330 308 505 493 540 411 595 869
Pro forma net earnings per
share(1)........................ 0.08 0.07 0.10 0.10 0.11 0.09 0.12 0.12
Shares used in calculating pro
forma net earnings per share.... 4,102 4,678 4,824 4,824 4,824 4,824 4,824 7,328
</TABLE>
- -------------------------
(1) The pro forma statement of operations data reflects an adjustment for
executive officer compensation to eliminate the excess of key executive
compensation paid in such periods over the estimated compensation that would
have been paid under the recently executed executive compensation
agreements, which became effective upon the closing of the IPO, through
December 31, 1997, as if these agreements were in place throughout such
periods. The estimated amount payable under the recently adopted agreements
was calculated by assuming the payment to the executive officers of their
annual base salaries plus 100% of their potential bonus. The pro forma
statement of operations data also reflects an adjustment to federal income
taxes for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, after giving effect to
executive officer compensation expense adjustments.
Revenues and operating results fluctuate from quarter to quarter due to
several factors, such as the number and significance of client engagements
commenced and completed during a quarter, delays incurred in connection with a
project, consultant hiring, and utilization. The timing of revenues varies from
quarter to quarter because the Company's sales cycle can be relatively long and
may depend on factors such as the size and scope of assignments, the general
ability of clients to terminate engagements without penalty, and general
economic conditions. In addition, the timing of the establishment of new
practice areas, geographic expansion and the hiring of key individuals can also
have an effect on consultant utilization. Seasonal factors such as vacation
days, total business days in a quarter or the business practices of clients,
such as deferred commitments on new projects until after the end of the calendar
or the client's fiscal year, can cause the Company to experience lower
consultant utilization. Because a significant percentage of the Company's
expenses are relatively fixed, a variation in the number or size of client
assignments or the timing of the initiation or the completion of client
assignments can cause significant variations in operating results from quarter
to quarter. In addition, the Company's annual employees' meeting, which is
scheduled for May 1997, can result in lower consultant utilization in the
quarter in which the meeting occurs.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company's primary capital needs have been to fund the growth in working
capital required to support its growth in revenues. In 1994 and 1995, the
Company's primary source of liquidity was cash flow from operations. The Company
believes that funds generated from operations, together with the net proceeds
received from its IPO and available credit under its bank credit facilities,
will be sufficient to finance its working capital and capital expenditure
requirements, including the acquisition in March 1997 of The Kaufman Group,
Inc., for at least the next 12 months.
16
<PAGE> 18
At December 31, 1996, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $36.6
million and working capital of $39.6 million. Working capital at December 31,
1996 represents an increase of $38.2 million from December 31, 1995. This
increase was primarily due to approximately $39.7 million of net proceeds
received from the IPO in October 1996, partially offset by purchases of property
and equipment.
The Company has two collateralized line of credit facilities at Comerica
Bank N.A. totaling $3.0 million. The credit facilities bear interest at 0.5%
over prime. As of December 31, 1996 the Company had no amounts outstanding on
these lines.
Net cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 1996
was $1.2 million compared with cash provided by operations of $811,000 for the
year ended December 31, 1995. The increase in cash used was primarily due to the
increased accounts receivable caused by increased revenue volume.
Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 1996
was $2.1 million, compared to $807,000 in 1995. Cash used in investing
activities consisted principally of computer and office equipment acquisitions.
Net cash provided by financing activities of $39.5 million for the year
ended December 31, 1996 was principally the result of the proceeds received from
the issuance of common stock in connection with the IPO. Net cash provided by
financing activities for the year ended December 31, 1995 of $236,000 was
principally the result of a loan from the majority stockholder for working
capital purposes.
Effective March 12, 1997, the Company purchased a health-care consulting
business in California for $3.2 million in cash, $1.6 million of newly-issued
common stock, and a maximum additional payment of $1.45 million payable in cash
over a three-year period.
The Company does not believe that inflation has had a material effect on
the results of its operations in the past three years.
17
<PAGE> 19
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The Financial Statements of the Company are annexed to the report as Pages
F-1 to F-15. An index to such materials appears on Page F-1.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The information required by this item with respect to the directors of the
Company is incorporated by reference from the Company's definitive proxy
statement, expected to be filed with the Commission prior to April 10, 1997.
Information regarding executive officers is set forth in Part I of this report.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the
Company's definitive proxy statement, expected to be filed with the Commission
prior to April 10, 1997.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the
Company's definitive proxy statement, expected to be filed with the Commission
prior to April 10, 1997.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the
Company's definitive proxy statement, expected to be filed with the Commission
prior to April 10, 1997.
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
The financial statements filed as part of this report are listed in the
accompanying Index to Financial Statements. The exhibits filed as part of this
report are listed in the accompanying Index to Exhibits. The Company will
furnish a copy of any exhibit listed to requesting stockholders upon payment of
the Company's reasonable expenses in furnishing those materials. No reports on
Form 8-K were filed by the Company during the last quarter of the period covered
by this report.
18
<PAGE> 20
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
SUPERIOR CONSULTANT HOLDINGS
CORPORATION
By /s/ RICHARD D. HELPPIE, JR.,
------------------------------------
Richard D. Helppie, Jr.
Chief Executive Officer
March 28, 1997
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
--------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
/s/ RICHARD D. HELPPIE, JR. President, Chief Executive Officer March 28, 1997
- ------------------------------------------ (Principal Executive Officer) and
Richard D. Helppie, Jr. Director
/s/ JAMES T. HOUSE Vice President and Chief Executive March 28, 1997
- ------------------------------------------ Officer (Principal Financial and
James T. House Accounting Officer)
/s/ RICHARD P. SASLOW Vice President, General Counsel and March 28, 1997
- ------------------------------------------ Director
Richard P. Saslow
/s/ REGINALD M. BALLANTYNE III Director March 28, 1997
- ------------------------------------------
Reginald M. Ballantyne III
/s/ BERNARD J. LACHNER Director March 28, 1997
- ------------------------------------------
Bernard J. Lachner
/s/ DOUGLAS S. PETERS Director March 28, 1997
- ------------------------------------------
Douglas S. Peters
/s/ DONALD W. SIMBORG, M.D. Director March 28, 1997
- ------------------------------------------
Donald W. Simborg, M.D.
</TABLE>
19
<PAGE> 21
SUPERIOR CONSULTANT HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
----
<S> <C>
Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants .................................................... F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1995 and 1996 .......................................... F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996 ............ F-4
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996 .. F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996 ............ F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ............................................................ F-7
</TABLE>
F-1
<PAGE> 22
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors
Superior Consultant Holdings Corporation
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Superior
Consultant Holdings Corporation (a Delaware corporation) and Subsidiaries as of
December 31, 1995 and 1996, and the related statements of operations,
stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 1996. These financial statements are the responsibility of
the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements
are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test
basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used
and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position
of Superior Consultant Holdings Corporation and Subsidiaries as of December 31,
1995 and 1996, and the results of their consolidated operations and their
consolidated cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP
Detroit, Michigan
February 21, 1997 (except for Note 13,
as to which the date is March 12, 1997)
F-2
<PAGE> 23
SUPERIOR CONSULTANT HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
ASSETS 1995 1996
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
(IN THOUSANDS)
Current assets
Cash ..................................................................... $ 455 $ 2,076
Short-term investments ................................................... - 34,554
Accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $279,000
as of December 31, 1995 and $324,000 as of December 31, 1996) .......... 5,811 9,918
Accrued interest receivable and prepaid expenses ......................... 154 456
------ -------
Total current assets ............................................ 6,420 47,004
Property and equipment, net ................................................ 985 2,598
------ -------
Total Assets .................................................... $7,405 $49,602
====== =======
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
Lines of credit .......................................................... $ 50 $ -
Accounts payable ......................................................... 1,118 2,271
Accrued liabilities ...................................................... 3,001 3,235
Deferred revenue ......................................................... 638 1,286
Note payable to stockholder .............................................. 156 -
Income taxes payable ..................................................... - 584
------ ------
Total current liabilities ....................................... 4,963 7,376
Deferred income taxes ...................................................... 133 198
Deferred performance bonuses ............................................... 448 580
Commitments (Note 9) ....................................................... - -
Stockholders' equity
Preferred stock; authorized, 1,000,000 shares of $.01 par value; no shares
issued or outstanding .................................................. - -
Common stock; authorized, 30,000,000 shares of $.01 par value; issued
and outstanding, 4,777,985 as of December 31, 1995 and 7,559,735
as of December 31, 1996 ................................................ 48 76
Additional paid-in capital ............................................... 1,036 40,986
Retained earnings ........................................................ 1,506 1,084
Stockholders' notes receivable ........................................... (729) (698)
------ -------
Total stockholders' equity ...................................... 1,861 41,448
------ -------
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity ...................... $7,405 $49,602
====== =======
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F-3
<PAGE> 24
SUPERIOR CONSULTANT HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1994 1995 1996
------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
Revenues ............................................. $19,234 $25,906 $35,925
Costs and expenses
Cost of services ................................... 8,505 12,008 17,743
Selling, general and administrative expenses ....... 8,223 10,045 13,498
Executive compensation expense ..................... 2,445 3,730 4,579
------- ------- -------
Total costs and expenses ........................ 19,173 25,783 35,820
------- ------- -------
Earnings from operations ........................ 61 123 105
Interest expense ..................................... 16 16 47
Other income, principally interest income ............ (44) (74) (406)
------- ------- -------
Earnings before income taxes .................... 89 181 464
Income taxes ......................................... - 165 886
------- ------- -------
Net earnings (loss) ............................. $ 89 $ 16 $ (422)
======= ======= =======
Pro forma earnings data (unaudited)
Earnings before income taxes, as reported .......... $ 181 $ 464
Adjustment for executive compensation expense ...... 2,670 3,519
------- -------
Pro forma earnings before income taxes ............. 2,851 3,983
Pro forma income tax expense ....................... 1,215 1,568
------- -------
Pro forma net earnings ............................. $ 1,636 $ 2,415
======= =======
Pro forma net earnings per share ................... $ 0.36 $ 0.44
======= =======
Pro forma weighted average number of common
and common equivalent shares outstanding ......... 4,607 5,455
======= =======
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F-4
<PAGE> 25
SUPERIOR CONSULTANT HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMMON STOCK ADDITIONAL STOCKHOLDERS'
-------------- PAID-IN RETAINED NOTES
SHARES AMOUNT CAPITAL EARNINGS RECEIVABLE TOTAL
------ ------ ---------- -------- ------------- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
(IN THOUSANDS)
Balance at January 1, 1994 ....................... 4,058 $41 $ 54 $1,401 $ - $ 1,496
Net earnings ..................................... - - - 89 - 89
----- --- ------- ------ ----- -------
Balance at December 31, 1994 ..................... 4,058 41 54 1,490 - 1,585
Net earnings ..................................... - - - 16 - 16
Issuance of common stock ......................... 720 7 982 - (764) 225
Payment on stockholders' notes receivable ........ - - - - 35 35
----- --- ------- ------ ----- -------
Balance at December 31, 1995 ..................... 4,778 48 1,036 1,506 (729) 1,861
Net loss ......................................... - - - (422) - (422)
Issuance of common stock ......................... 2,782 28 39,658 - - 39,686
Payment on stockholders' notes receivable ........ - - - - 31 31
Tax benefit relating to stock options exercised .. - - 249 - - 249
Compensation expense recognized for fair value
of stock options granted ....................... - - 43 - - 43
----- --- ------- ------ ----- -------
Balance at December 31, 1996 ..................... 7,560 $76 $40,986 $1,084 $(698) $41,448
===== === ======= ====== ===== =======
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F-5
<PAGE> 26
SUPERIOR CONSULTANT HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------
1994 1995 1996
------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
(IN THOUSANDS)
Cash flows from operating activities
Net earnings (loss) ............................................ $ 89 $ 16 $ (422)
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net
cash provided by (used in) operating activities
Depreciation and amortization ............................. 287 405 512
Non-cash compensation ..................................... - 225 43
Bad debt expense .......................................... 9 230 45
Loss on sale of assets .................................... 15 47 -
Deferred income taxes ..................................... - 133 65
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options ................ - - 249
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable .................................... (825) (1,929) (4,152)
Accrued interest receivable and prepaid expenses ....... (14) (39) (302)
Accounts payable ....................................... 234 297 1,153
Accrued liabilities .................................... 484 1,484 366
Deferred revenue ....................................... 544 (58) 648
Income taxes payable ................................... - - 584
----- ------- -------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities .. 823 811 (1,211)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment ............................ (353) (807) (2,125)
----- ------- -------
Net cash used in investing activities ................ (353) (807) (2,125)
Cash flows from financing activities:
(Repayment of) proceeds from lines of credit, net .............. (340) 50 (50)
Proceeds from notes payable to stockholder ..................... - 200 -
Repayment of note payable to stockholder ....................... - (49) (156)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock ......................... - - 39,686
Principal payments on stockholders' notes receivable ........... - 35 31
----- ------- -------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities .. (340) 236 39,511
----- ------- -------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents ........................ 130 240 36,175
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period ................... 85 215 455
----- ------- -------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period ......................... $ 215 $ 455 $36,630
===== ======= =======
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information - cash paid for:
Interest ....................................................... $ 16 $ 16 $ 47
Income taxes ................................................... - 40 -
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F-6
<PAGE> 27
SUPERIOR CONSULTANT HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994, 1995 AND 1996
(TABULAR AMOUNTS ARE IN THOUSANDS)
1. SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
Superior Consultant Holdings Corporation and its subsidiaries, Superior
Consultant Company, Inc. ("Superior") and Unitive Corporation ("Unitive"),
collectively referred to as the "Company". Superior is a leading healthcare
consulting firm that provides a wide range of information technology consulting
and strategic and operations management consulting services to a broad
cross-section of healthcare industry participants and healthcare information
system vendors. Unitive assists clients to develop, design, implement and
maintain groupware and intranet and web-based information systems and
solutions. The Company operates in one business segment.
Historically, both Superior and Unitive were majority-owned by an
individual. In connection with the completion of the initial public offering
of common stock on October 16, 1996, the companies entered into and consummated
a corporate reorganization, whereby Superior and Unitive became wholly-owned
operating subsidiaries of Superior Consultant Holdings Corporation. This
transaction was accounted for as a reorganization of entities under common
control and accounted for in a manner similar to a pooling of interests. The
accompanying consolidated financial statements and footnotes, and all share
amounts included therein, give effect to the reorganization. All material
intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Short-Term Investments
The Company's policy is to invest cash in excess of operating requirements
in income producing investments. Short-term investments at December 31,
1996 include commercial paper and money market accounts stated at cost, which
approximates market.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
For purposes of the statement of cash flows, the Company considers all
highly liquid investments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to
be cash equivalents.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost. Expenditures for major
renewals and improvements that extend the useful life of property and equipment
are capitalized. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to
expense as incurred.
During the 1996 fourth quarter, the Company changed the method used to
calculate depreciation on new purchases of property and equipment from
accelerated methods (principally the double-declining balance method) to the
straight-line method. The Company believes the straight-line method provides a
better matching of expenses with revenues over the productive life of the
assets. In addition, the Company believes the new method should improve the
comparability of its financial statements with other information technology
consulting companies. The effect of the change during 1996 increased pro forma
earnings and pro forma earnings per share by $58,600 and $.01, respectively.
The effect of the change was not material to any individual quarter during
1996.
F-7
<PAGE> 28
SUPERIOR CONSULTANT HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994, 1995 AND 1996
(TABULAR AMOUNTS ARE IN THOUSANDS)
1. SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
Income Taxes
Historically, Superior was taxed under Subchapter S of the Internal
Revenue Code. The Subchapter S election of Superior was terminated prior to
the closing of the initial public offering of common stock in October 1996. In
addition, through December 31, 1994, Unitive had also elected to be taxed under
Subchapter S. As a result of the Subchapter S elections, federal income taxes
were payable personally by the stockholders. Accordingly, the 1994
consolidated statement of operations does not include a provision for federal
income taxes, the 1995 statement includes a provision for federal income taxes
only for Unitive, and the 1996 statement includes a provision for federal
income taxes for Unitive for the entire year, and for Superior for only a
portion of the year. Accordingly, a pro forma provision for income taxes is
presented as if the consolidated Company was taxed as a C Corporation for the
years ended December 31, 1995 and 1996.
Taxes on earnings, including pro forma calculations and the impact of
deferred income taxes as a result of termination of the Subchapter S election,
are accounted for under the liability method pursuant to Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. Deferred income tax
expense recorded in the fourth quarter of 1996 as a result of Superior's
termination of the Subchapter S election totalled approximately $130,000.
Deferred Bonus
Of the non-current deferred bonuses, approximately $190,000 are payable no
later than March 1999, and approximately $390,000 are payable no later than
March 2000, subject to and contingent upon employees' continued employment on
those dates.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Management believes the fair value of financial instruments approximates
their carrying amounts. The carrying value of the cash and short-term
investments approximates their estimated fair values based upon quoted market
prices. Management believes the fair value of stockholders' notes receivable
approximate their carrying values based on current rates for instruments with
similar characteristics.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenues as services are performed for projects
billed on a time and materials basis. On fixed-fee projects, the Company
recognizes revenue using the percentage of completion basis. Deferred revenue
represents billings and collections made in advance of services being
performed.
F-8
<PAGE> 29
SUPERIOR CONSULTANT HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994, 1995 AND 1996
(TABULAR AMOUNTS ARE IN THOUSANDS)
1. SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
Recently Issued Financial Accounting Standard
In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued
Statement of Accounting Standards No. 128, Earnings Per Share ("SFAS 128"),
which (i) replaces the presentation of primary earnings per share (EPS) with a
presentation of basic EPS; (ii) requires dual presentation of basic and diluted
EPS on the face of the consolidated statements of operations regardless of
whether basic and diluted EPS are the same; and (iii) requires a reconciliation
of the numerator and denominator used in computing basic and diluted EPS.
Basic EPS excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income available to
common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding
for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur
if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or
converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that
then shared in the earnings of the entity. Diluted EPS is computed similarly
to fully diluted EPS pursuant to Accounting Principles Board Opinion 15.
SFAS 128 is effective for financial statements issued for periods ending
after December 15, 1997, including interim periods; earlier application is not
permitted. SFAS 128 requires restatement of all prior-period EPS data
presented.
2. ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS
A summary of activity in connection with the allowance for doubtful
accounts follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------
1994 1995 1996
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Allowance for doubtful accounts at beginning of year .. $40 $49 $279
Charged to bad debt expense ........................... 9 230 45
--- ---- ----
Allowance for doubtful accounts at end of year ........ $49 $279 $324
=== ==== ====
</TABLE>
3. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Property and equipment consists of the following:
DECEMBER 31, RANGE OF
------------------ USEFUL
1995 1996 LIVES
------------------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Office equipment .............................. $ 338 $ 735 5-7 Years
Computer equipment ............................ 1,275 2,375 5-7 Years
Office machines ............................... 499 847 5-7 Years
Condominiums .................................. - 256 40 Years
Leasehold improvements ........................ - 24 7 Years
------- -------
2,112 4,237
Less: accumulated depreciation ............ (1,127) (1,639)
------- -------
Property and equipment, net ................... $ 985 $ 2,598
======= =======
</TABLE>
F-9
<PAGE> 30
SUPERIOR CONSULTANT HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994, 1995 AND 1996
(TABULAR AMOUNTS ARE IN THOUSANDS)
4. LINES OF CREDIT
Superior has a line of credit with a bank which allows borrowings of up to
$2.5 million, due on demand, with no scheduled maturity date. Borrowings bear
interest at 0.5% above the bank's prime rate and are collateralized by
Superior's accounts receivable. At December 31, 1995 and December 31, 1996,
there were no amounts outstanding on this line.
Unitive has a line of credit with a bank which allows the Company to
borrow up to $500,000, due on demand, with no scheduled maturity date.
Borrowings bear interest at 0.5% above the bank's prime rate and are
collateralized by all assets of Unitive. At December 31, 1995, $50,000 was
outstanding on this line. There were no amounts outstanding on this line at
December 31, 1996.
5. ACCRUED LIABILITIES
Accrued liabilities consist of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
---------------
1995 1996
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
Payroll and withholding taxes ............... $1,736 $1,094
Commissions ................................. 502 1,023
Profit sharing .............................. 482 450
Bonuses ..................................... 281 668
------ ------
Total accrued liabilities ........ $3,001 $3,235
====== ======
</TABLE>
6. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Initial Public Offering
On October 16, 1996, the Company completed the public offering of
2,723,623 shares of its common stock at $16 per share, resulting in net
proceeds of approximately $39,686,000. In connection with the offering, as
discussed in Note 1, Superior terminated its Subchapter S status. The
undistributed earnings of Superior as of the date of the termination of its S
Corporation status were insignificant.
Stock Option Plans
In June 1987, Superior adopted the 1987 Key Employees' Stock Option Plan
(the old Stock Plan) under which incentive and non-statutory stock options to
acquire shares of Superior's common stock could be granted to officers and
other employees. The old Stock Plan was administered by the Board of Directors
and permitted the issuance of options for up to 1,600,025 shares of common
stock. Effective January 1, 1993, the exercise price was the estimated fair
market value per share as determined by the Board of Directors at the time the
option was granted. Options were exercisable not sooner than the date of and
immediately prior to (1) any sale of all or substantially all of Superior's
stock or assets or a merger into an acquiring entity or (2) the initial public
offering of common stock, and terminated if not exercised upon the occurrence
of these events. As of December 31, 1995, Superior had granted 58,127 options
to key management and members of the Board of Directors under the old Stock
Plan, all of which were exercised during 1996. The old Stock Plan was
terminated in 1996.
F-10
<PAGE> 31
SUPERIOR CONSULTANT HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994, 1995 AND 1996
(TABULAR AMOUNTS ARE IN THOUSANDS)
6. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (CONTINUED)
Effective September 1, 1996, the Company adopted its Long-Term Incentive
Plan (the new Plan). Pursuant to the new Plan, a maximum of 900,000 shares of
common stock are reserved for the granting of incentive, nonstatutory or
formula options, restricted stock grants and other equity based compensation.
The options, other than the director formula options may have terms not
exceeding ten years when granted. The Company granted 219,800 options in
connection with its initial public offering at an exercise price per share
equal to the initial public offering price. The exercise price of each option
equals the market price of the Company's stock on the date of grant.
The Company follows the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion
No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees. For options to
non-employees, the Company follows the provisions of Statement of Financial
Accounting Standard No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation ("SFAS
123"). For the year ended December 31, 1996, compensation expense of
approximately $43,000 was recognized for the fair value of stock options
granted to non-employees.
Had compensation cost for the Plans been determined based on the fair
value of all the options at the grant dates consistent with SFAS 123, for the
year ended December 31, 1996 the Company's net loss, pro forma net earnings and
pro forma net earnings per share would have been $(553,000), $2,284,000 and
$0.42, respectively.
The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant
using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following
weighted-average assumptions for grants in 1996: dividend yield of 0%,
expected volatility of 52%, risk-free interest rate of 6.38%, and expected life
of 5 years.
A summary of the status of the Company's fixed stock option plan as of
December 31, 1994, 1995, and 1996, and changes during the years ending on those
dates, is presented below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1994 1995 1996
--------------------- ------------------ -----------------
Weighted Weighted Weighted
Average Average Average
Shares Exercise Shares Exercise Shares Exercise
(000) Price (000) Price (000) Price
------ --------- ------ -------- ------ ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Outstanding at beginning of year ................... 716 $2.48 714 $2.48 58 $ 3.40
Granted ............................................ - - - - 226 $16.14
Exercised .......................................... - - - - (58) $ 3.40
Forfeited .......................................... (2) $2.81 (656) $2.41 - -
--- ---- ---
Outstanding at year-end ............................ 714 $2.48 58 $3.40 226 $16.14
Options exercisable at year-end .................... - - - - 21 $16.00
Weighted-average fair value of options
granted during the year .......................... - - - - 226 $ 8.44
The following information applies to options outstanding at December 31, 1996:
Number outstanding ........................ 225,800
Range of exercise prices .................. $16.00 - $21.25
Weighted-average exercise price ........... $16.14
Weighted-average remaining contractual life 4.78 years
</TABLE>
F-11
<PAGE> 32
SUPERIOR CONSULTANT HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994, 1995 AND 1996
(TABULAR AMOUNTS ARE IN THOUSANDS)
7. INCOME TAXES
The historical income tax provision consists of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
------------------------------
1994 1995 1996
--------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Current federal income taxes ...................... $ - $ 32 $540
Deferred federal income taxes ..................... - 133 65
Current state income taxes ........................ - - 32
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options credited
directly to additional paid-in capital .......... - - 249
--- ---- ----
$ - $165 $886
=== ==== ====
</TABLE>
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant
portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 31
are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1996
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
Deferred tax assets:
Compensation expense .................................. $ - $540
Allowance for bad debts ............................... - 110
Deferred revenue ...................................... - 79
---- ----
Total gross and net deferred tax assets ............ - 729
Deferred tax liabilities:
Change from cash to accrual basis of tax accounting for
Unitive effective January 1, 1995, and for Superior
effective January 1, 1996 .......................... 133 873
Depreciation .......................................... - 54
---- ----
Total gross deferred tax liabilities ............... 133 927
---- ----
Net deferred tax liability ......................... $133 $198
==== ====
</TABLE>
F-12
<PAGE> 33
SUPERIOR CONSULTANT HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994, 1995 AND 1996
(TABULAR AMOUNTS ARE IN THOUSANDS)
7. INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended December 31,
---------------------------
1995 1996
Pro Pro
1995 Forma 1996 Forma
---- ------ ---- ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Expected expense at the statutory rate .................... $ 62 $ 969 $158 $1,354
Effect of Superior's S Corporation election ............... 83 - 415 -
Permanent differences; expenses
recognized for book, not tax ............................ 20 119 32 55
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options
credited directly to additional paid-in capital ......... - - 249 -
State income taxes ........................................ - 127 32 159
---- ------ ---- ------
Total income taxes .................................. $165 $1,215 $886 $1,568
==== ====== ==== ======
</TABLE>
8. PROFIT-SHARING PLAN
The Company has a profit-sharing plan which qualifies under Section 401(k)
of the Internal Revenue Code. Eligible employees may contribute up to the
maximum allowable under tax regulations. Company contributions are fully
discretionary. Profit sharing expense was $235,000, $450,000, and $450,000 for
the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively.
9. COMMITMENTS
The Company leases its office facilities, certain equipment and vehicles
under lease agreements classified as operating leases. Future minimum lease
payments under such noncancelable operating leases as of December 31, 1996 are
summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
Years ending December 31:
<S> <C>
1997 ............................. $ 531
1998 ............................. 503
1999 ............................. 463
2000 ............................. 407
2001 ............................. 411
Thereafter ....................... 644
------
Total future minimum lease
payments ....................... $2,959
======
</TABLE>
Rent expense amounted to approximately $298,000, $356,000 and $384,000 for
the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively, and has been
included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying
statements of operations.
F-13
<PAGE> 34
SUPERIOR CONSULTANT HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994, 1995 AND 1996
(TABULAR AMOUNTS ARE IN THOUSANDS)
9. COMMITMENTS (CONTINUED)
In connection with its initial public offering, the Company entered into a
tax indemnification agreement with three shareholders of Superior which
provides for, among other things, the indemnification of each such shareholder
for any losses or liabilities with respect to any additional taxes (including
interest, penalties and legal fees), and the repayment to the Company of any
amounts received as refunds resulting from Superior's operations during the
period in which it was an S Corporation. Management believes that the
Company's maximum exposure pursuant to this agreement is not material.
10. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company had an unsecured note payable to the trust of the majority
stockholder which matured in August 1996, and bore interest at 8.75% per annum.
Interest expense on this note was approximately $4,000 and $5,000 for the
years ended December 31, 1995 and 1996, respectively.
During 1995, Superior issued 658,833 shares of its common stock to two
stockholders in exchange for two promissory notes totaling $750,000, and the
cancellation of outstanding stock options. The notes bear interest at 7.7% per
annum and require annual payments totaling $75,000. Interest income on these
notes totaled approximately $40,000 and $58,000 for the years ended December
31, 1995 and 1996, respectively. The Company has recorded compensation expense
and a related increase to additional paid-in capital of $225,000 for the year
ended December 31, 1995 representing the difference between the estimated
market value of the common stock at the date of issuance and its selling price.
During the year ended December 31, 1996, the Company chartered aircraft
from a company owned by the majority stockholder, at a total cost of
approximately $36,000.
11. MAJOR CUSTOMERS
During the year ended December 31, 1994, the Company derived approximately
39% of its revenues from three customers, with each customer providing over 10%
of revenues. During the year ended December 31, 1995, the Company derived
approximately 13% of its revenues from a single customer. As of December 31,
1995, accounts receivable from a single customer comprised 15% of total assets.
As of and for the year ended December 31, 1996, no single customer provided
over 10% of the Company's accounts receivable or revenue.
12. PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
The following pro forma adjustments have been made to the historical
results of operations to make the presentations more comparable in relation to
future periods.
(a) Elimination of executive compensation expense (including bonuses) in
excess of the amount that would have been paid had the compensation-limiting
agreements, for the majority stockholder and two other executive officers,
which became effective concurrent with the closing of the Company's initial
public offering of common stock on October 16, 1996, been effective throughout
such periods.
(b) Computation of federal income taxes assuming effective tax rates of
42.6% and 39.4% for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1996, respectively,
which would have been recorded had Superior been a C Corporation and after
eliminating the executive compensation expense in (a).
F-14
<PAGE> 35
SUPERIOR CONSULTANT HOLDINGS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994, 1995 AND 1996
(TABULAR AMOUNTS ARE IN THOUSANDS)
12. PRO FORMA AND SUPPLEMENTAL NET EARNINGS PER SHARE
Pro forma net earnings per share is computed based on the weighted average
number of shares of common stock outstanding during 1995 and 1996, and includes
the dilutive effect of unexercised stock options using the treasury stock
method.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended
December 31, 1996
-----------------
<S> <C>
Supplemental net earnings.......................... $2,414
======
Supplemental net earnings per share................ $ 0.44
======
Weighted average number of common and common
equivalent shares outstanding ................... 5,471
======
</TABLE>
Supplemental net earnings represents pro forma net earnings adjusted for
the elimination of interest expense associated with the repayment of $260,000
in debt under lines of credit in conjunction with the Company's initial public
offering.
Supplemental net earnings per share has been computed by dividing
supplemental net earnings by the weighted average number of common and common
equivalent shares outstanding during the period used in the pro forma net
earnings per share and the assumed issuance of 16,250 shares of common stock by
the Company which would be necessary to generate gross proceeds sufficient to
repay the $260,000 in debt outstanding at October 10, 1996 in conjunction with
the Company's initial public offering.
13. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
Effective March 12, 1997, the Company purchased a healthcare consulting
business in California for $3.2 million in cash, $1.6 million of newly-issued
common stock, and a maximum additional payment of $1.45 million payable in
cash over a three-year period.
F-15
<PAGE> 36
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
------- -----------
<C> <S> <C>
2.1. Merger Agreement -- Superior (2)
2.2. Merger Agreement -- Unitive (2)
3.1. Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of (1)
the Company
3.2. Form of By-Laws of the Company (1)
4.1. Specimen Common Stock Certificate (1)
10.1. Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Company and (1)
each of its directors and officers
10.2. Form of Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan (1)
10.3. Lease dated March 21, 1996 between PMTC Limited Partnership (1)
and Superior
10.4. Form of Tax Indemnification Agreement (2)
10.5. Employment Agreement dated December 8, 1995, between (2)
Superior Consultant Company, Inc. and Charles O. Bracken,
and related 1996 Executive Vice President Bonus Plan
10.6. Employment Agreement dated December 8, 1995 between Superior (2)
Consultant Company, Inc. and Robert R. Tashiro, and related
1996 Vice President Bonus Plan
10.7. Employment Agreement dated December 27, 1995, between (2)
Superior Consultant Company, Inc. and James T. House, and
related 1996 Vice President Bonus Plan
10.8. Employment Agreement dated July 26, 1996, between Unitive (2)
Corporation and Kenneth Boone
10.9. Form of Amendment to Employment Agreement between Superior (2)
Consultant Company, Inc. and Robert R. Tashiro
10.10. Form of Amendment to Employment Agreement between Superior (2)
Consultant Company, Inc. and Charles O. Bracken
10.11. Form of Compensation Agreement Between Superior Consultant (2)
Holdings Corporation and Richard D. Helppie, Jr.
10.12. Promissory Note dated April 20, 1995, executed by Charles O. (2)
Bracken in favor of Superior Consultant Company, Inc.
10.13. Pledge Agreement dated April 20, 1995, between Charles O. (2)
Bracken and Superior Consultant Company, Inc.
10.14. Promissory Note dated April 20, 1995, executed by Robert R. (2)
Tashiro in favor of Superior Consultant Company, Inc.
10.15. Pledge Agreement dated April 20, 1995 between Superior (2)
Consultant Company, Inc. and Robert R. Tashiro
10.16 Stock Purchase Agreement, dated March 12, 1997 among (3)
Superior Consultant Holdings Corporation, Superior
Consultant Company, Inc., The Kaufman Group, Inc. Nathan S.
Kaufman and Thomas S. Kumura
18.* Accountants' preferability letter regarding change in
accounting method
21.1. Subsidiaries of Superior Consultant Holdings Corporation (1)
27.1* Financial Data Schedule
99.1 Press Release dated March 12, 1997 (3)
</TABLE>
- -------------------------
* Filed herewith
(1) Incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Form S-1 Registration
Statement No. 333-10213 as filed with the SEC on August 15, 1996.
(2) Incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Amendment No. 1 to Form S-1
Registration Statement No. 333-10213 as filed with the SEC on September 20,
1996.
(3) Incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Form 8-K as filed with the
SEC on March 26, 1997.
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 18
Board of Directors
Superior Consultant Holdings Corporation
As stated in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements of Superior
Consultant Holdings Corporation and Subsidiaries ("the Company"), the Company
changed its accounting policy for the method used to calculate depreciation on
new purchases of property and equipment from accelerated methods (principally
the double-declining balance method) to the straight-line method, effective
January 1, 1996. Management believes the newly adopted accounting principle is
preferable in the circumstances because the straight-line method provides a
better matching of expenses with revenues over the productive life of the
assets. In addition, the Company believes the new method should improve the
comparability of its financial statements with other information technology
consulting companies. At your request, we have reviewed and discussed with
management the circumstances, business judgment, and planning that formed the
basis for making this change in accounting principle.
It should be recognized that professional standards have not been established
for selecting among alternative principles that exist in this area or for
evaluating the preferability of alternative accounting principles. Accordingly,
we are furnishing this letter solely for purposes of the Company's compliance
with the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and it should
not be used or relied on for any other purpose.
Based on our review and discussion, we concur with management's judgment that
the newly adopted accounting principle is preferable in the circumstances. In
formulating this position, we are relying on management's business planning and
judgment, which we do not find unreasonable.
/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP
Detroit, Michigan
February 21, 1997
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM AUDITED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 CONTAINED IN THE
COMPANY'S FORM 10-K AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH
REPORT ON FORM 10-K.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1996
<CASH> 36,630
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 10,242
<ALLOWANCES> (324)
<INVENTORY> 0
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 47,004
<PP&E> 4,237
<DEPRECIATION> (1,639)
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 49,602
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 7,376
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 76
<OTHER-SE> 41,372
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 49,602
<SALES> 35,925
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 35,925
<CGS> 0
<TOTAL-COSTS> 17,743
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 18,077
<LOSS-PROVISION> 120
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 47
<INCOME-PRETAX> 464
<INCOME-TAX> 886
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (422)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (422)
<EPS-PRIMARY> .44<F1>
<EPS-DILUTED> .44
<FN>
<F1>EPS is based on pro forma net earnings of $2,415,000.
</FN>
</TABLE>
