NORSTAN INC
10-Q, 1998-03-17
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 JANUARY 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.)
 
           605 NORTH HIGHWAY 169, TWELFTH FLOOR, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55441
           ---------------------------------------------------------------
                         (address of principal executive offices)
 
    TELEPHONE (612) 513-4500    FAX (612) 513-4537     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 March 9, 1998, there were 9,957,654 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          NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                        --------------------------   ------------------------
                                                        JANUARY 31,    FEBRUARY 1,   JANUARY 31,  FEBRUARY 1, 
                                                           1998           1997          1998         1997
                                                        -----------    -----------   -----------  -----------
<S>                                                     <C>            <C>           <C>          <C>
REVENUES:

       Global Services                                  $  56,154      $  47,246     $  156,748   $ 133,929
       Communication Systems                               53,979         45,405        155,910     143,708
       Financial Services                                   1,634          1,424          5,472       4,322
                                                        ---------      ---------     ----------   ---------
          Total Revenues                                  111,767         94,075        318,130     281,959
                                                        ---------      ---------     ----------   ---------
COST OF SALES:

       Global Services                                     40,294         35,742        112,383      98,655
       Communication Systems                               38,971         31,725        114,516     103,191
       Financial Services                                     596            547          1,805       1,616
                                                        ---------      ---------     ----------   ---------
          Total Cost of Sales                              79,861         68,014        228,704     203,462
                                                        ---------      ---------     ----------   ---------
GROSS MARGIN                                               31,906         26,061         89,426      78,497

       Selling, General
         & Administrative Expenses                         24,923         20,935         72,479      65,058
                                                        ---------      ---------     ----------   ---------
OPERATING INCOME                                            6,983          5,126         16,947      13,439

       Interest Expense                                    (1,242)          (571)        (2,683)     (1,332)
       Interest and Other Income (Expense), Net                55            (11)           171         (32)
                                                        ---------      ---------     ----------   ---------
INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR
  INCOME TAXES                                              5,796          4,544         14,435      12,075

       Provision for Income Taxes                           2,521          1,829          6,063       4,992
                                                        ---------      ---------     ----------   ---------
NET INCOME                                               $  3,275       $  2,715       $  8,372    $  7,083
                                                        ---------      ---------     ----------   ---------
                                                        ---------      ---------     ----------   ---------

NET INCOME PER SHARE - BASIC                               $  .33         $  .29         $  .87      $  .78
                                                        ---------      ---------     ----------   ---------
                                                        ---------      ---------     ----------   ---------

NET INCOME PER SHARE - DILUTED
                                                           $  .33         $  .29         $  .86      $  .76
                                                        ---------      ---------     ----------   ---------
                                                        ---------      ---------     ----------   ---------

WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES - BASIC                             9,780          9,277          9,599       9,070
                                                        ---------      ---------     ----------   ---------
                                                        ---------      ---------     ----------   ---------

WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES - DILUTED                          10,011          9,435          9,780       9,305
                                                        ---------      ---------     ----------   ---------
                                                        ---------      ---------     ----------   ---------
</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>
                                                             JANUARY 31,   APRIL 30,
                                                                1998         1997
                                                             ----------   ----------
                                                            (Unaudited)   (Audited)
<S>                                                         <C>           <C>
ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS:
       Cash                                                   $  3,210    $  5,147
       Accounts receivable, net of allowances for doubtful
          accounts of $1,325 and $1,783                         96,058      76,027
       Current lease receivables                                17,174      19,595
       Inventories                                              12,311       7,636
       Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings of
          $16,609 and $11,948                                   23,212      11,556
       Deferred income tax benefits                              6,946       3,954
       Prepaid expenses, deposits and other                      5,916       2,925
                                                              --------    --------
            TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS                               164,827     126,840
                                                              --------    --------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:
       Furniture, fixtures and equipment                       107,919      93,895
       Less-accumulated depreciation and amortization          (60,144)    (48,409)
                                                              --------    --------
            NET PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT                          47,775      45,486
                                                              --------    --------
OTHER ASSETS:
       Lease receivables, net of current portion                32,197      29,775
       Goodwill, net of amortization of $7,147 and $5,443       44,652      21,264
       Other assets, net                                         2,096         808
                                                              --------    --------
            TOTAL OTHER ASSETS                                  78,945      51,847
                                                              --------    --------
                                                              $291,547    $224,173
                                                              --------    --------
                                                              --------    --------
</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>
                                                        JANUARY 31,   APRIL 30,
                                                           1998         1997
                                                        ---------    ---------
                                                       (Unaudited)    (Audited)
<S>                                                    <C>           <C>
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES:
       Revolving line of credit                          $  1,561     $   389
       Current maturities of discounted lease rentals      15,311      13,878
       Accounts payable                                    24,497      24,486
       Deferred revenue                                    19,763      18,680
       Accrued -
          Salaries and wages                                9,855      13,065
          Warranty costs                                    1,555       2,348
          Other liabilities                                 6,595      10,333
       Income taxes payable                                     -         388
       Billings in excess of costs and estimated 
         earnings of $15,584 and $12,829                   10,510       5,789
                                                        ---------   ---------
             TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES                     89,647      89,356
                                                        ---------   ---------

LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current maturities                  67,443      18,284

DISCOUNTED LEASE RENTALS, net of current maturities        24,233      24,043

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES                                       8,700       8,120
                                                        ---------   ---------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
       Common stock - $.10 par value; 40,000,000 
       authorized shares; 9,957,654 and 9,387,458 shares 
       issued and outstanding                                 996         939
       Capital in excess of par value                      44,267      34,556
       Retained earnings                                   58,565      50,192
       Unamortized cost of stock                             (590)       (142)
       Foreign currency translation adjustments            (1,714)     (1,175)
                                                        ---------   ---------
             TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY                   101,524      84,370
                                                        ---------   ---------
                                                        $ 291,547   $ 224,173
                                                        ---------   ---------
                                                        ---------   ---------
</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>
                                                             NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                        -------------------------
                                                         JANUARY 31,    FEBRUARY 1,
                                                            1998           1997
                                                        -----------    -----------
<S>                                                     <C>            <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income                                               $  8,372       $  7,083
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
(used for) provided by operating activities:
       Depreciation and amortization                       14,977         11,506
       Deferred income taxes                                  518          1,643
       Changes in operating items, net of effects
        from acquisitions:
          Accounts receivable                             (17,711)       (15,438)
          Inventories                                      (4,752)         1,468
          Costs and estimated earnings in excess of
           billings                                       (11,707)        (6,083)
          Prepaid expenses, deposits and other             (2,851)          (836)
          Accounts payable                                   (380)         5,311
          Deferred revenue                                  1,131            272
          Accrued liabilities                             (11,283)        (4,111)
          Income taxes payable                               (933)           331
          Billings in excess of costs and estimated
           earnings                                         4,756          1,785
                                                        ---------       --------
               NET CASH (USED FOR) PROVIDED BY 
                OPERATING ACTIVITIES                      (19,863)         2,931
                                                        ---------       --------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
       Additions to property and equipment, net           (14,402)       (16,675)
       Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired   (20,450)       (11,794)
       Investment in lease contracts                      (17,452)       (17,773)
       Collections from lease contracts                    17,310         16,849
       Other, net                                             (13)           516
                                                        ---------       --------
               NET CASH USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES     (35,007)       (28,877)
                                                        ---------       --------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
       Repayment of debt assumed in acquisitions           (2,013)        (1,743)
       Borrowings of long-term debt                       188,795        181,775
       Repayments of long-term debt                      (139,365)      (160,250)
       Borrowings under short-term line of credit, net        950           (169)
       Borrowings of discounted lease rentals              13,472         12,502
       Repayments of discounted lease rentals             (11,789)        (9,506)
       Proceeds from sale of common stock                   2,873          2,943
                                                        ---------       --------
               NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES   52,923         25,552
                                                        ---------       --------
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH                        10              1
                                                        ---------       --------
NET DECREASE IN CASH                                       (1,937)          (393)
CASH, BEGINNING OF PERIOD                                   5,147          1,133
                                                        ---------       --------
CASH, END OF PERIOD                                     $   3,210       $    740
                                                        ---------       --------
                                                        ---------       --------
</TABLE>

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


                                       4

<PAGE>
                   NORSTAN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                          JANUARY 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>
                                                            NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                        ------------------------
                                                        JANUARY 31,  FEBRUARY 1, 
                                                           1998         1997
                                                        -----------  -----------
<S>                                                     <C>          <C>
Cash paid for:

     Interest                                           $  4,761     $  2,936

     Income taxes                                       $  4,985     $  2,642

Noncash investing and financing activities:

     Stock issued for acquisitions                      $  6,325     $  2,000
</TABLE>

                                       5

<PAGE>


RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARD -

In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued 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).  SFAS No. 128 replaces primary EPS with basic EPS.  
Basic EPS is computed by dividing reported earnings by weighted average 
shares outstanding, excluding potentially dilutive securities.  Fully diluted 
EPS, termed diluted EPS under SFAS No. 128, is also to be  disclosed.  The 
Company adopted SFAS No. 128 in the third quarter of fiscal 1998.  As a 
result, the Company's reported EPS data has been restated as follows for the 
three and nine month periods ended February 1, 1997:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       THREE MONTHS ENDED    NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                       ------------------    -----------------
                                                            FEBRUARY 1,          FEBRUARY 1,
                                                               1997                 1997
                                                       ------------------    -----------------
<S>                                                    <C>                   <C>
Primary EPS as reported                                       $  .29               $  .75
Effect of SFAS No. 128                                             -                  .03
                                                       ------------------    -----------------
BASIC EPS AS RESTATED                                         $  .29               $  .78
                                                       ------------------    -----------------
                                                       ------------------    -----------------

Fully diluted EPS as reported                                 $   -                $    -
Effect of SFAS No. 128                                           .29                  .76
                                                       ------------------    -----------------
DILUTED EPS AS RESTATED                                       $  .29               $  .76
                                                       ------------------    -----------------
                                                       ------------------    -----------------
</TABLE>

A reconciliation of EPS calculations under SFAS No. 128 is as follows for the
three and nine month periods ended January 31, 1998 and February 1, 1997:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            THREE MONTHS ENDED            NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                         ------------------------     -------------------------
                                                         JANUARY 31,   FEBRUARY 1,    JANUARY 31,    FEBRUARY 1, 
                                                            1998          1997            1998           1997
                                                         -----------   -----------    -----------    -----------
<S>                                                      <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>
NET INCOME                                                $ 3,275         $2,715         $8,372         $7,083
                                                         -----------   -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                         -----------   -----------    -----------    -----------
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON
  SHARES OUTSTANDING - BASIC                                9,780          9,277          9,599          9,070

Effect of dilutive securities:

  Stock option plans                                          229            148            180            225
  Employee stock purchase plan                                  2             10              1             10
                                                         -----------   -----------    -----------    -----------
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON
  SHARES OUTSTANDING - DILUTED                             10,011          9,435          9,780          9,305
                                                         -----------   -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                         -----------   -----------    -----------    -----------
NET INCOME PER SHARE - BASIC                              $   .33         $  .29         $  .87         $  .78
                                                         -----------   -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                         -----------   -----------    -----------    -----------
NET INCOME PER SHARE - DILUTED                            $   .33         $  .29         $  .86         $  .76
                                                         -----------   -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                         -----------   -----------    -----------    -----------
</TABLE>

                                       6

<PAGE>

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 other items. Ultimate results could differ 
from those estimates.

RECLASSIFICATIONS -

Certain amounts in the fiscal 1997 financial statements have been 
reclassified to conform to the fiscal 1998 presentation.  Such 
reclassifications had no effect on previously reported net income or 
shareholders' equity.

ACQUISITIONS -

On September 30, 1997, the Company acquired Vadini, Inc. d/b/a PRIMA 
Consulting Inc. (PRIMA), in a transaction accounted for under the purchase 
method.  PRIMA operates in the information technology consulting business, 
including information systems planning and development, consulting and 
programming services for collaborative computing solutions and enterprise 
resource planning integration services.

The acquisition consideration totaled 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.  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 15 years and 3 
years, respectively. The Company financed the cash payments made in 
connection with the acquisition through borrowings under its credit 
facilities.  Pro forma information in the year of acquisition has not been 
disclosed because such information was not materially different from the 
Company's results of operations.

On June 4, 1996, the Company acquired Connect Computer Company (Connect), in 
a transaction accounted for under the purchase method.  Connect is a provider 
of consulting, design and implementation services for local and wide area 
networks, internets and intranets, client server applications and workgroup 
computing.

The acquisition consideration totaled approximately $15.0 million, consisting 
of $12.0 million in cash, $2.0 million of Norstan common stock and $1.0 
million payable to certain members of Connect's management under non-compete 
agreements.  In addition, the Company agreed to pay up to $4.0 million in 
contingent consideration over a three year period ending April 30, 1999 if 
certain financial performance targets are achieved (as of January 31, 1998, 
$2.0 million of such consideration has been paid and the remaining $2.0 
million has been accrued).  These transactions resulted in a total  

                                       7

<PAGE>

of $18.4 million in goodwill and other intangible assets which are being 
amortized on a straight-line basis over 15 years and 3 years, respectively. 
The Company financed the cash payments made in connection with the 
acquisition through borrowings under its credit facility.  Pro forma 
information in the year of acquisition (fiscal 1997) has not been disclosed 
because such information was not materially different from the Company's 
results of operations.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT FUTURE RESULTS -

From time to time, the Company may publish forward-looking statements 
relating to such matters as anticipated financial performance, business 
prospects, technological developments, new products, and similar matters.  
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor 
for forward-looking statements including those presented in this Form 10-Q.  
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 telecommunications industry; the Company's 
operations in Canada; 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, as well as 
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


SUMMARY -

During the quarter ended January 31, 1998, the Company's net income improved 
over the quarter ended February 1, 1997, increasing 20.6% to $3,275,000, or 
$.33 per common share, compared to $2,715,000, or $.29 per common share.  For 
the nine month period ended January 31, 1998, the Company's net income 
increased 18.2% to $8,372,000, or $.86 per common share, compared to 
$7,083,000, or $.76 per common share, for the same period last year.  These 
per share figures reflect diluted rather than basic EPS.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -

The Company's revenues consist of revenues from the delivery and/or sale of 
global services, communication systems and financial services. Revenues from 
global services result primarily from communications maintenance services, 
information technology (IT) professional services, moves, adds and changes 
and long distance services.  Revenues from the sale of communication systems 
result from the sale of new products and upgrades, as well as refurbished 
equipment. Financial services revenues result primarily from leasing 
activities.  The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, 
certain items from the Company's consolidated statements of operations.

                                       9

<PAGE>

 SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            DOLLAR AMOUNTS AS A                         DOLLAR AMOUNTS AS A 
                                           PERCENTAGE OF REVENUES       PERCENTAGE     PERCENTAGE OF REVENUES       PERCENTAGE

                                             THREE MONTHS ENDED          INCREASE         NINE MONTHS ENDED          INCREASE
                                          --------------------------   -------------  --------------------------   -------------
                                          JANUARY 31,    FEBRUARY 1,      FISCAL      JANUARY 31,    FEBRUARY 1,      FISCAL 
                                             1998           1997       1998 VS. 1997      1998           1997      1998 VS. 1997
                                          -----------    -----------   -------------  -----------    -----------   -------------
<S>                                       <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>           <C>          
REVENUES:

    Global Services                          50.2%          50.2%          18.9%          49.3%          47.5%          17.0%
    Communication Systems                    48.3%          48.3%          18.9%          49.0%          51.0%           8.5%
    Financial Services                        1.5%           1.5%          14.7%           1.7%           1.5%          26.6%
                                          -----------    -----------   -------------  -----------    -----------   -------------
       Total Revenues                       100.0%         100.0%          18.8%         100.0%         100.0%          12.8%

COST OF SALES                                71.5%          72.3%          17.4%          71.9%          72.2%          12.4%
                                          -----------    -----------   -------------  -----------    -----------   -------------
GROSS MARGIN                                 28.5%          27.7%          22.4%          28.1%          27.8%          13.9%
SELLING, GENERAL &
  ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES                    22.3%          22.3%          19.0%          22.8%          23.1%          11.4%
                                          -----------    -----------   -------------  -----------    -----------   -------------
OPERATING INCOME                              6.2%           5.4%          36.2%           5.3%           4.8%          26.1%
    Interest Expense and Other, Net          (1.0%)         (0.6%)        104.0%          (0.8%)         (0.5%)         84.2%
                                          -----------    -----------   -------------  -----------    -----------   -------------
INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR
    INCOME TAXES                              5.2%           4.8%          27.6%           4.5%           4.3%          19.5%
    Provision for Income Taxes                2.3%           1.9%          37.8%           1.9%           1.8%          21.4%
                                          -----------    -----------   -------------  -----------    -----------   -------------
NET INCOME                                    2.9%           2.9%          20.6%           2.6%           2.5%          18.2%
                                          -----------    -----------   -------------  -----------    -----------   -------------
                                          -----------    -----------   -------------  -----------    -----------   -------------
</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            NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                      -------------------------    --------------------------
                                      JANUARY 31,   FEBRUARY 1,    JANUARY 31,    FEBRUARY 1,
                                         1998          1997           1998           1997
                                      -----------   -----------    ----------     -----------
<S>                                   <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>
GROSS MARGIN PERCENTAGES:

    Global Services                     28.2%          24.3%          28.3%          26.3%
    Communication Systems               27.8%          30.1%          26.5%          28.2%
    Financial Services                  63.5%          61.6%          67.0%          62.6%
</TABLE>


                                       10

<PAGE>

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

        REVENUES.  Revenues increased 18.8% to $111,767,000 for the quarter 
ended January 31, 1998, as compared to $94,075,000 for the corresponding 
period last year.  For the nine month period ended January 31, 1998, revenues 
increased 12.8%, to $318,130,000 as compared to $281,959,000 for the same 
period last year.  Revenues from global services increased $8,908,000, or 
18.9% and $22,819,000, or 17.0% in the comparable three and nine month 
periods ended January 31, 1998 and February 1, 1997, respectively.  This 
growth was led by IT professional services which includes the results of 
recently acquired PRIMA and the continued growth of Connect, which was 
acquired in June 1996.  IT professional services revenues grew at 64% and 63% 
for the comparable three and nine month periods ended January 31, 1998 and 
February 1, 1997, respectively. Overall, revenues from other traditional 
telecommunications services were relatively unchanged for the comparable 
three and nine month periods.

        Sales of communication systems increased $8,574,000, or 18.9%, and 
$12,202,000, or 8.5%, during the comparable three and nine month periods 
ended January 31, 1998, and February 1, 1997, respectively.  The strong 
revenue increase during the current quarter was partly due to the relatively 
weak third quarter revenues of last year.  The nine month increase reflects a 
continued rebound from the slower product sales of the first quarter of 
fiscal 1998 and better reflects management's overall expectations of this 
segment's ongoing growth prospects. Revenues from financial services 
increased $210,000, or 14.7%, and increased $1,150,000, or 26.6%, during the 
comparable three and nine month periods ended January 31, 1998 and February 
1, 1997, respectively.

             GROSS MARGIN.  The Company's gross margin increased $5,845,000, 
or 22.4%, to $31,906,000 for the three months ended January 31, 1998 as 
compared to $26,061,000 for the three months ended February 1, 1997.  For the 
nine month period ended January 31, 1998, gross margin increased $10,929,000, 
or 13.9%, to $89,426,000 as compared to $78,497,000 for the similar period 
ended February 1, 1997.  As a percent of total revenues, gross margin was 
28.5% and 28.1% for the three and nine month periods ended January 31, 1998 
as compared to 27.7% and 27.8% for the comparable three and nine month 
periods ended February 1, 1997. These increases in fiscal 1998 reflect a 
shift in the Company's mix of products and services towards higher margin 
global services.

        Gross margin as a percent of revenues for global services was 28.2% 
and 28.3% for the three and nine month periods ended January 31, 1998, as 
compared to 24.3% and 26.3% for the comparable periods ended February 1, 
1997.  These increases reflect the change in mix of services Norstan 
provides.  As IT professional services become a more integral component of 
Norstan's business, global services' margins are expected to continue to 
improve.

        Gross margin as a percent of revenues for the sale of communication 
systems was 27.8% and 26.5% for the three and nine month periods ended 
January 31, 1998 as compared to 30.1% and 28.2% for the similar periods ended 
February 1, 1997.  These decreases are generally the result of 
non-transferable increases in product costs, additional use of subcontractors 
and overtime due to high levels of installations, and the change in mix of 
products sold.

                                       11

<PAGE>

        Gross margin as a percent of revenues for financial services was 
63.5% and 67.0% for the three and nine month periods ended January 31, 1998, 
and 61.6% and 62.6% for the similar periods ended February 1, 1997.

        SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.  Selling, general and 
administrative (SG&A) expenses increased $3,988,000, or 19.0%, for the 
quarter ended January 31, 1998 as compared to the quarter ended February 1, 
1997.  For the nine months ended January 31, 1998, SG&A expenses increased 
$7,421,000, or 11.4%, as compared to the similar period last year.  As a 
percent of revenues, SG&A expenses remained at 22.3% for the three month 
periods ended January 31, 1998 and February 1, 1997.   For the comparable 
nine month periods ended January 31, 1998 and February 1, 1997, SG&A expense 
decreased to 22.8% from 23.1%.  These improvements in SG&A as a percent of 
revenue are expected to be maintained or improved going forward as the 
benefits of process improvements and continued cost control efforts are 
realized.

        OPERATING INCOME.  Operating income increased $1,857,000, or 36.2%, 
to $6,983,000 for the quarter ended January 31, 1998 as compared to 
$5,126,000 for the quarter ended February 1, 1997.  For the nine months ended 
January 31, 1998, operating income increased $3,508,000, or 26.1%, to 
$16,947,000, as compared to $13,439,000 for the similar period last year.  As 
a percent of revenues, operating income increased to 6.2% from 5.4% for the 
three month periods ended January 31, 1998, and February 1, 1997, 
respectively.  For the comparable nine month periods ended January 31, 1998 
and February 1, 1997, operating income as a percent of revenues increased to 
5.3% from 4.8%.

        OTHER COSTS AND EXPENSES.  Interest expense increased to $1,242,000 
as compared to $571,000 for the three month periods ended January 31, 1998 
and February 1, 1997, respectively. For the nine month period ended January 
31, 1998, interest expense increased to $2,683,000 from $1,332,000 for the 
similar period last year.  These increases were primarily a result of higher 
borrowing levels under revolving credit agreements relating to the PRIMA and 
Connect acquisitions and other working capital requirements.

        The Company's effective tax rate was 43.5% and 42.0% for the three 
and nine month periods ended January 31, 1998 as compared to 40.3% and 41.3% 
for the similar periods ended February 1, 1997.  The Company's effective tax 
rate differs from the federal statutory rate primarily due to the effect of 
non-deductible goodwill amortization and state income taxes.  The provisions 
for income taxes have been recorded based upon management's estimate of the 
annualized effective tax rate.

        NET INCOME.  Net income was $3,275,000, or $.33 per common share, and 
$2,715,000, or $.29 per common share, for the quarters ended January 31, 1998 
and February 1, 1997, respectively.  Net income was $8,372,000, or $.86 per 
common share, and $7,083,000, or $.76 per common share, for the nine month 
periods ended January 31, 1998 and February 1, 1997, respectively. These per 
share figures reflect diluted rather than basic EPS.

                                       12

<PAGE>

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

        WORKING CAPITAL.  Working capital increased to $75,180,000 at January 
31, 1998 from $37,484,000 at April 30, 1997.  The current ratio was 1.84 to 
1.0 at January 31, 1998 as compared to 1.42 to 1.0 at April 30, 1997.  
Operating activities used net cash of $19,863,000 and provided net cash of 
$2,931,000 for the nine months ended January 31, 1998 and February 1, 1997, 
respectively.

        CAPITAL RESOURCES.  In July 1996, the Company entered into a 
$40,000,000 unsecured revolving long-term credit agreement with certain 
banks. Up to $15,000,000 of borrowings under this agreement may be in the 
form of commercial paper.  In addition, up to $8,000,000 and $6,000,000 may 
be used to support the leasing activities of Norstan Financial Services, Inc. 
(NFS) and Norstan Canada, respectively.   Borrowings under this agreement are 
due July 31, 1999, and bear interest at the banks' reference rate (8.50% at 
January 31, 1998), except for LIBOR, CD and commercial paper based options 
which generally bear interest at a rate lower than the banks' reference rate. 
Total consolidated borrowings under this agreement were $40,000,000 and 
$17,920,000 at January 31, 1998 and April 30, 1997, respectively.  There were 
no borrowings on account of NFS at January 31, 1998 or April 30, 1997.

        In September 1997, the Company entered into an additional $40,000,000 
unsecured revolving credit agreement with First Bank, N.A.  Borrowings under 
this agreement are due March 31, 1998, and bear interest at the bank's 
reference rate (8.50% at January 31, 1998), except for LIBOR based options 
which generally bear interest at a rate lower than the bank's reference rate. 
Total consolidated borrowings under this agreement were $27,350,000 at 
January 31, 1998.  This bridge facility was put in place for 180 days to 
finance the PRIMA acquisition and provide cash for other general corporate 
purposes.

        The Company has received a written commitment from its existing bank 
group for a new $80,000,000 long-term revolving credit facility which will 
replace the above mentioned credit facility and bridge loan.  This new 
agreement is intended to be in place prior to March 31, 1998.  As a result, 
borrowings under the bridge facility are classified as long-term at January 
31, 1998.

        Borrowings by the Company in fiscal 1998 and 1997 have been made to 
finance the acquisitions of PRIMA and Connect, for working capital and 
general corporate purposes, as well as to invest in property and equipment.

        Net capital expenditures for the nine months ended January 31, 1998 
were $14,402,000 and $16,675,000 for the similar period last year.  These 
expenditures were primarily for the purchase of computer equipment, software, 
telecommunications equipment used as spare parts and for outsourcing 
arrangements, and other facility expansions.  At January 31, 1998, there were 
no outstanding material commitments for future capital expenditures.  The 
Company also has a significant investment in lease contracts with its 
customers.  The additional investment in lease contracts totaled $17,452,000 
for the nine months ended January 31, 1998 and $17,773,000 for the similar 
period last year.  Total lease receivables remained relatively unchanged 
between January 31, 1998 and April 30, 1997.

                                       13

<PAGE>

        In September 1997, the Company acquired all of the common stock of 
PRIMA, a provider of information technology consulting services.  The 
acquisition consideration totaled approximately $27.5 million, consisting of 
$19.5 million 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 has 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.  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 15 years and 3 years, 
respectively

        In June 1996, the Company acquired all of the common stock of 
Connect, a provider of consulting, design and implementation services.  The 
acquisition consideration totaled approximately $15.0 million, consisting of 
$12.0 million cash, $2.0 million of Norstan common stock and $1.0 million 
payable to certain members of Connect's management under non-compete 
agreements.   In addition, the Company has agreed to pay up to $4.0 million 
in contingent consideration over a three year period ending April 30, 1999 if 
certain financial performance targets are achieved (as of January 31, 1998, 
$2.0 million of such consideration has been paid and the remaining $2.0 
million has been accrued). These transactions resulted in the recording of 
$18.4 million in goodwill and other intangible assets which are being 
amortized on a straight-line basis over 15 years and 3 years, respectively.

        NFS and Norstan Canada utilize their lease receivables and 
corresponding underlying equipment to borrow funds from financial 
institutions at fixed rates generally on a nonrecourse basis by discounting 
the stream of future lease payments.  Proceeds from discounting are presented 
on the consolidated balance sheets as discounted lease rentals.  Interest 
rates on these credit agreements range from 6% to 10%, and payments are due 
in varying monthly installments through August 2005.  Payments due financial 
institutions on a monthly basis are made from monthly collections of lease 
receivables from customers.  Discounted lease rentals consisted of the 
following (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               JANUARY 31,   APRIL 30,
                                                                  1998          1997
                                                               ----------   ----------
<S>                                                            <C>          <C>
        Discounted lease rentals                               $  39,544    $  37,921
        Less-current maturities                                  (15,311)     (13,878)
                                                               ----------   ----------
                                                               $  24,233    $  24,043
                                                               ----------   ----------
                                                               ----------   ----------
</TABLE>

        Management of the Company believes that a combination of cash to be 
generated from operations, existing bank facilities and available borrowing 
capacity, in aggregate, are adequate to meet the currently 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.  Future growth of the Company is 
dependent upon the proper capital being available to support both internal 
growth and acquisitions.  The Company is currently investigating various 
alternative sources of long-term financing to ensure that the proper capital 
structure is in place to meet such future capital requirements.

        YEAR 2000.   The Company utilizes software and related technologies 
throughout its business that will be affected by the date change in the year 
2000.  An internal study is currently under way to determine the full scope 
and related costs to insure that the Company's systems continue to meet 
internal needs and those of its customers.  It is anticipated that a 
substantial portion of the total cost of resolving this issue will be 
incurred over the next two years.  Maintenance, modification and certain 
other costs will be expensed as incurred, while the costs of new software 
will be capitalized and amortized over the software's useful life.

                                       14

<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 outcomes of any such legal actions 
          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 2.   ISSUANCE OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES

          The Company issued 151,515 unregistered shares of its common stock 
          on January 2, 1998, as part of the purchase agreement between the 
          Company and PRIMA Consulting. These shares had a fair market value 
          of $3,000,000 and were issued to the founders of PRIMA.  These 
          shares are being held in escrow on behalf of the founders of PRIMA 
          and will be released on March 31, 1999.  During this escrow period, 
          the shareholders have all the rights of a shareholder, including 
          the right to vote such shares, however, they may not sell, 
          transfer, pledge or otherwise encumber the shares.  Such shares 
          were issued in an exempt transaction pursuant to Regulation D 
          promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the 
          authority of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.  There were no 
          underwriters involved in this transaction.

ITEM 6.   EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a)       Exhibits.

          None

(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:  March 16, 1998              By    /s/ David R. Richard
                                         ------------------------
                                         David R. Richard
                                         Chief Executive Officer,
                                         President and Director


Date:  March 16, 1998              By    /s/ Kenneth S. MacKenzie
                                         ------------------------
                                         Kenneth S. MacKenzie
                                         Chief Financial Officer
                                         (Principal Financial and Accounting  
                                         Officer)

                                       16


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          APR-30-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             MAY-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               JAN-31-1998
<CASH>                                           3,210
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   97,383
<ALLOWANCES>                                     1,325
<INVENTORY>                                     12,311
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               164,827
<PP&E>                                         107,919
<DEPRECIATION>                                  60,144
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 291,547
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           89,647
<BONDS>                                         91,676
                              996
                                          0
<COMMON>                                             0
<OTHER-SE>                                     100,528
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   291,547
<SALES>                                        155,910
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               318,130
<CGS>                                          114,516
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  228,704
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                72,308
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               2,683
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 14,435
<INCOME-TAX>                                     6,063
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              8,372
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     8,372
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .87
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .86
        

</TABLE>


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