SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
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 0-29298
TRAVEL SERVICES INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
FLORIDA 52-2030324
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
220 CONGRESS PARK DRIVE, DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA 33445-7289
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (561) 266-0860
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE ACT: ____
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 Company as of the 25th day of March, 1999, was approximately $129,775,754
based on the $11.50 closing sale price for the Common Stock on the Nasdaq Stock
Market on such date. For purposes of this computation, all executive officers
and directors of the Company have been deemed to be affiliates. Such
determination should not be deemed to be an admission that such directors and
officers are, in fact, affiliates of the Registrant.
The number of shares of Common Stock of the Registrant outstanding as
of the 25th day of March, 1999, was 13,795,658.
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
GENERAL
Travel Services International, Inc., dba The Travel Company (the
"Company"), is a leading specialized distributor of travel products including
cruise vacations, vacation packages, domestic and international airline tickets
and European auto rentals, and is a leading provider of travel services such as
electronic hotel reservation services, specialized hotel programs and services
and incentive travel programs. The Company provides its services to both travel
agents and travelers, offering a combination of specialized expertise, the
ability to compare travel options from multiple travel providers and competitive
prices. Unlike traditional travel agents who often lack extensive knowledge
about the specific services being offered, the sales agents of specialized
distributors focus their efforts on certain segments of the travel service
industry and thus provide a greater level of expertise and service with respect
to their segments. The Company's ability to provide in-depth knowledge about
alternative products from multiple travel providers also differentiates it from
the internal sales departments of travel providers, who offer only that
provider's services. Recognizing the ability of specialized distributors to sell
a significant amount of travel capacity, as well as their in-depth knowledge,
travel providers are increasingly utilizing specialized distributors as a
preferred source of distribution. The Company often has preferred pricing and
access to inventory through its negotiated arrangements with leading airline,
cruise line and European auto rental travel providers.
The Company commenced operations in July 1997 concurrently with its
initial public offering and the acquisition of five specialized travel
distributors, and has since acquired an additional 17 operating companies and a
software development company. Through 1998, the Company focused its acquisitions
primarily on distributors of cruise vacations to take advantage of recognized
growth opportunities in that segment. Based on sales booking volume during 1998,
the Company believes it has emerged as the largest distributor of cruise
vacations in the world.
The Company has also looked for opportunities to expand into new
segments of the leisure travel industry that are complementary to its other
lines of business. In June 1998, the Company entered the lodging travel services
segment with the acquisition of Lexington Services, which the Company believes
is the second largest electronic hotel reservation services company in the
United States, based on the number of rooms booked during 1997. The Company
strengthened its presence in the lodging segment with the purchase in July 1998
of ABC Corporate Services, a developer of a hotel program, publisher of a
related hotel guide and provider of after-hours travel services. In February
1999, the Company continued its expansion of product offerings with the
acquisitions of AHI International Corporation, a distributor of packaged
vacation products to university alumni associations, and Lifestyle Vacation
Incentives, Inc., a marketer of incentive and promotional travel products.
Development of technology applications that facilitate and enhance the
selling process for the Company's sales agents has become a significant focus
for the Company. During 1998, the Company made substantial investments in its
"Universal Technology" applications, and expects to continue such investments in
the future. The Company's air reservation application, known as Flight
Attendant, is currently in use in the Company's 1-800-FLY-CHEAP and
1-800-FLY-EUROPE operations. The cruise application, known as Cruise Control, is
currently in use in a pilot at the Company's Long Island, New York call center.
Upon successful completion of the pilot testing period, Cruise Control is
expected to be rolled out to other cruise call centers. Each of the applications
developed by the Company use web-based technologies, thereby allowing the
Company to make the systems available to travel agents and travelers over the
Internet in the future. The Company also plans to examine various inquires by
third parties which could potentially provide the Company with licensing or
other opportunities related to the Company's internally developed technology.
The Company currently utilizes four distinct channels of distribution:
(i) call centers staffed with trained sales personnel; (ii) home-based agents
(including franchisees) who service their local markets; (iii) traditional
travel agents; and (iv) the Internet. Marketing of the products and services
sold directly to consumers is accomplished primarily through newspaper, magazine
and television advertisements and direct mail promotions; marketing to travel
agents and independent hotels is managed primarily through sales forces
dedicated to those efforts. The Company also markets its services over the
Internet, using both the Company's own website, www.travelco.com, and links
through other Company-owned and third party sites. Beginning in late 1998, the
Company launched its new brand name, "The Travel Company". Currently, the
Company uses The Travel Company brand primarily for the marketing and promotion
of cruise products, although the brand is identified with other
direct-to-consumer products and services as well. Certain of the Company's
businesses that are believed to carry a strong brand identity apart from The
Travel Company brand continue to go to market under their traditional trade
names, either alone or in association with The Travel Company brand.
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Currently, the Company does not have any material portion of its
assets, operations or customers located outside of the United States.
Substantially all of the Company's revenues are from customers based within the
United States, where all of the Company's services are provided.
In December 1998, the Company changed its state of incorporation from
Delaware to Florida.
INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
Domestic travel and tourism spending by U.S. travelers was an estimated
$408 billion in 1997 and is forecasted to increase at a compound annual growth
rate of 6.7% through the year 2000. The market for specialized distributors of
leisure travel services is highly fragmented. Many of these specialized
distributors are small and generally have made little investment in technology
to improve their selling effectiveness, efficiencies and access to information.
Furthermore, most of these companies lack the volume and financial security
necessary to obtain preferential pricing and inventory from travel providers or
to create effective national marketing campaigns. The Company believes
significant growth opportunities are available to a well capitalized company
providing a broad offering of specialized travel products and services with a
high level of customer service and state-of-the-art technology infrastructure.
CRUISE INDUSTRY. The number of North American cruise passengers is
expected to increase from 5.1 million in 1997 to 7.0 million by the year 2000,
an 11.5% compound annual growth rate. In addition, industry analysts forecast a
10.3% compound annual growth rate in capacity over the same period, with a total
of 40 new vessels, contracted or planned, adding a net supply of approximately
40,000 berths. The character of a cruise varies significantly among the
different cruise lines and cruise ships. In addition, a cruise vacation, which
consists of lodging, entertainment, dining and travel, typically represents a
large portion of a traveler's vacation budget. As a result, cruise sales require
significant marketing time and effort in comparison with sales of other travel
products. Cruise lines traditionally have relied primarily on third party
distributors to sell virtually all of their berth capacity. It is estimated that
6% of cruise vacations are sold directly by the internal sales departments of
the cruise lines. While travel agents remain an important channel of
distribution for cruise lines, specialized cruise vacation distributors have
become an increasingly significant source of capacity utilization and,
accordingly, are given preferential pricing, cooperative advertising dollars and
access to preferred berth inventory and locations. In contrast to most
traditional travel agents, specialized cruise distributors offer travelers
extensive knowledge of cruise options available and are able to provide more
detailed information with respect to daily excursions and other amenities.
AIRLINE INDUSTRY. The number of passengers carried by the major U.S.
based airlines increased 2.9% to 542 million in 1997 from 526 million in 1996,
with domestic and international passenger growth of 2.8% and 4.1%, respectively.
Airlines rely heavily on travel agents and specialized distributors to
supplement their own internal marketing efforts. Given their focus on air travel
and their corresponding large volumes of reservations, specialized distributors
often receive preferential pricing or controlled access to capacity at
discounted prices through the use of negotiated rate fare contracts. Airlines
typically issue these contracts to a limited number of specialized distributors
in order to increase capacity utilization without disrupting their overall
pricing strategy. These specialized distributors are then able to offer
non-published discounted fares for domestic and international flights to both
travel agents and travelers.
EUROPEAN AUTO RENTAL INDUSTRY. U.S. citizen departures to Europe
increased 11.1% to 10.1 million in 1997 from 9.0 million in 1996. Unlike
domestic auto rental providers which, to a large extent, market directly to
travelers in the U.S., European auto rental providers rely heavily on third
party distributors to market to U.S. customers traveling abroad. As in the U.S.,
European auto rental providers focus on business traveler segment which peaks in
the spring and fall seasons. As a result, specialized distributors in the U.S.
serve an important role to these European auto rental providers by supplementing
their sales efforts during non-peak periods. In addition, these specialized
distributors serve as a centralized and efficient source of information on
pricing and availability of reservations to travel agents in the U.S.
LODGING INDUSTRY. Average daily room rates in the U.S. lodging industry
increased 6.2% to $75.16 in 1997 from $70.81 in 1996. Average daily room nights
sold increased 2.3% to 2.3 million in 1997 from 2.2 million in 1996. Average
daily rates and average daily rooms sold are expected to increase 5.3% and 2.2%,
respectively, in 1998.
VACATION AND TOUR PACKAGES INDUSTRY. Sales of vacation and tour
packages is estimated to be a $20 billion market in 1997. In 1997, 104.2 million
U.S. adults traveled with other family members, an increase of 11% over the
prior year. The market is expected to grow at 6% a year for the next several
years. Vacation packages include a combination of two or more travel services
(e.g. hotel accommodations, ground transportation, air transportation, cruises)
that are offered at a package price. Many vacation packages offer a choice of
components and options, thereby enabling the customer to customize the package.
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INCENTIVE TRAVEL PROGRAMS INDUSTRY. The travel incentive industry is
estimated to be a $6 billion market. Travel promotion agencies range from
sophisticated companies offering a broad range of service to boutique shops,
specializing in one or few specific types of promotions. The industry is
fragmented, with over 1000 travel promotion companies; however less than 100
companies are believed to have sales in excess of $1 million.
OPERATING STRATEGY
The Company seeks to provide comprehensive, quality leisure travel
products and services, while improving efficiencies in its operations. The
primary components of the Company's operating strategy include the following:
PROVIDE EXTENSIVE EXPERTISE IN SPECIFIC TRAVEL SEGMENTS. The Company,
through its operating companies, is a specialist in several leisure travel
products and services. By leveraging this specialized knowledge, the Company
provides a higher level of expertise and information for a broader array of
travel products and services than may be available through traditional
distribution channels.
UTILIZE TECHNOLOGY TO IMPROVE THE SELLING PROCESS. The Company
continues to make significant investments in development of technology that will
improve and enhance the ability of its sales agents to convert travel inquiries
into sales and make the selling and service processes more efficient. The
Universal Technology applications being developed by the Company are web-based.
The specifications for the Company's technology applications are designed by
subject matter experts who are best able to identify the necessary tools. In
addition, the technology reduces new agent training time from several weeks
currently to less than one week.
MAINTAIN AND ENHANCE STRONG STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIPS WITH TRAVEL
PROVIDERS. The Company believes that its strategic relationships with its travel
providers are integral to its success. The Company has negotiated with many
travel providers for pricing that is often lower than published fares and for
preferred access to capacity. The Company has also commenced discussions with
travel providers within the cruise industry regarding the objective of obtaining
direct electronic interfaces to the cruise lines reservation systems. These
strategic relationships enable the Company to access multiple providers within
each travel segment and to offer value and service that is generally better than
would be available to travelers through travel agents.
MARKET THROUGH MULTIPLE DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS. The Company believes
that utilizing multiple distribution channels provides it with additional sales
opportunities, decreases its reliance on any one channel and differentiates it
from competitors who offer their products through a single channel.
OFFER HIGH LEVELS OF CUSTOMER SERVICE. The Company believes that
maintaining high levels of customer service is essential to its ability to
generate significant repeat business. In addition to the Company's competitive
prices, customer service is an important differentiating factor to the leisure
traveler who is making a significant investment in a vacation, the travel agent
who is seeking the ability to make travel arrangements with greater ease, the
independent hotel who is seeking to distribute its product efficiently through
global distribution systems, and the corporation who is looking for innovative
and turn-key travel incentive products to stimulate its sales.
PROMOTE COMPREHENSIVE BRAND STRATEGY. In 1998 the Company reviewed
various strategies in connection with the brand recognition and marketing of its
services. In the second half of 1998, the Company began implementation of a
comprehensive brand and marketing plan, which was officially launched with the
start of the 1999 year. The plan calls for the development of a new,
identifiable national brand name, "The Travel Company", to be used initially in
marketing cruises to consumers, while preserving certain existing brands that
have a strong identity and loyal customer following in other segments.
CAPITALIZE ON MANAGEMENT EXPERTISE. The Company's executive management
personnel have had many years of experience in various segments of the travel
industry. In addition, the Company believes the experienced local management
teams at its operating companies have an in-depth understanding of their
respective markets and businesses, have built strong relationships with travel
providers and customers and are important to managing the day-to-day operations
and human resources at their respective locations.
GROWTH STRATEGY
Strong internal revenue growth is the core of the Company's growth
strategy. Key elements of the Company's growth strategy include the following:
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INVESTMENT IN TECHNOLOGY. The Company is continuing its development of
state-of-the-art information and telecommunications technologies for use by the
Company, as well as by travel agents and travelers through the Internet. In
addition, the Company may in the future consider pursuing licensing or other
opportunities with respect to the use of its technology by third parties.
Through 1998, the Company has invested approximately $7 million on its strategic
software applications, and intends to invest approximately $15 million more over
the next two years to complete the development of its Universal Technology
software applications primarily for cruise and air operations.
The Universal Technology is expected to allow the Company to increase
its productivity and net revenue per transaction by: (i) allowing Company agents
to process reservations on-line in a more efficient fashion than the current
manually-intensive processes employed; (ii) enabling Company agents to offer
customers more comprehensive product information and automated access to special
pricing and inventory opportunities; (iii) providing Company agents additional
up-selling and cross-selling capabilities; (iv) allowing Company agents real
time access to customer information; (v) capitalizing on revenue management
opportunities; (vi) using the Internet to provide information and book
reservations; and (vii) enabling consolidation of cruise back-office functions,
including reconciliation, accounting, documents management and financial
reporting.
CAPITALIZE ON THE INTERNET. The Company plans to capitalize on the
Internet as a major distribution channel for its products and services.
According to Forrester Research, the on-line travel market is the second largest
by dollar volume and the fastest growing area of Internet commerce. The Internet
represents a substantial opportunity as a very important distribution channel
for leisure travel in the future. The Company promotes itself and the
www.travelco.com website through advertising and promotional alliances on the
Internet. Several of the Company's operating companies also market through
specialized websites. The Company has dedicated agents to handle Internet sales
leads and inquiries, as well as management personnel who have significant
experience in the areas of e-commerce and Internet marketing. The Company plans
to implement on-line booking capabilities for air and cruise reservations on the
Internet in late 1999 or early 2000.
DEVELOPMENT OF NATIONAL BRANDS. The Company seeks to build The Travel
Company into a nationally recognized and respected consumer brand, initially in
the cruise segment. In addition, the Company plans to aggressively market its
other existing national brands, such as 1-800-FLY-CHEAP and Auto Europe.
Promotion of the brands will be through traditional marketing and sales
initiatives, as well as through opportunities that may arise in other business
of the Company, such as collateral materials distributed by Lifestyle Vacation
Incentives that may also be utilized to promote the Company's other brands.
EMPHASIZE CROSS-SELLING. The Company seeks to take advantage of
significant cross-selling opportunities to further enhance revenue growth. For
example, Auto Europe has recently begun to process international airline ticket
reservations using Flight Attendant, the Company's Universal Technology air
application, and to cross sell European auto rentals and hotel stays to these
consumers. The Company's cruise segment sells Alaska land tour packages provided
by the Company's Alaska tour operator. In addition, a full line of Company
products and services may be offered in the future to customers of AHI
International Corporation, in cooperation with alumni associations.
CAPITALIZE ON ECONOMIES OF SCALE AND BEST PRACTICES. The Company
believes that it can achieve significant economies of scale and that its sales
volumes and relationships with travel providers enable it to obtain preferential
pricing and preferred access to travel provider inventories. The Company
believes it can also benefit from greater purchasing power in certain important
expense areas, as well as reduce total operating expenses by consolidating
certain duplicative back-office and administrative functions. During 1998 and
continuing in 1999, the Company began to implement some of these economies, such
as consolidating the purchasing of telecommunications services, advertising,
insurance and credit card merchant services, and is creating a shared services
center for fulfillment and accounting of cruise reservations. In addition, the
Company has identified certain best practices, including marketing techniques,
revenue management processes, operations and call center management strategies
and cost efficiencies, that can be implemented in order to generate incremental
revenue and enhance profitability. The implementation of the Company's
telecommunications and information technologies is expected to further enhance
the Company's performance by allowing the most qualified sales agents to handle
each customer lead and to reduce the amount of time required to train new sales
agents and process and close sales transactions.
EXPANSION THROUGH ACQUISITION. During 1998 the Company continued to
acquire operating companies in order to gain market share, add new areas of
expertise, access new geographic markets and enter complementary business lines.
In the future, the Company expects to make fewer acquisitions and to focus on
acquisitions that are larger in size or offer significant strategic
opportunities. The Company seeks acquisition candidates that have long-standing
reputations and demonstrated growth and profitability. While the Company has
held discussions with a limited number of acquisition candidates, as of the date
of this Report the Company is not a party to a binding agreement regarding any
acquisition.
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ACQUISITIONS
Since the Company's initial public offering in July 1997, the Company
has acquired 22 operating companies and a software development company. Through
1998, the Company focused its acquisitions primarily on distributors of cruise
vacations to take advantage of recognized growth opportunities in that segment
and believes that it has emerged as the largest distributor of cruise vacations
in the world. The Company entered the lodging travel services segment with the
acquisition of Lexington Services in June 1998 and ABC Corporate Services in
July 1998. In February 1999, the Company continued its expansion of product
offerings with the acquisitions of AHI International Corporation and Lifestyle
Vacation Incentives, Inc.
The Company relies on the industry experience of its senior management,
particularly Joseph Vittoria, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, who is
the former Chief Executive Officer of Avis, Inc. Mr. Vittoria sits on industry
boards including the World Travel and Tourism Council, of which he is a founding
member, and the Travel Industry Association. The Company also believes that the
experience, reputation and relationships of the operating companies' management
has been of significant value in the Company's efforts to acquire other
specialized distributors of travel services. As consideration for acquisitions,
the Company uses various combinations of Common Stock and cash and may, in the
future, also use notes. The Company has registered under the Securities Act
certain shares of its Common Stock that that have been and may be issued in
connection with acquisitions.
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the
Company's acquisitions:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FINANCIAL
OPERATING DATE OF REPORTING PRIMARY TRAVEL
COMPANY ACQUISITION SEGMENT SERVICE OFFERED PRIMARY LOCATION
- --------- ----------- --------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Auto Europe July 1997 Outbound European auto rentals Portland, Maine
Cruises Inc. July 1997 Cruise Cruise vacations Syracuse, New York
Cruises Only July 1997 Cruise Cruise vacations Orlando, Florida
D-FW Tours July 1997 Outbound International air Dallas, Texas
Travel 800 July 1997 Other Domestic air San Diego, California
Cruise Fairs of
America November 1997 Cruise Cruise vacations Los Angeles, California
CruiseOne November 1997 Cruise Cruise vacations Deerfield Beach, Florida
CruiseWorld November 1997 Cruise Cruise vacations Syossett, New York
Ship `N' Shore November 1997 Cruise Cruise vacations Englewood, Florida
Trax Software December 1997 -- Software development Delray Beach, Florida
Diplomat Tours January 1998 Outbound International air Sacramento, California
Gold Coast Cruises February 1998 Cruise Cruise vacations North Miami, Florida
AutoNet International February 1998 Outbound European auto rentals Portland, Maine
CruiseMasters March 1998 Cruise Cruise vacations Los Angeles, California
The Cruise Line Inc. April 1998 Cruise Cruise vacations North Miami, Florida
Landry & Kling May 1998 Other Cruise incentives Coral Gables, Florida
The Travel Company May 1998 Cruise Cruise vacations Atherton, California
Lexington Services June 1998 Lodging Lodging reservations Irving, Texas
ABC Corporate
Services July 1998 Lodging Lodging services Omaha, Nebraska
Cruise Outlet of the
Carolinas August 1998 Cruise Cruise vacations Charlotte, North Carolina
1-800-CRUISES August 1998 Cruise Cruise vacations Boca Raton, Florida
Lifestyle Vacation
Incentives February 1999 Other Incentive promotions Delray Beach, Florida
AHI International,
Inc. February 1999 Outbound Packaged vacations Rosemont, Illinois
</TABLE>
The following is a summary of the strategy underlying the Company's
acquisitions since the Company's initial public offering:
o Lexington Services and ABC Corporate Services--enabled the Company to
enter into the lodging travel services segment.
o The Cruise Line Inc. and Gold Coast Cruises--significantly bolstered
the Company's presence in the cruise segment, particularly in South
Florida, and added direct response television capabilities.
o Ship `N' Shore--provided Alaska land tour operations and expertise in
the Alaska cruise market.
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o CruiseMasters, Cruise Fairs of America and The Travel Company--provided
a West Coast presence for the distribution of cruise vacations and
added specific marketing expertise.
o CruiseOne--added a cruise franchise distribution system consisting of
more than 350 franchisees.
o CruiseWorld--provided retail cruise distribution locations in the New
York Tri-State area.
o Landry & Kling--provided expertise in cruise charters and corporate
incentive marketing.
o Diplomat Tours and AutoNet International--expanded presence in European
airline tickets and auto rental markets and bolstered relationships
with travel agents.
o Trax Software--accelerated the development of the Company's Flight
Attendant reservation system.
o Cruise Outlet of the Carolinas--expanded the Internet marketing
capabilities of the cruise segment.
o 1-800-CRUISES--provided a marketing tool for national branding of the
cruise segment.
o Lifestyle Vacation Incentives--expanded expertise in corporate
incentive marketing and travel clubs.
o AHI International--expanded international packaged vacation offerings
and added university alumni associations as a new marketing channel.
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
The Company currently provides its products and services nationwide
primarily through the use of toll-free telephone numbers, home-based agents,
global distribution systems and the Internet. Product information and the
ability to communicate with customers via email is also provided through the
Company's website, www.travelco.com. Typically, potential customers call the
Company, often in response to an advertisement or other promotion or in response
to information seen on the Internet. The Company's sales personnel assist
potential customers, whether travel agents or travelers, in selecting the
appropriate travel arrangement and making the reservation.
CRUISE. The Company is believed to be the largest distributor of
cruises in the world, selling cruises on all major cruise lines. Typically,
berths are booked on behalf of customers at specified discounts from the
published cruise line prices. In addition, the Company is permitted to reserve
more desirable berths on a number of cruises, which gives the Company an
"exclusive" right to sell these berths for a period of time. If the Company does
not sell these reserved berths, they are returned to the cruise lines at a
specified time, generally 90 to 150 days prior to sailing, at no cost to the
Company. The Company also advises large groups, such as affinity groups,
corporate groups and business seminars, in selecting the appropriate cruise and
sells Alaskan land tour packages directly to travelers and to travel agents.
The Company advises travelers and assists them in selecting the cruise
that best fits their particular needs and desires. This requires the Company's
sales personnel to have extensive knowledge about the character of the various
cruise lines and the differences in their ships and cruises offered. The
Company's sales personnel undergo extensive in-house training, participate in
frequent seminars conducted by cruise lines and often receive complementary
passes for cruises that provide the agent direct cruise line experience. Through
the Company's new cruise reservation technology, detailed information about
ships, itineraries, destinations and other data will be available to sales
personnel at their desktops. Sales personnel endeavor to develop relationships
with travelers in order to encourage repeat and referral business. The Company
provides extensive services to its cruise customers in the form of information
provided on its website, periodic mailings of information, reviews of various
cruises and ships, advice regarding planning for the specific cruise and
assistance in preparing the necessary travel documents. In addition to reserving
a berth on a cruise, reservation agents can give customers information about the
activities, shopping, sightseeing and restaurants available at the various ports
at which the cruise stops and can make reservations for these activities.
DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL AIR TRAVEL. The Company sells both domestic
and international airline tickets. Through strategic relationships with most
major airlines, the Company is generally able to offer fares below published
rates. The Company sells airline tickets to travelers relying primarily on its
reputation and telephone numbers such as 1-800-FLY-CHEAP, 1-800-LOW-FARE and
1-800-FLY-EUROPE to attract business. The Company sells international
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airline tickets primarily to travel agents utilizing multiple fax distribution
technology and a field sales force to advise travel agents of special fares and
promotions.
EUROPEAN AUTO RENTAL. The Company provides reservations for U.S. and
Canadian travelers for auto rentals in Europe. The Company has agreements with a
number of auto rental travel providers that operate in Europe, such as Avis
Europe Limited and Europcar International S.A. The Company's European auto
rental customers are primarily travel agents. The Company's field sales
representatives establish and maintain relationships with a majority of the
travel agents located in the U.S. Auto rentals in Europe pose a number of
challenges for a U.S. traveler. In addition to costs such as drop off fees and
airport levies, travelers run the risk of additional costs associated with
currency fluctuations and rate changes if they do not pre-pay in U.S. dollars.
Travelers are also faced with age restrictions, lack of flexibility in drop off
and pick up and insurance complications. Further, the difficulty obtaining air
conditioned, automatic transmission cars makes the European auto rental process
difficult for travelers. The Company is able to simplify the process and
overcome many of these challenges for travel agents and travelers. The Company
maintains 24-hour toll-free numbers connected directly to its customer service
department in the U.S. from which its customers in Europe can obtain emergency
assistance. These toll-free numbers provide the customer with an English
speaking contact with access to the appropriate emergency roadside assistance in
the relevant foreign location.
LODGING. The Company provides electronic reservation services to over
2,500 independent and chain hotels located in 59 countries worldwide. The
Company's lodging service revenues are generally commission based and,
therefore, largely depend on the volume of reservations processed on behalf of
its hotel customers. The Company generally processes hotel reservations through
the major computerized central reservation systems, including SABRE Group and
Amadeus, through Internet sites such as TravelWeb and Expedia and through its
call center. The Company also publishes a hotel directory featuring over 5,000
participating hotels worldwide through which travel agencies obtain special
rates, access to block space and other benefits at these listed hotels, and
provides after-hours travel services to travel agents.
VACATIONS AND TOUR PACKAGES. The Company sells vacation packages
primarily to Alaska and Europe. One of the operating companies within the cruise
segment operates land tours in Alaska in connection with Alaska cruises and also
sells cruise/tour products to Europe and South America. Auto Europe also sells
vacation packages to Europe under the trade name Destination Europe. AHI
International Corporation develops, markets and sells packaged European
vacations primarily to individuals that are members of over 200 university and
college alumni associations, and also is a long standing provider of alumni tour
packages to college bowl games. Many of the European packages include riverboat
cruises.
INCENTIVE TRAVEL PROGRAMS. The Company provides incentive travel
promotion services primarily to corporations. One of the Company's operating
companies pioneered the concept of selling incentive cruises to Fortune 500
corporations, often as an incentive award for their top sales people. Another
operating company acquired in February 1999 specializes in corporate sales
promotion and fulfillment; its proprietary travel incentive programs provide
structured discounts to consumers for various forms of leisure travel. In
addition, the Company manages the fulfillment of travel arrangements arising
from such promotions.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
The Company has adopted an information technology strategy focused on
delivering value to the Company's customers, sales agents and travel providers,
while enabling efficient and effective back office processes and providing
necessary management information.
The core of the Company's information technology strategy is the
"Universal Technology" platform, a series of applications and their supporting
infrastructure that enable the sale and fulfillment of the travel products and
services the Company sells. The Universal Technology environment includes: (i)
web-based applications that take advantage of thin client processing structures;
(ii) a multi-tier architecture for easy changes, enhancements and maximum reuse
potential; (iii) Microsoft standard development tools, including XML-based
message exchange architectures; (iv) the Microsoft Windows NT operating system
for the applications environment; and (v) an Oracle relational database
management system operating in the SUN/ UNIX environment.
The Universal Technology is expected to contribute to the Company's
efforts to increase productivity and net revenue per transaction by: (i)
allowing Company agents to process reservations on-line in a more efficient
fashion than the current manually-intensive processes employed; (ii) enabling
Company agents to offer customers more comprehensive product information and
automated access to special pricing and inventory opportunities; (iii) providing
Company agents additional up-selling and cross-selling capabilities; (iv)
allowing Company agents real time access to customer information
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via an on-line database facility; (v) capitalizing on revenue management
opportunities; (vi) using the Internet to provide information and book
reservations; and (vii) enabling consolidation of cruise back office functions,
including reconciliation, accounting, documents management and financial
reporting.
Several releases of the Universal Technology applications are currently
in production; some software is still in development or testing phases. For
example, Flight Attendant Release 2.0, the application for air reservations, is
now in production in the San Diego and Portland, Maine call centers. Cruise
Control Release 1.0, the application for cruise sales, service and fulfillment,
is currently being pilot tested in the Syosset, Long Island call center.
The Flight Attendant application has been built to enable sales agents
to more effectively sell a greater volume of airline reservations faster and
with greater accuracy. These objectives are accomplished by use of the unique
features of Flight Attendant, which include: (i) integration of discount, net,
and published fares and flights on one screen. Flight Attendant searches
multiple global distribution systems, such as SABRE and Amadeus, and the
Company's own fare database to find the lowest fare available and presents the
information in one concise display; (ii) parallel access to on-line airline
systems and databases for faster response time; (iii) unique "flexing" logic,
which allows the agent to "coach" the customer toward lower fares that are
available if the customer has the flexibility to change dates and/or times of
travel; (iv) real time price management, which maximizes profit opportunity by
dynamically adjusting the airfare price in response to market demands; (v)
elimination of errors that can occur at the point-of-sale because of the need to
interpret complex airline rules; and (vi) reduced training time from several
weeks to less than one week.
The Cruise Control application, the industry's premiere cruise sales
automation tool, has been designed and developed with the following core
features and functions: (i) a sophisticated booking engine to enable the
seamless processing of cruise reservations and bookings; (ii) on-line access to
individual, group and block inventory and pricing; (iii) a comprehensive
database of cruise ships and sailing information, including itineraries,
destinations, pricing, deck plans, public rooms and amenities; (iv) electronic
interfaces to cruise lines' and other third-party systems; (v) revenue
management capabilities; and (vi) extensive back-office capabilities including
reconciliation, accounting, documents management and financial reporting.
Among the Company's goals is the desire to own the most comprehensive
collection of customer information in the leisure travel industry. Access to
this information will enable the customer relationship model that is key to
direct mail, advertising and other marketing activities. Accordingly, the
Universal Technology includes a comprehensive customer information database,
which includes extensive customer data such as profiles, preferences, travel
history, memberships, passport information, and future travel desires. The
customer information database is a common repository, shared across all
Universal Technology applications. This will allow the Company to acknowledge a
customer's buying patterns across travel segments.
The Company plans to invest an aggregate of approximately $22 million
between 1998 and 2000 to develop the Universal Technology applications. The
Universal Technology applications are currently being developed for internal
use. However, the Company also plans to examine various inquiries by third
parties which could potentially provide the Company with licensing or other
opportunities related to the Company's internally developed technology.
INTERNET DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL
The Company plans to capitalize on the Internet as a major distribution
channel for its products and services. On-line travel accounted for
approximately one percent of the $101 billion of travel products sold by travel
agents and specialized distributors in 1997, with 84% of on-line travel
transactions being airline tickets. With over 43 million U.S. households owning
a personal computer and with over 22 million households on-line in 1998, the new
digital economy is growing at double the rate of the overall economy. According
to Forrester Research, the on-line travel market is the second largest by dollar
volume and the fastest growing area of Internet commerce. The Company believes
that while the Internet will never surpass knowledgeable travel specialists as
the primary mode of selling travel products, the Internet represents a very
important distribution channel for leisure travel in the future.
The Company currently markets on the Internet in several ways. The
website, www.travelco.com, was launched in 1998 and provides information on air,
lodging, auto and vacation products, and particularly in-depth information on
cruises, offered by the Company. For example, the cruise section of the site
includes pages on hot deals, cruise quotes, ships, cruise lines and cruise
reviews. There is also a feature to request cruise information and quotes
on-line. The air section features an airfare request capability. The toll free
phone numbers for the Company's products are promoted on each page. In addition,
the Company promotes itself and the www.travelco.com website through advertising
and promotional alliances on the Internet and promotes its website in its other
advertising media. Several of the Company's
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operating companies also market through specialized websites including
www.autoeurope.com, www.cruises.com and www.lifestylevacations.com. The Company
has dedicated agents to handle Internet sales leads and inquiries, as well as
management personnel who have significant experience in the areas of e-commerce
and Internet marketing.
The Company's Universal Technology employs a thin client, web-based
architecture appropriate for the Internet. The Company plans to implement
on-line booking capabilities for air and cruise on the Internet in late 1999 or
early 2000. The Company's e-commerce technology division has been recently
expanded to improve the www.travelco.com site and to develop and implement the
on-line booking functionality.
SALES AND MARKETING
The Company utilizes a multi-faceted marketing and sales approach
depending on the particular travel products and services being promoted and
depending on the type of customer being targeted. An essential element of the
Company's marketing strategy is building The Travel Company into a nationally
recognized consumer brand, initially for cruises. In addition, the Company
markets its other national brands, such as 1-800-FLY-CHEAP, Auto Europe and
Lexington Services, to consumers, travel agents and independent hotels,
respectively.
The Company markets cruises to consumers in a variety of ways,
including newspaper and magazine advertisements, television commercials and
direct mail, each of which contain extensive product offerings and special
travel offers and which highlight toll-free numbers, including 1-800-CRUISES.
The Company operates several call centers to respond to these calls. The Company
also has a network of almost 700 home-based agents, including franchisees and
independent contractors, who actively market and sell cruises in their local
areas. Direct mail campaigns include brochure and vacation directory mailings to
existing and new customers. Point of purchase sales promotions include tie-ins
with other retailers such as fast food chains and supermarkets. Extensive cruise
information and automated requests for information are available to consumers by
accessing the Company's website, www.travelco.com. In addition, the Company
promotes its cruise offerings through advertising and promotional alliances on
the Internet.
The Company markets European auto rentals and international air tickets
primarily to travel agents through a variety of methods including a dedicated
sales force, trade advertising, direct mail, fax distribution technology and the
Internet. Incoming calls are handled at three call centers. European vacation
package concepts are marketed to over 200 alumni associations using a dedicated
sales force, and the packages are then marketed to alumni via extensive direct
mail offerings produced in cooperation with the alumni associations.
The Company markets its electronic hotel reservation services to
independent hotels through a dedicated business development sales force,
extensive public relations activities and industry trade events. The Company
markets its special hotel programs and its after-hours travel services to travel
agents primarily through a dedicated sales force.
The Company markets domestic airline tickets to consumers primarily
through newspaper and yellow page advertising and through word of mouth exposure
of the easy to remember toll free number, 1-800-FLY-CHEAP. Calls are currently
taken at one large call center. This brand is also promoted on the Company's
website.
The Company markets incentive cruises to corporations through a
dedicated sales force and through industry events. For the travel incentive
promotions business, the Company markets to corporations primarily through
independent sales representatives, the Internet, and industry trade events.
TRAVEL PROVIDER RELATIONSHIPS
The Company receives from certain travel providers pricing that is
preferential to published fares, which enables the Company to offer prices which
are often lower than would be generally available to travelers and travel
agents. The Company's agreements with travel providers are generally short-term
agreements that are cancelable on relatively short notice and, therefore, travel
providers can, and often do, modify the terms of contracts as industry
conditions change, including terms relating to commissions, access to inventory
and pricing. Such agreements generally permit the Company and its subsidiaries
to sell the travel products at either preferred prices or with preferred
commission structures because of the Company's and its subsidiaries' reputation,
historical relationships, expertise, and substantial volume of business
conducted with the travel providers; however, such contracts generally do not
create commitments by the travel providers for fixed capacity or inventory.
Other distributors, including the Company's competitors, may have similar
arrangements with travel providers, some of which may provide better
availability or more competitive pricing than that offered by the Company.
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In 1999, the Company began to consolidate its travel provider contracts
in the cruise segment, however, the Company, through its operating companies,
may still operate with more than one agreement with many of its travel
providers. Although the Company's and its operating companies' agreements with
its travel providers in the aggregate are important to the Company's success,
the Company does not believe that cancellation of any one of these agreements
would have a material adverse effect on the Company's business or results of
operations. Nevertheless, there can be no assurance that cancellation of one or
more of such agreements would not result in such a material adverse effect.
Six cruise lines each represented greater than 10% of cruise segment
net revenues and represented in the aggregate approximately 70%, 74% and 85%,
respectively, of the Company's cruise net revenues in 1996, 1997 and 1998. Two
auto rental travel providers each represented greater than 10% of outbound
segment net revenues and represented in the aggregate approximately 80%, 87% and
84%, respectively, of the Company's net revenues from European auto rentals in
1996, 1997 and 1998. Three airlines each represented greater than 10% of the
other segment's net revenues and represented in the aggregate approximately 63%
and 51%, respectively, of the Company's net revenues from domestic airline
tickets in 1997 and 1998. Carnival Cruise Line and Europcar International, S.A.
were travel providers for approximately 12% and 15%, respectively, of the
Company's consolidated net revenues in 1998.
COMPETITION
The travel service industry is extremely competitive and has
traditionally had low barriers to entry. The Company competes with other
distributors of travel services, travel providers, travel agents, tour
operators, group travel sponsors, Internet companies, and global distribution
system providers, some of which have greater experience, brand name recognition
and/or financial resources than the Company. The Company competes for customers
based upon service, price, specialized in-depth knowledge and, with respect to
sales to travel agents, attractive commission structures. Travel providers may
decide to compete more directly with the Company and restrict the availability
and/or preferential pricing of their capacity. In addition, other distributors
may have relationships with certain travel providers, providing better
availability or more competitive pricing than that offered by the Company.
Furthermore, some travel agents and group travel sponsors have a strong presence
in their geographic area, which may make it difficult for the Company to attract
customers in those areas.
EMPLOYEES
As of February 28, 1999, the Company had 1,968 full-time employees, of
whom 838 were employed in connection with the cruise reporting segment, 470 were
employed in connection with the outbound reporting segment, 187 were employed in
connection with the lodging reporting segment, 376 were employed in connection
with the other reporting segment and 97 were employed at the Company's corporate
headquarters. In addition, the Company had contracts with 331 independent
contractors and 412 franchisees, and used temporary employees, contractors and
consultants as required to meet the needs of seasonal demand and technology and
other projects. The Company believes that its relations with its employees,
independent contractors and franchisees are good.
QUALIFICATION OF FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The statements contained in this Report that are not purely historical
are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the
Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
including without limitation statements regarding the Company's expectations,
beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future. All forward-looking
statements included in this document are based on information available to the
Company on the date hereof, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any
such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements involve known
and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual
results, experience and the performance or achievements of the Company to be
materially different from those anticipated, expressed or implied by the
forward-looking statements. In evaluating the Company's business, the following
factors, in addition to the Risk Factors set forth below and other information
set forth herein, should be carefully considered: successful deployment and
integration of systems; factors affecting internal growth and management of
growth; the Company's ability to implement its technology strategy; success of
marketing, integration and operational initiatives, including Internet marketing
initiatives; dependence on technology; labor and technology costs; cost and
availability of advertising and promotional efforts; success of the acquisition
strategy and availability of acquisition financing; success in entering new
segments of the travel market and new geographic areas; dependence on travel
providers; risks associated with the travel industry generally; seasonality and
quarterly fluctuations; competition; and general economic conditions. In
addition, the Company's operating strategy and growth strategy involve a number
of risks and challenges, and there can be no assurance that these risks and
other factors will not have a material adverse effect on the Company.
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RISK FACTORS
LIMITED COMBINED OPERATING HISTORY; RISKS OF INTEGRATION. Travel
Services International, Inc. was founded in April 1996 but conducted no
operations and generated no revenues prior its initial public offering in July
1997, when it acquired the five Founding Companies. Subsequent to July 1997, the
Company acquired an additional 17 operating companies and one software
development company. Currently, the Company relies on the existing reporting
systems of the operating companies for financial reporting. There can be no
assurance that the Company will be able to successfully integrate the operations
of these businesses or institute the necessary Company-wide systems and
procedures to successfully manage the combined enterprise on a profitable basis.
A majority of the Company's executive management group was assembled in
connection with the initial public offering, and there can be no assurance that
the management group will be able to continue to effectively manage the combined
entity or effectively implement and carry out the Company's internal growth
strategy, operating strategy, technology strategy and acquisition program. The
consolidated financial statements cover certain periods when the operating
companies were not under common control or management and, therefore, may not be
indicative of the Company's future financial or operating results. The inability
of the Company to successfully integrate the operating companies, and future
acquisitions, would have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
financial condition, and results of operations, and would make it unlikely that
the Company's acquisition program will continue to be successful.
A number of the operating companies offer different travel services,
utilize different capabilities and technologies and target different client
segments. While the Company believes that there are substantial opportunities to
cross-market and integrate these businesses, these differences increase the risk
inherent in successfully completing such integration. Further, there can be no
assurance that the Company's strategy to be the leading specialized distributor
of leisure travel services will be successful, or that the travelers or travel
providers will accept the Company as a distributor of a variety of specialized
travel services.
MANAGEMENT OF GROWTH; FACTORS AFFECTING INTERNAL GROWTH. The Company
expects to continue to grow primarily internally but also through acquisitions.
The Company expects to spend significant time and effort expanding and
integrating existing businesses. Efforts will also be made to identify, complete
and integrate new acquisitions. There can be no assurance that the Company's
systems, procedures or controls will be adequate to support the Company's
operations as they expand. Any future growth also will impose significant added
responsibilities on members of senior management, including the need to
identify, recruit and integrate new senior level managers and executives. There
can be no assurance that such additional management will be identified or
retained by the Company. To the extent that the Company is unable to manage its
growth efficiently and effectively, or is unable to attract and retain qualified
management, the Company's business, financial condition and results of
operations could be materially adversely affected. While the Company has
experienced revenue and earnings growth on a pro forma basis over the past few
years, there can be no assurance that the Company will continue to experience
internal growth comparable to these levels, if at all. From time to time,
certain of the operating companies have been unable to hire and train the number
of qualified sales personnel needed to meet the demands of their businesses.
Factors affecting the ability of the Company to continue to experience internal
growth include, but are not limited to, the ability to expand the travel
services offered, the continued relationships with certain travel providers and
travel agents, the public's acceptance of and response to the Company's national
brand names, including The Travel Company, the ability to recruit and retain
qualified sales personnel, the ability to cross-sell services within the Company
and continued access to capital.
DEPENDENCE ON TRAVEL PROVIDERS. The Company is dependent upon travel
providers for access to their capacity. The Company receives from certain travel
providers pricing and capacity that is preferential to published fares which
enables the Company to offer consistently competitive products and services.
Other distributors may have similar arrangements with travel providers, some of
which may provide better availability or more competitive pricing than that
offered by the Company. The Company anticipates that a significant portion of
the Company's revenues will continue to be derived from the sale of capacity for
relatively few travel providers.
Six cruise lines each represented greater than 10% of cruise segment
net revenues and represented in the aggregate approximately 70%, 74% and 85%,
respectively, of the Company's cruise net revenues in 1996, 1997 and 1998. Two
auto rental travel providers each represented greater than 10% of outbound
segment net revenues and represented in the aggregate approximately 80%, 87% and
84%, respectively, of the Company's net revenues from European auto rentals in
1996, 1997 and 1998. Three airlines each represented greater than 10% of the
other segment's net revenues and represented in the aggregate approximately 63%
and 51%, respectively, of the Company's net revenues from domestic airline
tickets in 1997 and 1998. Carnival Cruise Line and Europcar International, S.A.
were travel providers for approximately 12% and 15%, respectively, of the
Company's consolidated net revenues in 1998.
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The Company's agreements with its travel providers can generally be
cancelled or modified by the travel provider upon relatively short notice. The
loss of a contract, changes in the Company's pricing agreements, commission
schedules, or cooperative marketing arrangements or more restricted access to
travel providers' capacity could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the
lodging industry recently has witnessed a period of consolidation. Continued
consolidation could reduce the Company's electronic hotel reservation services
customer base which could, in turn, have a material adverse effect on the
Company's financial condition and results of operations.
DEPLOYMENT OF NEW TECHNOLOGY. The Company is in the process of, and
expects that it will continue over the coming years, replacing many of the
existing computer systems at the operating companies and implementing its new
"Universal Technology" architecture. There can be no assurance that these new
systems will be successfully completed, installed according to the expected time
frame or within the anticipated budget, implemented without any disruption to
the Company's business or result in the intended operational benefits and cost
efficiencies.
RISKS RELATED TO THE COMPANY'S ACQUISITION STRATEGY. Acquisitions
involve a number of special risks, including possible adverse effects on the
Company's operating results, diversion of management's attention, failure to
retain key personnel, risks associated with unanticipated events or liabilities
and amortization of acquired intangible assets, some or all of which could have
a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and
results of operations. Customer dissatisfaction or performance problems at a
single acquired company could also have an adverse effect on the reputation of
the Company. Further, there can be no assurance that businesses acquired will
achieve anticipated revenues and earnings. In addition, to the extent that the
Company intends to increase its revenues, expand the markets it serves and
increase its service offerings through the acquisition of additional operating
companies, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to identify,
acquire or profitably manage additional businesses or successfully integrate
acquired businesses into the Company without substantial costs, delays or other
operational or financial problems. Increased competition for acquisition
candidates may also develop, in which event there may be fewer acquisition
opportunities available to the Company, as well as higher acquisition prices.
The Company may also seek international acquisitions that may be subject to
additional risks associated with doing business in foreign countries. The
Company continually reviews various strategic acquisition opportunities and has
held discussions with a limited number of such acquisition candidates. As of the
date of this Report, the Company is not party to a binding agreement with
respect to any acquisition.
RISKS RELATED TO ACQUISITION FINANCING AND POSSIBLE NEED FOR ADDITIONAL
CAPITAL. The Company plans to finance future acquisitions by using shares of its
Common Stock for a substantial portion of the consideration to be paid. In the
event that the Common Stock does not maintain a sufficient market value, or
potential acquisition candidates are otherwise unwilling to accept Common Stock
as part of the consideration for the sale of their businesses, the Company may
be required to utilize more of its cash resources, if available, in order to
maintain its acquisition program. If the Company has insufficient cash
resources, its growth could be limited unless it is able to obtain additional
capital through debt or equity financings. There can be no assurance that the
Company's Credit Facility will be sufficient or that other financing will be
available on terms the Company deems acceptable. If the Company is unable to
obtain financing sufficient for all of its desired acquisitions, it may be
unable to fully carry out its acquisition strategy. In addition, to maintain
historical levels of growth, the Company may need to seek additional funding
through public or private financing. Adequate funds for these purposes may not
be available when needed or may not be available on terms acceptable to the
Company. If funding is insufficient, the Company may be required to delay,
reduce the scope of or eliminate some or all of its expansion programs.
DEPENDENCE UPON TECHNOLOGY. The Company's business is currently
dependent upon a number of different information and telecommunication
technologies to facilitate its access to information and manage a high volume of
inbound and outbound calls. Any failure of this technology would have a material
adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of
operations. In addition, the Company is dependent upon certain third party
vendors, including central reservation systems, such as SABRE Group, Amadeus and
THISCO for access to certain information. Any failure of these systems or
restricted access by the Company would have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, many currently installed computer systems and software
products are coded to accept only two digit entries in the date code field.
Beginning in the year 2000, these date code fields will need to accept four
digit entries to distinguish 21st century dates from 20th century dates. The
Company does not believe that Year 2000 compliance will result in a material
adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.
Nevertheless, uncertainty exists concerning the potential effects associated
with such compliance. See "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Year 2000 Preparedness."
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RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY; GENERAL ECONOMIC CONDITIONS.
The Company's results of operations are dependent upon factors generally
affecting the travel industry. The Company's revenues and earnings are
especially sensitive to events that affect domestic and international air
travel, cruise travel, auto rentals in Europe and hotel room nights. A number of
factors could result in an overall decline in demand for travel, including
political instability, armed hostilities, international terrorism, extreme
weather conditions, a rise in fuel prices, a decline in the value of the U.S.
dollar, labor disturbances, excessive inflation, a general weakening in economic
activity and reduced employment in the U.S. These types of events could have a
material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and
results of operations.
SEASONALITY AND QUARTERLY FLUCTUATIONS. The domestic and international
leisure travel industry is seasonal. The results of each of the operating
companies have been subject to quarterly fluctuations caused primarily by the
seasonal variations in the travel industry, especially the leisure travel
segment. Seasonality depends on the particular leisure travel product or service
sold. The Company expects seasonality to continue in the future on a combined
basis. The Company's quarterly results of operations may also be subject to
fluctuations as a result of changes in the mix of services offered by the
Company as a result of acquisitions, internal growth rates among various travel
segments, fare wars by travel providers, changes in relationships with certain
travel providers, the timing of the payment of overrides by travel providers,
extreme weather conditions or other factors affecting travel and the timing and
cost of acquisitions. Unexpected variations in quarterly results could also
adversely affect the price of the Common Stock, which in turn could limit the
ability of the Company to make acquisitions.
SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF GOODWILL. Approximately $106 million, or 59%, of
the Company's total assets as of December 31, 1998, is goodwill, which
represents the excess of consideration paid over the estimated fair market value
of net identifiable assets acquired in business combinations accounted for under
the purchase method. The Company generally amortizes goodwill on a straight line
method over a period of 35 years, the approximate useful life of acquired
intangible assets, with the amount of goodwill amortized in a particular period
constituting a non-cash expense that reduces the Company's net income.
Amortization of goodwill resulting from certain past acquisitions, and
additional goodwill recorded in certain future acquisitions may not be
deductible for tax purposes. In addition, the Company will be required
periodically to evaluate the recoverability of goodwill by reviewing the
anticipated undiscounted future cash flows from operations and comparing such
cash flows to the carrying value of the associated goodwill. If goodwill becomes
impaired, the Company would be required to write down the carrying value of the
goodwill and incur a related charge to its income. A reduction in net income
resulting from a write down of goodwill would currently affect financial results
and could have a material and adverse impact upon the market price of the Common
Stock.
SUBSTANTIAL COMPETITION. The travel service industry is extremely
competitive and traditionally has low barriers to entry. The Company competes
with other distributors of travel services, travel providers, travel agents,
tour operators, Internet companies and central reservation service providers,
some of which have greater experience, brand name recognition and/or financial
resources than the Company. Travel providers may decide to compete more directly
with the Company and restrict the availability and/or preferential pricing of
their capacity. In addition, other distributors may have relationships with
certain travel providers providing better availability or more competitive
pricing than that offered by the Company. Furthermore, some travel agents have a
strong presence in their geographic area which may make it difficult for the
Company to attract customers or employees in those areas.
RELIANCE ON KEY PERSONNEL. The Company's operations are dependent on
the efforts and relationships of Joseph V. Vittoria and the other executive
officers as well as the senior management of the operating companies.
Furthermore, the Company will likely be dependent on the senior management of
any businesses acquired in the future. If any of these individuals become unable
to continue in their role the Company's business or prospects could be adversely
affected. Although the Company has entered into an employment agreement with
each of the Company's executive officers and the executive officers of each
operating company, there can be no assurance that such individuals will continue
in their present capacity for any particular period of time. The Company does
not maintain key man life insurance covering any of its executive officers or
other members of senior management.
POSSIBLE VOLATILITY OF STOCK PRICE. The market price of the Common
Stock may be subject to significant fluctuations in response to numerous
factors, including variations in the annual or quarterly financial results of
the Company or its competitors, changes by financial research analysts in their
estimates of the earnings of the Company or the failure of the Company to meet
such estimates, conditions in the economy in general or in the travel industry
in particular, and unfavorable publicity or changes in applicable laws and
regulations (or judicial or administrative interpretations thereof) affecting
the Company or the travel service industry. From time to time, the stock market
experiences significant price and volume volatility, which may affect the market
price of the Common Stock for reasons unrelated to the Company's performance.
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VOTING CONTROL OF EXISTING MANAGEMENT AND STOCKHOLDERS. As of December
31, 1998, the Company's executive officers and directors, their affiliates and
executive officers of the operating companies beneficially owned shares of
Common Stock representing 30.4% of the total voting power of the Common Stock
(33.1% if all shares of Restricted Common Stock were converted into Common
Stock). These persons, if acting in concert, may be able to exercise control
over the Company's affairs and are likely to be able to elect the entire Board
of Directors and to control the disposition of any matter submitted to a vote of
stockholders.
POTENTIAL EFFECT OF SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE ON PRICE OF COMMON
STOCK. Sales of substantial amounts of Common Stock in the public market, or the
perception that such sales could occur, may adversely affect prevailing market
prices of the Common Stock and could impair the future ability of the Company to
raise capital through an offering of its equity securities or to use such
securities as consideration in acquisitions. As of December 31, 1998, the
Company had 13,376,970 shares of Common Stock outstanding. Of these shares,
7,957,884 shares are freely tradeable without restriction under the Securities
Act. The remaining 5,419,086 shares represent (i) shares beneficially owned by
"affiliates" of the Company (as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the
Securities Act) and other original investors in the Company and (ii) shares
issued to sellers of companies acquired by the Company during the past year,
which shares may be sold in the open market in compliance with the applicable
requirements of Rule 144 or Rule 145 under the Securities Act or, in certain
cases, pursuant to the Company's shelf registration statement. In addition,
249,782 shares may be acquired pursuant to outstanding exercisable options as of
December 31, 1998.
Pursuant to a shelf registration statement filed with the Commission on
May 4, 1998, as later amended, the Company registered 1,506,706 shares of the
Company's Common Stock under the Securities Act for use by the Company as
consideration for acquisitions (815,065 of which had been issued as of December
31, 1998) and 1,452,294 shares of the Company's Common Stock to be sold by
certain stockholders of the Company (141,805 of which had been sold as of
December 31, 1998). Upon issuance or resale, those shares are generally freely
tradable, subject in certain cases to compliance with Rule 145 or unless the
resale thereof is contractually restricted. When possible, the Company seeks
restrictions on the shares issued as consideration for acquisitions, however,
such restrictions may not be available in certain cases, such as transactions
accounted for using the pooling of interests method of accounting.
EFFECT OF CERTAIN CHARTER PROVISIONS; ANTI-TAKEOVER EFFECTS. The Board
of Directors of the Company is authorized to issue preferred stock in one or
more series without stockholder action. The Board of Directors of the Company
serve staggered terms. In addition, in January 1999 the Company adopted a
Shareholder Rights Plan. The existence of this "blank-check" preferred stock,
the staggered Board of Directors and Shareholder Rights Plan could render more
difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of the Company by means of
a tender offer, merger, proxy contest or otherwise. Certain provisions of the
Florida Business Corporation Act may also discourage takeover attempts that have
not been approved by the Board of Directors.
14
<PAGE>
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
As of February 28, 1999, the Company had 36 office facilities, two of
which it owns and 34 of which are leased. As the Company continues to implement
its growth strategy, certain changes are possible, such as combinations of
facilities, expansion of other facilities, and the implementation of new call
centers or shared services centers. The Company's facilities are set forth in
the table below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMPANY OWNED/ SQUARE ANNUAL
LOCATION LEASED EXPIRATION DATE FEET RENT
- ------------------------------- ----------------- ------ --------------- ------ ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ABC Corporate Services Oakbrook, IL Leased 3/31/99(4) 2,600 $ 77,000
ABC Corporate Services Omaha, NE Leased 12/31/99 4,050 112,000
AHI International Corporation Chicago, IL Leased 2/14/05 17,874 429,000
Auto Europe Portland, ME Owned (1) -- 38,000 --
Auto Europe New York, NY Leased 12/31/99 500 15,000
AutoNet International Portland, ME Owned (2) -- -- --
Cruise Fairs of America Los Angeles, CA Leased 1/31/99(3) 4,758 123,000
Cruises Inc. Syracuse, NY Leased 2/28/06 10,636 168,000
CruiseMasters Los Angeles, CA Leased 7/31/02 5,500 79,000
CruiseOne Deerfield Beach, FL Leased 9/30/00 4,316 72,000
Cruises Only Jacksonville, FL Leased 7/31/99 4,750 50,000
Cruises Only Orlando, FL Owned (1) -- 37,600 --
Cruises Only Portland, ME Owned (2) -- -- --
Cruise Outlet of the Carolinas Charlotte, NC Leased 3/1/00 2,620 54,000
Cruise World Syossett, NY Leased 4/30/04 15,088 240,000
Cruise World Wilton, CT Leased 10/31/02 2,600 38,000
Cruise World Briarcliff Manor, NJ Leased 3/31/02 2,300 29,000
Cruise World Morristown, NJ Leased 11/30/00 1,404 18,000
Cruise World Ridgewood, NJ Leased 12/31/00 900 18,000
D-FW Tours Dallas, TX Leased 1/31/00 11,426 194,000
Diplomat Tours Sacramento, CA Leased 8/31/99 6,000 107,000
Gold Coast Cruises North Miami, FL Leased 7/31/02 13,000 178,000
Gold Coast Cruises North Miami, FL Leased 1/31/04 1,000 15,000
Gold Coast Cruises North Miami, FL Leased 1/31/04 1,000 15,000
Landry & Kling Coral Gables, FL Leased 6/30/01 3,680 77,000
Lexington Services Arlington, TX Leased 7/31/00 20,371 330,000
Lifestyle Vacation Incentives Delray Beach, FL Leased 12/31/01 7,896 111,000
Ship `N' Shore Englewood, FL Leased 11/20/02 7,214 96,000
Ship `N' Shore Anchorage, Alaska Leased 5/30/97(4) 900 16,000
Ship `N' Shore Clarence, NY Leased 7/31/01 1,250 15,000
Ship `N' Shore Fort Myers, FL Leased 2/28/00 1,150 14,000
Ship `N' Shore Longboat Key, FL Leased 8/31/00 966 13,000
The Cruise Line Inc. Miami, FL Leased 5/15/02 10,703 210,000
The Travel Company Atherton, CA Leased 7/31/00 2,300 71,000
Travel 800 San Diego, CA Leased 11/30/03 15,605 241,000
Travel Services International Delray Beach, FL Leased 10/20/04 18,047 290,000
Travel Services International Delray Beach, FL Leased 11/01/00 2,800 51,000
1-800-CRUISES Boca Raton, FL Leased 5/31/02 2,102 59,000
</TABLE>
- -------------------
(1) Subject to a mortgage.
(2) Contained within Auto Europe's corporate headquarters.
(3) Effective March 30, 1999, Cruise Fairs moved to combine its facilities
with CruiseMasters.
(4) Location continues to be occupied on a month-to-month basis, with the
consent of the landlord.
15
<PAGE>
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is involved in various legal claims and actions arising in
the ordinary course of business. The Company believes that none of these actions
will have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition and
results of operations.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
No matter was submitted to a vote of security holders during the fiscal
quarter ended December 31, 1998.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The Company's Common Stock is traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market under
the symbol "TRVL." The following table sets forth the high and low closing
prices for each quarter (or partial quarter) in 1998 and 1999, as quoted on The
Nasdaq Stock Market:
1998 HIGH LOW
- ---- ---- ---
First Quarter 33.688 18.000
Second Quarter 37.875 32.875
Third Quarter 36.563 13.563
Fourth Quarter 30.500 9.875
1999
First Quarter (through March 25, 1999) 31.500 9.063
The closing price of the Company's Common Stock, as reported by The
Nasdaq Stock Market, on March 25, 1999 was $11.50. The approximate number of
record holders of the Common Stock as of March 25, 1999 was 152. The Company
believes that a larger number of beneficial owners hold such shares in
depository or nominee form.
The Company intends to retain all of its earnings, if any, to finance
the expansion of its business and for general corporate purposes, including
future acquisitions, and does not anticipate paying any cash dividends on its
Common Stock for the foreseeable future. In addition, the Company's line of
credit includes restrictions on the ability of the Company to pay cash dividends
without the consent of the lender.
The following is certain information concerning all sales of securities
by the Company during the year ended December 31, 1998 that were not registered
under the Securities Act:
(d) In January 1998, the Company issued 21,821 shares in connection with
the acquisition of Diplomat Tours, Inc.
(e) In February 1998, the Company issued 163,755 shares in connection with
the acquisition of Gold Coast Travel Agency Corporation.
(f) In March 1998, the Company issued 152,835 shares in connection with the
acquisition of CruiseMasters, Inc.
(g) In April 1998, the Company issued 2,183 shares in connection with the
acquisition of AutoNet International, Inc.
The offers and sales of these shares were exempt from registration
under the Securities Act of 1933 in reliance on Section 4(2) thereof because,
among other things, the offers and sales were made to a small number of
sophisticated investors who had access to the information about the Company and
were able to bear the risk of loss of their investment.
16
<PAGE>
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
On July 28, 1997, the Company consummated its initial public offering
and acquired the Founding Companies (the "Combinations") in transactions
accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. Historical financial
statements do not include the operating results of the Founding Companies (other
than Auto Europe, the "accounting acquiror") prior to July 1997. Historical
financial statements for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998
include the operating results of eight additional specialized distributors of
cruise reservation services acquired from November 1997 through December 1998
under transactions accounted for using the pooling of interests method of
accounting (the "Pooling Acquisitions"). Historical financial statements also do
not include the operating results of five specialized distributors (one airline,
three cruise, and one auto rental) (the "Purchase Acquisitions"), an electronic
hotel reservation service company ("Lexington") and a provider of services to
independent travel agencies ("ABC") acquired under transactions accounted for
using the purchase method of accounting, prior to their respective dates of
acquisition. Accordingly, the historical financial data for each year presented
represent those of Auto Europe and the Pooling Acquisitions, and include the
operations of the other four Founding Companies and the Company only since July
28, 1997 and the Purchase Acquisitions, Lexington and ABC from date of
acquisition through December 31, 1998.
The historical financial data of the Company as of December 31, 1997
and 1998 and for each of the five years ending December 31, 1994, 1995, 1996,
1997 and 1998 have been derived from the audited consolidated financial
statements of the Company included elsewhere herein and from the Company's Form
S-1 Registration Statement dated July 15, 1998. The information contained in
these tables should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial
Statements of the Company and the Notes thereto and "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" included elsewhere
herein.
Historical financial statements do not include the operating results of
the Founding Companies (other than Auto Europe, the "accounting acquiror") or
Lexington prior to their respective dates of acquisition. Accordingly, pro forma
combined results of operations and pro forma diluted earnings per share for the
Company are presented which give effect to results of the Company combined with
the Founding Companies as if the initial public offering and Combinations had
occurred at the beginning of each respective year, and as if the acquisition of
Lexington had occurred on January 1, 1997, along with certain adjustments
associated with the Pooling Acquisitions. The pro forma financial data do not
include the operating results of acquisitions accounted for under the purchase
method of accounting, other than Lexington, as operating results of these
acquisitions were not material to the Company's results of operations.
The pro forma financial data have been prepared for comparative
purposes only and do not purport to be indicative of the results of operations
which actually would have resulted had the Founding Companies and Lexington been
under common control prior to the Combinations or the acquisition of Lexington,
or which may result in the future.
17
<PAGE>
PRO FORMA COMBINED (1):
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
------------------------------------------------------
1996 1997 1998
------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net revenues $ 63,950 $ 93,829 $ 135,096
Operating expenses 40,715 56,401 73,893
------------ ------------ ------------
Gross profit 23,235 37,428 61,203
General and administrative expenses 14,010 21,195 35,224
Goodwill amortization 1,234 2,030 2,960
------------ ------------
Income from operations 7,991 14,203 23,019
Other income (expense), net (379) (39) (105)
------------ ------------ ------------
Income before provision for income taxes 7,612 14,164 22,914
Provision for income taxes 3,197 5,949 9,624
------------ ------------ ------------
Pro forma net income $ 4,415 $ 8,215 $ 13,290
============ ============ ============
Per Share Data:
Pro forma diluted earnings per share $ 0.41 $ 0.71 $ 1.04
============ ============ ============
Shares used in computing pro forma diluted earnings per share 10,779,070 11,506,499 12,806,300
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
(1) The pro forma combined financial information include the results of the
Company and each Founding Company acquired in separate combination transactions
on July 28, 1997, eight operating companies acquired in 1997 and 1998 which were
accounted for using the pooling of interests method of accounting, and the
acquisition of Lexington which was effective June 1, 1998 and was accounted for
using the purchase method of accounting, as if the initial public offering and
the Combinations had occurred at the beginning of each respective year, and the
acquisition of Lexington had occurred on January 1, 1997, along with certain
adjustments associated with the Pooling Acquisitions. The pro forma results
include the effects of: (i) the Combinations and Lexington; (ii) amortization of
goodwill resulting from the Combinations and Lexington; (iii) certain
adjustments to salaries, bonuses, management fees and benefits to former owners
and key management of the Founding Companies, Lexington and the Pooling
Acquisitions, to which such persons have agreed prospectively; (iv) reversal of
acquisition costs associated with Pooling Acquisitions; and (v) provision for
income taxes as if pro forma income was subject to corporate federal and state
income taxes during the periods.
18
<PAGE>
HISTORICAL:
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net revenues $ 17,156 $ 30,024 $ 37,654 $ 62,813 $ 129,855
Operating expenses 11,101 19,079 25,305 38,810 70,920
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Gross profit 6,055 10,945 12,349 24,003 58,935
General and administrative expenses 6,276 10,534 11,824 19,209 34,550
Goodwill amortization - - - 513 2,628
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Income from operations (221) 411 525 4,281 21,757
Other income (expense), net (28) (43) (209) (30) (28)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Income before provision for income taxes (249) 368 316 4,251 21,729
Provision for income taxes - 147 173 770 9,310
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Net income $ (249) $ 221 $ 143 $ 3,481 $ 12,419
============ ============ ============ ============ ============
Per Share Data:
Basic earnings per share $ (0.08) $ 0.07 $ 0.05 $ 0.54 $ 1.03
============ ============ ============ ============ ============
Diluted earnings per share $ (0.08) $ 0.07 $ 0.05 $ 0.53 $ 0.99
============ ============ ============ ============ ============
Shares used in computing basic earnings
per share 3,080,678 3,080,678 3,080,678 6,394,843 12,075,044
============ ============ ============ ============ ============
Shares used in computing diluted
earnings per share 3,080,678 3,080,678 3,080,678 6,533,769 12,516,195
============ ============ ============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
BALANCE SHEET DATA (in thousands):
DECEMBER 31,
1997 1998
------- --------
Working capital $ 1,206 $ 22,728
Total assets $70,166 $180,129
Long-term debt $ 4,140 $ 2,888
Stockholders' equity $51,257 $145,297
19
<PAGE>
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with "Selected
Financial Data" and the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and related
Notes thereto appearing elsewhere herein.
INTRODUCTION
The Company is a leading specialized distributor of leisure travel
products including cruise vacations, vacation packages, domestic and
international airline tickets and European auto rentals, and is a leading
provider of travel services such as electronic hotel reservation services,
specialized hotel programs and services and incentive travel programs. The
Company does not record the gross amount of the travel products and services
sold to consumers and travel agents, but rather records the commission and fee
revenue received by the Company from travel providers.
The Company, following its initial public offering and the Combinations
of the Founding Companies in July 1997, focused for the remainder of 1997 on
forming a corporate headquarters, developing a technology strategy and acquiring
operating companies. During 1998, the Company focused on developing strategic
software applications, creating a marketing and branding strategy, expanding
call centers for cruise and domestic air operations, centralizing certain
activities at corporate headquarters and acquiring additional operating
companies. During 1999, the Company plans to focus on further developing and
rolling out its strategic software applications, expanding its presence and
on-line booking capabilities on the Internet, integrating its cruise segment
operations, maximizing revenue opportunities and improving call center
operations. The Company believes the benefits of these significant investments
and integration efforts will begin to be realized commencing in 1999 and 2000.
The Company operates and reports under the following segments: cruise,
outbound, lodging and other.
The cruise segment is comprised of operating companies distributing
cruises through call centers, home-based agents and the Internet. Net revenues
include commissions and markups, volume override commissions, and royalty fees
and franchise fees from franchisees. The Company records net revenue when the
customer is no longer entitled to a full refund of the cost of the cruise, which
is generally 45 to 90 days prior to the cruise departure date. The Company
provides an allowance for cancellations and reservation changes, which is based
on historical experience.
The outbound segment is comprised of operating companies distributing
European auto rentals, international airline tickets and international vacation
packages. Net revenues include commissions and markups. The Company records net
revenue when the reservation is booked and ticketed. The Company provides an
allowance for cancellations, reservation changes and currency exchange
guarantees which is based on historical experience.
The lodging segment is comprised of operating companies providing
electronic hotel reservation services to independent hotels and specialized
hotel programs and other reservation and support services to travel agencies.
Net revenues include commissions and fees for reservation services, and fees for
subscriptions and advertising related to the hotel program. The Company records
net revenue at the time the traveler checks out of the hotel for hotel
reservation services, when service is provided for after-hours travel services
to travel agencies, over the subscription period for hotel program
subscriptions, and when the hotel program publication is mailed for
advertisement fees. The Company provides an allowance for cancellations,
reservation changes and "no shows", which is based on historical experience.
The other segment is comprised of operating companies providing
domestic airline tickets and incentive travel programs. Net revenues include
commissions, markups, volume overrides and segment, processing and delivery
fees. The Company records net revenue when the reservation is booked and
ticketed for domestic airline tickets and when the customer is no longer
entitled to a full refund of the cost of the incentive cruise, which is
generally 45 to 90 days prior to the cruise departure date. The Company provides
an allowance for cancellations, which is based on historical experience.
For the above segments, operating expenses include compensation of
sales and sales support personnel, commissions paid to travel agents, credit
card merchant fees, telecommunications, mail, courier, marketing and other
expenses that vary with revenues. Commissions to travel agents are typically
based on a percentage of the gross amount of the travel services sold. The
Company's sales personnel are compensated either on an hourly basis, a
commission basis or a combination of the two, with the majority of agents
receiving a substantial portion of their compensation based on sales generated.
The Company's independent contractors selling cruises receive a portion of the
commissions earned by the Company. Conversely, the Company receives as a royalty
a portion of commissions earned by its franchisees selling cruises. General and
administrative expenses include compensation and benefits to management,
professional and
20
<PAGE>
administrative employees, fees for professional services, rent, information
services, depreciation, travel and entertainment, office services, and other
overhead costs.
The financial results presented by reporting segment represent the
historical information of the Company in the manner in which the Company's
management internally disaggregates financial information for the purpose of
assisting in making operational decisions commencing in 1999. Excluded from the
four reporting segments are goodwill amortization, software amortization and
support expenses, expenses of corporate headquarters, interest expense, income
taxes and certain other expenses controlled by and recorded at corporate
headquarters.
The Company's business and growth strategies encompass many components,
including providing extensive expertise in specific travel segments and high
levels of customer service, embracing multiple selling models and distribution
channels, including the Internet, implementing cross selling opportunities
across travel segments, implementing state-of-the-art technology infrastructure,
and pursuing selected strategic acquisitions. The Company believes there are
opportunities to improve profit margins in the future through implementation of
new marketing, selling and revenue management processes and systems,
particularly in the cruise and the other segments, and by reducing the Company's
effective tax rate.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - PRO FORMA
Due to the significance of the Combinations in July 1997 and the
acquisition of Lexington in June 1998, pro forma statements of operations are
presented for 1996, 1997 and 1998, which give effect to the results of the
Company combined with all the Founding Companies and Lexington as if the initial
public offering and the Combinations had occurred at the beginning of each
respective year and the acquisition of Lexington had occurred on January 1,
1997, along with certain adjustments associated with the Combinations and the
Pooling Acquisitions.
The pro forma results include the effects of: (i) the Combinations and
Lexington; (ii) amortization of goodwill resulting from the Combinations and
Lexington; (iii) certain adjustments to salaries, bonuses, management fees and
benefits to former owners and key management of the Founding Companies,
Lexington, and the Pooling Acquisitions, to which such persons have agreed
prospectively ("Compensation Differential"); (iv) reversal of acquisition costs
associated with Pooling Acquisitions; and (v) provision for income taxes as if
pro forma income was subject to corporate federal and state income taxes during
the periods.
The pro forma financial data have been prepared for comparative
purposes only and do not purport to be indicative of the results of operations
which actually would have resulted had the Founding Companies and Lexington been
under common control prior to the Combinations or the acquisition of Lexington,
or which may result in the future.
21
<PAGE>
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL REVIEW - PRO FORMA
The following table sets forth certain pro forma financial data, also
stated as a percentage of net revenues, for the years indicated (dollars in
thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1997 1998
--------------------- --------------------- ---------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net revenues $ 63,950 100.0% $ 93,829 100.0% $ 135,096 100.0%
Operating expenses 40,715 63.7% 56,401 60.1% 73,893 54.7%
--------------------- --------------------- ---------------------
Gross profit 23,235 36.3% 37,428 39.9% 61,203 45.3%
General and administrative expenses 14,010 21.9% 21,195 22.6% 35,224 26.1%
Goodwill amortization 1,234 1.9% 2,030 2.2% 2,960 2.2%
--------------------- --------------------- ---------------------
Income from operations 7,991 12.5% 14,203 15.1% 23,019 17.0%
Other income (expense), net (379) 0.6% (39) 0.0% (105) 0.1%
--------------------- --------------------- ---------------------
Income before provision for income taxes 7,612 11.9% 14,164 15.1% 22,914 17.0%
Provision for income taxes 3,197 5.0% 5,949 6.3% 9,624 7.1%
-------------------- --------------------- ---------------------
Pro forma net income $ 4,415 6.9% $ 8,215 8.8% $ 13,290 9.8%
===================== ===================== =====================
Pro forma diluted earnings per share $ 0.41 $ 0.71 $ 1.04
========= ========= =========
</TABLE>
The Company reported pro forma net income of $13.3 million, or $1.04
pro forma diluted earnings per share in 1998, compared to pro forma net income
of $8.2 million, or $0.71 pro forma diluted earnings per share in 1997 and pro
forma net income of $4.4 million, or $0.41 pro forma diluted earnings per share
in 1996. The increases were primarily the result of increased sales volume,
increased gross profit margins, operating leverage and, in 1998, acquisitions.
Pro forma net revenues increased 44.0% in 1998 and 46.7% in 1997 compared to
prior years, primarily the result of increased sales volume, increased net
revenue per transaction and acquisitions. Internal growth rates (which exclude
the impact of acquisitions accounted for using the purchase method of
accounting, other than Lexington) were 23.5% in 1998 and 27.8% in 1997.
Pro forma gross profit margins improved in 1998 and 1997 because
certain operating costs decreased as a percentage of net revenues primarily as a
result of realizing higher net revenue per transaction and the semi-variable
nature of certain expenses classified as operating expenses.
Pro forma general and administrative expenses increased $14.0 million,
or 66.2%, in 1998, of which $7.7 million was attributable to expenses associated
with corporate headquarters and $6.4 million was incurred by operating
companies. The increase at corporate headquarters was the result of operating
the corporate headquarters for all of 1998 compared to five months in 1997,
various centralization initiatives introduced at corporate headquarters over the
course of 1998, and non-capitalizable operating costs associated with technology
and telecommunications initiatives totaling $1.5 million in 1998. Pro forma
general and administrative expenses increased $7.2 million, or 51.3%, in 1997,
of which $1.5 million was attributable to corporate headquarters and $5.7
million was incurred by operating companies. The Company expects its expenses
associated with technology will increase in 1999 as more systems are rolled out
and as capitalized software costs are amortized once particular software
releases are ready for their intended use.
Pro forma goodwill amortization increased $930,000 in 1998 as a result
of several additional acquisitions (other than Lexington) accounted for under
the purchase method of accounting. Pro forma goodwill amortization increased
$796,000 in 1997, primarily as a result of pro forma goodwill amortization
related to Lexington which was included in 1997 (but not 1996) pro forma
results.
The Company is undertaking certain corporate restructuring initiatives
which management believes will result in a reduction of the Company's effective
tax rate in 1999.
22
<PAGE>
CRUISE REPORTING SEGMENT FINANCIAL REVIEW - PRO FORMA
The following table sets forth certain pro forma financial data, also
stated as a percentage of net revenues, for the years indicated (dollars in
thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1997 1998
----------------- ----------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net revenues $26,365 100.0% $34,404 100.0% $58,673 100.0%
Operating expenses 13,626 51.7% 16,650 48.4% 26,796 45.7%
----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Gross profit 12,739 48.3% 17,754 51.6% 31,877 54.3%
General and administrative expenses 8,765 33.2% 10,114 29.4% 14,129 24.1%
----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Income from operations 3,974 15.1% 7,640 22.2% 17,748 30.2%
Other income (expense), net (219) 0.8% 12 -0.0% 325 -0.6%
----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Income before provision for income taxes(1) $ 3,755 14.2% $ 7,652 22.2% $18,073 30.8%
================= ================= =================
</TABLE>
(1) Excludes goodwill amortization, software amortization and support expenses,
expenses of corporate headquarters, interest expense, income taxes and
certain other expenses controlled and recorded at corporate headquarters.
The Cruise reporting segment reported pro forma income before income
taxes of $18.1 million in 1998, compared to $7.7 million in 1997 and $3.8
million in 1996. The increases were primarily a result of increased sales
volume, increased gross profit margins, operating leverage and, in 1998,
acquisitions. Pro forma net revenues increased 70.5% in 1998 and 30.5% in 1997
compared to prior years, primarily because of increased sales volume, increased
net revenue per transaction, and acquisitions. Excluding the impact of three
acquisitions in 1998 accounted for using the purchase method of accounting, net
revenues increased 32.8% in 1998 over 1997, as a result of a 26.6% increase in
sales volume and an increase in net revenue per transaction. The increase in net
revenue per transaction is believed to be the result of a change in product mix
and overall strong pricing in the cruise industry. The increase in pro forma net
revenues in 1997 was the result of a 34.2% increase in sales volume, partially
offset by a decrease in net revenue per transaction.
Pro forma gross profit margins improved in 1998 as a result of a 6%
increase in net revenue per transaction while operating costs per transaction
were consistent from year to year. The increase in pro forma gross profit margin
in 1997 was the result of operating costs per transaction decreasing, primarily
from spreading advertising costs over a larger revenue base.
Pro forma general and administrative expenses increased $4.0 million,
or 39.7%, in 1998. General and administrative expenses decreased as a percentage
of net revenues primarily as a result of the impacts of centralizing certain
marketing and revenue management functions at corporate headquarters in the
second half of 1998 and spreading remaining expenses over a larger revenue base.
Pro forma general and administrative expenses increased $1.3 million or 15.4% in
1997, and decreased as a percentage of net revenues primarily as the result of
spreading the expenses over a larger revenue base.
In late 1998, the Company began to centralize cruise line contract
negotiations, marketing and advertising activities and revenue management
functions and began to market cruises under its new trade name, The Travel
Company. Cruise line contracts for 1999 provide for a base commission that, in
some cases, is one or two percentage points less than in effect for 1998; this
decrease in base commission may be offset by incremental override commissions
which, if achieved, would be recorded in the fourth quarter of 1999. During the
first quarter of 1999, cruise booking volumes increased over the prior year, but
at a slower rate than the overall internal growth rate in 1998. Efforts to
improve the cruise segment's internal growth rate include the refinement of the
Company's marketing programs and a focus on improving call to booking conversion
rates. Additional marketing efforts include the distribution of a comprehensive
cruise vacation directory to 2 million past and potential customers in mid-March
1999.
23
<PAGE>
OUTBOUND REPORTING SEGMENT FINANCIAL REVIEW - PRO FORMA
The following table sets forth certain pro forma financial data, also
stated as a percentage of net revenues, for the years indicated (dollars in
thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1997 1998
----------------- ------------------ ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net revenues $29,942 100.0% $38,358 100.0% $45,560 100.0%
Operating expenses 22,090 73.8% 27,365 71.3% 29,122 63.9%
----------------- ------------------ ----------------
Gross profit 7,852 26.2% 10,993 28.7% 16,438 36.1%
General and administrative expenses 4,322 14.4% 5,288 13.8% 5,476 12.0%
----------------- ------------------ ----------------
Income from operations 3,530 11.8% 5,705 14.9% 10,962 24.1%
Other income (expense), net (211) 0.7% (86) 0.2% 494 -1.1%
----------------- ------------------ ----------------
Income before provision for income taxes(1) $ 3,319 11.1% $5,619 14.6% $11,456 25.1%
================= ================== ================
</TABLE>
(1) Excludes goodwill amortization, software amortization and support expenses,
expenses of corporate headquarters, interest expense, income taxes and
certain other expenses controlled and recorded at corporate headquarters.
Outbound reporting segment reported pro forma income before taxes of
$11.5 million in 1998, compared to $5.6 million in 1997 and $3.3 million in
1996. The increases were primarily the result of increased sales volume,
increased gross profit margins, operating leverage, and in 1998, acquisitions.
Pro forma net revenues increased 18.8% in 1998 and 28.1% in 1997. Excluding the
impact of an acquisition in 1998 of a company distributing international airline
tickets, accounted for using the purchase method of accounting, net revenues
increased 14.0% in 1998, as a result of an 14.4% increase in transaction volume.
Net revenue per transaction decreased 4.5% in 1998, due to a change in product
mix as a result of acquisition activity and an increase in the percentage of
sales to consumers. Increased direct sales contributed to a decrease in net
revenue per transaction but an increase in gross profit margin. The 28.1%
increase in pro forma net revenues in 1997 was primarily a result of a 24.0%
increase in transaction volume.
Pro forma gross profit margins improved in 1997 and 1998 as a result of
lower commissions, salaries, advertising and telephone costs per transaction.
Commission expense decreased because of increased sales directly to consumers
and in 1998 a portion of the international airline tickets being sold to travel
agents at a net fare rather than for a commission. Salaries and advertising
costs as a percentage of net revenues decreased due to spreading these costs
over a larger revenue base. Telephone costs as a percentage of net revenues in
1998 decreased due to lower rates and credit adjustments for prior year
billings.
Pro forma general and administrative expenses increased $188,000, or
3.5%, in 1998. General and administrative expenses decreased as a percentage of
net revenues primarily as a result of spreading the expenses over a larger
revenue base. Pro forma general and administrative expenses increased $966,000,
or 22.4%, in 1997, and decreased as a percentage of net revenues primarily as a
result of spreading the expenses over a larger revenue base.
In February 1999, the Company acquired AHI International Corporation, a
company specializing in distributing European vacation packages through
university alumni associations. Beginning in 1999, this operating company will
be included in the outbound reporting segment. Its historical profit margins are
consistent with the historical margins for the reporting segment.
24
<PAGE>
LODGING REPORTING SEGMENT FINANCIAL REVIEW - PRO FORMA
The following table sets forth certain pro forma financial data, also
stated as a percentage of net revenues, for the years indicated (dollars in
thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1998
----------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net revenues $10,480 100.0% $17,672 100.0%
Operating expenses 6,099 58.2% 9,449 53.5%
----------------- -----------------
Gross profit 4,381 41.8% 8,223 46.5%
General and administrative expenses 1,828 17.4% 3,470 19.6%
----------------- -----------------
Income from operations 2,553 24.4% 4,753 26.9%
Other income (expense), net (132) 1.3% (46) 0.3%
----------------- -----------------
Income before provision for income taxes(1) $2,421 23.1% $4,707 26.6%
================= =================
</TABLE>
(1) Excludes goodwill amortization, software amortization and support expenses,
expenses of corporate headquarters, interest expense, income taxes and
certain other expenses controlled and recorded at corporate headquarters.
Lodging reporting segment reported pro forma income before taxes of
$4.7 million in 1998, compared to $2.4 million in 1997. The acquisitions of
Lexington and ABC Corporate Services ("ABC") were completed in June and July
1998, respectively, and were accounted for using the purchase method of
accounting. Lexington was material to the Company's results of operations and
accordingly, its financial results were included in pro forma results commencing
January 1, 1997. ABC, however, was not material and, accordingly, its financial
results are not included in the pro forma results prior to July 1, 1998.
Pro forma net revenues increased 68.6% in 1998. Net revenues for
Lexington increased $3.2 million, or 30.5%, in 1998. The increase in net
revenues was the result of a 28% increase in volume and a modest increase in net
revenue per transaction.
Pro forma gross profit margin improved in 1998 as a result of the
change in the mix of business following the ABC acquisition. ABC's gross profit
margin for the six months ended December 31, 1998 was higher than its historical
profit margin on an annual basis as a result of the publication of its hotel
program guide in the fourth quarter.
Pro forma general and administrative expenses increased $1.6 million,
or 89.8%, primarily due to the acquisition of ABC. Excluding the impact of ABC,
general and administrative expenses were consistent as a percentage of
Lexington's net revenues in 1998 and 1997.
25
<PAGE>
OTHER REPORTING SEGMENT FINANCIAL REVIEW - PRO FORMA
The following table sets forth certain pro forma financial data, also
stated as a percentage of net revenues, for the years indicated (dollars in
thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1997 1998
---------------- ---------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net revenues $7,645 100.0% $10,587 100.0% $13,191 100.0%
Operating expenses 5,001 65.4% 6,286 59.4% 8,525 64.6%
---------------- ---------------- -----------------
Gross profit 2,644 34.6% 4,301 40.6% 4,666 35.4%
General and administrative expenses 924 12.1% 2,440 23.0% 2,969 22.5%
---------------- ---------------- -----------------
Income from operations 1,720 22.5% 1,861 17.6% 1,697 12.9%
Other income (expense), net 51 -0.7% 88 -0.8% 158 -1.2%
---------------- ---------------- -----------------
Income before provision for income taxes(1) $1,771 23.2% $1,949 18.4% $1,855 14.1%
================ ================ =================
</TABLE>
(1) Excludes goodwill amortization, software amortization and support expenses,
expenses of corporate headquarters, interest expense, income taxes and
certain other expenses controlled and recorded at corporate headquarters.
Other reporting segment reported pro forma income before taxes of $1.9
million in 1998 compared to $1.9 million in 1997 and $1.8 million in 1996. Pro
forma net revenues increased 24.6% in 1998 and 38.5% in 1997 as a result of an
18% increase in sales volume in 1998 and a 27.3% increase in sales volume in
1997, partially offset in 1998 by a decrease in net revenue per transaction. The
decrease in net revenue per transaction was a result of an increased percentage
of published air ticket fares being sold as compared to discount off published
fares, which were primarily sold in 1997. In early 1998, new negotiated rate
fare contracts were obtained. Such contracts generally result in higher net
revenue per transaction, however, full realization of the benefits of these
negotiated rate fare contracts was limited in 1998 as a result of legacy system
constraints. The Company believes it will be able to sell a significantly
greater percentage of airline tickets based on negotiated rate fare contracts
commencing in the second quarter of 1999 when the Company's Flight Attendant
reservation technology is fully rolled out to the Company's primary call center
for domestic airline tickets.
Pro forma gross profit margins declined in 1998 and increased in 1997.
The decrease in gross profit margin in 1998 was primarily the result of the
lower net revenue per airline ticket described above and increased compensation,
shipping and credit card merchant fees (operating costs) per ticket. The
increase in compensation costs per airline ticket was the result of training
periods and learning curves associated with the significant number of new sales
agents and supervisors hired in late 1998 to prepare for the significant growth
expected in 1999. The increase in gross profit margin in 1997 was primarily the
result of increased gross profit margins in the domestic air business and the
impact of the acquisition of a cruise incentive company (a 1998 Pooling
Acquisition which is not included in 1996 pro forma results because of
immateriality).
Pro forma general and administrative expenses increased $529,000, or
21.7%, in 1998. General and administrative expenses decreased slightly as a
percentage of net revenues in 1998. Greater operating leverage was not achieved
primarily as a result of expansion of the domestic air call center facility and
increased management compensation and consulting expenses incurred to improve
operational processes and prepare the call center for increased growth expected
to be achieved in 1999. Pro forma general and administrative expenses increased
$1.5 million, or 164.1%, in 1997, and increased as a percentage of net revenues
primarily as the result of the cruise incentive company acquisition and
increased expenses at the domestic air call center primarily as a result of
increases in compensation expenses.
26
<PAGE>
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL REVIEW - HISTORICAL
The following table sets forth certain historical financial data, also
stated as a percentage of net revenues, for the years indicated (dollars in
thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1997 1998
---------------- ----------------- -------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net revenues $37,654 100.0% $62,813 100.0% $129,855 100.0%
Operating expenses 25,305 67.2% 38,810 61.8% 70,920 54.6%
----------------- ----------------- -------------------
Gross profit 12,349 32.8% 24,003 38.2% 58,935 45.4%
General and administrative expenses 11,824 31.4% 19,209 30.6% 34,550 26.6%
Goodwill amortization - 0.0% 513 0.8% 2,628 2.0%
----------------- ----------------- -------------------
Income from operations 525 1.4% 4,281 6.8% 21,757 16.8%
Other income (expense), net (209) 0.6% (30) 0.0% (28) 0.0%
----------------- ----------------- -------------------
Income before provision for income taxes 316 0.8% 4,251 6.8% 21,729 16.7%
Provision for income taxes 173 0.5% 770 1.2% 9,310 7.2%
================= ================= ===================
Net income $ 143 0.4% $ 3,481 5.5% $ 12,419 9.6%
================= ================= ===================
Diluted earnings per share $ 0.05 $ 0.53 $ 0.99
======= ======= ========
</TABLE>
The Company reported net income of $12.4 million, or $0.99 diluted
earnings per share in 1998, compared to net income of $3.5 million, or $0.53
diluted earnings per share in 1997 and net income of $143,000, or $0.05 diluted
earnings per share in 1996. The increases were primarily the result of increased
sales volume, increased gross profit margins, the Combinations and acquisitions.
Net revenues increased 106.7% in 1998 and 66.8%, in 1997, primarily the result
of increased sales volume, the Combinations and acquisitions.
Gross profit margins improved in 1998 and 1997 because certain
operating costs decreased as a percentage of net revenue primarily as a result
of realizing higher net revenues per transaction and the semi-variable nature of
certain expenses classified as operating expenses.
General and administrative expenses increased $15.3 million, or 79.9%,
in 1998, of which $6.9 million was attributable to expenses associated with
corporate headquarters and $8.4 million was costs incurred by operating
companies. The increase at corporate headquarters was the result of operating
the headquarters for all of 1998 compared to five months in 1997, various
centralization initiatives introduced at corporate headquarters over the course
of 1998, bonuses accrued for executives at headquarters and operating companies
and non-capitalizable operating costs associated with technology and
telecommunications initiatives totaling $1.5 million in 1998. General and
administrative expenses increased $7.4 million, or 62.4%, in 1997, of which $2.3
million was attributable to corporate headquarters and $5.1 million was incurred
by operating companies. The Company expects its expenses associated with
technology will increase in 1999 as more systems are rolled out and once
capitalized software costs are amortized as particular software releases are
ready for their intended use.
Goodwill amortization increased $2.1 million in 1998 and $513,000 in
1997 as a result of the Combinations and several acquisitions accounted for
under the purchase method of accounting.
Provision for income taxes, as a percentage of income before provision
for income taxes, was 42.8% in 1998, 18.1% in 1997 and 54.7% in 1996.
Fluctuations in effective tax rates were the result of the impact of a deferred
tax benefit recorded in 1997 by Auto Europe, the accounting acquiror, and the
impact of varying historical effective tax rates and tax structures of acquired
companies accounted for using the pooling of interests method of accounting. The
Company is undertaking certain corporate restructuring initiatives which
management believes will result in a reduction of the Company's effective tax
rate in 1999.
27
<PAGE>
CRUISE REPORTING SEGMENT FINANCIAL REVIEW - HISTORICAL
The following table sets forth certain historical financial data, also
stated as a percentage of net revenues, for the years indicated (dollars in
thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1997 1998
------------------ ------------------ -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$11,933 100.0% $23,537 100.0% $58,673 100.0%
Operating expenses 6,498 54.5% 11,690 49.7% 26,796 45.7%
------------------ ------------------ -----------------
Gross profit 5,435 45.5% 11,847 50.3% 31,877 54.3%
General and administrative expenses 4,890 41.0% 7,752 32.9% 14,268 24.3%
------------------ ------------------ -----------------
Income from operations 545 4.6% 4,095 17.4% 17,609 30.0%
Other income (expense), net 12 -0.1% (28) 0.1% 325 -0.6%
------------------ ------------------ -----------------
Income before provision for income taxes(1) $ 557 4.7% $4,067 17.3% $17,934 30.6%
================== ================== =================
</TABLE>
(1) Excludes goodwill amortization, software amortization and support expenses,
expenses of corporate headquarters, interest expense, income taxes and
certain other expenses controlled and recorded at corporate headquarters.
Cruise reporting segment reported income before taxes of $17.9 million
in 1998, compared to $4.1 million in 1997 and $557,000 in 1996. The increases
were primarily the result of increased sales volume, increased gross profit
margins, operating leverage, the Combinations and acquisitions. Net revenues
increased 149.3% in 1998 and 97.2% in 1997, primarily because of the
Combinations, acquisitions, and increases in volume. Companies acquired under
the pooling of interests method of accounting (and which are included in net
revenues for the three years) contributed 36.2% of 1998 net revenues; net
revenues for these companies increased 35.7% in 1998, as a result of a 14.7%
increase in passengers and an increase in net revenue per transaction. Net
revenues of these companies increased 31.2% in 1997, as a result of a 47.1%
increase in passengers, partially offset by a decrease in net revenue per
transaction.
Gross profit margins improved in 1998 and 1997 primarily as the result
of increased net revenue per transaction in 1998 and from decreased operating
costs per transaction as a result of spreading advertising and certain other
operating costs over a larger revenue base.
General and administrative expenses increased $6.5 million, or 84.1%,
in 1998 and decreased as a percentage of net revenues primarily as a result of
the impacts of centralizing certain marketing and revenue management functions
at corporate headquarters in the second half of 1998 and spreading remaining
expenses over a larger revenue base. General and administrative expenses
increased $2.9 million, or 58.5%, in 1997, and decreased as a percentage of net
revenues primarily as the result of spreading the expenses over a larger revenue
base.
In late 1998, the Company centralized cruise line contract
negotiations, marketing and advertising activities and revenue management
functions and began marketing cruises under its new trade name, The Travel
Company. Cruise line contracts for 1999 provide for a base commission, in some
cases, of one to two percent less than in effect for 1998; this decrease in base
commission may be offset by incremental override commissions which, if achieved,
would be recorded in the fourth quarter of 1999. During the first quarter of
1999, cruise bookings and net revenues increased over the prior year at a slower
rate than the overall internal growth rate in 1998. Efforts to improve the
cruise segment's internal growth rate include the refinement of the Company's
marketing programs and a focus on improving calls to booking conversion rates.
Additional marketing efforts include the distribution of a comprehensive cruise
vacation directory to 2 million past and potential customers in mid-March 1999.
28
<PAGE>
OUTBOUND REPORTING SEGMENT FINANCIAL REVIEW - HISTORICAL
The following table sets forth certain historical financial data, also
stated as a percentage of net revenues, for the years indicated (dollars in
thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1997 1998
----------------- ---------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net revenues $25,721 100.0% $34,450 100.0% $45,560 100.0%
Operating expenses 18,807 73.1% 24,437 70.9% 29,122 63.9%
----------------- ---------------- ---------------
Gross profit 6,914 26.9% 10,013 29.1% 16,438 36.1%
General and administrative expenses 6,934 27.0% 7,382 21.4% 5,476 12.0%
----------------- ---------------- ---------------
Income from operations (20) -0.1% 2,631 7.6% 10,962 24.1%
Other income (expense), net (221) 0.9% (139) 0.4% 494 -1.1%
----------------- ---------------- ---------------
Income before provision for income taxes(1) $(241) -0.9% $2,492 7.2% $11,456 25.1%
================= ================ ===============
</TABLE>
(1) Excludes goodwill amortization, software amortization and support expenses,
expenses of corporate headquarters, interest expense, income taxes and
certain other expenses controlled and recorded at corporate headquarters.
Outbound reporting segment reported income before taxes of $11.5
million in 1998, compared to $2.5 million in 1997 and a loss of $241,000 in
1996. Operating results for 1996 and for the first seven months of 1997 include
only the results of Auto Europe, the accounting acquiror, and do not reflect the
impact of contractual decreases in salaries, bonuses and benefits to former
owners and key management of Auto Europe (the "Compensation Differential").
Increases in reported income before taxes were primarily the result of increased
sales volume, increased gross profit margins, operating leverage, the
Combinations, the Compensation Differential and, in 1998, acquisitions.
The accounting acquiror's net revenues increased 24.3% in 1998, as a
result of a 15.1% increase in transaction volume, partially offset by a decrease
in net revenue per transaction primarily as a result of increasing the
percentage of sales to direct consumers. This, however, also contributed to an
increase in gross profit margin. Net revenues of the accounting acquiror
increased 12.7 % in 1997, as a result of a 24.6% increase in passengers,
partially offset by a decrease in net revenue per transaction, primarily as a
result of increasing the percentage of sales to direct consumers.
Gross profit margins improved in 1998 and 1997 as a result of lower
commissions, salaries, advertising and telephone costs per transaction.
Commission expense decreased because of increased sales directly to consumers
and a portion of the international airline tickets being sold to travel agents
at a net fare rather than for a commission in 1998. Salaries and advertising
costs as a percentage of revenues decreased due to spreading these costs over a
larger revenue base. Telephone costs as a percentage of net revenues decreased
in 1998 due to lower rates and credit adjustments for prior year billings.
General and administrative expenses decreased $1.9 million, or 25.8%,
in 1998, primarily as a result Compensation Differential of Auto Europe and
another Founding Company. General and administrative expenses increased
$448,000, or 6.5%, in 1997, and decreased as a percentage of net revenues
primarily as the result of the Compensation Differential and spreading the
expenses over a larger revenue base.
In February 1999, the Company acquired AHI International Corporation, a
company specializing in distributing European vacation packages through
university alumni associations. Beginning in 1999, this operating company will
be included in the outbound reporting segment. Historical profit margins are
consistent with the historical margins for the reporting segment.
29
<PAGE>
LODGING REPORTING SEGMENT FINANCIAL REVIEW - HISTORICAL
The following table sets forth certain historical financial data, also
stated as a percentage of net revenues, for the years indicated (dollars in
thousands):
1998
-------------------
Net revenues $12,431 100.0%
Operating expenses 6,476 52.1%
-------------------
Gross profit 5,955 47.9%
General and administrative expenses 2,626 21.1%
-------------------
Income from operations 3,329 26.8%
Other income, net 31 -0.3%
-------------------
Income before provision for income taxes (1) $ 3,360 27.0%
===================
(1) Excludes goodwill amortization, software amortization and support expenses,
expenses of corporate headquarters, interest expense, income taxes and
certain other expenses controlled and recorded at corporate headquarters.
Lodging reporting segment reported income before taxes of $3.4 million
in 1998. Lexington and ABC were acquired in 1998 and were accounted for using
the purchase method of accounting.
ABC's gross profit margin for the six months ended December 31, 1998
was higher than its historical profit margin on an annual basis as a result of
the publication of its hotel program guide in the fourth quarter.
30
<PAGE>
OTHER REPORTING SEGMENT FINANCIAL REVIEW - HISTORICAL
The following table sets forth certain historical financial data, also
stated as a percentage of net revenues, for the years indicated (dollars in
thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1998
---------------- -------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net revenues $4,826 100.0% $13,191 100.0%
Operating expenses 2,683 55.6% 8,526 64.6%
---------------- -------------------
Gross profit 2,143 44.4% 4,665 35.4%
General and administrative expenses 1,802 37.3% 2,980 22.6%
---------------- -------------------
Income from operations 341 7.1% 1,685 12.8%
Other income (expense), net 57 -1.2% 158 -1.2%
---------------- -------------------
Income before provision for income taxes(1) $398 8.3% $1,843 14.0%
================ ===================
</TABLE>
(1) Excludes goodwill amortization, software amortization and support expenses,
expenses of corporate headquarters, interest expense, income taxes and
certain other expenses controlled and recorded at corporate headquarters.
Other reporting segment reported income before taxes of $1.8 million in
1998 and $398,000 in 1997. Operating results in 1997 include results of one of
the Founding Companies that sells domestic airline tickets for only five months
subsequent to the Combinations. The increase in income before taxes was
primarily the result of increased sales volume and the Combinations, which
contributed to a 73.4% increase in net revenues, partially offset by decreased
gross profit margins.
Gross profit margins decreased in 1998 primarily as a result of lower
net revenue per domestic air ticket sold and increased compensation, shipping
and credit card merchant fees (operating costs) per ticket.
General and administrative expenses increased $1.2 million, or 65.5%,
in 1998, and decreased as a percentage of net revenues primarily as a result of
spreading expenses in the incentive cruise operating company over a larger
revenue base.
31
<PAGE>
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS, INCLUDING ACQUISITIONS
The Company's three primary sources of liquidity and capital resources
are cash flow from operating activities, borrowings under its Credit Facility
and issuances of Common Stock.
For the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1998, on a historical basis,
net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $3.2 million and
$14.8 million, respectively, capital expenditures were $3.0 million and $11.1
million, respectively, borrowings under the Credit Facility, Term Loan and other
loans were $1.0 million and $30.7 million, respectively, and repayment of debt
was $3.7 million and $32.4 million, respectively.
The Company issued 1,151,752 shares of common stock and paid $50.6
million (net of cash acquired) cash consideration in 1998 in connection with
eleven acquisitions consummated during the period. Four of the acquisitions were
accounted for using the pooling of interests method of accounting and seven were
accounted for using the purchase method of accounting.
On July 21, 1998, the Company consummated its secondary offering. An
aggregate of 4,025,000 shares of Common Stock were offered and sold, including
2,025,000 shares sold by the Company and 2,000,000 shares sold by certain
selling stockholders. All of the shares were sold at a price to the public of
$34.50 per share. Net proceeds to the Company from the secondary offering (after
deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering
expenses) were approximately $65.6 million, of which $28.6 million was used to
repay borrowings under the Credit Facility. The Company did not receive any
proceeds from shares sold by selling stockholders.
The Company spent an aggregate of $11.1 million during 1998 for capital
expenditures, including approximately $6.9 million for development of "Universal
Technology" software applications for internal use. The remainder of the 1998
capital expenditures related to purchases of computer hardware and personal
computers, telecommunications equipment, leasehold and building improvements and
furniture and fixtures. In addition, the Company expects to spend approximately
$17 million for all capital expenditures in 1999, including approximately $9
million for development of Universal Technology software applications for
internal use. An assessment of the Company's Year 2000 preparedness is discussed
below.
The Company believes that the current cash balances of the Company,
together with cash flow from operating activities and borrowings under its
Credit Facility, should be adequate to meet the Company's capital requirements
over the next 12 months. However, future acquisitions, depending on their size
and the method of financing, may affect the Company's liquidity and capital
requirements during that time.
LONG-TERM DEBT AND CREDIT FACILITY
The Company is a party to a credit facility agreement with NationsBank,
N.A. ("NationsBank") that provides a $30 million revolving line of credit (the
"Credit Facility") and a term loan facility of $2.1 million (the "Term Loan").
Borrowings under the Credit Facility and Term Loan are due October 15, 2000 and
October 5, 2000, respectively. The Credit Facility may be used for acquisitions,
letters of credit not to exceed $3 million in the aggregate, and for capital
expenditures (including but not limited to investments in technology) and for
general corporate purposes, which in the aggregate may not exceed $5 million. As
of December 31, 1998, there were no outstanding borrowings under the Credit
Facility but letters of credit totaling approximately $3 million were
outstanding. In February 1999, $24 million was borrowed to finance an
acquisition. All amounts repaid under the Credit Facility may be reborrowed.
Interest on outstanding balances of the Credit Facility and Term Loan are
computed based on the Eurodollar Rate plus a margin ranging from 1.25% to 2.0%,
depending on certain financial ratios.
The Credit Facility requires the Company to secure an interest rate
hedge on fifty percent of the outstanding principal amount borrowed under the
Credit Facility and one hundred percent of the outstanding balance on the Term
Loan. As of December 31, 1998, the Company had outstanding interest rate swap
hedge agreements totaling $16.4 million and maturing in October 2000, of which
$2.1 million related to the Term Loan and $14.3 million related to earlier
borrowings under the Credit Facility. These interest rate swap hedge agreements
were not liquidated when related borrowings under the Credit Facility were
repaid during 1998 and an unrealized loss related to the agreements of
approximately $280,000 was accrued at December 31, 1998.
32
<PAGE>
The Credit Facility is secured by substantially all the assets of the
Company and requires the Company to comply with various loan covenants, which
include maintenance of certain financial ratios, restrictions on additional
indebtedness and restrictions on liens, guarantees, advances, capital
expenditures, sale of assets and dividends. At December 31, 1998 the Company was
in compliance with the loan covenants or obtained waivers for any instances of
non-compliance.
On March 26, 1999, NationsBank agreed to increase the amount of the
Credit Facility to $35 million and to amend certain provisions and debt
covenants, subject to certain documentation and closing conditions. Among other
things, the term of the Credit Facility and Term Loan will be extended to
October 2001, letters of credit not to exceed $10 million in the aggregate will
be permitted and the full Credit Facility will be available for general
corporate purposes.
YEAR 2000 PREPAREDNESS
STATE OF READINESS
The Company recognizes that computer systems and all forms of
electronic technology, information technologies ("IT") and non-information
technologies ("Non- IT"), could be adversely affected by the Year 2000 date.
This is because many systems and technology components use a two-digit field to
represent the year in dates (e.g., "98" rather than "1998"). With the advent of
the Year 2000, systems and programs may fail or produce incorrect data believing
it is the year 1900, causing not just IT problems but also business and
operations problems.
To help ensure that the Company's systems can survive the turn of the
century, any occurrences of dates being used in technology or systems are being
identified, assessed, corrected and tested where necessary. To support this
effort, the Company has developed an overall project approach, a project
reporting and accountability structure, and process methodology. The project
approach has been developed to address the following: (1) IT systems
(applications and computing environment), (2) Non-IT systems (embedded
technology and systems), and (3) Business Partner Management (vendors,
suppliers, banks, leasing companies). Internal and external compliance factors
that may have an impact on the Company's business operations are being addressed
and monitored using this approach.
The Company's project reporting and accountability structure
encompasses every level of the organization, including: (1) an Executive
Committee (senior level management of the Company), (2) an Executive Sponsor
(the Chief Information Officer) who is responsible for reviewing and advising on
Year 2000 project progress and processes, (3) the Year 2000 Project Office which
is responsible for overall coordination, maintenance, collection and
dissemination of all Year 2000 project information as well as the centralized
systems and processes, and (4) subsidiary operating company management and
assigned points of contact responsible for any systems developed, purchased,
operated and supported within an operating company.
The Year 2000 Project Office has developed a reporting schedule and
requires monthly updates from the operating companies and others such as
suppliers and business partners, throughout the life of the project. These
updates provide associated project detail on all Year 2000 activity (i.e.,
budget, risks, timeline and schedule, contingency plans, testing plans and
updates, issues and concerns, and Company awareness activities). The Year 2000
Project Office is responsible for reporting on the Company's state of
compliance.
The Company employs a seven phase process methodology for the project:
Phase 1 - Project Organization, Phase 2 - Assessment (i.e., conducting an
inventory and identifying areas of exposure), Phase 3 - Planning (i.e.,
developing project and contingency plans, establishing priorities, and
developing strategies for correcting problems), Phase 4 - Correction, Phase 5 -
Testing, Phase 6 - Implementation, and Phase 7 Maintaining Compliance.
The Company has completed the Organization, Assessment and Planning
phases, and has made significant progress in the remaining phases of the
project. The degree to which operating companies had addressed the Year 2000
issue for their operations prior to acquisition by the Company varies; many of
these companies had made significant progress towards achieving compliance prior
to their acquisition by the Company. The Company believes the preliminary
inventory gathered has identified all significant systems and processes, and the
operating companies have been asked to prioritize "business critical" and
"important" systems and assign compliance status to the systems identified.
External and internal resources have been used for this effort and will continue
to be used to correct, test and implement these items for Year 2000 readiness
and compliance. As of March 15, 1999, approximately 70% of the Company's systems
have been remediated and are either fully tested or in the final stages of
testing.
33
<PAGE>
As part of the Company's overall technology strategy, the Company has
been developing new common applications including the Universal Technology
(already Year 2000 compliant) that are expected to be implemented in 1999 in
air, auto and cruise companies, replacing many, although not all, of the
existing systems currently in place at those companies. New hardware and
software required to support these applications are expected to be in place by
mid-1999 and will be Year 2000 compliant.
The Company has developed a communication process and has designed an
approach to informing and educating the Year 2000 project team and other Company
employees. A corporate compliance statement, a "Year 2000 Readiness Disclosure
Statement" (which adheres to the requirements of the Year 2000 Readiness
Disclosure Act), and a vendor/supplier survey have been developed. The survey
has been distributed to all business partners and suppliers, with continued
follow-up for those who fail to respond. Although most third parties have
responded in writing that they are addressing their Year 2000 issues on a timely
basis, the readiness of third parties varies widely. Vendor systems that will
not be made compliant are generally being replaced with compliant alternatives.
Because the Company's Year 2000 compliance is dependant on key third parties
being compliant on a timely basis, there can be no assurance the Company's
efforts alone will resolve all Year 2000 issues. A schedule has been developed
for follow-up and review of responses. An action plan has been developed to
closely work with and monitor the progress of the Company's critical and
important business partners that could impact business operations if such
partners are not compliant.
COSTS
The Company's total cost of Year 2000 remediation activities over the
course of the project is anticipated to be approximately $2 million. These
costs, which include capitalizable expenses such as hardware purchases, are
spread across the operating companies and corporate headquarters and were
incurred in 1998 or are budgeted for 1999. The Company's spending level on Year
2000 remediation is attributed in large part to the Company's strategy for the
development and implementation of new common applications that will replace a
significant portion of the Company's legacy systems. The Company expects to
spend an aggregate of approximately $22 million for the development of these new
applications during 1998, 1999 and 2000. The Year 2000 project costs do not
include costs that may be incurred by the Company as a result of the failure of
any third parties, including suppliers, to become Year 2000 compliant or costs
to implement any contingency plans.
RISKS
The Company utilizes IT and Non-IT systems in many aspects of its
business and is dependent on a multitude of business partners. The assessment is
based upon numerous assumptions as to future events. There can be no guarantee
these estimates will prove accurate, and actual results could differ from those
estimated if these assumptions are inaccurate. Risks associated with the Year
2000 include, but are not limited to, the following:
/bullet/ Business partners that experience Year 2000 issues may be unable to
provide goods or services to the Company, including those suppliers
providing goods and services sold by the Company. Disruption of other
services, such as electrical utilities, could also negatively impact
the Company's operations.
/bullet/ Packaged software vendors that provide inadequate solutions,
corrections and testing.
/bullet/ Project delays for the technology applications currently under
development could impact overall Year 2000 compliance efforts and
associated costs.
/bullet/ Any internal applications, non-IT systems and IT infrastructure within
the Company that have not been identified during the Inventory and
Assessment phases of the Year 2000 project have the potential to cause
a disruption in business. The Company has a high level of confidence
that the vast majority of its systems have been identified and that
risks associated with those systems have been identified.
CONTINGENCY PLANS
The Company is preparing contingency plans to identify and determine
how to handle its most reasonably likely worst case scenarios. While the Company
believes it is pursuing the appropriate courses of action to ensure Year 2000
readiness, there can be no assurance that the objectives will be achieved
internally or with business partners. Those areas will be addressed by
contingency plans. These contingency plans will include the identification,
acquisition and/or preparation of backup systems and processes in case of
non-compliance. This is a full-scale initiative that includes both internal and
external experts under the guidance of a Company-wide Executive Committee.
Contingency plans will be based in part on an assessment of the magnitude and
probability of potential risks, which will primarily focus on proactive steps to
prevent Year 2000 failures from occurring, or if they do occur, minimizing their
impact. Completion of
34
<PAGE>
contingency plans for all business critical and important systems, including
worst case scenarios, is expected by the third quarter of 1999. Plans will
continue to be refined throughout 1999 as additional information related to our
exposure is identified.
In addition to contingency plans, the Company is planning to perform
internal and external audits of mission critical systems and processes to ensure
ongoing compliance. Several critical applications currently considered to be
compliant have been targeted for audits by the end of the second quarter of
1999.
ONGOING PLANS AND ACTIVITIES
Based on its efforts and plans to date, the Company does not believe
the Year 2000 issue will have a material effect on its financial condition. The
Company is completing the correction and testing phases and continues to monitor
the likelihood of successfully completing and addressing the full range of
issues in a timely manner.
SEASONALITY AND QUARTERLY FLUCTUATIONS
The results of the Company are subject to quarterly fluctuations caused
primarily by the seasonal variations in the travel industry, especially the
leisure travel segment. Seasonality also varies depending on the nature of the
travel products and services. Net revenues and operating income of the outbound
reporting segment are generally higher in the first and second quarters; net
revenues and operating income of the cruise reporting segment are generally
higher in the second and third quarters; and net revenues and operating income
of the lodging segment are generally higher in the third and fourth quarters.
The Company expects this seasonality and quarterly fluctuations to continue.
The Company's quarterly results of operations may also be subject to
fluctuations as a result of changes in the mix of services offered by the
Company, fare wars by travel providers, net daily rates charged to travelers by
hotels, changes in relationships with certain travel providers (including
commission rates and programs), changes in the timing and payment of overrides
by travel providers, extreme weather conditions or other factors affecting
travel or the economy and the timing and cost of acquisitions.
The following table represents summary data on a pro forma basis for
each of the most recent quarterly periods:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTH PERIODS ENDED,
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MAR-97 JUN-97 SEP-97 DEC-97 MAR-98 JUN-98 SEP-98 DEC-98
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net revenue $21,417 $29,833 $23,861 $18,718 $29,405 $39,393 $33,992 $32,306
Gross profit 8,554 13,038 9,277 6,559 13,086 18,852 14,619 14,646
Income from 3,621 6,781 2,853 948 4,262 9,215 5,371 4,171
operations
Net income $ 2,021 $ 3,992 $ 1,679 $ 523 $ 2,514 $ 5,057 $ 3,168 $ 2,551
======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Pro forma $ 0.18 $ 0.35 $ 0.15 $ 0.04 $ 0.21 $ 0.42 $ 0.24 $ 0.19
======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
diluted
earnings per
share(1)
</TABLE>
(1) Pro forma diluted earnings per share for each of the four quarters
ended December 31, 1997 and 1998 do not reconcile to the annual pro
forma diluted earnings per share for those years as a result of the
impact of the varying average dilutive effect of stock options during
each quarterly period compared to their dilutive effect calculated on
an annual basis.
35
<PAGE>
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The Company is exposed to the impact of interest rate changes and
foreign currency fluctuations. In the normal course of business, the Company
employs established policies and procedures to manage its exposure to changes in
interest rate and fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies using a
variety of financial instruments.
The Company has utilized derivative financial instruments to reduce
financial market risks. The Company has managed its interest rate risk on its
Credit Facility through use of interest rate swaps pursuant to which the Company
exchanges its floating rate interest obligations for fixed rates for at least
50% of the outstanding borrowings. The fixing of the interest rates offsets the
Company's exposure to the uncertainty of floating interest rates during the term
of the Credit Facility and Term Loan.
The Company has foreign currency denominated liabilities and
reservation commitments to foreign travel providers. To mitigate potential
adverse trends, the Company's operating strategy takes into account changes in
exchange rates over time. Accordingly, the Company enters into various contracts
that change in value as foreign exchange rates change to protect the value of
its existing foreign currency denominated liabilities and commitments. The
principal currencies hedged are Italian Lira, Duetsche Marks, British Pounds and
French Francs.
It is the Company's policy to enter into foreign currency and interest
rate transactions only to the extent considered necessary to meet its objectives
as stated above. The Company does not enter into foreign currency or interest
rate transactions for speculative purposes; however, interest rate swaps entered
into in connection with borrowings under the Credit Facility may remain
outstanding if such borrowings are repaid, and in that instance are recorded at
the prevailing market rate.
36
<PAGE>
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA; INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
TRAVEL SERVICES INTERNATIONAL, INC.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
TRAVEL SERVICES INTERNATIONAL, INC.:
<S> <C>
Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants............................................ 38
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1997 and 1998.................................. 39
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998........ 40
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended
December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998........................................................... 41
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31,
1996, 1997 and 1998........................................................................ 42
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.................................................... 43
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts............................................... 61
</TABLE>
37
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To Travel Services International, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Travel
Services International, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1998,
and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1998. 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 consolidated 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 financial position of Travel
Services International, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1998,
and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 1998, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.
Our audits were made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic
financial statements taken as a whole. Schedule II is presented for purposes of
complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and is not part of
the basic financial statements. This schedule has been subjected to the auditing
procedures applied in the audits of the basic financial statements and, in our
opinion, fairly states, in all material respects, the financial data required to
be set forth therein in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a
whole.
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
West Palm Beach, Florida,
February 12, 1999 (except with respect to the matters
discussed in Note 16, as to which the date is March 26, 1999).
38
<PAGE>
TRAVEL SERVICES INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------------
1997 1998
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 8,451,000 $ 26,084,000
Accounts receivable, net 5,035,000 15,460,000
Receivables and notes from affiliates and employees 447,000 250,000
Prepaid expenses 899,000 3,380,000
Prepaid income taxes - 2,920,000
Deferred income taxes 773,000 827,000
Other current assets 208,000 1,476,000
------------ ------------
Total current assets 15,813,000 50,397,000
Property and equipment, net 11,469,000 22,504,000
Goodwill, net 41,701,000 105,773,000
Notes receivables from employees 448,000 410,000
Other assets 735,000 1,045,000
------------ ------------
Total assets $ 70,166,000 $180,129,000
============ ============
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt $ 433,000 $ 257,000
Due to affiliates 478,000 -
Trade payables and accrued expenses 13,696,000 27,412,000
------------ ------------
Total current liabilities 14,607,000 27,669,000
Long-term debt, net of current portion 4,140,000 2,888,000
Deferred income taxes - 3,774,000
Other long-term liabilities 162,000 501,000
------------ ------------
Total liabilities 18,909,000 34,832,000
------------ ------------
Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized;
none outstanding - -
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized;
10,812,055 and 13,376,969 shares outstanding, respectively 108,000 134,000
Additional paid-in capital 48,028,000 129,623,000
Retained earnings 3,121,000 15,540,000
------------ ------------
Total stockholders' equity 51,257,000 145,297,000
------------ ------------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 70,166,000 $180,129,000
============ ============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements are an integral
part of these financial statements.
39
<PAGE>
TRAVEL SERVICES INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------------------------------
1996 1997 1998
------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net revenues $ 37,654,000 $ 62,813,000 $ 129,855,000
Operating expenses 25,305,000 38,810,000 70,920,000
------------- ------------- -------------
Gross profit 12,349,000 24,003,000 58,935,000
General and administrative expenses 11,824,000 19,209,000 34,550,000
Goodwill amortization - 513,000 2,628,000
------------- ------------- -------------
Income from operations 525,000 4,281,000 21,757,000
------------- ------------- -------------
Other income (expense):
Interest income 130,000 370,000 1,204,000
Interest expense (327,000) (438,000) (1,381,000)
Other, net (12,000) 38,000 149,000
------------- ------------- -------------
Total other income (expense) (209,000) (30,000) (28,000)
------------- ------------- -------------
Income before provision for income taxes 316,000 4,251,000 21,729,000
Provision for income taxes 173,000 770,000 9,310,000
------------- ------------- -------------
Net income $ 143,000 $ 3,481,000 $ 12,419,000
============= ============= =============
HISTORICAL:
Basic earnings per share $ 0.05 $ 0.54 $ 1.03
============= ============= =============
Diluted earnings per share $ 0.05 $ 0.53 $ 0.99
============= ============= =============
Weighted average shares outstanding in
computing basic earnings per share 3,080,678 6,394,843 12,075,044
============= ============= =============
Weighted average shares outstanding in
computing diluted earnings per share 3,080,678 6,533,769 12,516,195
============= ============= =============
PRO FORMA (NOTE 4):
Diluted pro forma earnings per share $ 0.41 $ 0.71 $ 1.04
============= ============= =============
Weighted average shares outstanding in
computing diluted pro forma earnings per share 10,779,070 11,506,499 12,806,300
============= ============= =============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part
of these financial statements.
40
<PAGE>
TRAVEL SERVICES INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1997 AND 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Common Common Additional Paid- Retained
Shares Stock In Capital Earnings Total
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balances as of December 31, 1995 3,080,678 $ 31,000 $ 475,000 $ 77,000 $ 583,000
Net income - - - 143,000 143,000
Distributions - - - (111,000) (111,000)
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Balances as of December 31, 1996 3,080,678 31,000 475,000 109,000 615,000
Net income - - - 3,481,000 3,481,000
Distributions - - (1,904,000) (469,000) (2,373,000)
Initial Public Offering and Combinations,
net of offering costs 7,698,392 77,000 49,447,000 - 49,524,000
Acquisition of Trax Software 32,985 - - - -
Amortization of unearned compensation - - 10,000 - 10,000
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Balances as of December 31, 1997 10,812,055 108,000 48,028,000 3,121,000 51,257,000
Net income - - - 12,419,000 12,419,000
Secondary Offering, net of offering costs 2,025,000 20,000 65,603,000 - 65,623,000
Purchase Acquisitions 508,295 5,000 15,519,000 - 15,524,000
Options Exercised 31,619 1,000 442,000 - 443,000
Amortization of unearned compensation - - 31,000 - 31,000
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Balances as of December 31, 1998 13,376,969 $ 134,000 $ 129,623,000 $ 15,540,000 $ 145,297,000
============= ============= ============= ============= =============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part
of these financial statements.
41
<PAGE>
TRAVEL SERVICES INTERNATIONAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------------------------
1996 1997 1998
------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income $ 143,000 $ 3,481,000 $ 12,419,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 809,000 1,759,000 4,905,000
Amortization of unearned compensation - 10,000 31,000
Interest rate swap - - 280,000
Deferred tax provision (benefit) - (773,000) 1,880,000
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable (388,000) (1,063,000) (6,540,000)
Receivables and notes from affiliates and employees (202,000) (118,000) (164,000)
Prepaid taxes and expenses (429,000) (18,000) (4,776,000)
Other current assets (40,000) 548,000 (1,545,000)
Trade payables and accrued expenses 290,000 (592,000) 8,265,000
------------ ------------ ------------
Net cash provided by operating activities 183,000 3,234,000 14,755,000
------------ ------------ ------------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures (3,067,000) (3,037,000) (11,062,000)
Disposal of property and equipment - - 140,000
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment 74,000 54,000 -
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired - (18,208,000) (50,571,000)
------------ ------------ ------------
Net cash used in investing activities (2,993,000) (21,191,000) (61,493,000)
------------ ------------ ------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt and lines of credit 4,104,000 991,000 30,700,000
Payments on long-term debt and lines of credit (1,133,000) (3,731,000) (32,385,000)
Net proceeds from stock offering - 33,219,000 65,623,000
Net proceeds options exercised - - 433,000
Consideration paid to former stockholder of accounting acquiror - (5,000,000) -
Distributions to stockholders (111,000) (179,000) -
------------ ------------ ------------
Net cash provided by financing activities 2,860,000 25,300,000 64,371,000
------------ ------------ ------------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 50,000 7,343,000 17,633,000
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 1,058,000 1,108,000 8,451,000
------------ ------------ ------------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year $ 1,108,000 $ 8,451,000 $ 26,084,000
============ ============ ============
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest $ 302,000 $ 428,000 $ 1,265,000
============ ============ ============
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing and
investing activities:
Receivable from stockholder exchanged for
non-operating assets $ 2,120,000 $ - $ -
============ ============ ============
Assets distributed to stockholders $ - $ 2,194,000 $ -
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements are an integral
part of these financial statements.
42
<PAGE>
TRAVEL SERVICES INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(1) ORGANIZATION:
Travel Services International, Inc. (the "Company") and subsidiaries provide
specialized distribution of leisure travel products and services. The Company
was founded in Delaware in April 1996. On July 28, 1997, the Company consummated
its initial public offering of common stock and acquired five specialized
distributors of travel services (the "Founding Companies") in separate
combination transactions accounted for using the purchase method of accounting
(the "Combinations"). Effective December 31, 1998, the Company changed its state
of incorporation from Delaware to Florida.
Auto Europe, one of the Founding Companies, was designated as the "accounting
acquiror" for financial statement presentation purposes in accordance with
Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 97,
which states that the combining company which receives the largest portion of
voting rights in the combined corporation is presumed to be the acquirer for
accounting purposes. Accordingly, the historical financial statements for each
year presented represent those of Auto Europe and companies acquired in 1997 and
1998 under transactions accounted for using the pooling of interests method of
accounting (the "Pooling Acquisitions") , as well as balances and transactions
of the Company and four other Founding Companies since July 28, 1998 and other
companies acquired and accounted for using the purchase method of accounting
subsequent to the date of acquisition.
Refer to Note (4) for information regarding pro forma operating results and pro
forma diluted earnings per share, which give effect to results of the Company
combined with all Founding Companies as if the initial public offering and the
Combinations had occurred at the beginning of each respective year and as if
another significant acquisition accounted for under the purchase method of
accounting, Lexington Services Associates, Ltd. ("Lexington"), had occurred on
January 1, 1997.
(2) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
The consolidated financial statements include accounts of the Company and its
wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and
transactions have been eliminated.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
The Company's revenue is derived primarily from selling travel products,
including cruise vacations, airline tickets and European auto rentals, by
providing electronic hotel reservation services to independent hotels and by
providing various programs and services to independent travel agencies. Revenues
primarily consist of commissions and markups on travel products sold and fees
for services including processing and delivering tickets, franchisee support,
hotel reservations, after hours travel reservation services and hotel guide
publication.
The Company records net revenues when earned as follows: for cruise bookings
when the customer is no longer entitled to a full refund of the cost of the
cruise, which is generally 45 to 90 days prior to the cruise departure date, for
airline tickets and car rentals at the time a reservation is booked and
ticketed, for hotel reservation services at the time the traveler checks out of
the hotel and for other services when the service is provided. The Company
recognizes revenues from franchise fees when the Company has fulfilled all
contractual obligations required by the agreements signed with the franchisees.
The Company defers franchise renewal fees and amortizes those fees to revenues
over the applicable one-year period.
The Company provides allowances for cancellations, reservation changes,
"no-shows" and currency exchange guarantees based on historical experience. The
allowances provided as reduction of net revenues are not material in the three
years ended December 31, 1998. However, actual cancellations and reservation
changes could vary
43
<PAGE>
significantly based upon changes in economic and political conditions that may
impact leisure travel patterns. The Company has also recorded an allowance for
doubtful accounts receivable totaling $141,000 and $1,443,000 at December 31,
1997 and 1998, respectively.
USE OF ESTIMATES IN PREPARATION OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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 consolidated financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Significant accounting estimates include allowances for doubtful accounts
receivable, cancellations, reservation changes, "no shows" and currency exchange
guarantees.
SEGMENTS OF AN ENTERPRISE
The Company has adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of
Financial Accounting Standard No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information ("SFAS No. 131"). SFAS No. 131 establishes
standards for the way information about operating segments is reported in
financial statements and establishes standards for related disclosures about
product and services, geographic areas and major customers. Operating segments
are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial
information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating
decision makers in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing
performance. The Company's reportable operating segments include cruise,
outbound, lodging and other. Refer to Note (5) for information and disclosures
regarding reporting segments.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with a maturity of
three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash and
cash equivalents at December 31, 1997 and 1998 include interest bearing demand
deposits and highly liquid investments of $7,485,000 and $24,878,000,
respectively. Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 1998 included restricted
funds of $1,065,000.
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 107, "Disclosures About Fair
Value of Financial Instruments", requires disclosure of the fair value of
certain financial instruments. Cash and cash equivalents, receivables, trade
payables, and debt are reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial
statements at cost, which approximates fair value. All long-term receivable and
debt obligations bear interest.
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Derivative financial instruments are used by the Company principally in the
management of its interest rate and foreign currency exposure.
Interest rate derivative financial instruments are required under the Company's
Credit Facility, to secure an interest rate hedge on fifty percent of the
outstanding principal amount borrowed under the Credit Facility and one hundred
percent of the outstanding balance on the Term Loan. Any such contracts not
matched against a specific outstanding liability are recorded at the prevailing
market rate.
Foreign currency forward purchase contracts are entered into to hedge
substantially all of its foreign currency denominated liabilities and
reservation commitments to foreign travel providers. The hedging minimizes the
impact of foreign exchange rate movements on the Company's operating results
because gains and losses on these contracts generally offset losses and gains on
the liabilities being hedged. At December 31, 1997 and 1998, the Company had
outstanding forward purchase contracts of $5.4 million and $2.1 million,
respectively. The average maturity of these purchase contracts was 54 days. The
risk of loss on liabilities not hedged is not considered significant.
44
<PAGE>
CAPITALIZED SOFTWARE COSTS
Pursuant to American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement of
Position No. 98-1, "Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or
Obtained for Internal Use", once the preliminary project stage has been
completed, the Company capitalizes certain direct costs related to strategic
systems development projects during the application development stage. Software
development costs incurred during the preliminary project stage are charged to
expense as incurred.
Capitalized software development costs are reported at the lower of unamortized
costs or net realizable value and are included as a component of property and
equipment. Once the software reaches the stage for its intended general use for
each significant release of each software applications, applicable costs are
amortized based on the straight-line method over the estimated useful life.
Accumulated amortization at December 31, 1998 was $74,000.
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is provided over
estimated useful lives of the respective assets on a straight-line basis.
Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over periods not
exceeding the respective terms of the leases.
Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to expense when incurred.
Expenditures for major renewals and betterments, which extend the useful lives
of existing equipment, are capitalized and depreciated. Upon retirement or
disposition of property and equipment, the costs and related accumulated
depreciation are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is
recognized in the statement of income.
INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND AMORTIZATION
The Combinations and certain other acquisitions were accounted for using the
purchase method of accounting. The cost of the acquisition is first allocated to
all identifiable assets acquired and to the liabilities assumed, at their
estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. The excess of the cost of the
acquired business over the sum of the amounts assigned to identifiable assets
acquired less liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill.
In most cases, because of the nature of the operations of the business acquired,
including its customers base, and because of the short-term duration of the
businesses' contracts, intangible assets such as customer lists, distribution
agreements, employee workforce, computer systems, franchisee agreements and
trademarks are not separately identified for allocation of acquisition costs.
At the time of an acquisition accounted for using the purchase method of
accounting, allocations of purchase price are initially assigned and recorded
based on preliminary estimates of fair value and may be revised as additional
information concerning valuation of such assets and liabilities become
available, normally within one year of the date of the acquisition. Additional
information necessary for certain acquisitions may include final determinations
of such matters as the amount of income taxes reimbursable to sellers, the
amount of contingent consideration related to the acquisition, and total legal
and accounting costs associated with the acquisitions. The Company does not
believe there will be any material change to allocations of purchase prices as
of December 31, 1998.
Goodwill is being amortized on a straight-line basis generally over 35 years (5
years for goodwill related to an acquired software development business),
representing the approximate useful life of acquired intangible assets.
Accumulated amortization totals $514,000 and $3,141,000 at December 31, 1997 and
1998, respectively. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and
Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed", subsequent to an acquisition, the Company
continually evaluates whether later events and circumstances have occurred that
indicate the remaining net book value may warrant revision or may not be
recoverable. If factors indicate that the net book value of any acquisitions
should be evaluated for possible impairment, the Company in measuring whether
such cost is recoverable will use an estimate of the acquired business's
undiscounted operating income in excess of net assets of the acquired
businesses.
Included in other assets are capitalized costs associated with the new trade
name and logo for The Travel Company, which commencing in late 1998 is the trade
name used by the Company and a majority of the companies in the cruise reporting
segment. These costs, which totaled $365,000 at December 31, 1998, are carried
at cost less
45
<PAGE>
accumulated amortization, which is calculated on a straight-line basis over 15
years, the estimated useful live of the asset.
INCOME TAXES
The Company follows Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 109,
"Accounting for Income Taxes" ("SFAS No. 109") for recording the provision for
income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are computed based upon the
difference between the financial statement and income tax basis of assets and
liabilities using the enacted marginal tax rate applicable when the related
asset or liability is expected to be realized or settled. Deferred income tax
expenses or benefits are based on the changes in the asset or liability each
period. If available evidence suggests that it is more likely than not that some
portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized, a valuation
allowance is required to reduce the deferred tax assets to the amount that is
more likely than not to be realized. Future changes in such valuation allowance
are included in the provision for deferred income taxes in the period of change.
STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation" ("SFAS No. 123") requires adoption of a fair value method of
accounting for stock-based compensation plans for non-employees and permits
continuation of accounting using the intrinsic value based method under
Accounting Principals Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock-issued
to Employees", for stock options granted to employees.
The Company has chosen to account for stock options issued to employees using
the intrinsic value based method prescribed in APB Opinion No. 25 and,
accordingly, does not recognize compensation expense for these stock option
grants made at an exercise price equal to or in excess of the fair market value
of the stock at the date of grant. Pro forma net income and earnings per share
amounts are presented in Note (12) as if the fair value method had been adopted.
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
The Company follows Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130,
"Reporting Comprehensive Income" ("SFAS No. 130"). SFAS No. 130 establishes
standards for reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components
in the financial statements. For all periods presented, there were no
differences between reported net income and comprehensive income.
EARNINGS PER SHARE
The Company follows Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128,
"Earnings Per Share" ("SFAS No. 128"). Basic earnings per common share ("EPS")
calculations are determined by dividing net income by the weighted average
number of shares of common stock outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings
per common share calculations are determined by dividing net income by the
weighted average number of common shares and dilutive common share equivalents
outstanding (all related to outstanding stock options discussed in Note (12).
A reconciliation of shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings
per share for 1997 and 1998 is as follows:
1997 1998
---------- ----------
Basic common shares outstanding 6,394,843 12,075,044
Dilutive effective of options 138,926 441,151
---------- ----------
Dilutive common shares outstanding 6,533,769 12,516,195
========== ==========
Options totaling 270,472 were not included as the inclusion would have been
anti-dilutive. Diluted pro forma earnings per share is also presented to give
effect to the initial public offering and the Combinations as discussed in Notes
(4), (11) and (12).
46
<PAGE>
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In June 1998, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting
for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" ("SFAS No. 133") was issued.
SFAS No. 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards requiring that every
derivative instrument, including certain derivative instruments embedded in
other contracts, be recorded in the balance sheet as either an asset or
liability measured at its fair value. SFAS No. 133 requires that changes in the
derivative's fair value be recognized currently in earnings unless specific
hedge accounting criteria are met. SFAS No. 133 is effective for fiscal years
beginning after June 15, 1999. Management believes the impact of adopting this
statement in 1999 will not have a material effect upon the Company's results of
operations or financial position.
(3) ACQUISITIONS:
As a result of the Combinations which were consummated on July 28, 1997, the
Company acquired the outstanding capital stock of the Cruises, Inc. ("Cruises
Inc.") and D-FW Tours, Inc. and D-FW Travel Arrangements, Inc. (collectively,
"D-FW Tours"), and acquired substantially all of the assets of Auto Europe, Inc.
(Maine) ("Auto Europe"), Cruises Only, Inc. ("Cruises Only") and 800-Ideas, Inc.
("Travel 800"), each a Founding Company. The consideration for the Combinations
consisted of cash of $29.1 million (including $5 million paid to the former
stockholder of Auto Europe, the accounting acquirer, and working capital
adjustments and estimated reimbursements to stockholders of three of the
Founding Companies that had elected S Corporation status under the Internal
Revenue Code for certain taxes that will be incurred by them in connection with
the Combinations) and 3,422,225 shares of common stock.
Since November, 1997, the Company has acquired eight operating companies under
transactions accounted for using the pooling of interests method of accounting,
(collectively, the "Pooling Acquisitions"). Accordingly, the consolidated
financial statements for the periods presented have been restated to include the
Pooling Acquisitions. On November 19, 1997, the Company acquired all of the
outstanding capital stock of CruiseOne, Inc., Cruise World, Inc., and The
Anthony Dean Corporation (d/b/a Cruise Fairs of America). The aggregate
consideration paid was 880,196 shares of common stock. On November 21, 1997, the
Company acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of Ship `N' Shore Cruises,
Inc., Cruise Time, Inc., SNS Coachline, Inc., Cruise Mart, Inc. and SNS Travel
Marketing, Inc. The aggregate consideration paid was 471,508 shares of common
stock.
On March 31, 1998, the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of
CruiseMasters, Inc. The aggregate consideration paid was 152,835 shares of
common stock. On May 21, 1998, the Company acquired all of the outstanding
capital stock of Landry & Kling, Inc. The aggregate consideration was 163,078
shares of common stock. On May 31, 1998, the Company acquired all of the
outstanding capital stock of The Travel Company, Inc. The aggregate
consideration paid was 179,727 shares of common stock. On August 31, 1998, the
Company acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of Cruise Outlets of the
Carolinas, Inc. The aggregate consideration paid was 150,000 shares of common
stock.
47
<PAGE>
Aggregate net revenues and income before provision for income taxes generated by
the Pooling Acquisitions prior to the date of acquisition and included in the
accompanying consolidated statements of income were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1997 1998
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net revenues $11,933,000 $18,483,000 $ 2,983,000
=========== =========== ===========
Income before provision for income taxes $ 276,000 $ 1,125,000 $ 949,000
=========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
Since December 1997, in addition to the Combinations, the Company has acquired
one software development company and nine operating companies under transactions
accounted for using the purchase method of accounting, as described below.
Accordingly, the financial results of these operating companies have been
included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements from the date of
acquisition. Except for Lexington, the historical operations of these operating
companies are not individually significant when compared to the historical
operations of the Company.
On December 2, 1997, the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital stock
of Trax Software, Inc. ("Trax"). The aggregate consideration paid was 32,985
shares of common stock. Trax developed software products designed for
specialized distributors of leisure travel services. This software is the
foundation of the booking functionality of the Company's air reservations system
under development.
On January 20, 1998, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets and
assumption of substantially all of the liabilities of Diplomat Tours, Inc. and
International Airline Consolidators (collectively, "Diplomat"). The aggregate
consideration paid for was 21,821 shares of common stock and $2.0 million in
cash. Diplomat is a specialized distributor of international airline
reservations and had net revenues of approximately $2.0 million in 1998.
On February 9, 1998, the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital stock
of Gold Coast Travel Agency Corporation, Inc. ("Gold Coast"). The aggregate
consideration paid was 163,755 shares of common stock and $7.25 million in cash,
including $1 million of contingent consideration paid in February 1999. Gold
Coast is a specialized distributor of cruise reservations and had net revenues
of approximately $7.7 million in 1998.
Effective April 1, 1998, the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital
stock of The Cruise Line, Inc. ("Cruise Line Inc.") from another corporation.
The aggregate consideration paid was $12.5 million in cash. Cruise Line Inc. is
a specialized distributor of cruise reservations and had net revenues of
approximately $7.3 million in 1998.
Effective June 1, 1998, the Company acquired all of the outstanding partnership
interests of Lexington. The aggregate consideration paid was 283,990 shares of
common stock and $24.0 million in cash, including $4.0 million of contingent
consideration paid in August 1998. Lexington is an electronic hotel reservation
services company and had 1998 net revenues of approximately $13.5 million. The
historical operations of Lexington are significant when compared to the
historical operations of the Company and, accordingly, net revenues and income
before taxes generated by the Lexington prior to the date of acquisition are
included in the accompanying pro forma statements of net income as described in
Note (4).
Effective July 1, 1998, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of
ABC Corporate Services ("ABC") from another corporation. The aggregate
consideration paid was $4.25 million in cash. ABC had net revenues of
approximately $6.1 million in 1998. ABC is a leading provider of services to
independent travel agencies, including the publication of a hotel guide and
after-hours travel services for certain travel agencies' corporate accounts.
On August 7, 1998, the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of
1-800-CRUISES, Inc. and Jubilee Enterprises, Inc. (collectively
"1-800-CRUISES"). The aggregate consideration paid consisted of 36,546 shares of
common stock and $500,000 in cash. Among the assets acquired were toll-free
telephone numbers 1-800-CRUISES and 1-800-CRUISING and the website address,
www.1-800-CRUISES.com. In addition, the entities operate a small cruise
reservation call center and had net revenues of approximately $327,000 in 1998.
48
<PAGE>
Effective February 1, 1999, the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital
stock of AHI International Corporation ("AHI"). AHI develops, markets and sells
packaged European vacations to individuals that are members of over 200
university and college alumni associations. AHI is also a longstanding provider
of alumni tour packages to college bowl games. The aggregate consideration paid
was 145,400 shares of common stock and $24.0 million in cash. The acquisition
will be accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. AHI had net
revenues of approximately $15.8 million in 1998. The historical operations of
AHI are significant when compared to the historical operations of the Company
and, accordingly, net revenues and income before taxes generated by AHI prior to
the date of acquisition will be included in the pro forma statements of net
income to be prepared in 1999.
Effective February 1, 1999, the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital
stock of Lifestyle Vacation Incentives, Inc. and All Seasons Smart Traveler,
Inc., an affiliated company (collectively, "LVI"). LVI's proprietary travel
incentive programs provide structured discounts to consumers for various forms
of leisure travel, including airline tickets, cruise vacations, rental cars,
hotel rooms and vacation packages. In addition to marketing through businesses
and other organizations, LVI markets cruises over the Internet through its
website, www.cruises.com. The aggregate consideration paid was 248,600 shares of
common stock and $6.25 million in cash. Additional purchase consideration not to
exceed $3.0 million may be paid based upon financial performance for the year
ended December 31, 1999. The acquisition will be accounted for using the
purchase method of accounting. The historical operations of LVI when compared to
the historical operations of the Company are not significant.
(4) PRO FORMA RESULTS AND EARNINGS PER SHARE:
Pro forma operating results and pro forma diluted earnings per share presented
below for the Company give effect to results of the Company combined with the
Founding Companies as if the initial public offering and the Combinations had
occurred at the beginning of each respective year, and as if the acquisition of
Lexington had occurred on January 1, 1997, along with certain adjustments
associated with the Combinations, Lexington and the Pooling Acquisitions.
The pro forma results include the effects of: (i) the Combinations and
Lexington; (ii) amortization of goodwill resulting from the Combinations and
Lexington; (iii) certain adjustments to salaries, bonuses, and management fees
and benefits to former owners and key management of the Founding Companies,
Lexington and the Pooling Acquisitions, to which such persons have agreed
prospectively ("Compensation Differential"); (iv) reversal of acquisition costs
associated with Pooling Acquisitions; and (v) provision for income taxes as if
pro forma income was subject to corporate federal and state income taxes during
the periods.
These pro forma results have been prepared for comparative purposes only and do
not purport to be indicative of the results of operations which actually would
have resulted had the Founding Companies and Lexington been under common control
prior to the Combinations and the acquisition of Lexington, or which may result
in the future.
49
<PAGE>
Pro forma operating results and diluted pro forma earnings per share follow:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1997 1998
------------- ------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net revenues $ 63,950,000 $ 93,829,000 $ 135,096,000
============= ============= =============
Income before taxes - historical $ 316,000 $ 4,251,000 $ 21,729,000
Income of Founding Companies and
Lexington, prior to acquisition dates 2,565,000 5,276,000 151,000
------------- ------------- ------------
Pro forma income, before adjustments 2,881,000 9,527,000 21,880,000
Compensation Differential 5,965,000 5,406,000 1,334,000
Acquisition costs - 748,000 33,000
Goodwill amortization (1,234,000) (1,517,000) (333,000)
------------- ------------- ------------
Pro forma income before taxes 7,612,000 14,164,000 22,914,000
Pro forma provision for income taxes 3,197,000 5,949,000 9,624,000
------------- ------------- ------------
Pro forma net income $ 4,415,000 $ 8,215,000 $ 13,290,000
============= ============= =============
Diluted pro forma earnings per share $ 0.41 0.71 $ 1.04
============= ============= =============
Weighted average shares used outstanding 10,779,070 11,506,499 12,806,300
============= ============= =============
</TABLE>
(5) REPORTING SEGMENTS:
The Company's reporting operating segments are cruise, outbound, lodging and
other. The cruise segment is comprised of operating companies distributing
cruises through call centers, home-based agents and the Internet, directly to
consumers in the United States. The outbound segment is comprised of operating
companies distributing European auto rentals, international airline tickets and
international vacation packages through travel agencies and directly to
consumers, primarily in the United States. The lodging segment is comprised of
operating companies providing electronic hotel reservation services to
independent hotels and other specialized hotel programs and services to travel
agencies, primarily in the United States. The other segment is comprised of an
operating company providing domestic airline tickets through a call center
directly to consumers in the United States, and an operating company providing
incentive cruise programs to corporations in the United States.
The accounting policies of the reporting operating segments are the same as
those described in the summary of significant accounting policies, except for
goodwill amortization and software amortization and support expenses which are
recorded at the corporate level and which are not allocated to reporting
operating segments. This is consistent with the basis and manner in which the
Company's management internally disaggregates financial information for the
purposes of assisting in making internal operating decisions. The Company
evaluates performance based on aggregated reporting operating segment income
before taxes and excluding goodwill amortization, software amortization and
support expenses, expenses of corporate headquarters, interest expense, income
taxes and other expenses controlled by and recorded at corporate headquarters.
Revenues are attributed to geographic areas based on the location of the assets
producing the revenues. The Company does not currently have any material portion
of its assets or operations outside the United States.
50
<PAGE>
Historical financial results for reporting operating segments, including a
reconciliation of the totals reported to the applicable line items in the
consolidated financial statements, are as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ADJUSTING
AND REC.
1998 CRUISE OUTBOUND LODGING OTHER ITEMS (1) TOTAL
- --- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net revenues $ 58,673 $ 45,560 $ 12,431 $ 13,191 $- $ 129,855
Operating expenses 26,796 29,122 6,476 8,526 - 70,920
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Gross profit 31,877 16,438 5,955 4,665 - 58,935
General and administrative 13,385 4,660 2,475 2,847 8,905 32,272
expenses
Depreciation expense 883 815 151 133 296 2,278
Goodwill amortization - 1 - - 2,627 2,628
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Income from operations 17,609 10,962 3,329 1,685 (11,828) 21,757
Other income (expense), net 325 494 31 158 (1,036) (28)
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Income before income taxes 17,934 11,456 3,360 1,843 (12,864) 21,729
Provision for income taxes - - - - 9,310 9,310
========= ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Net income $ 17,934 $ 11,456 $ 3,360 $ 1,843 $ (22,174) $ 12,419
========= ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Total assets $ 26,630 $ 9,522 $ 7,529 $ 5,963 $ 130,485 $ 180,129
========= ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
</TABLE>
51
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ADJUSTING
AND REC.
1997 CRUISE OUTBOUND LODGING OTHER ITEMS (1) TOTAL
- ---- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net revenues $ 23,537 $ 34,450 $- $ 4,826 $- $ 62,813
Operating expenses 11,690 24,437 - 2,683 - 38,810
-------- -------- -- -------- -------- --------
Gross profit 11,847 10,013 - 2,143 - 24,003
General and administrative 7,366 6,618 - 1,719 2,259 17,962
expenses
Depreciation expense 386 764 - 83 14 1,247
Goodwill amortization - - - - 513 513
-------- -------- -- -------- -------- --------
Income from operations 4,095 2,631 - 341 (2,786) 4,281
Other income (expense), net (28) (139) - 57 80 (30)
-------- -------- -- -------- -------- --------
Income before income taxes 4,067 2,492 - 398 (2,706) 4,251
Provision for income taxes - - - - 770 770
-------- -------- -- -------- --------- --------
Net income $ 4,067 $ 2,492 $- $ 398 $ (3,476) $ 3,481
======== ======== == ======== ======== ========
Total assets $ 13,735 $ 6,997 $- $ 2,568 $ 46,866 $ 70,166
======== ======== == ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ADJUSTING
AND REC.
1996 CRUISE OUTBOUND LODGING OTHER ITEMS(1) TOTAL
-------- -------- ------ ----- ----- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net revenues $ 11,933 $ 25,721 $- $- $- $ 37,654
Operating expenses 6,498 18,807 - - - 25,305
-------- -------- ------ -- ----- --------
Gross profit 5,435 6,914 - - - 12,349
General and administrative 4,725 6,290 - - - 11,015
expenses
Depreciation expense 165 644 - - - 809
Goodwill amortization - - - - - -
-------- -------- ------ -- ----- --------
Income from operations 545 (20) - - - 525
Other income (expense), net 12 (221) - - - (209)
-------- -------- ------ -- ----- --------
Income before income taxes 557 (241) - - - 316
Provision for income taxes - - - - 173 173
-------- -------- ----- -- ----- --------
Net income $ 557 $ (241) $- $- $(173) $ 143
======== ======== ====== == ===== ========
Total assets $ 5,355 $ 6,778 $1,090 $0 $ 0 $ 13,223
======== ======== ====== == ===== ========
</TABLE>
(1) Adjusting and reconciling items includes goodwill amortization, software
amortization and support expenses, expenses of corporate headquarters,
interest expense, income taxes and other expenses controlled and recorded
at corporate headquarters. On a consolidated basis, inter-segment sales
were immaterial.
52
<PAGE>
(6) CONCENTRATIONS OF RISK:
TRAVEL SERVICE PROVIDERS
Within the cruise segment, the Company markets and provides reservation services
for a variety of cruise lines. Six cruise lines each represented greater than
10% of cruise segment net revenues and represented in the aggregate
approximately 70%, 74% and 85%, respectively, of the Company's cruise net
revenues in 1996, 1997 and 1998.
Within the outbound segment, the Company markets and provides reservation
services for rental car companies located in various European countries. Two
auto rental travel providers each represented greater than 10% of outbound
segment net revenues and represented in the aggregate approximately 80%, 87% and
84%, respectively, of the Company's net revenues from European auto rentals in
1996, 1997 and 1998.
Within the other segment, the Company sells domestic airline tickets. Three
airlines each represented greater than 10% of the other segment's net revenues
and represented in the aggregate approximately 63% and 51%, respectively, of the
Company's net revenues from domestic airline tickets in 1997 and 1998.
GEOGRAPHICAL
The table below provides information on the percentage of the Company's total
auto rentals occurring in significant geographical regions for the three years
ended December 31, 1998:
1996 1997 1998
---- ---- ----
Germany 19% 18% 18%
United Kingdom 19% 20% 19%
France 17% 17% 16%
Italy 14% 13% 13%
(7)PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:
Property and equipment consists of the following:
DECEMBER 31,
USEFUL LIFE -----------------------------
IN YEARS 1997 1998
------- ------------ ------------
Land - $ 835,000 $ 835,000
Buildings 27-40 4,904,000 4,933,000
Vehicles 5-10 1,321,000 1,372,000
Furniture and fixtures 5-7 1,156,000 2,227,000
Computers and equipment 3-5 5,868,000 10,920,000
Capitalized software 5 185,000 6,853,000
Leasehold improvements 5-8 132,000 854,000
------------ ------------
$ 14,401,000 $ 27,994,000
Less: Accumulated depreciation
and amortization (2,932,000) (5,490,000)
------------ ------------
$ 11,469,000 $ 22,504,000
============ ============
53
<PAGE>
(8) TRADE PAYABLES AND ACCRUED EXPENSES:
Trade payables and accrued expenses consist of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,
----------------------------
1997 1998
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Due to travel providers and customers $ 6,074,000 $ 12,520,000
Accrued compensation 2,534,000 2,826,000
Due to travel agents 904,000 1,465,000
Contingent purchase consideration - 1,044,000
Unearned revenue 228,000 751,000
Allowance for cancellations and refunds 404,000 541,000
Other 3,552,000 8,265,000
------------ ------------
$ 13,696,000 $ 27,412,000
============ ============
(9) LONG-TERM DEBT:
Long-term debt consists of the following:
December 31,
----------------------------
1997 1998
------------ ------------
Borrowings under NationsBank Credit Facility $ - $ -
Mortgage note payable to NationsBank, bearing interest based on Eurodollar rate
plus a margin, payable in monthly payments of $12,000 plus interest through
September 2000 and a balloon payment in October 2000. Secured by certain real estate - 2,007,000
Mortgage note payable to Key Bank, bearing interest at prime plus 1%, payable in
monthly principal installments of $7,000 plus accrued interest, matures in
August 2002. Secured by certain real estate 1,139,000 1,063,000
Mortgage payable to Barnett Bank, bearing interest at 7.2%, repaid in 1998 1,916,000 -
Notes payable to Barnett Bank, bearing interest at 7.2%, repaid in 1998 1,316,000 -
Other notes payable 202,000 75,000
------------ ------------
Total long-term debt 4,573,000 3,145,000
Less-current portion (433,000) (257,000)
------------ ------------
Long-term debt, net of current portion $ 4,140,000 $ 2,888,000
============ ============
</TABLE>
54
<PAGE>
The Company has a credit facility agreement with NationsBank, N.A.
("NationsBank") with respect to a $30 million revolving line of credit (the
"Credit Facility") and a term loan facility of $2.1 million (the "Term Loan").
Borrowings under the Credit Facility and Term Loan are due October 15, 2000 and
October 5, 2000, respectively. The Credit Facility may be used for letters of
credit not to exceed $3 million in the aggregate, for capital expenditures
(including but not limited to investments in technology) and for general
corporate purposes not to exceed $5 million in the aggregate and for
acquisitions. In February 1999, the Company borrowed $24.0 million to finance an
acquisition. As of December 31, 1998, there were no outstanding borrowings under
the Credit Facility. All amounts repaid may be reborrowed. Interest on
outstanding balances of the Credit Facility and Term Loan are computed based on
the Eurodollar Rate plus a margin ranging from 1.25% to 2.0%, depending on
certain financial ratios. During 1998, the margin was 1.25%.
The Credit Facility requires the Company to secure an interest rate hedge on
fifty percent of the outstanding principal amount borrowed under the Credit
Facility and one hundred percent of the outstanding balance on the Term Loan. As
of December 31, 1998, the Company entered into interest rate swap hedge
agreements totaling $16.4 million maturing in October 2000, of which $14.3
million related to the Credit Facility. These interest rate swap hedge
agreements were not liquidated when related borrowings under the Credit Facility
were repaid during 1998 and an unrealized loss related to the agreements of
approximately $280,000 was accrued at December 31, 1998.
The Credit Facility is secured by substantially all the assets of the Company
and requires the Company to comply with various loan covenants, which include
maintenance of certain financial ratios, restrictions on additional indebtedness
and restrictions on liens, guarantees, advances, capital expenditures, sale of
assets and dividends. At December 31, 1998, the Company was in compliance with
the loan covenants or obtained waivers for any instances of non-compliance.
On March 30, 1998, $3 million previously pledged to Barnett Bank was released in
exchange for a guarantee by the Company of outstanding debt of one of the
Founding Companies. Such debt, totaling $3,141,241, was repaid on April 28,
1998, including $1,901,838 which was refinanced using the proceeds of the Term
Loan.
At December 31, 1998, maturities of long-term debt were as follows:
1999 $ 257,000
2000 1,985,000
2001 91,000
2002 83,000
2003 83,000
Thereafter 646,000
----------
$3,145,000
==========
Refer to Note (16) for information regarding certain subsequent events related
to the Credit Facility.
55
<PAGE>
(10) INCOME TAXES:
Prior to July 28, 1997, Auto Europe, the accounting acquiror, had elected S
Corporation status as defined by the Internal Revenue Code and was not subject
to taxation for federal purposes. Upon the consummation of the Combinations,
Auto Europe adopted SFAS No. 109 and recorded a deferred tax asset and a
corresponding reduction of income tax expense of $543,000, representing the net
deferred taxes at July 28, 1997 which were not previously recorded because of
Auto Europe's previous tax status.
The provision for income taxes consists of the following:
1996 1997 1998
----------- ----------- -----------
Federal $ 144,000 $ 628,000 $ 7,215,000
State 29,000 142,000 2,095,000
----------- ----------- -----------
$ 173,000 $ 770,000 $ 9,310,000
=========== =========== ===========
Current $ 173,000 $ 735,000 $ 5,706,000
Deferred - 35,000 3,604,000
----------- ----------- -----------
$ 173,000 $ 770,000 $ 9,310,000
=========== =========== ===========
A reconciliation of the difference between the expected provision for income
taxes using the federal statutory tax rate and the Company's actual provision is
as follows:
1996 1997 1998
----------- ----------- -----------
Income tax computed at the Federal
statutory tax rate $ 111,000 $ 1,488,000 $ 7,605,000
State and local taxes (net of federal
benefit) 62,000 48,000 1,521,000
Non-deductible goodwill - 112,000 234,000
Tax benefit to record deferred
taxes at July 28, 1997 - (543,000) -
Other, net - (335,000) (50,000)
----------- ----------- -----------
$ 173,000 $ 770,000 $ 9,310,000
=========== =========== ===========
Net deferred income tax assets and liabilities are comprised of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,
---------------------------
1997 1998
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Current net deferred income taxes:
Conversion from cash to accrual method of accounting $ 347,000 $ 34,000
Accrued liabilities and deferred income 354,000 599,000
Provision for doubtful accounts receivable 150,000 284,000
Other, net (78,000) (90,000)
----------- -----------
Current net deferred tax assets $ 773,000 $ 827,000
=========== ===========
Non-current deferred income taxes:
Capitalized software $ - $(2,707,000)
Goodwill basis (67,000) (952,000)
Other, net 84,000 (115,000)
----------- -----------
Non-current net deferred income asset (liability) $ 17,000 $(3,774,000)
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
Cash paid by the Company for income taxes (excluding cash paid by subsidiaries
prior to dates of acquisition) was $823,000 in 1997 and $7,627,000 in 1998.
56
<PAGE>
(11) STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
In May 1997, the Company effected a 5,444.45-for-one stock split of its common
shares. In addition, the Company increased the number of authorized shares of
common stock to 50,000,000 and authorized 1,000,000 shares of $.01 par value
preferred stock. The effects of the common stock split and the increase in the
shares of authorized common stock have been retroactively reflected in the
accompanying consolidated financial statements for all periods presented.
In May 1997, the stockholders exchanged 2,484,501 shares of common stock for an
equal number of shares of restricted voting common stock. Common stock and the
restricted common stock are identical except that the holders of restricted
common stock are only entitled to four-tenths of one vote for each share on all
matters.
On July 28, 1997, the Company issued an aggregate of 6,297,225 shares of Common
Stock in connection with the Combinations (3,422,225 shares) and the initial
public offering (2,875,000 shares). Shares issued in connection with the initial
public offering were sold to the public at $14.00 per share. The net proceeds to
the Company from the initial public offering (after deducting underwriting
discounts, commissions and estimated offering expenses) were approximately $33.2
million. Of this amount, $29.1 million represents the cash portion of the
purchase price relating to the Combinations. The remaining $4.1 million has been
used for general corporate purposes.
On July 21, 1998, the Company consummated a secondary stock offering. An
aggregate of 4,025,000 shares of Common Stock were registered and sold,
including 2,025,000 shares sold by the Company and 2,000,000 shares sold by
certain selling stockholders. All of the shares were sold to the public at a
price of $34.50 per share. Net proceeds to the Company from the secondary stock
offering (after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated
offering expenses) were approximately $65.6 million, of which $28.6 million was
used to repay borrowings under the Credit Facility. The Company did not receive
any proceeds from shares sold by selling stockholders.
Effective December 31, 1998, the Company changed its state of incorporation from
Delaware to Florida.
On January 28, 1999, the Company adopted a Share Purchase Rights Plan (the
"Rights Plan"), and in connection therewith, declared a dividend distribution of
one Common Stock Purchase Right on each outstanding share of the Company's
common stock. The dividend distribution was made on February 5, 1999 to
shareholders of record on January 28, 1999. The Rights Plan is intended to
enable the Company's stockholders to realize the long-term value of their
investment in the Company. It will not prevent a takeover, but should encourage
anyone seeking to acquire the Company to negotiate with the Company's board of
directors prior to attempting a takeover.
Other transactions related to the Company's common stock are discussed in Notes
(1), (3) and (12).
(12) STOCK OPTION PLANS:
In May 1997, the Company adopted two stock option plans (the "Plans"). Under
the Long Term Incentive Plan (the "Incentive Plan"), the maximum number of
common shares that may be subject to outstanding awards, determined immediately
after the grant of any award, may not exceed 15% of the aggregate number of
shares of Common Stock outstanding. Options may be granted to directors,
officers, employees, consultants, and independent contractors. Individual awards
under the Plan may take the form of one or more of: (i) either incentive stock
options ("ISOs") or non-qualified stock options ("NQSOs"); (ii) stock
appreciation rights ("SARs"); (iii) restricted or deferred stock; (iv) dividend
equivalents; and (v) other awards not otherwise provided for, the value of which
is based in whole or in part upon the value of the Common Stock.
Pursuant to the Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan (the "Directors' Plan"), each
non-employee director and advisory director is automatically granted an option
to purchase 10,000 shares upon such person's initial election as a director. In
addition, the Directors' Plan provides for an automatic annual grant to each
Participant of an option to purchase 5,000 shares at each annual meeting of
stockholders. The Directors Plan also permits participants to elect to receive,
in lieu of cash directors fees, shares or credits representing deferred shares
that may be settled at future dates as elected by the parties. The Company has
reserved 100,000 shares of Common Stock for issuance under the Directors' Plan.
57
<PAGE>
The price at which the Company's options are granted under the plans are equal
to or in excess of the fair market value of the stock at the date of grant.
Generally, options granted under the Incentive Plan may remain outstanding and
may be exercised at any time up to three months after the person to whom such
options were granted is no longer employed or retained by the Company. Options
granted under the Directors' Plan may remain outstanding and may be exercised at
any time up to one year after termination of service as a director or advisor.
Substantially all of the outstanding options under the Incentive Plan vest at
the rate of 25% per year and options under the Directors' Plan are immediately
exercisable. Options granted under the Plans have maximum terms of not more than
10 years.
A summary of the status of the Company's two stock option plans at December 31,
1997 and 1998 and changes during the years then ended is presented in the table
and narrative below:
1997 1998
---------------------- ---------------------
Shares Wtd Avg Shares Wtd Avg
(000) Ex Price (000) Ex Price
--------- --------- ---------- ------
Outstanding at beginning of year -- $ -- 962,000 $15.07
Granted 962,000 15.07 915,000 27.05
Exercised -- -- (32,000) (14.00)
Forfeited -- -- (139,000) (16.31)
Expired -- -- -- --
--------- --------- ---------- ------
Outstanding at end of year 962,000 15.07 1,706,000 22.80
========= ========= ========== =======
Exercisable at end of year 40,000 14.00 250,000 14.80
========= ========= ========== =======
Weighted average fair value of
options granted $ 8.72 $15.86
========= =======
Of the 1,706,000 options outstanding at December 31, 1998, 250,000 options, or
15%, are exercisable and have exercise prices between $14.00 and $24.00, with a
weighted average exercise price of $14.80 and a weighted average remaining life
of eight years and six months. The remaining 1,476,000 options are not
exercisable and have exercise prices between $10.33 and $50.00, with a weighted
average exercise price of $22.30 and weighted average remaining contractual life
of nine years and a month.
The Company applies APB Opinion No. 25 and related interpretations in accounting
for options granted to employees and directors. Accordingly, no compensation
cost has been recognized related to such grants. Had compensation cost been
recorded for the Company's awards under the Plans based on fair value at the
grant dates consistent with the methodologies of SFAS No. 123, the Company's
1997 and 1998 reported actual net income and earnings per share would have been
reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below:
1997 1998
----------- ------------
Net Income: As Reported $ 3,481,000 $ 12,419,000
Pro Forma $ 2,861,000 $ 10,326,000
Basic EPS: As Reported $0.54 $1.03
Pro Forma $0.45 $0.86
Diluted EPS: As Reported $0.53 $0.99
Pro Forma $0.45 $0.84
Under SFAS No. 123, the fair value of each option granted is estimated on the
date of grant using the Black-Scholes model with the following assumptions for
grants in 1997 and 1998: expected volatility of 70%, risk-free interest rate of
7.5%, expected dividends of $0 and expected term of four years.
The Company recorded expense of $10,000 and $31,000 in 1997 and 1998,
respectively, related to 10,000 options granted to a non-employee of the
Company. In determining the expense to be recorded, the Company applied the
Black-Scholes model using the same assumptions described above, including
expected term of four years.
58
<PAGE>
(13) BENEFIT PLANS:
The Company established a new 401(k) Plan effective July 1, 1998 under which
eligible employees of all Company subsidiaries may participate. Contributions to
the Plan are at the discretion of the Company's board of directors. At December
31, 1998, the Company had three 401(k) plans, one simple 401(k) retirement plan,
and two simple IRA plans. Contributions under the benefit plans were
approximately $148,000 in 1996, $99,000 in 1997 and $283,000 in 1998, of which
$210,000 relates to the new Company-wide 401(k) Plan, based on a match of 25% of
employee contributions, up to a maximum of 6% of compensation. The five existing
plans of acquired subsidiaries will be suspended or rolled into the new Plan.
(14) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS:
Included in assets at December 31, 1998 is a note receivable from an affiliate
with an outstanding balance of $131,000, which bears interest at 6% and is due
upon demand, and other notes receivable from four employees for an aggregate
balance of $435,000, which bear interest at 6% to 8%, with maturities in 2001
and 2002.
Due to affiliates of $478,000 at December 31, 1997 represents amounts payable to
Founding Company stockholders for reimbursement of certain items and taxes
related to the Combinations. These amounts were paid in 1998.
The Company leases office space from an employee under a lease which expires
November 2002. Total payments were approximately $58,000, $106,000 and $158,000,
respectively, in 1996, 1997 and 1998.
The Company leases office space from the brother of an affiliate under a lease
which expires February 2006. Payments were $191,000, $201,000 and $213,000 in
1996, 1997, and 1998, respectively.
The Company has a management services agreement with a company controlled by an
employee which was cancelled effective January 1, 1999. Total payments were
approximately $2,335,000 in 1998. In addition, the Company received $29,000 in
rent under a facilities agreement with this company.
The Company purchased $134,000 worth of computer equipment from a company
controlled by an affiliate in 1997.
(15) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:
OPERATING LEASES
The Company leases office space, vehicles and office equipment under operating
leases. The Company incurred approximately $943,000, $1,795,000 and $3,183,000
in rental expense under noncancellable operating leases in 1996, 1997 and 1998,
respectively.
Minimum annual commitments under operating leases at December 31, 1998 are as
follows:
1999 $ 3,266,000
2000 2,365,000
2001 1,996,000
2002 1,871,000
2003 962,000
Thereafter 429,000
------------
$ 10,889,000
============
59
<PAGE>
INSURANCE
The Company carries a broad range of insurance coverage, including directors and
officers, prospectus liability, professional liability, general and business
liability, commercial property, workers' compensation, and general umbrella
policies. The Company has not incurred significant claims or losses on any of
its insurance policies during the periods presented in the accompanying
financial statements.
LETTERS OF CREDIT
The Company had outstanding irrevocable letters of credit totaling $3,708,000 at
December 31, 1998. These letters of credit, which have terms of one year or
less, collateralize the Company's obligations to third parties for payment of
travel obligations. At December 31, 1998, letters of credit issued under the
Credit Facility totaled approximately $3 million.
LITIGATION
The Company is involved in various legal claims and actions arising in the
ordinary course of business. The Company believes that none of the claims and
actions currently pending will have a material adverse effect on its business,
financial condition or results of operations.
(16) SUBSEQUENT EVENTS:
On March 26, 1999, NationsBank agreed to increase the amount of the Credit
Facility to $35 million and to amend certain provisions and debt covenants,
subject to certain documentation and closing conditions. Among other things, the
term of the Credit Facility and Term Loan will be extended to October 2001,
letters of credit not to exceed $10 million in the aggregate will be permitted
and the full Credit Facility will be available for general corporate purposes.
As of March 26, 1999, letters of credit outstanding under the Credit Facility
totaled $5.4 million.
60
<PAGE>
TRAVEL SERVICES INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Balance at Additions charged Balance at end
Description beginning of year to costs and expenses of year
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Reserves and allowances deducted
from asset accounts:
Allowance for uncollectible
accounts receivable
Year ended December 31, 1996 $ (141,000) - $ (141,000)
Year ended December 31, 1997 $ (141,000) - $ (141,000)
Year ended December 31, 1998 $ (141,000) (1,302,000) $(1,443,000)
</TABLE>
61
<PAGE>
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
NONE.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF REGISTRANT
The following table sets forth information concerning the Company's
directors and executive officers.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AGE POSITION
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Joseph V. Vittoria (1)(3)................... 63 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Director
Jill M. Vales............................... 41 Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Maryann Bastnagel........................... 41 Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer
Suzanne B. Bell............................. 32 Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
John C. DeLano.............................. 39 Senior Vice President, Operations
Melville W. Robinson........................ 43 Vice President, Corporate Development
Spencer Frazier............................. 47 Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer
George Del Pino............................. 36 Vice President, Corporate Controller
Robert G. Falcone........................... 57 President-Cruises Inc.; Director
Wayne Heller (3)............................ 42 President-Cruises Only; Director
Imad Khalidi................................ 47 President-Auto Europe; Director
John W. Przywara............................ 47 President-D-FW Tours; Director
Elan J. Blutinger (2)....................... 43 Director
D. Fraser Bullock (1)(3).................... 43 Director
Tommaso Zanzotto (1)(2)..................... 57 Director
Leonard A. Potter........................... 37 Advisory Director
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Member of Audit Committee
(2) Member of Compensation Committee
(3) Member of Acquisition Committee
JOSEPH V. VITTORIA became Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and a director of
the Company in July 1997. From September 1987 to February 1997, Mr. Vittoria was
the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Avis, Inc., a multinational auto
rental company where he was employed for over 26 years. Mr. Vittoria was
responsible for the purchase of Avis, Inc. by creating one of the world's
largest Employee Stock Ownership Plans in 1987. He is a founding member of the
World Travel and Tourism Council, a global organization of the chief executive
officers of companies engaged in all sectors of the travel and tourism industry.
He serves on the board of Travel Industry International. He has been named
travel executive of the year several times by various travel media, including
BUSINESS TRAVEL NEWS, TRAVEL WEEKLY, TRAVEL AGENT TOUR AND TRAVEL NEWS-NORTH
AMERICA. Mr. Vittoria serves on the Board of Directors of Transmedia Europe,
Transmedia Asia, Carey International, Inc., ResortQuest International, Inc., CD
Radio, Inc. and various non-profit associations.
JILL M. VALES became Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the
Company in July 1997. From 1996 to 1997, Ms. Vales served as the Chief Operating
Officer of Gunster, Yoakley, Valdes-Fauli & Stewart, P.A., one of Florida's
largest law firms. From 1990 until 1996, Ms. Vales held various positions at
Certified Vacations, formerly an affiliate of Alamo Rent-A-Car, including Senior
Vice President of Operations and Chief Financial Officer (1994-1996), Vice
President of Finance and Operations (1992-1994) and Senior Director of Finance
and Operations and Controller (1990-1992). From 1979 to 1990, Ms. Vales held
various positions at KPMG, specializing in auditing travel companies. Ms. Vales
is a certified public accountant.
MARYANN BASTNAGEL became Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of
the Company in July 1997. From 1989 to 1997, Ms. Bastnagel held various
positions with Marriott International, Inc. in information services and
technology, including Vice President of Business Technology, where she was
responsible for defining
62
<PAGE>
systems and technology strategy for the Marriott Lodging Group. From 1990 to
1994, Ms. Bastnagel was Vice President of Information Systems and a member of
the Executive Committee for Residence Inn by Marriott. From 1985 to 1989, she
was a Senior Manager with Price Waterhouse Management Consulting Services on
large scale information systems development projects. From 1981 to 1985, Ms.
Bastnagel was a Senior Consultant with Booz, Allen & Hamilton, Inc.
SUZANNE B. BELL became Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of
the Company in July 1997. From July 1996 to July 1997, Ms. Bell was an attorney
at Greenberg Traurig Hoffman Lipoff Rosen & Quentel, P.A. From September 1991 to
July 1996, she was an attorney at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP. Ms. Bell
concentrated her law practice in the areas of mergers and acquisitions and
securities laws, representing both public and private companies.
JOHN C. DELANO became Senior Vice President, Operations, of the Company in
November 1998, after joining the Company in January 1998 as a Vice President.
Mr. DeLano spent nearly twenty years in the auto rental industry, and from 1991
to 1997 he served as Managing Director and National Operations Manager for Avis
Australia, where he coordinated the marketing, operations, human resources,
information technology, sales, fleet, accounting and field management functions.
While under Mr. DeLano's supervision, Avis Australia was awarded the 1992
prestigious Australian Quality Award (similar to the Malcolm Baldridge Award in
the U.S.) and the 1996 Australian Customer Service Award.
MELVILLE W. ROBINSON became Vice President, Corporate Development of the Company
in July 1997. From 1994 to July 1997, Mr. Robinson served as the Chief Financial
Officer of Cruises Only, one of the Founding Companies. From 1989 until 1993,
Mr. Robinson was the President and Chief Financial Officer of the Gale Group, a
U.S. based consumer products manufacturing firm. From 1986 to 1989, Mr. Robinson
was a Managing Director at PNC Merchant Banking Corp., where he founded and
managed the Growth Capital Group. From 1983 to 1986, Mr. Robinson was the Chief
Financial Officer of Drug Emporium Inc., a publicly-traded discount drugstore
chain.
SPENCER FRAZIER became Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, of the Company
in April 1998. From 1996 to 1998, Mr. Frazier served as the President of
Worldwide Concepts, Inc., a consulting firm focused on the promotion of
worldwide tourism. From 1994 to 1996, he was the Executive Vice President of
Kloster Cruise Limited, overseeing marketing and sales for Royal Cruise Line and
international marketing for Norwegian Cruise Line. From August 1991 to July
1994, he was President of Royal Viking Line.
GEORGE DEL PINO became Corporate Controller of the Company in August 1997, and
was promoted to Vice President and Corporate Controller in July 1998. From 1996
to 1997, Mr. Del Pino served as Controller of G.L. Homes of Florida, one of
Florida's largest real estate developers / homebuilding companies. From 1992 to
1996, Mr. Del Pino held various positions at Certified Vacations, including
Senior Director of Product Development (1995-1996), Director of Corporate
Accounting and Controller (1993-1995), and Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
of The Travel Difference (a subsidiary of Certified Vacations) (1992-1993). From
1985 to 1992, Mr. Del Pino held various positions at KPMG, specializing in
auditing travel companies. Mr. Del Pino is a certified public accountant.
ROBERT G. FALCONE became a director of the Company in July 1997. Mr. Falcone has
served as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cruises Inc. since its
founding in 1982. Mr. Falcone is a member of the National Association of Cruise
Only Agencies ("NACOA"), the Airline Reporting Corporation ("ARC"), the Travel
Council of the World (Environmental Group), the American Society of Travel
Agents ("ASTA"), Cruise Lines International Association ("CLIA") and is the
co-founder of the Society of Elite Agents, a trade association of leading cruise
specialists ("SEA").
WAYNE HELLER became a director of the Company in July 1997. Mr. Heller has
served as the Chief Executive Officer of Cruises Only since its founding in 1985
and was previously employed with Norwegian Cruise Lines from 1980 to 1984. Mr.
Heller is a member of ASTA, NACOA and CLIA.
IMAD KHALIDI became a director of the Company in July 1997. Mr. Khalidi has been
President of Auto Europe since 1992. In 1990, he joined Auto Europe as Executive
Vice President of Marketing and Sales. From 1983 to 1990, Mr. Khalidi served as
an International Travel Trade Manager and an International Licensee Manager with
63
<PAGE>
Europcar International S.A., an auto rental company in France. Mr. Khalidi is a
member of the Association of Retail Travel Agencies ("ARTA"), ASTA and CLIA.
JOHN W. PRZYWARA became a director of the Company in July 1997. Mr. Przywara has
served as President of D-FW Tours since its founding in 1978. Mr. Przywara is a
member of ARC, CLIA and IATAN.
ELAN J. BLUTINGER has been a director of the Company since October 1996. Mr.
Blutinger is a Managing Director of Alpine Consolidated LLC, a consolidator of
highly fragmented businesses. From 1987 to 1995, he was the Chief Executive
Officer of Shoppers Express, Inc., an electronic retailing service, which he
founded. From 1983 to 1986, Mr. Blutinger was the Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of DSI, a wholesale distributor for the personal computer industry until
its acquisition in 1986 by Independent Distribution Incorporated. Mr. Blutinger
is also a director and co-founder of ResortQuest International, Inc.
D. FRASER BULLOCK has been a director of the Company since October 1996. Mr.
Bullock is a Managing Director of Alpine Consolidated LLC, and was most recently
the President and Chief Operating Officer of VISA Interactive, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of VISA International from its inception in 1994 to 1996. In 1993,
Mr. Bullock became the President and Chief Operating Officer of U.S. Order,
Inc., a provider of remote electronic transaction processing, until it was
acquired by VISA International in 1994. From 1991 to 1992, Mr. Bullock was the
Senior Vice President of U.S. Order, Inc. From 1986 to 1991, he was the Chief
Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of World Corp., Inc., a holding
company with various operating subsidiaries including World Airways, Inc. Mr.
Bullock was a founding partner of Bain Capital, a Manager of Bain and Company,
and a founder of MediVision, Inc., a consolidation of eye surgery centers. Mr.
Bullock is also a director and co-founder of ResortQuest International, Inc.
TOMMASO ZANZOTTO became a director of the Company in July 1997. Mr. Zanzotto is
the President of Toscana Ville E Castelli, a real estate development company
which owns and operates residential and commercial properties in the lodging and
hotel industry. From 1994 to 1996, he was the Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of Hilton International. From 1969 to 1993, Mr. Zanzotto held various
positions with American Express Travel Related Services including President
International, American Express Financial and Travel Services (1990-1993);
President, American Express Corporate Card Division (1987-1990); President,
American Express Travelers Cheques (Europe, Africa, Middle East). Mr. Zanzotto
is a member of the World Travel and Tourism Council, and a Governor of the
Transportation and Travel Committee of the World Economic Summit. Mr. Zanzotto
is also a director of Compass International Services Corporation.
LEONARD A. POTTER served as a director of the Company from its formation until
May 1997. After the initial public offering in July 1997, he became an Advisory
Director to the Board. In August 1998, Mr. Potter became a Managing Director of
Alpine Consolidated LLC. Prior to that, Mr. Potter was a co-founder and Managing
Director of Capstone Partners, LLC, a venture firm specializing in consolidation
transactions and a co-founder of Staffmark, Inc. and ResortQuest International,
Inc. Prior to forming Capstone Partners, LLC in April 1996, Mr. Potter was an
attorney at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP for more than five years practicing in
the areas of mergers and acquisitions and securities law. While at Morgan, Lewis
& Bockius he represented a number of public companies in connection with their
creation and subsequent implementation of consolidation strategies similar to
the Company's, including U.S. Office Products, F.Y.I. Incorporated and
Cotelligent Group.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors of the Company consists of nine directors
divided into three classes with each class serving for a term of three years. As
of the date of this Report, there is one vacancy on the Board of Directors. At
each annual meeting of stockholders, directors will be elected by the holders of
the Common Stock to succeed those directors whose terms are expiring. Directors
whose terms expire in 1999 are: Imad Khalidi, John W. Przywara and Joseph V.
Vittoria; directors whose terms expire in 2000 are: Robert G. Falcone and Wayne
Heller; directors whose terms expire in 2001 are: Elan J. Blutinger, D. Fraser
Bullock and Tommaso Zanzotto. The Board of Directors has established an Audit
Committee, Compensation Committee and Acquisition Committee, and may establish
other committees from time to time as the Board may determine.
The Advisory Director attends meetings of the Board of Directors,
consults with officers and directors of the Company and provides guidance (but
not direction) concerning management and operation of the Company's
64
<PAGE>
business. The Advisory Director is not a director of the Company and accordingly
does not have a right to vote as a director.
The Audit Committee consists of three members, two of whom are
independent directors. The Audit Committee makes recommendations concerning the
engagement of independent public accountants, reviews with the independent
public accountants the plans and the results of the audit engagement, approves
professional services provided by the independent public accountants, reviews
the independence of the independent public accountants, reviews recommendations
regarding the Company's accounting methods and the adequacy of its systems of
internal accounting controls, and reviews and approves financial press releases
and reports.
The Compensation Committee consists of two members, each of whom is a
"disinterested director," as defined in the rules promulgated by the Securities
and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act, and an "outside director"
within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. The
Compensation Committee determines compensation for the Company's executive
officers, administers the Company's Long Term Incentive Plan and makes
recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to the Company's
compensation policies.
The Acquisition Committee consists of three fixed members and one
floating member. The floating member changes based upon the business segment to
which an acquisition relates. The Acquisition Committee has the authority to
review and approve acquisitions with a purchase price of $10 million or less,
provided that if the acquisition relates to a new line of business for the
Company, then the acquisition must be reviewed and approved by the full Board of
Directors.
The Board of Directors does not have any other committees at this time,
although additional committees may be formed in the future. All officers serve
at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the
Company's executive officers, directors and owners of more than 10% of the
Company's common stock to file reports of ownership on Form 3 and changes of
ownership on Form 4 or Form 5 with the Securities and Exchange Commission and
The Nasdaq Stock Market. Such persons are also required to furnish the Company
with a copy of all such forms filed.
Based solely on its review of copies of such reports or written
representations from or on behalf of certain reporting persons, the Company
believes that, during the year ended December 31, 1998, all Section 16(a) filing
requirements applicable to such persons were satisfied.
65
<PAGE>
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth the aggregate compensation paid to the
Company's Chief Executive Officer and four of the Company's other most highly
compensated executive officers whose total annualized salary and bonus was
$100,000 or more (the Chief Executive Officer and such other executive officers
are sometimes referred to herein as the "Named Executive Officers") with respect
to the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1998:
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LONG TERM
COMPENSATION
-----------------
ANNUAL COMPENSATION AWARDS
----------------------------------------------------- -----------------
SECURITIES
OTHER ANNUAL UNDERLYING ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR (1) SALARY (2) BONUS COMPENSATION OPTIONS COMPENSATION
($) ($) ($) (#) ($)
- ------------------------------ ----------- ------------ ------------- -------------- ----------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Joseph V. Vittoria 1997 84,615 86,000 -- 100,000 --
CEO 1998 200,000 -- -- 250,000 --
Jill M. Vales 1997 63,462 32,000 -- 50,000 24,000(2)
Sr. VP/CFO 1998 150,000 85,300 -- 30,000 --
Maryann Bastnagel 1997 63,462 48,500 -- 110,000 8,172(3)
Sr.VP/CIO 1998 150,000 85,300 -- 40,000 19,850(3)
Suzanne B. Bell 1997 52,885 27,000 -- 25,000 --
Sr.VP/General Counsel 1998 125,000 71,100 -- 40,000 --
John C. DeLano 1997 -- -- -- -- --
Sr.VP, Operations 1998 113,077 64,300 -- 100,000 --
</TABLE>
- -------------------
(1) With the exception of Mr. DeLano who commenced employment with the Company
in January 1998, each of the Named Executive Officers commenced employment
with the Company upon consummation of the initial public offering (July 28,
1997). Annual salaries for 1997 were as follows: $200,000 for Mr. Vittoria;
$150,000 for each of Ms. Vales and Ms. Bastnagel; and $125,000 for Ms.
Bell.
(2) Consists of consulting fees paid in 1997 prior to the consummation of the
Company's initial public offering.
(3) Consists of relocation expenses paid during the year.
The following table sets forth the stock options granted to the Named
Executive Officers during the year ended December 31, 1998:
STOCK OPTION GRANTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GRANT DATE
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS VALUE(1)
------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------
NUMBER OF
SECURITIES %OF TOTAL
UNDERLYING OPTIONS
OPTIONS GRANTED TO EXERCISE OR GRANT DATE
GRANTED EMPLOYEES IN BASE PRICE PRESENT VALUE
NAME (#) FISCAL YEAR ($/SH) EXPIRATION DATE ($)
- --------------------------- ------------ -------------- -------------- ---------------- -------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Joseph V.Vittoria 100,000 10.9 33.75 7/01/08 1,978,000
150,000 16.4 50.00 12/28/08 1,915,000
Jill M. Vales 30,000 3.3 13.563 9/30/08 238,000
Maryann Bastnagel 40,000 4.4 13.563 9/30/08 318,000
Suzanne B. Bell 40,000 4.4 13.563 9/30/08 310,000
John C. DeLano 75,000 8.2 20.75 1/19/08 912,000
25,000 2.7 13.563 9/30/08 199,000
</TABLE>
(1) Calculated using the Black-Scholes valuation method.
66
<PAGE>
Each of the options set forth in the table above will vest in equal
installments on each of the first through four anniversaries of the grant date.
The following table sets forth the stock options exercised by the Named
Executive Officers during the year ended December 31, 1998:
STOCK OPTION EXERCISES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF
SECURITIES VALUE OF
UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED
UNEXERCISED IN-THE-MONEY
OPTIONS/SARS OPTIONS/SARS
AT FISCAL YEAR-END AT FISCAL YEAR-
SHARES (#) END ($)
ACQUIRED ON VALUE EXERCISABLE/ EXERCISABLE/
NAME EXERCISE (#) REALIZED ($) UNEXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
---- ------------ ------------ ------------- -------------
<S> <C>
Maryann Bastnagel 10,000 $118,875 17,500/122,500 $288,750/$2,038,730
</TABLE>
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION; NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS' STOCK PLAN
Directors who are also employees of the Company or one of its
subsidiaries do not receive additional compensation for serving as directors.
Each director who is not an employee of the Company or one of its subsidiaries
receives a fee of $2,000 for attendance at each Board of Directors' meeting and
$1,000 for attendance at each committee meeting. Directors are also reimbursed
for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in attending meetings of the Board of
Directors or committees thereof incurred in their capacity as directors.
The Company's 1997 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan (the "Directors'
Plan"), which was adopted by the Board of Directors and approved by the
Company's stockholders in 1997, provides for: (i) the automatic grant to each
non-employee director and Advisory Director (a "Participant") serving at the
commencement of the initial public offering of an option to purchase 10,000
shares; and thereafter (ii) the automatic grant to each Participant of an option
to purchase 10,000 shares upon such person's initial election as a director or
appointment as an Advisory Director. In addition, the Directors' Plan provides
for an automatic annual grant to each Participant of an option to purchase 5,000
shares at each annual meeting of stockholders following the initial public
offering; provided, however, that if the first annual meeting of stockholders
following a person's initial election as a non-employee director or appointment
by the Board as an Advisory Director is within three months of the date of such
election or appointment, such person will not be granted an option to purchase
5,000 shares of Common Stock at such annual meeting. These options will have an
exercise price per share equal to the fair market value of a share at the date
of grant. Options granted under the Directors' Plan will expire at the earlier
of 10 years from the date of grant or one year after termination of service as a
director or advisor, and will be immediately exercisable. In addition, the
Directors' Plan permits Participants to elect to receive, in lieu of cash
directors' fees, shares or credits representing "deferred shares" that may be
settled at future dates, as elected by the Participants. The number of shares or
deferred shares received will be equal to the number of shares which, at the
date the fees would otherwise be payable, will have an aggregate fair market
value equal to the amount of such fees. The Company has reserved 100,000 shares
of Common Stock for use in connection with the Directors' Plan. Messrs.
Blutinger, Bullock, Zanzotto and Potter each received options to purchase 10,000
shares upon consummation of the initial public offering and 5,000 shares
following the 1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION; EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS; COVENANTS-NOT-TO-COMPETE
The Company was initially incorporated in Delaware in April 1996,
however, it did not conduct operations or generate revenue and did not pay any
of its executive officers compensation as employees until July 1997. During
1998, its most highly compensated executive officers were Messrs. Vittoria and
DeLano and Ms. Vales, Ms. Bastnagel, and Ms. Bell.
Mr. Vittoria has entered into an employment agreement with the Company
providing for an annual base salary of $200,000. Ms. Vales, Ms. Bastnagel, Ms.
Bell and Mr. DeLano each have entered into an employment
67
<PAGE>
agreement with the Company providing for an annual base salary of $150,000,
$150,000, $125,000 and $120,000, respectively. Each of these agreements is for a
term of three years, commencing July 28, 1997 for Mr. Vittoria, Ms. Vales, Ms.
Bastnagel and Ms. Bell, and January 19, 1998 for Mr. DeLano. In addition,
certain executive officers of the operating companies, including Messrs.
Falcone, Heller, Khalidi and Przywara, members of the Board of Directors, have
entered into employment agreements effective July 28, 1997. Mr. Falcone's
employment agreement is for a term of five years; Mr. Heller's, Mr. Khalidi's
and Mr. Przywara's employment agreements are each for a term of three years (in
each case, the "Initial Term"). Unless terminated or not renewed by the Company
or the employee, the term will continue thereafter on a year-to-year basis on
the same terms and conditions existing at the time of renewal. Each employment
agreement contains a covenant not to compete (the "Covenant") with the Company
for a period of two years immediately following termination of employment or, in
the case of a termination by the Company without cause in the absence of a
change in control, for a period of one year following termination of employment.
Under this Covenant, the executive officer is prohibited from: (i) engaging in
any travel service business in direct competition with the Company within
defined geographic areas in which the Company or its subsidiaries does business;
(ii) enticing a managerial employee of the Company away from the Company; (iii)
calling upon any person or entity which is, or has been, within one year prior
to the date of termination, a customer of the Company; or (iv) calling upon a
prospective acquisition candidate which the employee knew was approached or
analyzed by the Company, for the purpose of acquiring the entity. The Covenant
may be enforced by injunctions or restraining orders and shall be construed in
accordance with the changing activities, business and location of the Company.
Each agreement with respect to the acquisition by the Company of an Operating
Company also contains a similar covenant prohibiting sellers from competing with
the Company for periods following the consummation of the respective
acquisition.
Each of these employment agreements provides that, in the event of a
termination of employment by the Company without cause during the Initial Term
the employee will be entitled to receive from the Company an amount equal to his
or her then current salary for the remainder of the Initial Term or for one
year, whichever is greater. In the event of a termination of employment without
cause after the Initial Term of the employment agreement, the employee will be
entitled to receive an amount equal to his or her then current salary for one
year. In either case, payment is due in one lump sum on the effective date of
termination. In the event of a change in control of the Company (as defined in
the agreement) during the Initial Term, if the employee is not given at least
five days' notice of such change in control and the successor's intent to be
bound by such employment agreement, the employee may elect to terminate his or
her employment and receive in one lump sum three times the amount he or she
would receive pursuant to a termination without cause during the Initial Term.
The employment agreements of Messrs. Falcone, Heller, Khalidi and Przywara also
state that in the event of a termination without cause by the Company or a
change in control, the employee may elect to waive the right to receive
severance compensation and, in such event, the noncompetition provisions of the
employment agreement will not apply. In the event the employee is given at least
five days' notice of such change in control, the employee may elect to terminate
his or her employment agreement and receive in one lump sum two times the amount
he or she would receive pursuant to a termination without cause during the
Initial Term. In such an event, the noncompetition provisions of the employment
agreement would apply for two years from the effective date of termination.
On October 31, 1998, Michael Moriarty resigned from his position as
President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company. Mr. Moriarty continued to
assist the Company and was paid his salary for such efforts through the end of
1998, at which time his employment with the Company was terminated (without
severance compensation). Mr. Vittoria, with the assistance of Mr. DeLano and Mr.
Frazier and without adjustment to his existing employment agreement or his
compensation, assumed additional duties with respect to the Company's operations
and investor relations.
INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENTS
The Company has entered into indemnification agreements with each of
the Company's directors and executive officers. The indemnification agreements
require, among other things, that the Company indemnify its directors and
executive officers to the fullest extent permitted by law, and advance to the
directors and executive officers all related expenses, subject to reimbursement
if it is subsequently determined that indemnification is not permitted. The
Company must also indemnify and advance all expenses incurred by directors and
executive officers seeking to enforce their rights under the Company's
directors' and officers' liability insurance. Although the form of
indemnification agreement offers substantially the same scope of coverage
afforded by provisions in the Charter and
68
<PAGE>
Bylaws, it provides greater assurance to directors and executive officers that
indemnification will be available, because, as a contract, it cannot be modified
unilaterally in the future by the Board of Directors or by the stockholders to
eliminate the rights it provides.
The Company has authority under Section 607.0850 of the Florida
Business Corporation Act to indemnify its directors and officers to the extent
provided in such statute. In general, Florida law permits a Florida corporation
to indemnify its directors, officers, employees and agents, and persons serving
at the corporation's request in such capacities for another enterprise, against
liabilities arising from conduct that such persons reasonably believed to be in,
or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation and, with respect to
any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe their
conduct was unlawful.
The provisions of the Florida Business Corporation Act that authorize
indemnification do not eliminate the duty of care of a director, and in
appropriate circumstances equitable remedies such as injunctive or other forms
of nonmonetary relief will remain available under Florida law. In addition, each
director will continue to be subject to liability for (a) violations of the
criminal law, unless the director had reasonable cause to believe his conduct
was lawful or had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful; (b)
deriving an improper personal benefit from a transaction; (c) voting for or
assenting to an unlawful distribution; and (d) willful misconduct or a conscious
disregard for the best interests of the Company in a proceeding by or in the
right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor or in a proceeding by or
in the right of a shareholder. The statute does not affect a director's
responsibilities under any other law, such as the federal securities laws or
state or federal environmental laws
Article Seven of the Company's articles of incorporation (the "Florida
Articles") states that: "A director shall not be personally liable to the
Corporation or the holders of shares of capital stock or any other person for
monetary damages for any statement, vote, decision, act or failure to act, for
which such liability is precluded or otherwise eliminated under Section 607.0831
or otherwise under the Florida Business Corporation Act. If the Florida Business
Corporation Act is hereafter amended to authorize the further or broader
elimination or limitation of the personal liability of directors, then the
liability of a director of the Corporation shall be eliminated or limited to the
fullest extent permitted by the Florida Business Corporation Act, as so amended.
No repeal or modification of this Article VII shall adversely affect any right
of or protection afforded to a director of the Corporation existing immediately
prior to such repeal or modification. Article Eight of the Company's Florida
Articles states that: "The Corporation shall indemnify and may advance expenses
to, and may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of, its officers and
directors to the fullest extent permitted by law as now or hereafter in effect.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Bylaws may provide for
indemnification and advancement of expenses to officers, directors, employees
and agents on such terms and conditions as the Board may from time to time deem
appropriate or advisable." In addition, the Company's Bylaws further provide
that the Company shall indemnify its officers, directors, advisory directors and
employees to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Since the Company was reincorporated under the laws of the State of
Florida on December 31, 1998, the Company intends to amend the indemnification
agreements or enter into new indemnification agreements with each of its
executive officers, its advisory director and directors which indemnifies such
person to the fullest extent permitted by its Florida Articles, its Bylaws and
under the Florida Business Corporation Act. The Company also maintains directors
and officers liability insurance.
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
In May 1997, the Board of Directors and the Company's stockholders
approved the Company's 1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan, which was later amended
and restated effective July 28, 1998 (as amended and restated, the "Plan"). The
purpose of the Plan is to provide officers, employees, directors who are also
employees, consultants and independent contractors of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries, with additional incentives by increasing their ownership interests
in the Company. Individual awards under the Plan may take the form of one or
more of: (i) either incentive stock options ("ISOs") or non-qualified stock
options ("NQSOs"); (ii) stock appreciation rights ("SARs"); (iii) restricted or
deferred stock; (iv) dividend equivalents; and (v) other awards not otherwise
provided for, the value of which is based in whole or in part upon the value of
the Common Stock. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors
administers the Plan and generally selects the individuals who will receive
awards and the terms and conditions of those awards. The number of shares
available for use in connection with the Plan may not exceed the greater of
900,000 shares or 15% of the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock
outstanding prior to the date of grant.
69
<PAGE>
As of December 31, 1998, 2,006,545 shares are reserved for use in
connection with the Plan, of which 1,666,228 shares had been granted and were
outstanding. Shares of Common Stock which are attributable to awards which have
expired, terminated or been canceled or forfeited are available for issuance or
use in connection with future awards. All options, except for certain
premium-priced options granted to the Chief Executive Officer, have been granted
with exercise prices equal to the fair market value at the time of grant. In
December 1998, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors granted Mr.
Vittoria options to purchase 150,000 shares at an exercise price of $50, which
price was in excess of the fair market value of the Common Stock on the grant
date. The vesting of these options will occur over four years, subject to
acceleration based upon thresholds of $50, $75 and $100 for the share price of
the Common Stock. Subsequent to 1998, the Compensation Committee granted to Mr.
Vittoria 100,000 additional premium priced options, 50,000 of which have an
exercise price of $45 and 50,000 of which have an exercise price of $50 per
share. Based upon availability of shares under the Plan and the discretion of
the Compensation Committee, additional option grants are expected to be issued
to Mr. Vittoria in the future.
The Plan will remain in effect until terminated by the Board of
Directors. The Plan may be amended by the Board of Directors without the consent
of the stockholders of the Company, except that any amendment, although
effective when made, will be subject to stockholder approval if required by any
Federal or state law or regulation or by the rules of any stock exchange or
automated quotation system on which the Common Stock may then be listed or
quoted.
401(K) PLAN
The Company established a 401(k) Plan effective July 1, 1998. Similar
plans existing at certain operating companies are either being suspended or
rolled into the Company's Plan. All employees of the Company, meeting certain
minimum eligibility requirements, are eligible to participate in the 401(k)
Plan. The 401(k) Plan provides that each participant may contribute up to 20% of
his or her pre-tax gross compensation (but not greater than a statutorily
prescribed annual limit). The percentage elected by certain highly compensated
participants may be required to be lower. The 401(k) Plan permits, but does not
require, additional contributions to the 401(k) Plan by the Company. All amounts
contributed by employee participants in conformance with Plan requirements and
earnings on such contributions are fully vested at all times. For the year ended
December 31, 1998, the Company made an aggregate matching contribution to the
Plan and to similar plans at certain operating companies of $283,000, of which
$210,000 was for the Plan, based on a match of 25% of employee contributions, up
to a maximum of 6% of compensation. The Board of Directors will determine on an
annual basis whether a matching contribution will be made and, if so, at what
level of contribution.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
During 1998, the Compensation Committee was composed of Tommaso
Zanzotto and Elan Blutinger. None of the members of the Compensation Committee
was an officer or an employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries in 1998,
was formerly an officer of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, other than
Mr. Blutinger, who was an officer of the Company prior to the Company's initial
public offering, or had any relationship requiring disclosure by the Company
under the section Certain Relationships And Related Transactions.
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<PAGE>
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the
beneficial ownership of the Common Stock of the Company as of March 25, 1999 by:
(i) each person known to beneficially own more than 5% of the outstanding shares
of Common Stock; (ii) each of the Company's directors; (iii) each Named
Executive Officer; and (iv) all executive officers and directors as a group. All
persons listed have sole voting and investment power with respect to their
shares, unless otherwise indicated.
NAME AND ADDRESS PERCENTAGE
OF BENEFICIAL OWNER (1) SHARES OWNED
----------------------- ------ ----------
Joseph V. Vittoria (2)........................ 420,000 3.0%
Jill M. Vales (2)............................. 55,333 *
Maryann Bastnagel (2)......................... 18,500 *
Suzanne B. Bell (2)(3)........................ 35,750 *
John C. DeLano (2)............................ 28,750 *
Robert G. Falcone (4)......................... 174,349 1.3
Wayne Heller (5).............................. 693,334 5.0
Imad Khalidi.................................. 400,000 2.9
John W. Przywara.............................. 209,445 1.5
Elan J. Blutinger (6)(7)...................... 307,505 2.2
D. Fraser Bullock (6)......................... 160,545 1.2
Tommaso Zanzotto (6).......................... 16,026 *
J&W Heller Corp............................... 693,334 5.0
Dresdner RCM Capital Management(8)............ 1,171,400 8.5
PAR Capital Management(9)..................... 700,000 5.1
All Directors and Executive Officers
as a Group (15 persons) (10).................. 2,537,087 18.2%
- ------------------
* Less than 1.0%
(1) Unless indicated otherwise, the address of the beneficial owners is, c/o
Travel Services International, Inc., 220 Congress Park Drive, Delray Beach,
Florida 33445.
(2) Includes the following options that are currently exercisable or
exercisable within the next 60 days: 25,000 shares for Mr. Vittoria; 12,500
shares for Ms. Vales; 17,500 for Ms. Bastnagel; 6,250 shares for Ms. Bell;
and 18,750 shares for Mr. DeLano.
(3) Includes 5,000 shares owned by Ms. Bell's spouse. Ms. Bell disclaims
beneficial ownership of such shares.
(4) Includes 100,000 shares owned by Judith A. Falcone, Mr. Falcone's spouse.
(5) These shares are held of record by J&W Heller Corp., a corporation of which
Mr. Heller is a 50% stockholder. The remaining 50% of the ownership of J&W
Heller Corp. is held by Judy Heller, Mr. Heller's spouse.
(6) Includes 15,000 shares which may be acquired upon the exercise of options.
Also, includes the following shares which are held in a deferred stock
account for the benefit of these directors, pursuant to the Directors'
Plan: 812 shares for Mr. Blutinger; 717 shares for Mr. Bullock; and 784
shares for Mr. Zanzotto.
(7) Excludes 14,130 shares held by trusts for the benefit of Mr. Blutinger's
minor children. Mr. Blutinger disclaims ownership of such shares.
(8) The address of the stockholder is 4 Embaracadero Center, Suite 3000, San
Francisco, California 94111. Information is based solely on the Company's
review of the Schedule 13G dated February 16, 1999, as filed by the
stockholder with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
(9) The address of the stockholder is One Financial Center, Suite 1600, Boston,
Massachusetts 02111. Information is based solely on the Company's review of
the Schedule 13G dated March 9, 1999, as filed by the stockholder with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
(10) Includes 141,250 shares that may be acquired upon the exercise of options.
71
<PAGE>
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Included in assets at December 31, 1998 is a note receivable from Imad
Khalidi, a director of the Company, with an outstanding balance of $131,000,
which bears interest at 6% and is due upon demand.
The Company leases office space from the brother of Robert G. Falcone,
a director of the Company, under a lease which expires February 28, 2006.
Payments were $191,000, $201,000 and $213,000 in 1996, 1997, and 1998,
respectively.
COMPANY POLICY
Following the initial public offering in July 1997, any transactions
with officers, directors and affiliates will be approved by a majority of the
Board of Directors, including a majority of the disinterested members of the
Board of Directors.
72
<PAGE>
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON
FORM 8-K
(a) 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
Reference is made to the index set forth on page 37 of this Report.
2. FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES:
Reference is made to the schedule set forth on page 61 of this Report.
3. EXHIBITS:
EXHIBIT NUMBER DESCRIPTION
-------------- -----------
2.1 Agreement and Plan of Organization, dated as of May
9, 1997, among the Registrant, Auto-Europe, Inc.
(Maine), Imad Khalidi, Alex Cecil and Wilfred Diller,
as trustee for Thurston Cecil and Lila Cecil.(1)
2.2 Agreement and Plan of Organization, dated as of May
9, 1997, among the Registrant, Cruises Only, Inc.,
Wayne Heller and Judy Heller.(1)
2.3 Agreement and Plan of Organization, dated as of May
9, 1997, among the Registrant, 800-Ideas, Inc. and
Susan Parker.(1)
2.4 Agreement and Plan of Organization, dated as of May
9, 1997, among the Registrant, Cruises, Inc., Robert
G. Falcone, Judith A. Falcone and Pamela C. Cole.(1)
2.5 Agreement and Plan of Organization, dated as of May
9, 1997, among the Registrant, D-FW Tours, Inc., D-FW
Travel Arrangements, Inc., John W. Przywara and
Sharon S. Przywara.(1)
2.6 First Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Organization
among the Registrant, Auto-Europe, Inc. (Maine), Imad
Khalidi Alex Cecil and Wilfred Diller, as trustee for
Thurston Cecil and Lila Cecil.(2)
2.7 First Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Merger,
dated as of June 30, 1997, by and among the
Registrant, Cruises, Inc., Robert G. Falcone, Judith
A. Falcone, and Pamela C. Cole.(2)
2.8 First Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Merger,
dated as of June 30, 1997, by and among the
Registrant, Cruises Only, Inc., Wayne Heller and Judy
Heller.(2)
2.9 First Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Merger,
dated as of June 30, 1997, by and among the
Registrant, D-FW Travel Arrangements, Inc., John W.
Przywara and Sharon Scott Przywara.(2)
2.10 First Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Merger,
dated as of June 30, 1997, by and among the
Registrant, 800-Ideas, Inc. and Susan Parker.(2)
2.11 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 29,
1998, by and between the Registrant and the
predecessor company to the Registrant.(10)
3.1 Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant.(13)
3.2 Bylaws of the Registrant.(11)
4.1 Rights Agreement, dated as of January 28, 1999,
between the Registrant and America Stock Transfer &
Trust Company (11)
4.2 Form of Restriction and Registration Rights
Agreement, dated as of July 28, 1997, between the
Registrant and the each of the persons listed on the
schedule thereto.(4)
10.1 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as
of July 22, 1997, between the Registrant and Joseph
V. Vittoria.(4)
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as
of May 12, 1997, between the Registrant and Jill M.
Vales.(4)
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as
of June 6, 1997, between the Registrant and Michael
J. Moriarty.(4)
<PAGE>
Employment Agreement, dated July 22, 1997, between
the Registrant and Mel Robinson.(4)
Employment Agreement, dated July 22, 1997, among
the Registrant, Auto Europe, LLC and Imad Khalidi.(4)
Employment Agreement, dated July 18, 1997, among
the Registrant, Auto Europe, LLC and Alex Cecil.(4)
Employment Agreement, dated July 22, 1997, among
the Registrant, Cruises, Inc. and Robert Falcone.(4)
Employment Agreement, dated July 22, 1997, among
the Registrant, Cruises, Inc. and Judith Falcone.(4)
Employment Agreement, dated July 22, 1997, among
the Registrant, Cruises, Inc. and Holley Christen.(4)
Employment Agreement, dated July 22, 1997, among
the Registrant, Cruises Only, LLC and Wayne
Heller.(4)
Employment Agreement, dated July 22, 1997, among
the Registrant, Cruises Only, LLC and Judy Heller.(4)
Employment Agreement, dated July 22, 1997, among
the Registrant, Travel 800, LLC and Susan Parker.(4)
10.2 Form of Indemnification Agreement, dated July 28,
1997, between the Registrant and each of the persons
set forth on the schedule thereto.(4)
10.3 1997 Long Term Incentive Plan.(3)
10.4 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan.(3)
10.6 Employment Agreement, dated July 25, 1997, between
the Registrant and Suzanne B. Bell.(4)
10.7 Employment Agreement, dated as of July 25, 1997,
between the Registrant and Maryann Bastnagel.(4)
10.8 Credit Agreement, dated as of October 15, 1997, by
and between the Registrant and NationsBank, N.A.(4)
10.9 Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 28,
1997, among the Registrant, CruiseOne, Inc., Anthony
J. Persico and Charlotte Luna, as amended.(5)
10.10 Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 28,
1997, among the Registrant, Cruise World, Inc., and
the sellers named therein, as amended.(5)
10.11 Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 28,
1996, among the Registrant, Ship `N' Shore Cruises,
Inc., Cruise Time, Inc., SNS Coachline, Inc., Cruise
Mart, Inc., SNS Travel Marketing, Inc. and Natalee
Stutzman, as amended.(5)
10.12 Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 9,
1998, among the Registrant, Gold Coast Travel Agency
Corporation, Inc. and Rhea Sherota.(6)
10.13 Employment Agreement, dated as of January 19, 1998,
between the Registrant and John C. De Lano.(7)
10.14 Stock Purchase Agreement, dated March 31, 1998, among
the Registrant, The Cruise Line, Inc. and the
shareholders named therein.(8)
10.15 Employment Agreement, dated as of April 1, 1998,
among the Registrant and Spencer Frazier.(9)
10.16 Purchase Agreement by and among the Registrant and
Lexington Services Associates, Ltd., a Texas limited
partnership (the "Partnership"), and the
Partnership's partners dated as of June 1, 1998.(9)
10.17 Employment Agreement, dated as of July 25, 1998,
between the Registrant and George Del Pino(10)
10.18 Purchase Agreement dated as of January 8, 1999, among
the Registrant, AHI International Corporation,
Richard D. Small and Arlene P. Small. (12)
11 Schedule of Computations of Earnings Per Share.(14)
21 Subsidiaries of the Registrant.(14)
23.1 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.(14)
23.2 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.(14)
27 Financial Data Schedule(14)
99.1 The Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1
(File No. 333-56567).(13)
99.2 The Registrant's Proxy Statement for the 1998 Annual
meeting of Stockholders of the Registrant held on
July 28, 1998.(13)
<PAGE>
99.3 The Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for
the quarter ended September 30, 1998.(13)
99.4 The Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3
(File No. 333-61337).(13)
- ------------
(1) Incorporated by reference to the same Exhibit number filed on May 14,
1997, with the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File
No. 333-27125).
(2) Incorporated by reference to the same Exhibit number filed on July 1,
1997 with the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No.
333-27125).
(3) Incorporated by reference to the exhibit filed with the Registrant's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1997.
(4) Incorporated by reference to the exhibit filed with the Registrant's
Quarterly Report for the quarter ended September 30, 1997.
(5) Incorporated by reference to the exhibit filed on November 19, 1997
with the Registrant's Form 8-K.
(6) Incorporated by reference to the exhibit filed on February 9, 1998 with
the Registrant's Form 8-K.
(7) Incorporated by reference to the exhibit filed with the Registrant's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997.
(8) Incorporated by reference to the exhibit filed on March 31, 1998 with
the Registrant's Form 8-K.
(9) Incorporated by reference to the same exhibit number filed with the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-56567).
(10) Incorporated by reference to the exhibit filed with the Registrant's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1998.
(11) Incorporated by reference to the exhibit filed on February 1, 1999 with
the Registrant's Form 8-K.
(12) Incorporated by reference to the exhibit filed on February 16, 1999
with the Registrant's Form 8-K.
(13) Incorporated by reference to the same exhibit number filed with the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form 10-12g (File
No. 001-13155).
(14) Filed Herewith.
(b) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the last quarter of the period
covered by this report.
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City
of Delray Beach, State of Florida, on the 30th day of March, 1999.
TRAVEL SERVICES INTERNATIONAL, INC.
By: /s/ JOSEPH V. VITTORIA
--------------------------------
Joseph V. Vittoria
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
this report has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on
the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
--------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
/s/JOSEPH V. VITTORIA
------------------------
Joseph V. Vittoria Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, Director March 30, 1999
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/JILL M. VALES
------------------------
Jill M. Vales Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer March 30, 1999
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
/s/ROBERT G. FALCONE
------------------------
Robert G. Falcone Director March 30, 1999
/s/WAYNE HELLER
------------------------
Wayne Heller Director March 30, 1999
/s/IMAD KHALIDI
------------------------
Imad Khalidi Director March 30, 1999
/s/JOHN PRZYWARA
------------------------
John Przywara Director March 30, 1999
/s/ELAN BLUTINGER
------------------------
Elan Blutinger Director March 30, 1999
/s/FRASER BULLOCK
------------------------
Fraser Bullock Director March 30, 1999
/s/TOMMASO ZANZOTTO
------------------------
Tommaso Zanzotto Director March 30, 1999
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION
- ------- -----------
11 Schedule of Computations of Earnings Per Share.
21 Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
23.1 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.
23.2 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
27 Financial Data Schedule
EXHIBIT 11
TRAVEL SERVICES INTERNATIONAL, INC.
SCHEDULE OF COMPUTATIONS OF EARNINGS PER SHARE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Basic Diluted
Weighted Weighted
Average Average
Shares Shares Shares
---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
HISTORICAL:
Year ended December 31, 1997
Shares attributable to Auto Europe, accounting acquiror, at beginning of period 1,083,334 1,083,334 1,083,334
Shares issued in consideration for acquisition of the Pooling Acquisitions 1,997,344 1,997,344 1,997,344
Shares issued in consideration for acquisition of Other Founding Companies 2,338,891 1,006,044 1,006,044
Shares issued to founders and management of TSI 2,484,501 1,068,676 1,068,676
Shares issued in consideration for acquisition of Trax Software 32,985 2,801 2,801
Sold pursuant to the Offering 2,875,000 1,236,644 1,236,644
Options granted 962,525 - 138,926
---------- ---------- ----------
Shares used in computing earnings per share for year ended December 31, 1997 11,774,580 6,394,843 6,533,769
========== ========== ==========
Year ended December 31, 1998
Shares attributable to Auto Europe, accounting acquiror, at beginning of period 1,083,334 1,083,334 1,083,334
Shares issued in consideration for acquisition of the Pooling Acquisitions 1,997,344 1,997,344 1,997,344
Shares issued in consideration for acquisition of Other Founding Companies 2,338,891 2,338,891 2,338,891
Shares issued to founders and management of TSI 2,484,501 2,484,501 2,484,501
Sold pursuant to the Offering 2,875,000 2,875,000 2,875,000
Shares issued in consideration for acquisition of Trax Software 32,985 32,985 32,985
Shares issued in consideration for acquisition of Diplomat 21,821 20,326 20,326
Shares issued in consideration for acquisition of Goldcoast 163,755 139,080 139,080
Shares issued in consideration for acquisition of Lexington 283,990 163,392 163,392
Shares issued in consideration for acquisition of AutoNet 2,183 1,435 1,435
Shares issued in consideration for acquisition of 1-800-CRUISES 36,546 13,918 13,918
Shares issued in connection with the secondary stock offering 2,025,000 893,219 893,219
Exercised options 31,619 31,619 31,619
Options granted 1,706,228 - 441,152
---------- ---------- ----------
Shares used in computing earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 1998 15,083,197 12,075,044 12,516,195
========== ========== ==========
PRO FORMA:
Year ended December 31, 1997
Shares attributable to Auto Europe, accounting acquiror, at beginning of year 1,083,334 1,083,334
Shares issued in consideration for acquisition of the Pooling Acquisitions 1,997,344 1,997,344
Shares issued in consideration for acquisition of Other Founding Companies 2,338,891 2,338,891
Shares issued to founders and management of TSI 2,484,501 2,484,501
Sold pursuant to the Offering 2,875,000 2,875,000
Shares issued in consideration for acquisition of Lexington 283,990 283,990
Shares related to Lexington 305,111 305,111
Options granted 939,525 138,328
---------- ----------
Shares used in computing earnings per share for year ended December 31, 1997 12,307,696 11,506,499
========== ==========
Year ended December 31, 1998
Shares attributable to Auto Europe, accounting acquiror, at beginning of period 1,083,334 1,083,334
Shares issued in consideration for acquisition of the Pooling Acquisitions 1,997,344 1,997,344
Shares issued in consideration for acquisition of Other Founding Companies 2,338,891 2,338,891
Shares issued to founders and management of TSI 2,484,501 2,484,501
Sold pursuant to the Offering 2,875,000 2,875,000
Shares issued in consideration for acquisition of Trax Software 32,985 32,985
Shares issued in consideration for acquisition of Diplomat 21,821 20,326
Shares issued in consideration for acquisition of Goldcoast 163,755 139,080
Shares issued in consideration for acquisition of Lexington 283,990 283,990
Shares issued in consideration for acquisition of AutoNet 2,183 1,435
Shares issued in consideration for acquisition of 1-800-CRUISES 36,546 13,918
Shares issued in connection with the secondary stock offering 2,025,000 893,219
Exercised options 31,619 31,619
Options granted 1,706,228 441,152
Shares related to Lexington 305,111 169,506
---------- ----------
Shares used in computing earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 1998 15,388,308 12,806,300
========== ==========
</TABLE>
EXHIBIT 21
SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT
1-800-CRUISES, Inc.
ABC Corporate Services, Inc.
AHI International Corporation
AutoEurope, LLC
AutoNet International, Inc.
Cruise Mart, Inc.
Cruise Masters, Inc.
Cruise Outlets of the Carolinas, Inc.
Cruise Time, Inc.
CruiseOne, Inc.
Cruises, Inc.
Cruises Only, LLC
CruiseWorld, Inc.
D-FW Tours, Inc., d/b/a D-FW Travel Arrangements
Diplomat Tours, Inc., d/b/a International Airline Consolidators
Gold Coast Travel Agency Corporation, Inc., d/b/a Gold Coast Cruise Center
Goodfellow Enterprises, Inc., d/b/a The Travel Company
Jubilee Enterprises, Inc., d/b/a The Travel Dept.
Lexington Services Corporation (formerly Lexington Services, Inc.)
Lexington Services Associates, Ltd.
Lexington Services Limited, Inc.
Landry & Kling, Inc.
Lifestyle Vacation Incentives, Inc.
Ship 'N' Shore Cruises, Inc.
SNS Coachline, Inc.
SNS Travel Marketing, Inc.
The Anthony Dean Corporation, d/b/a Cruise Fairs of America
The Cruise Line, Inc.
Travel 800, LLC d/b/a 1-800-FLY CHEAP
Trax Software, Inc.
EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
As independent certified public accountants, we hereby consent to the
incorporation of our report included (or included by reference) in this Form
10-K, into the Company's previously filed Registration Statement File Nos.
333-61337 and 333-53547.
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
West Palm Beach, Florida,
March 30, 1999
EXHIBIT 23.2
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Form 10-K of Travel
Services International, Inc. of our report dated April 17, 1998 (except Note 6,
as to which the date is June 1, 1998), with respect to the financial statements
of Lexington Services Associates, Ltd. for the year ended December 31, 1997,
included in the Registration Statement (Form S-1 No. 333-56567) of Travel
Services International, Inc. filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Ernst & Young LLP
Dallas, Texas
March 30, 1999
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
Data is for Consolidated Historical Financial Statement as of December 31, 1998;
see Footnote 1. Basis of Presentation.<F1>
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1998
<CASH> 26,084
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 15,710
<ALLOWANCES> 1,443
<INVENTORY> 0
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 50,397
<PP&E> 22,504
<DEPRECIATION> 2,277
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 180,129
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 27,669
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 134
<OTHER-SE> 145,163
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 180,129
<SALES> 129,855
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 129,855
<CGS> 70,920
<TOTAL-COSTS> 70,920
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 37,178
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 1,381
<INCOME-PRETAX> 21,729
<INCOME-TAX> 9,310
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 12,419
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 12,419
<EPS-PRIMARY> 1.03
<EPS-DILUTED> .99
<FN>
<F1>Statements of Proforma Combined Income Footnotes 1 and 4; Basis of
Presentation.
</FN>
</TABLE>
