NORSTAN INC
10-Q, 1998-12-15
TELEPHONE INTERCONNECT SYSTEMS
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<PAGE>

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

                                  FORM 10-Q

   (Mark One)

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

                   FOR THE PERIOD ENDED OCTOBER 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 0-8141

                                NORSTAN, INC.

           (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                 MINNESOTA                            41-0835746
      -------------------------------            --------------------
      (State or other jurisdiction of            (I.R.S. Employer
      incorporation or organization)             Identification No.)

            5101 SHADY OAK ROAD, MINNETONKA, MINNESOTA 55343-4100
           -------------------------------------------------------
                  (address of principal executive offices)

 TELEPHONE  (612) 352-4000    FAX  (612) 352-4949    INTERNET  WWW.NORSTAN.COM
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     (Registrant's telephone number, facsimile number, Internet address)

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    .
    ---            ---

On December 4, 1998, there were 10,648,408 shares outstanding of the
registrant's common stock, par value $.10 per share, its only class of equity
securities.


<PAGE>

PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.

                         NORSTAN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

                                    UNAUDITED

                    (In thousands, except per share amounts)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           THREE MONTHS ENDED                      SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                   ------------------------------------  ------------------------------------
                                                      OCTOBER 31,        NOVEMBER 1,       OCTOBER 31,         NOVEMBER 1,
                                                          1998              1997               1998                1997
                                                   -----------------  -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
<S>                                                <C>                <C>                <C>                <C>
REVENUES
       Global Services
            IT Consulting Services                    $      35,045      $     22,038       $      66,720       $      37,064
            Communications Services                          32,897           30,508               65,263              63,531
                                                   -----------------  ----------------   -----------------   -----------------
                 Total Global Services                       67,942            52,546             131,983             100,595
       Communications Solutions                              55,037            56,719             105,092             101,930
       Financial Services                                     2,074             1,657               3,828               3,838
                                                   -----------------  ----------------   -----------------   -----------------
                   TOTAL REVENUES                           125,053           110,922             240,903             206,363
                                                   -----------------  ----------------   -----------------   -----------------
COST OF SALES
       Global Services
            IT Consulting Services                           22,568            15,507              43,471              26,569
            Communications Services                          22,537            21,627              44,336              45,521
                                                   -----------------  ----------------   -----------------   -----------------
                 Total Global Services                       45,105            37,134              87,807              72,090
       Communications Solutions                              39,107            42,729              75,095              75,544
       Financial Services                                       797               625               1,494               1,209
                                                   -----------------  ----------------   -----------------   -----------------
          TOTAL COST OF SALES                                85,009            80,488             164,396             148,843
                                                   -----------------  ----------------   -----------------   -----------------
GROSS MARGIN                                                 40,044           30,434               76,507              57,520
       Selling, General
         & Administrative Expenses                           32,593            24,399              63,430              47,556
                                                   -----------------  ----------------   -----------------   -----------------
OPERATING INCOME                                              7,451             6,035              13,077               9,964
       Interest Expense                                      (1,163)             (847)             (2,252)             (1,441)
       Other Income, Net                                        243               69                  424                 116
                                                   -----------------  ----------------   -----------------   -----------------
INCOME BEFORE TAXES                                           6,531             5,257              11,249               8,639

       Provision for Income Taxes                             2,840             2,155               4,892               3,542
                                                   -----------------  ----------------   -----------------   -----------------

NET INCOME                                            $       3,691      $      3,102       $       6,357       $       5,097
                                                   -----------------  ----------------   -----------------   -----------------
                                                   -----------------  ----------------   -----------------   -----------------
NET INCOME PER SHARE - BASIC                          $        0.35      $       0.32       $        0.61       $        0.54
                                                   -----------------  ----------------   -----------------   -----------------
                                                   -----------------  ----------------   -----------------   -----------------
NET INCOME PER SHARE - DILUTED                        $        0.35      $       0.32       $        0.61       $        0.53
                                                   -----------------  ----------------   -----------------   -----------------
                                                   -----------------  ----------------   -----------------   -----------------
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES - BASIC                              10,500             9,566              10,345               9,510
                                                   -----------------  ----------------   -----------------   -----------------
                                                   -----------------  ----------------   -----------------   -----------------
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES - DILUTED                            10,597             9,760              10,507               9,667
                                                   -----------------  ----------------   -----------------   -----------------
                                                   -----------------  ----------------   -----------------   -----------------
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.


<PAGE>



                         NORSTAN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

                      (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            OCTOBER 31,          APRIL 30,
                                                                               1998                1998
                                                                        -------------------  ------------------
                                                                           (UNAUDITED)           (AUDITED)
<S>                                                                     <C>                  <C>
ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS:
   Cash                                                                     $   1,853           $   1,869
   Accounts receivable, net of allowances for doubtful                                      
      accounts of $996 and $1,171                                              92,050              97,206
   Current lease receivables                                                   21,352              18,751
   Inventories                                                                 20,451              10,008
   Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings of                                    
      $20,681 and $17,335                                                      33,719              19,091
   Deferred income tax benefits                                                 3,440               2,488
   Prepaid expenses, deposits and other                                         8,156               2,575
   Prepaid income taxes                                                         2,192               5,533
                                                                        --------------       -------------
        TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS                                                  183,213             157,521
                                                                        --------------       -------------
                                                                                            
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:                                                                     
   Furniture, fixtures and equipment                                           90,442              75,712
   Less-accumulated depreciation and amortization                             (45,043)            (37,713)
                                                                        --------------       -------------
        NET PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT                                             45,399              37,999
                                                                        --------------       -------------
                                                                                            
OTHER ASSETS:                                                                               
   Lease receivables, net of current portion                                   39,496              34,998
   Goodwill, net of amortization of $9,411 and $7,979                          41,484              43,206
   Other                                                                        1,903               1,884
                                                                        --------------       -------------
        TOTAL OTHER ASSETS                                                     82,883              80,088
                                                                        --------------       -------------
                                                                            $ 311,495           $ 275,608
                                                                        --------------       -------------
                                                                        --------------       -------------
</TABLE>


           The accompanying notes are an integral part of these 
                        consolidated balance sheets.


                                      2

<PAGE>

                         NORSTAN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

                      (In thousands, except share amounts)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            OCTOBER 31,           APRIL 30,
                                                                               1998                 1998
                                                                        -------------------  ------------------
                                                                           (Unaudited)           (Audited)
<S>                                                                     <C>                  <C>
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES:
   Current maturities of long-term debt                                     $   1,730           $   3,257
   Current maturities of discounted lease rentals                              19,727              14,758
   Accounts payable                                                            25,295              24,135
   Deferred revenue                                                            19,811              19,953
   Accrued -
      Salaries and wages                                                        8,921              15,123
      Warranty costs                                                            1,781               1,776
      Other liabilities                                                         7,516              10,509
   Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings of $14,862
     and $16,390                                                               12,040               9,442
                                                                        --------------       -------------
         TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES                                             96,821              98,953
                                                                        --------------       -------------

LONG-TERM DEBT, NET OF CURRENT MATURITIES                                      68,734              52,440

DISCOUNTED LEASE RENTALS, NET OF CURRENT MATURITIES                            32,693              20,883

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES                                                           6,507               5,661
                                                                        --------------       -------------


SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
   Common stock - $.10 par value; 40,000,000 authorized shares;
   10,645,408 and 9,963,716 shares issued and outstanding                       1,065                 996
   Capital in excess of par value                                              50,093              44,741
   Retained earnings                                                           60,740              54,048
   Unamortized cost of stock                                                   (2,907)               (641)
   Foreign currency translation adjustments                                    (2,251)             (1,473)
                                                                        --------------       -------------
             TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY                                       106,740              97,671
                                                                        --------------       -------------
                                                                            $ 311,495           $275,608
                                                                        --------------       -------------
                                                                        --------------       -------------
</TABLE>


           The accompanying notes are an integral part of these 
                       consolidated balance sheets.


                                      3

<PAGE>

                         NORSTAN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

                                    UNAUDITED

                                 (In thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                          -------------------------------------
                                                                             OCTOBER 31,          NOVEMBER 1,
                                                                               1998                 1997
                                                                          ----------------     ----------------
<S>                                                                       <C>                  <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net Income                                                                    $    6,357           $    5,097
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used for operating 
  activities:
    Restructuring charges paid                                                    (1,113)                   -
    Depreciation and amortization                                                  9,210                9,430
    Deferred income taxes                                                           (158)                   9
    Changes in operating items, net of effects from acquisitions:    
       Accounts receivable                                                         6,812              (16,275)
       Inventories                                                               (10,390)              (3,198)
       Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings                        (14,805)             (12,808)
       Prepaid expenses, deposits and other                                       (5,386)                (454)
       Accounts payable                                                              822                1,165
       Deferred revenue                                                             (436)                (392)
       Accrued liabilities                                                        (8,906)              (6,305)
       Income taxes payable / receivable                                           3,469                 (192)
       Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings                          2,635                  (95)
                                                                          ----------------     ----------------
            NET CASH USED FOR OPERATING ACTIVITIES                               (11,889)             (24,018)
                                                                          ----------------     ----------------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
    Additions to property and equipment, net                                     (13,658)              (8,686)
    Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired                                   -              (11,450)
    Investment in lease contracts                                                (20,272)             (10,468)
    Collections from lease contracts                                              12,914               12,433
    Other, net                                                                      (556)                (240)
                                                                          ----------------     ----------------
            NET CASH USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES                               (21,572)             (18,411)
                                                                          ----------------     ----------------

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
    Repayment of debt assumed in acquisitions                                     (1,267)              (2,013)
    Borrowings of long-term debt                                                 179,108              147,450
    Repayments of long-term debt                                                (164,042)            (105,912)
    Borrowings of discounted lease rentals                                        26,425                6,898
    Repayments of discounted lease rentals                                        (9,513)              (8,123)
    Proceeds from sale of common stock                                             2,701                  773
                                                                          ----------------     ----------------
            NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES                             33,412               39,073
                                                                          ----------------     ----------------
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH                                               33                   30
                                                                          ----------------     ----------------
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH                                                      (16)              (3,326)
CASH, BEGINNING OF PERIOD                                                           1,869                5,147
                                                                          ----------------     ----------------
CASH, END OF PERIOD                                                           $     1,853          $     1,821
                                                                          ----------------     ----------------
                                                                          ----------------     ----------------
</TABLE>

           The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
                    consolidated financial statements.


                                      4

<PAGE>

                         NORSTAN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                OCTOBER 31, 1998

                                    UNAUDITED

     The information furnished in this report is unaudited and reflects all
adjustments which are normal recurring adjustments and, which in the opinion of
management, are necessary to fairly present the operating results for the
interim periods. The operating results for the interim periods presented are not
necessarily indicative of the operating results to be expected for the full
fiscal year. This report should be read in conjunction with the Company's most
recent "Annual Report on Form 10-K."

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION

     The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and
transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

FOREIGN CURRENCY

    For the Company's foreign operations, assets and liabilities are translated
at exchange rates as of the balance sheet date, and revenues and expenses are
translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the period. Translation
adjustments are recorded as a separate component of shareholders' equity.

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

    Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information is as follows (in
thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                               ---------------------------------------
                                                                OCTOBER 31, 1998     NOVEMBER 1, 1997
                                                               -----------------    ------------------
      <S>                                                      <C>                  <C>
      Cash paid for:
        Interest                                                  $  3,831              $   3,017
        Income taxes                                                 1,448                  2,978

      Non-cash investing and financing activities:
        Stock issued for acquisitions                             $    114              $   3,325
        Obligations assumed in acquisition                               -                 12,000
</TABLE>

USE OF ESTIMATES

    The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally 
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and 
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and 
disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the 
financial statements. Estimates also affect the reported amounts of revenues 
and expenses during the periods presented. Estimates are used for such items 
as allowances for doubtful accounts, inventory reserves, depreciable lives of 
property and equipment, warranty reserves and others. Ultimate results could 
differ from those estimates.


                                      5

<PAGE>

EARNINGS PER SHARE DATA

     In the fiscal year ended April 30, 1998, the Company adopted Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 128 "Earnings per Share" ("SFAS No. 128"),
which established new guidelines for computing and presenting earnings per share
data ("EPS"), and retroactively restated EPS for all prior periods. SFAS No. 128
requires presentation of basic and diluted EPS. Basic EPS is computed by
dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock
outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS reflects potential dilution from
outstanding stock options and other securities using the treasury stock method.
The adoption of SFAS No.128 did not have a significant effect on previously
reported EPS information for the periods presented.

     A reconciliation of EPS calculations under SFAS No. 128 is as follows (in
thousands, except per share amounts):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                 THREE MONTHS ENDED                         SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                        -------------------------------------     -------------------------------------
                                          OCTOBER 31,          NOVEMBER 1,          OCTOBER 31,         NOVEMBER 1,
                                             1998                 1997                 1998                 1997
                                        ----------------     ----------------     ----------------    -----------------
<S>                                    <C>                  <C>                  <C>                 <C>
Net income                                    $   3,691            $   3,102            $   6,357            $   5,097
                                        ----------------     ----------------     ----------------    -----------------
                                        ----------------     ----------------     ----------------    -----------------
Weighted average common shares
outstanding - Basic                              10,500                9,566               10,345                9,510
Effect of stock option and
benefit plans                                        97                  194                  162                  157
                                        ----------------     ----------------     ----------------    -----------------
Weighted average common shares
outstanding - Diluted                            10,597                9,760               10,507                9,667
                                        ----------------     ----------------     ----------------    -----------------
                                        ----------------     ----------------     ----------------    -----------------
Net income per share - Basic                 $     0.35           $     0.32           $     0.61           $     0.54
                                        ----------------     ----------------     ----------------    -----------------
                                        ----------------     ----------------     ----------------    -----------------
Net income per share - Diluted               $     0.35           $     0.32           $     0.61           $     0.53
                                        ----------------     ----------------     ----------------    -----------------
                                        ----------------     ----------------     ----------------    -----------------

</TABLE>

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

    Effective May 1, 1998, the Company adopted SFAS No. 130, "Reporting
Comprehensive Income". SFAS No. 130 establishes standards for reporting in the
financial statements all changes in equity during a period, except those
resulting from investments by and distributions to owners. For the Company,
comprehensive income represents net income adjusted for foreign currency
translation adjustments. Comprehensive income as defined by SFAS No. 130, was
approximately $3.6 million and $2.9 million for the three months ended October
31, 1998 and November 1, 1997, respectively, and approximately $5.6 million and
$5.0 million for the six months ended October 31, 1998 and November 1, 1997,
respectively.

    The Company adopted Statement of Position ("SOP") 98-1, "Accounting for
Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use," effective
May 1, 1997. The SOP requires the Company to capitalize certain costs incurred
in connection with developing or obtaining internal-use software. The Company
capitalized approximately $4.5 million of costs associated with internal-use
software developed or obtained during the six months ended October 31, 1998.

                                       6

<PAGE>

RESTRUCTURING CHARGE

    During fiscal year 1998, Norstan recorded a restructuring charge of $14.7 
million in connection with management's plan to reduce costs, consolidate and 
reorganize operations, and improve operating efficiencies. Restructuring 
efforts focused primarily on the following: (i) consolidation of seven 
semi-autonomous geographic sales and service organizations into a single, 
more focused sales and operations organization; (ii) the consolidation of 36 
warehouses and parts locations into three strategically located distribution 
centers; and (iii) the reorganization and integration of the Company's IT 
consulting services operations, including the Norstan Call Center Solutions 
Group, Connect and PRIMA, into a single, customer- focused organization. The 
restructuring charge relates primarily to the write-down of certain assets to 
their fair market values ($12.2 million), severance and employee benefit 
costs ($1.2 million) and lease termination costs ($1.3 million).

ACQUISITIONS

    On September 30, 1997, the Company acquired PRIMA Consulting, Inc. 
(PRIMA) in a transaction accounted for under the purchase method. PRIMA 
provides IT consulting services, including information systems planning and 
development, consulting and programming services for collaborative computing 
solutions and ERP integration services. The company paid acquisition 
consideration aggregating approximately $27.5 million, consisting of $19.5 
million in cash, $6.3 million of Norstan common stock and $1.7 million paid 
to certain members of PRIMA management under non-compete agreements. In 
addition, the Company agreed to pay up to $3.5 million in contingent 
consideration over a three-year period ending April 30, 2000 if certain 
financial performance targets are achieved ($0.0 earned as of April 30, 
1998). This transaction resulted in the recording of $24.9 million in 
goodwill and other intangible assets, which are being amortized on a 
straight-line basis over fifteen years and three years, respectively.

    In June 1998, Wordlink, Inc. (Wordlink) was merged with and into a wholly 
owned subsidiary of the Company in a transaction accounted for under the 
pooling-of-interests method. Wordlink delivers network integration, groupware 
messaging, Internet/intranet, e-commerce and education solutions to business 
clients operating in a multi-vendor network environment. The merger agreement 
provided for the conversion of all outstanding shares of Wordlink common 
stock and all vested options into 420,539 shares of Norstan common stock 
valued at approximately $10.3 million. Unvested options to purchase shares of 
Wordlink common stock were converted into Norstan stock options. Wordlink's 
stockholders' equity and operating results were not material in relation to 
the Company's financial statements. As such, the Company has recorded the 
combination without restating prior periods' financial statements.

VENDOR AGREEMENTS

    Under its agreement with Siemens, the Company purchases communications 
equipment and products for field application and installation. The current 
distributor agreement with Siemens, which commenced in July 1993, has been 
renewed through July 27, 1999 while a new distribution agreement is being 
negotiated.

BUSINESS SEGMENTS

    The Company adopted SFAS No. 131, "Disclosure about Segments of an 
Enterprise and Related Information," effective April 30, 1998. Adoption of 
this statement required the Company to provide the disclosure of segment 
information but did not require significant changes in the way geographic 
information was disclosed.

                                       7

<PAGE>

    The Company operates in three business segments, Global Services, 
Communications Solutions, and Financial Services. Due to the Company's 
continuing expansion and growth in the area of IT consulting services, 
financial results for Global Services are now reported as (i) IT Consulting 
Services and (ii) Communications Services. Interim disclosures under SFAS No. 
131 are as follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          FOR THE QUARTER ENDED
                                               ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         OCTOBER 31, 1998                        NOVEMBER 1, 1997
                                               -------------------------------------     ----------------------------------
                                                                        OPERATING                               OPERATING
                                                   REVENUES               INCOME             REVENUES             INCOME
                                               ----------------      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      <S>                                     <C>                   <C>                 <C>                 <C>
       Global Services:
          IT Consulting Services                   $    35,045          $     1,524          $   22,038          $    2,508
          Communications Services                       32,897                2,176              30,508               1,304
                                               ----------------      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
            Total Global Services                       67,942                3,700              52,546               3,812
       Communications Solutions                         55,037                2,679              56,719               1,431
       Financial Services                                2,074                1,072               1,657                 792
                                               ----------------      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
       Totals                                       $  125,053           $    7,451           $ 110,922          $    6,035
                                               ----------------      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
                                               ----------------      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                               ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         OCTOBER 31, 1998                        NOVEMBER 1, 1997
                                               -------------------------------------     ----------------------------------
                                                                       OPERATING                               OPERATING
                                                  REVENUES               INCOME             REVENUES             INCOME
                                               ----------------      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
      <S>                                     <C>                   <C>                 <C>                 <C>
       Global Services:
          IT Consulting Services                   $    66,720           $    2,690          $   37,064         $     3,172
          Communications Services                       65,263                5,667              63,531               3,175
                                               ----------------      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
            Total Global Services                      131,983                8,357             100,595               6,347
       Communications Solutions                        105,092                2,714             101,930               1,661
       Financial Services                                3,828                2,006               3,838               1,956
                                               ----------------      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
       Totals                                       $  240,903           $   13,077           $ 206,363          $    9,964
                                               ----------------      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
                                               ----------------      ---------------     ---------------     ---------------
</TABLE>

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    From time to time, the Company may publish forward-looking statements 
relating to such matters as anticipated financial performance, business 
prospects, product pricing, management of growth, integration of 
acquisitions, technological developments, new products, Year 2000 compliance 
and similar matters. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 
provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements including those made in 
this document. In order to comply with the terms of the Private Securities 
Litigation Reform Act, the Company notes that a variety of factors could 
cause the Company's actual results and experience to differ materially from 
the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the Company's 
forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties that may affect the 
operations, performance, developments and results of the Company's business 
include the following: national and regional economic conditions; pending and 
future legislation affecting the information technology and 
telecommunications industries; the Company's business in Canada and England; 
stability of foreign governments; market acceptance of the Company's products 
and services; the Company's continued ability to provide integrated 
communications solutions for customers in a dynamic industry; and other 
competitive factors.

    Because these and other factors could affect the Company's operating 
results, past financial performance should not necessarily be considered as a 
reliable indicator of future performance, and investors should not use 
historical trends to anticipate future period results.

                                       8
<PAGE>

ITEM 2.
                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

GENERAL

     Norstan is a technology services company providing IT and communications 
systems solutions to over 18,000 customers in the United States, Canada and 
England. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with sales and service 
offices located in 68 locations in the United States and Canada, the Company 
sells its products and services to a wide variety of customers across 
numerous industries.

     The Company provides IT consulting and communications services, 
communications and technology products and financing alternatives through its 
three business units, Global Services, Communications Solutions (formerly 
known as Communications Systems) and Financial Services.

SUMMARY

     During the quarter ended October 31, 1998, the Company's net income 
improved over the quarter ended November 1, 1997, increasing 19.0% to $3.7 
million or $.35 per common share, compared to $3.1 million, or $.32 per 
common share. For the six month period ended October 31, 1998, net income 
increased 24.7% to $6.4 million, or $.61 per common share, compared to $5.1 
million, or $.53 per common share for the similar period ended November 1, 
1997. All per share figures reflect diluted rather than basic EPS.




                                       9

<PAGE>

SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                  DOLLAR AMOUNTS AS A PERCENTAGE                      DOLLAR AMOUNTS AS A
                                            OF REVENUES             PERCENTAGE       PERCENTAGE OF REVENUES     PERCENTAGE
                                         THREE MONTHS ENDED           INCREASE           SIX MONTHS ENDED         INCREASE
                                  -----------------------------  -----------------  -------------------------  -------------
                                    OCTOBER 31,     NOVEMBER 1,       FISCAL      OCTOBER 31,    NOVEMBER 1,      FISCAL
                                       1998            1997       1999 vs. 1998       1998          1997      1999 vs. 1998
                                  --------------  -------------  ---------------  ------------  ------------  --------------
<S>                               <C>              <C>           <C>             <C>            <C>          <C>
REVENUES:
   Global Services
     IT Consulting Services           28.0%            19.9%          59.0%          27.7%           18.0%          80.0%
     Communications Services          26.3%            27.5%           7.8%          27.1%           30.7%           2.7%
                                  ------------    ------------    ------------   -------------    ------------    ----------
       Total Global Services          54.3%            47.4%          29.3%          54.8%           48.7%          31.2%
   Communications Solutions           44.0%            51.1%          (3.0%)         43.6%           49.4%           3.1%
   Financial Services                  1.7%             1.5%          25.2%           1.6%            1.9%           0.0%
                                  ------------    ------------    ------------   -------------    ------------    ----------
       Total Revenues                100.0%           100.0%          12.7%         100.0%          100.0%          16.7%
COST OF SALES                         68.0%            72.6%           5.6%          68.2%           72.1%          10.4%
                                  ------------    ------------    ------------   -------------    ------------    ----------
GROSS MARGIN                          32.0%            27.4%          31.6%          31.8%           27.9%          33.0%
SELLING, GENERAL &
 ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES              26.0%            22.0%          33.6%          26.4%           23.1%          33.4%
                                  ------------    ------------    ------------   -------------    ------------    ----------

OPERATING INCOME                       6.0%             5.4%          23.5%           5.4%            4.8%          31.2%
  Interest Expense and Other, Net     (0.7%)           (0.7%)         18.3%          (0.8%)          (0.6%)         38.0%
                                  ------------    ------------    ------------   -------------    ------------    ----------
INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR
  INCOME TAXES                         5.3%             4.7%          24.2%           4.6%            4.2%          30.2%

  Provision for Income Taxes           2.3%             1.9%          31.8%           2.0%            1.7%          38.1%
                                  ------------    ------------    ------------   -------------    ------------    ----------
NET INCOME                             3.0%             2.8%          19.0%           2.6%            2.5%          24.7%
                                  ------------    ------------    ------------   -------------    ------------    ----------
                                  ------------    ------------    ------------   -------------    ------------    ----------
</TABLE>

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the gross margin
percentages for global services, communication systems and financial services.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         THREE MONTHS ENDED                       SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                -----------------  ------------------   ----------------   -----------------
                                  OCTOBER 31,         NOVEMBER 1,           OCTOBER 31,        NOVEMBER 1,
                                      1998               1997                   1998              1997
                                -----------------  ------------------   ----------------   -----------------
<S>                            <C>                <C>                  <C>                <C>
GROSS MARGIN PERCENTAGES:
  Global Services
     IT Consulting Services          35.6%                29.6%               34.9%              28.3%
     Communications Services         31.5%                29.1%               32.1%              28.4%
        Total Global Services        33.6%                29.3%               33.5%              28.3%
  Communications Solutions           28.9%                24.7%               28.5%              25.9%
  Financial Services                 61.6%                62.3%               61.0%              68.5%
</TABLE>

                                       10

<PAGE>

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

    REVENUES. Revenues increased 12.7% to $125.1 million for the quarter 
ended October 31, 1998 as compared to $110.9 million for the prior year 
quarter ended November 1, 1997. For the six month period ended October 31, 
1998, revenues increased 16.7% to $240.9 million as compared to $206.4 
million for the similar period last year.

    Revenues from Global Services increased $15.4 million or 29.3%, and $31.4 
million or 31.2%, during the comparable three and six month periods ended 
October 31, 1998 and November 1, 1997, respectively. Revenues from IT 
Consulting Services increased $13.0 million, or 59.0%, and $29.6 million, or 
80.0%, during the comparable three and six month periods ended October 31, 
1998 and November 1, 1997, respectively. These increases were generally the 
result of: (i) the inclusion of the results of PRIMA, acquired in September 
1997, for the three and six month periods ended October 31, 1998; (ii) the 
merger with Wordlink during June 1998; and (iii) internal growth. Revenues 
from Communications Services increased 8.0% to $32.9 million for the quarter 
ended October 31, 1998 as compared to $30.5 million for the prior year 
quarter. For the six month period ended October 31, 1998, Communications 
Services revenues increased 2.7% to $65.3 million as compared to $63.5 
million for the six month period ended November 1, 1997.

    Revenues from Communications Solutions decreased 3.0% to $55.0 million in 
the quarter ended October 31, 1998 from $56.7 million in the similar period 
last year. Revenues increased $3.2 million, or 3.1%, to $105.1 million for 
the six month period ended October 31, 1998 as compared to the similar period 
last year. Over the past six months, Communications Solutions revenues were 
impacted by weaker than projected orders and the general uncertainty and 
volatility of the U.S. economy.

    Revenues from Financial Services increased 25.2%, to $2.1 million in the 
second quarter of fiscal year 1999 from $1.7 million in the similar quarter 
last year. Revenues for the six month period ended October 31, 1998 were 
relatively unchanged from the similar period ended November 1, 1997 at $3.8 
million.

    GROSS MARGIN. The Company's gross margin increased $9.6 million, or 
31.6%, to $40.0 million for the quarter ended October 31, 1998 as compared to 
$30.4 million for the similar quarter last year. For the six month period 
ended October 31, 1998, gross margin increased $19.0 million, or 33.0%, to 
$76.5 million as compared to $57.5 million for the similar period last year. 
As a percent of total revenues, gross margin was 32.0% and 31.8% for the 
three and six month periods ended October 31, 1998 as compared to 27.4% and 
27.9% for the similar periods ended November 1, 1997. These increases are the 
result of a shift in the mix of products and services offered toward higher 
margin IT consulting services.

    Gross margin as a percent of revenues for Global Services was 33.6% and 
33.5% for the three and six month periods ended October 31, 1998 as compared 
to 29.3% and 28.3% for the similar periods last year. The gross margin for IT 
Consulting Services increased to 35.6% and 34.9% for the three and six month 
periods of fiscal year 1999 from 29.6% and 28.3% for the same periods in 
fiscal year 1998. These improved margins are a result of operating 
efficiencies gained as the IT Consulting Services business continued to grow 
as well as from an increased emphasis on time-and-materials engagements. The 
gross margin for Communications Services increased to 31.5% and 32.1% from 
29.1% and 28.4% for the three and six months ended October 31, 1998 and 
November 1, 1997, respectively.

    Gross margin as a percent of revenues for Communications Solutions was 
28.9% and 28.5% for the three and six months ended October 31, 1998 as 
compared to 24.7% and 25.9% for the comparable period ended November 1, 1997. 
The current gross margin percentages in Communications Solutions are higher 
than those experienced in fiscal 1998 and there is no assurance that these 
margins will be maintained in future periods.

                                       11

<PAGE>

    Gross margin as a percent of revenues for Financial Services was 61.6% 
and 61.0% for the three and six months ended October 31, 1998 as compared to 
62.3% and 68.5% for the similar periods last year.

    SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. Selling, general and 
administrative expenses increased 33.6% to $32.6 million in the second 
quarter of fiscal year 1999 as compared to $24.4 million in the similar 
period last year. For the six month period, these expenses increased 33.4% to 
$63.4 million as compared to $47.6 million in the prior year period. As a 
percent of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses increased 
to 26.0% and 26.4% for the three and six month periods ended October 31, 
1998, as compared to 22.0% and 23.1% for the same periods last year. These 
increases are partially due to the increased investments in the IT Consulting 
Services business including costs associated with the Wordlink acquisition, 
investments in Connaissance Consulting and the opening of new consulting 
offices in the past six months.

    INTEREST EXPENSE. Interest expense was $1.2 million as compared to 
$847,000 for the three month periods ended October 31, 1998 and November 1, 
1997, respectively. For the six months ended October 31, 1998 interest 
expense increased to $2.3 million from $1.4 million for the same period last 
year. This increase was the result of higher borrowing levels in fiscal year 
1999 related to acquisitions and working capital requirements.

    INCOME TAXES. The Company's effective income tax rate was 43.5% for the 
three and six months ended October 31, 1998 and 41% for the similar periods 
last year. The Company's effective tax rate differs from the federal 
statutory rate primarily due to state income taxes and the effect of 
nondeductible goodwill amortization.

    NET INCOME. Net income was $3.7 million or $0.35 per diluted share in the 
second quarter of fiscal year 1999, as compared to $3.1 million or $0.32 per 
diluted share for the second quarter of fiscal year 1998. Net income was $6.4 
million or $0.61 per diluted share, and $5.1 million, or $0.53 per diluted 
share, for the six month periods ended October 31, 1998 and November 1, 1997, 
respectively.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

    Net cash used for operating activities decreased in the first six months 
of fiscal year 1999 as compared to the similar period last year as a result 
of a decrease in accounts receivable which was somewhat offset by increases 
in inventories, costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings and 
prepaid expenses and a decrease in accrued liabilities. Net cash used for 
investing activities increased in the first six months of fiscal year 1999 as 
compared to the similar period in fiscal year 1998 as a result of increased 
capital expenditures and investments in lease contracts.

    CAPITAL EXPENDITURES. The Company used $13.7 million for capital 
expenditures during the six months ended October 31, 1998 as compared to $8.7 
million in the similar period last year. These expenditures were primarily 
for capitalized costs incurred in connection with obtaining or developing 
internal use software, computer equipment, facility expansion and 
telecommunications equipment used in outsourcing arrangements and as spare 
parts.

                                      12

<PAGE>

   INVESTMENT IN LEASE CONTRACTS. The Company has also made a significant 
investment in lease contracts with its customers. The additional investment 
made in lease contracts year-to-date in fiscal year 1999 totaled $20.3 
million. Net lease receivables increased to $60.8 million, at October 31, 
1998 from $53.7 million at April 30, 1998. The Company utilizes its lease 
receivables and corresponding underlying equipment to borrow funds from 
financial institutions on a nonrecourse or recourse basis by discounting the 
stream of future lease payments. Proceeds from discounting are presented on 
the consolidated balance sheet as discounted lease rentals. Discounted lease 
rentals totaled $52.4 million at October 31, 1998 as compared to $35.6 
million at April 30, 1998. Interest rates on these credit agreements at 
October 31, 1998 ranged from approximately 6.0% to 10.0%, while payments are 
due in varying monthly installments through September 2005. Payments due to 
financial institutions are made from monthly collections of lease receivables 
from customers.

    CAPITAL RESOURCES. The Company has a $100.0 million unsecured revolving 
long-term credit agreement with certain banks. Up to $30.0 million of 
borrowings under this agreement may be in the form of commercial paper. In 
addition, sublimits also exist related to the Company's support of its 
leasing activities. Borrowings under this agreement are due May 31, 2001, and 
bear interest at the banks' reference rate (8.0% at October 31, 1998), except 
for LIBOR, CD and commercial-paper-based options, which generally bear 
interest at a rate lower than the banks' reference rate (5.5% to 6.3% at 
October 31, 1998). Total consolidated borrowings under this agreement at 
October 31, 1998 and April 30, 1998 were $67.4 million and $52.4 million. 
Annual commitment fees on the unused portions of the credit facility are 
0.25%.

    Management of the Company believes that a combination of cash generated 
from operations, existing bank facilities and additional borrowing capacity, 
in aggregate, are adequate to meet the anticipated liquidity and capital 
resource requirements of its business. Sources of additional financing, if 
needed, may include further debt financing, or the sale of equity or other 
securities.

IMPACT OF YEAR 2000

    The Company has completed an assessment and will modify or replace 
portions of its hardware and software so that its computer systems will 
function properly with respect to dates in 2000 and thereafter. The Company 
has also had discussions with its significant suppliers to ensure that those 
parties have appropriate plans to remediate Year 2000 issues where their 
systems and products interface with the Company's systems or otherwise impact 
its operations or that of its customers. The Company is assessing the extent 
to which its operations are vulnerable should those organizations fail to 
properly remediate either their computer systems or their current product 
offerings available to the Company's customers.

    The Company's comprehensive Year 2000 initiative is being managed by a 
team of internal staff with the assistance of an outside consultant. The 
Company is well under way with its efforts, which are scheduled to be 
completed by mid-1999. The cost of the Year 2000 initiative is estimated to 
be approximately $2.0 million to be incurred over fiscal year 1999 and fiscal 
year 2000.

    While the Company believes its planning efforts are adequate to address 
its Year 2000 concerns, the Year 2000 readiness of the Company's customers, 
and the hardware and software offerings from the Company's suppliers and 
business partners may vary. Although the Company does not believe that the 
Year 2000 matters discussed above will have a material impact on its 
business, financial condition and results of operations, it is uncertain as 
to what extent the Company may be affected by such matters.

                                       13

<PAGE>

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

          The Company is involved in legal actions in the ordinary course
          of its business. Although the outcome of any such legal action
          cannot be predicted, in the opinion of management there is no
          legal proceeding pending against or involving the Company for
          which the outcome is likely to have a material adverse effect
          upon the consolidated financial position or results of operations
          of the Company.


ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

(a)       On September 24, 1998, the annual meeting of shareholders of the 
          Company (the "Annual Meeting") was held.

(b)       At the Annual Meeting, the following directors were elected:

          Paul Baszucki                   David R. Richard
          Richard Cohen                   Dr. Jagdish N. Sheth
          Connie M. Levi                  Herbert F. Trader
          Gerald D. Pint


                                       14

<PAGE>

(c)       The following items were voted upon at the Annual Meeting:

    (1)   Election of Directors:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

          NAME                         VOTES FOR                  VOTES WITHHELD
          -----------------            ---------                  --------------
         <S>                          <C>                        <C>
          Paul Baszucki                8,340,269                      770,994
          Richard Cohen                8,339,362                      771,901
          Connie M. Levi               8,340,481                      770,782
          Gerald D. Pint               8,289,017                      822,246
          David R. Richard             8,310,029                      801,234
          Dr. Jagdish N. Sheth         8,341,109                      770,154
          Herbert F. Trader            8,288,575                      822,688

</TABLE>

    (2)   The shareholders approved an amendment to the company's 1995
          Long-Term Incentive Plan to increase the number of shares of
          common stock reserved for issuance thereunder by 1,200,000
          shares. A total of 6,192,525 shares were voted for the amendment,
          1,414,815 shares were voted against, 68,636 shares abstained and
          1,435,287 were broker non-votes.

    (3)   The shareholders approved the appointment of Arthur Andersen LLP as
          independent auditors for the fiscal year ending April 30, 1999. A 
          total of 9,047,305 shares were voted for the appointment of Arthur 
          Andersen LLP, 6,950 shares were voted against, and there were a total
          of 57,008 abstentions.

ITEM 6.   EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a)       Exhibits.

          Exhibit 10. (a)  Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of 
                           September 28, 1998, by and among the Company, 
                           certain banks as signatories thereto (the "Banks")
                           and U.S. Bank National Association, as one of the
                           Banks and as agent for the Banks.

                      (b)  Sixth Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of 
                           October 21, 1998, by and among the Company, certain
                           banks as signatories thereto (the "Banks") and U.S.
                           Bank National Association, as one of the Banks and 
                           as agent for the Banks.

(b)       Reports on Form 8-K.

          None

                                      15

<PAGE>




                               S I G N A T U R E S

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

                                             NORSTAN, INC.
                                             ------------------------------
                                             Registrant

Date:  December 14, 1998                     By /s/ DAVID R. RICHARD
                                                ---------------------------
                                                David R. Richard
                                                Chief Executive Officer,
                                                President and Director

Date:  December 14, 1998                     By /s/ KENNETH S. MACKENZIE
                                                ---------------------------
                                                Kenneth S. MacKenzie
                                                Chief Financial Officer
                                                (Principal Financial and 
                                                Accounting Officer)



                                       16

<PAGE>

FIFTH AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT


          THIS FIFTH AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT dated as of September 28,
1998 ("this Amendment") is by and between NORSTAN, INC., a Minnesota corporation
(the "Borrower"), the banks which are signatories hereto (individually, a "Bank"
and, collectively, the "Banks") and U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national
banking association, one of the Banks, as agent for the Banks (in such capacity,
the "Agent").

                                      RECITALS

          A.  The Borrower, U.S. Bank National Association (in its individual
corporate capacity, "U.S. Bank"), M&I Marshall & Ilsley Bank ("M&I Bank), Harris
Trust and Savings Bank ("Harris," and, together with U.S. Bank and M&I Bank
collectively, the "Existing Banks") and the Agent are parties to a Credit
Agreement dated as of July 23, 1996, as amended by a First Amendment dated as of
October 11, 1996, a Second Amendment dated as of September 26, 1997, a Third
Amendment dated as of March 20, 1998 and a Fourth Amendment dated as of July 23,
1998 (as so amended, the "Credit Agreement").

          B.  The Borrower desires to add Norwest Bank Minnesota, National
Association ("Norwest") as a Bank under the Credit Agreement and the Agent and
the Existing Banks are willing to permit Norwest to become a Bank under the
Credit Agreement upon the terms and conditions set forth therein and in this
Amendment.

          C.  The parties hereto desire to amend the Credit Agreement in the
respects hereinafter set forth.

          NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and for other good
and valuable consideration the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby
acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

          Section 1.  DEFINITIONS.  Capitalized terms used herein and not
otherwise defined herein, but which are defined in the Credit Agreement, shall
have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Credit Agreement unless the
context otherwise requires.

          Section 2.  ADDITION OF NORWEST AS A BANK.  Subject to Section 5
hereof, Norwest hereby assumes, adopts and, agrees to become a party, as a Bank,
to the Credit Agreement and to each other Loan Document to which the Banks are
parties, with a Revolving Commitment Amount stated in the amended Exhibit 1.1A
to the Credit Agreement adopted by Section 3 of this Amendment, and the parties
hereto, other than Norwest, acknowledge and consent to such actions by Norwest.
Upon the effectiveness of this Amendment, as provided in Section 5 hereof,
Norwest shall be a Bank under the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents
and shall have all of the rights, privileges and benefits of a Bank under the
Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and all of the duties of a Bank
thereunder, in each case as if Norwest had been initially a party to the Credit
Agreement.  Upon the effectiveness of 

                                    1.1A-1

<PAGE>

this Amendment, U.S. Bank shall sell and assign to Norwest, and Norwest shall 
purchase and accept from U.S. Bank, at par, and without recourse to or 
warranties of any kind by U.S. Bank, a portion of U.S. Bank's Revolving 
Commitment Amount equal to $10,000,000, and corresponding portions of (i) 
U.S. Bank's Commercial Paper Sublimit, (ii) U.S. Bank's Letter of Credit 
Sublimit and (iii) the principal and interest accrued on U.S. Bank's 
Revolving Note (such amounts shall be collectively referred to as the 
"Transferred Interest").

          Section 3.   AMENDMENTS TO CREDIT AGREEMENT.  Subject to Section 5
hereof, the Credit Agreement is hereby amended as follows:

          (a)  All references to the "Banks" contained in the Credit Agreement
shall be deemed to include, collectively, Norwest and each of the Existing
Banks.

          (b)  Exhibit 1.1A to the Credit Agreement is deleted and Exhibit 1.1A
of this Amendment is inserted in its place.

          (c) The addresses for notices to Norwest shall be as set forth below
their respective signature blocks on the signature pages to this Amendment
unless and until such addresses are changed in accordance with Section 9.4 of
the Credit Agreement.

          Section 4.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE BORROWER.  To induce
the Banks and the Agent to execute and deliver this Amendment (which
representations and warranties shall survive the execution and delivery of this
Amendment), the Borrower represents and warrants to the Agent and the Banks
that:

          (a)  this Amendment, the Amended U.S. Bank Note (as hereinafter
     defined) and the Norwest Note (as hereinafter defined) have been duly
     authorized, executed and delivered by it and this Amendment, the Amended
     U.S. Bank Note and the Norwest Note constitute the legal, valid and binding
     obligations of the Borrower enforceable against the Borrower in accordance
     with their respective terms, subject to limitations as to enforceability
     which might result from bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium
     or similar laws or equitable principles relating to or limiting creditors'
     rights generally;

          (b)  the Credit Agreement, as amended by this Amendment, constitutes
     the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Borrower enforceable against
     the Borrower in accordance with its terms, subject to limitations as to
     enforceability which might result from bankruptcy, insolvency,
     reorganization, moratorium or similar laws or equitable principles relating
     to or limiting creditors' rights generally;

          (c)  the execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of this
     Amendment, the Amended U.S. Bank Note and the Norwest Note (i) have been
     duly authorized by all requisite corporate action and, if required,
     shareholder action, (ii) do not require the consent or approval of any
     governmental or regulatory body or agency, and (iii) will not (A) violate
     (1) any provision of law, statute, rule or regulation or its certificate of
     incorporation or bylaws, (2) any order of any court or any rule, regulation
     or order of any other agency or government binding upon it, or (3) any
     provision of any material 

                                     1.1A-1

<PAGE>

     indenture, agreement or other instrument to which it is a party or by which
     any of its properties or assets are or may be bound, or (B) result in a 
     breach of or constitute (alone or with due notice or lapse of time or both)
     a default under any indenture, agreement or other instrument referred to in
     clause (iii)(A)(3) of this Section 4(c);

          (d)  as of the date hereof, no Default or Event of Default has
     occurred which is continuing; and

          (e)  all the representations and warranties contained in Article IV of
     the Credit Agreement are true and correct in all material respects with the
     same force and effect as if made by the Borrower on and as of the date
     hereof.

          Section 5.  CONDITIONS TO EFFECTIVENESS OF THIS AMENDMENT.  This
Amendment shall not become effective until, and shall become effective on the
date (the "Fifth Amendment Effective Date") when, each and every one of the
following conditions shall have been satisfied:

          (a)  executed counterparts of this Amendment, duly executed by the
     Borrower and each of the Banks, shall have been delivered to the Agent;

          (b)  U.S. Bank shall have received a new promissory note substantially
     in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the "Amended U.S. Bank Note"),
     which Amended U.S. Bank Note shall constitute an amendment and restatement
     of the Revolving Note payable to U.S. Bank;

          (c)  Norwest shall have received a promissory note substantially in
     the form attached hereto as Exhibit B duly executed by the Borrower (the
     "Norwest Note"), which Norwest Note shall constitute Norwest's Revolving
     Note under the Credit Agreement;

          (d)  the Agent shall have received from each Guarantor a Consent and
     Agreement of Guarantor in the form of Exhibits C-1 through C-8 hereto (the
     "Guarantor Agreements") duly completed and executed by such Guarantor;

          (e)  the Agent shall have received a copy of the resolutions of the
     Board of Directors of the Borrower authorizing the execution, delivery and
     performance by the Borrower of this Amendment, the Amended U.S. Bank Note
     and the Norwest Note certified by an officer thereof, together with a
     certificate of an officer of the Borrower certifying as to the incumbency
     and the true signatures of the officers authorized to execute this
     Amendment, the Amended U.S. Bank Note and the Norwest Note on behalf of the
     Borrower;

          (f)  the Agent shall have received the favorable opinion of counsel to
     Borrower, covering the matters set forth in Exhibit D hereto; and

Upon the Fifth Amendment Effective Date, (i) the Agent shall notify the Borrower
and the Banks that this Amendment has become effective, but the failure of the
Agent to give such notice shall not affect the validity of this Amendment or
prevent it from becoming effective, (ii) Norwest shall pay to U.S. Bank in cash
or cash equivalents the purchase price for the Transferred Interest, 

                                     1.1A-3

<PAGE>

in the amount or the sum of $10,000,000.  From and after the Fifth Amendment 
Effective Date, all interest, Revolving Commitment Fees and Letter of Credit 
Fees accrued on the Transferred Interest for the billing period in which the 
Fifth Amendment Effective Date falls shall be paid to the Agent as provided 
in the Credit Agreement, and distributed by the Agent (A) with respect to 
amounts accrued before the Fifth Amendment Effective Date, to U.S. Bank and 
(B) with respect to amounts accrued on or after the Fifth Amendment Effective 
Date, to Norwest.

          Section 7.  COUNTERPARTS AND EFFECTIVENESS.  This Amendment may be
executed in any number of counterparts, and by different parties hereto in
separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be
deemed an original, but all such counterparts together shall constitute but one
of the same instrument.

          Section 8.  LEGAL EXPENSES.  The Borrower agrees to reimburse the
Agent for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (including attorneys' fees and
legal expenses of Dorsey & Whitney LLP, counsel for the Agent) incurred in
connection with the negotiation, preparation, execution and delivery of this
Amendment.

          Section 9.  AFFIRMATION.  Each party hereto affirms and acknowledges
that (a) the Credit Agreement as amended by this Amendment remains in full force
and effect in accordance with its terms, (b) all references to the "Credit
Agreement" or any similar term contained in any other Loan Document shall be
deemed to be references to the Credit Agreement as amended hereby and (c) all
references to the "Revolving Notes" or any similar term contained in the Credit
Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be deemed to be references to the
Amended U.S. Bank Note, the Norwest Note and the Revolving Notes previously
issued by the Borrower to each of  Harris and M&I.

          Section 10.  CHOICE OF LAW.  This Amendment shall be governed by, and
construed in accordance with, the internal law, and not the law of conflicts, of
the State of Minnesota, but giving effect to federal laws applicable to national
banks.

          Section 11.  SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.  This Amendment shall be binding
upon the Borrower, the Banks, the Agent and their respective successors and
assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of the Borrower, the Banks and the
successors and assigns of the Banks and the Agent.


           [THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

                                     1.1A-1

<PAGE>

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment 
to be executed as of                   the day and year first above written.

                               NORSTAN, INC.
           
           
                               By   /s/ Robert J. Vold
                                 ------------------------------------
                                      Its   Treasurer
                                          ---------------------------
           
                               U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
                                  as a Bank and as Agent
           
           
                               By    /s/ David Shapiro
                                 ------------------------------------
                               Title  Assistant Vice President
                                    ---------------------------------
           
                               M & I MARSHALL & ILSLEY BANK
           
                               By    /s/ Jeffrey P. Norton
                                 ------------------------------------
                               Title  Vice President
                                    ---------------------------------
           
                               By    /s/ John W. Howard
                                 ------------------------------------
                               Title  Vice President
                                    ---------------------------------
           
                               HARRIS TRUST & SAVINGS BANK
           
                               By   /s/ Andrew K. Peterson
                                 ------------------------------------
                               Title  Vice President
                                    ---------------------------------

                                    1.1A-5

<PAGE>

                                NORWEST BANK MINNESOTA,
                                NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

                                By  /s/ Brad Sullivan
                                  -----------------------------------
                                Title  Portfolio Manager
                                     --------------------------------
                                Address for Notices:
                                --------------------

                                7900 Xerxes Avenue South
                                Bloomington, Minnesota  55431-2206
                                Telephone:  (612) 316-4186
                                Facsimile:  (612) 316-4203






                                    1.1A-1

<PAGE>

                                                          EXHIBIT 1.1A TO FIFTH
                                                  AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

                                                                EXHIBIT 1.1A TO
                                                               CREDIT AGREEMENT


                     REVOLVING COMMITMENT AMOUNTS AND SUBLIMITS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                  Revolving                     Commercial         Standby
                  Commitment     Revolving         Paper        Letter of Credit
Bank                Amount      Percentage        Sublimit          Sublimit
- ------            -----------   ----------      -----------     ----------------
<S>              <C>           <C>             <C>             <C>
U.S. Bank         $40,000,000        50%        $15,000,000       $2,500,000
National
Association

Harris Trust      $20,000,000        25%        $ 7,500,000       $1,250,000
And Savings
Bank

Marshall &        $10,000,000      12.5%        $ 3,750,000       $  625,000
Ilsley Bank

Norwest Bank      $10,000,000      12.5%        $ 3,750,000       $  625,000
Minnesota,
National
Association
                  -----------     -----         -----------       ----------
Total             $80,000,000       100%        $30,000,000       $5,000,000

</TABLE>

                                    1.1A-7


<PAGE>

SIXTH AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT


     THIS SIXTH AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT dated as of October 21, 1998
("this Amendment") is by and between NORSTAN, INC., a Minnesota corporation (the
"Borrower"), the banks which are signatories hereto (individually, a "Bank" and,
collectively, the "Banks") and U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national
banking association, one of the Banks, as agent for the Banks (in such capacity,
the "Agent").

                                      RECITALS

     A.  The Borrower, U.S. Bank National Association (in its individual
corporate capacity, "U.S. Bank"), M&I Marshall & Ilsley Bank ("M&I Bank"),
Harris Trust and Savings Bank ("Harris"), Norwest Bank Minnesota, National
Association ("Norwest," and, together with U.S. Bank, M&I Bank and Harris
collectively, the "Banks") and the Agent are parties to a Credit Agreement dated
as of July 23, 1996, as amended by a First Amendment dated as of October 11,
1996, a Second Amendment dated as of September 26, 1997, a Third Amendment dated
as of March 20, 1998, a Fourth Amendment dated as of July 23, 1998 and a Fifth
Amendment dated as of September 28, 1998 (as so amended, the "Credit
Agreement").

     B.  The parties hereto desire to amend the Credit Agreement in the respects
hereinafter set forth.

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and for other good and
valuable consideration the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby
acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

     Section 1.  DEFINITIONS.  Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise
defined herein, but which are defined in the Credit Agreement, shall have the
meanings ascribed to such terms in the Credit Agreement unless the context
otherwise requires.

     Section 2.   AMENDMENTS TO CREDIT AGREEMENT.  Subject to Section 4 hereof,
the Credit Agreement is hereby amended as follows:

          (a)  Exhibit 1.1A to the Credit Agreement is deleted and Exhibit A of
     this Amendment is inserted in its place.

     Section 3.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE BORROWER.  To induce the
Banks and the Agent to execute and deliver this Amendment (which representations
and warranties shall survive the execution and delivery of this Amendment), the
Borrower represents and warrants to the Agent and the Banks that:

           [Signature Page to Sixth Amendment to Credit Agreement]

                                    S-1

<PAGE>

          (a)  this Amendment, the Amended M&I Bank Note (as hereinafter
     defined) and the Amended Norwest Note (as hereinafter defined) have been
     duly authorized, executed and delivered by it and this Amendment, the
     Amended M&I Bank Note and the Amended Norwest Note constitute the legal,
     valid and binding obligations of the Borrower enforceable against the
     Borrower in accordance with their respective terms, subject to limitations
     as to enforceability which might result from bankruptcy, insolvency,
     reorganization, moratorium or similar laws or equitable principles relating
     to or limiting creditors' rights generally;

          (b)  the Credit Agreement, as amended by this Amendment, constitutes
     the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Borrower enforceable against
     the Borrower in accordance with its terms, subject to limitations as to
     enforceability which might result from bankruptcy, insolvency,
     reorganization, moratorium or similar laws or equitable principles relating
     to or limiting creditors' rights generally;

          (c)  the execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of this
     Amendment, the Amended M&I Bank Note and the Amended Norwest Note (i) have
     been duly authorized by all requisite corporate action and, if required,
     shareholder action, (ii) do not require the consent or approval of any
     governmental or regulatory body or agency, and (iii) will not (A) violate
     (1) any provision of law, statute, rule or regulation or its certificate of
     incorporation or bylaws, (2) any order of any court or any rule, regulation
     or order of any other agency or government binding upon it, or (3) any
     provision of any material indenture, agreement or other instrument to which
     it is a party or by which any of its properties or assets are or may be
     bound, or (B) result in a breach of or constitute (alone or with due notice
     or lapse of time or both) a default under any indenture, agreement or other
     instrument referred to in clause (iii)(A)(3) of this Section 3(c);

          (d)  as of the date hereof, no Default or Event of Default has
     occurred which is continuing; and

          (e)  all the representations and warranties contained in Article IV of
     the Credit Agreement are true and correct in all material respects with the
     same force and effect as if made by the Borrower on and as of the date
     hereof.

     Section 4.  CONDITIONS TO EFFECTIVENESS OF THIS AMENDMENT.  This Amendment
shall not become effective until, and shall become effective on the date (the
"Sixth Amendment Effective Date") when, each and every one of the following
conditions shall have been satisfied:

          (a)  executed counterparts of this Amendment, duly executed by the
     Borrower and each of the Banks, shall have been delivered to the Agent;

          (b)  M&I Bank shall have received a new promissory note substantially
     in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B (the "Amended M&I Bank Note"),
     which Amended M&I Bank Note shall constitute an amendment and restatement
     of the Revolving Note dated July 23, 1998 payable to M&I Bank;

           [Signature Page to Sixth Amendment to Credit Agreement]

                                     S-2

<PAGE>

          (c)  Norwest shall have received a new promissory note substantially
     in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C duly executed by the Borrower (the
     "Amended Norwest Note"), which Amended Norwest Note shall constitute an
     amendment and restatement of the Revolving Note dated September 28, 1998
     payable to Norwest;

          (d)  the Agent shall have received from each Guarantor a Consent and
     Agreement of Guarantor in the form of Exhibits D-1 through D-8 hereto (the
     "Guarantor Agreements") duly completed and executed by such Guarantor;

          (e)  the Agent shall have received a copy of the resolutions of the
     Board of Directors of the Borrower authorizing the execution, delivery and
     performance by the Borrower of this Amendment, the Amended M&I Bank Note
     and the Amended Norwest Note certified by an officer thereof, together with
     a certificate of an officer of the Borrower certifying as to the incumbency
     and the true signatures of the officers authorized to execute this
     Amendment, the Amended M&I Bank Note and the Amended Norwest Note on behalf
     of the Borrower; and

          (f)  the Agent shall have received the favorable opinion of counsel to
     Borrower, covering the matters set forth in Exhibit E hereto.

Upon the Sixth Amendment Effective Date, the Agent shall notify the Borrower and
the Banks that this Amendment has become effective, but the failure of the Agent
to give such notice shall not affect the validity of this Amendment or prevent
it from becoming effective.

     Section 5.  COUNTERPARTS AND EFFECTIVENESS.  This Amendment may be executed
in any number of counterparts, and by different parties hereto in separate
counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed an
original, but all such counterparts together shall constitute but one of the
same instrument.

     Section 6.  LEGAL EXPENSES.  The Borrower agrees to reimburse the Agent for
all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (including attorneys' fees and legal
expenses of Dorsey & Whitney LLP, counsel for the Agent) incurred in connection
with the negotiation, preparation, execution and delivery of this Amendment.

     Section 7.  AFFIRMATION.  Each party hereto affirms and acknowledges that
(a) the Credit Agreement as amended by this Amendment remains in full force and
effect in accordance with its terms, (b) all references to the "Credit
Agreement" or any similar term contained in any other Loan Document shall be
deemed to be references to the Credit Agreement as amended hereby and (c) all
references to the "Revolving Notes" or any similar term contained in the Credit
Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be deemed to be references to the
Amended M&I Bank Note, the Amended Norwest Note and the Revolving Notes
previously issued by the Borrower to each of  U.S. Bank and Harris.

     Section 8.  CHOICE OF LAW.  This Amendment shall be governed by, and 
construed in accordance with, the internal law, and not the law of conflicts, 
of the State of Minnesota, but giving effect to federal laws applicable to 
national banks.

           [Signature Page to Sixth Amendment to Credit Agreement]

                                     S-3

<PAGE>

     Section 9.  SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.  This Amendment shall be binding upon
the Borrower, the Banks, the Agent and their respective successors and assigns,
and shall inure to the benefit of the Borrower, the Banks and the successors and
assigns of the Banks and the Agent.


              [THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]













               [Signature Page to Sixth Amendment to Credit Agreement]

                                       S-4

<PAGE>

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be 
executed as of the day and year first above written.

                                        NORSTAN, INC.


                                        By   /s/ Robert J. Vold
                                          --------------------------------
                                          Its  Treasurer
                                              ----------------------------

                                        U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
                                        as a Bank and as Agent

                                        By   /s/ David Shapiro
                                          --------------------------------
                                          Its  Assistant Vice President
                                              ----------------------------

                                        M & I MARSHALL & ILSLEY BANK


                                        By   /s/ Doug Nelson
                                          --------------------------------
                                          Its  Vice President
                                              ----------------------------


                                        By  /s/ Stephen F. Geimer
                                          --------------------------------
                                          Its  Vice President
                                              ----------------------------

                                        HARRIS TRUST & SAVINGS BANK


                                        By   /s/ George M. Dluhy
                                          --------------------------------
                                          Its  Vice President
                                              ----------------------------

                                        NORWEST BANK MINNESOTA, 
                                        NATIONAL ASSOCIATION


                                        By   /s/ Brad Sullivan
                                          --------------------------------
                                          Its  Portfolio Manager
                                               ----------------------------

               [Signature Page to Sixth Amendment to Credit Agreement]

                                     S-5

<PAGE>

                                                          EXHIBIT 1.1A TO SIXTH
                                                  AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

                                                                EXHIBIT 1.1A TO
                                                               CREDIT AGREEMENT


                 REVOLVING COMMITMENT AMOUNTS AND SUBLIMITS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                     Revolving                         Commercial         Standby
                    Commitment      Revolving            Paper        Letter of Credit
Bank                  Amount        Percentage          Sublimit          Sublimit
- --------           -----------      ----------        -----------     ----------------
<S>               <C>              <C>               <C>             <C>
U.S. Bank          $40,000,000         40%            $12,000,000        $ 2,000,000
National
Association

Harris Trust       $20,000,000         20%            $ 6,000,000        $ 1,000,000
And Savings
Bank

Marshall &         $20,000,000         20%            $ 6,000,000        $ 1,000,000
Ilsley Bank

Norwest Bank       $20,000,000         20%            $ 6,000,000        $ 1,000,000
Minnesota,
National
Association
                  ------------      -----             -----------        -----------
Total             $100,000,000        100%            $30,000,000        $ 5,000,000

</TABLE>

                                        A-1



<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          APR-30-1999
<PERIOD-START>                             MAY-01-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1998
<CASH>                                           1,853
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   93,046
<ALLOWANCES>                                       996
<INVENTORY>                                     21,352
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               183,213
<PP&E>                                          90,442
<DEPRECIATION>                                  45,043
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 311,495
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           98,821
<BONDS>                                        101,427
                            1,065
                                          0
<COMMON>                                             0
<OTHER-SE>                                     105,675
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   311,495
<SALES>                                        105,092
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               240,903
<CGS>                                           75,095
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  164,396
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                63,006
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               2,252
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 11,249
<INCOME-TAX>                                     4,892
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              6,357
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     6,357
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .61
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .61
        

</TABLE>


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