NORSTAN INC
10-Q, 1999-03-16
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 30, 1999

                                       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 March 3, 1999, there were 10,700,141 shares outstanding of the
   registrant's common stock, par value $0.10 per share, its only class of
   equity securities.

                                       1

<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 30,        JANUARY 31,         JANUARY 30,         JANUARY 31,
                                                    1999              1998                1999                1998
                                               -------------       -----------         -----------        ------------
<S>                                            <C>                 <C>                 <C>                <C>
REVENUES
       Global Services
            IT Consulting Services              $  35,536           $  25,187           $ 102,256           $  62,254
            Communication Services                 34,593              30,967              99,856              94,494
                                                ---------           ---------           ---------           ---------
                 Total Global Services             70,129              56,154             202,112             156,748
       Communication Solutions                     39,492              53,979             144,584             155,910
       Financial Services                           1,888               1,634               5,716               5,472
                                                ---------           ---------           ---------           ---------
                   TOTAL REVENUES                 111,509             111,767             352,412             318,130
                                                ---------           ---------           ---------           ---------
COST OF SALES
       Global Services
            IT Consulting Services                 24,872              18,577              68,343              45,148
            Communication Services                 23,945              21,717              68,281              67,235
                                                ---------           ---------           ---------           ---------
                 Total Global Services             48,817              40,294             136,624             112,383
       Communication Solutions                     34,911              38,971             110,006             114,516
       Financial Services                             735                 596               2,229               1,805
                                                ---------           ---------           ---------           ---------
          TOTAL COST OF SALES                      84,463              79,861             248,859             228,704
                                                ---------           ---------           ---------           ---------
GROSS MARGIN                                       27,046              31,906             103,553              89,426
       Selling, General
         & Administrative Expenses                 30,399              24,923              93,829              72,479
       Restructuring Charges                        1,522                --                 1,522                --
                                                ---------           ---------           ---------           ---------
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)                            (4,875)              6,983               8,202              16,947
       Interest Expense                            (1,169)             (1,242)             (3,421)             (2,683)
       Other Income, Net                             (110)                 55                 314                 171
                                                ---------           ---------           ---------           ---------
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES                         (6,154)              5,796               5,095              14,435
       Income Tax (Benefit) Provision              (2,676)              2,521               2,217               6,063
                                                ---------           ---------           ---------           ---------
NET INCOME (LOSS)                               $  (3,478)          $   3,275           $   2,878           $   8,372
                                                ---------           ---------           ---------           ---------
                                                ---------           ---------           ---------           ---------
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE -
             BASIC                              $   (0.33)          $    0.33           $    0.28           $    0.87
                                                ---------           ---------           ---------           ---------
                                                ---------           ---------           ---------           ---------
             DILUTED                            $   (0.33)          $    0.33           $    0.27           $    0.86
                                                ---------           ---------           ---------           ---------
                                                ---------           ---------           ---------           ---------
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES -
             BASIC                                 10,572               9,780              10,420               9,599
                                                ---------           ---------           ---------           ---------
                                                ---------           ---------           ---------           ---------
             DILUTED                               10,572              10,011              10,527               9,780
                                                ---------           ---------           ---------           ---------
                                                ---------           ---------           ---------           ---------
</TABLE>

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

                                       1
<PAGE>

                         NORSTAN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

                      (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   JANUARY 30,           APRIL 30,
                                                                                      1999                  1998
                                                                                   ------------          ----------
                                                                                   (UNAUDITED)           (AUDITED)
<S>                                                                                <C>                   <C>
ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS:
       Cash                                                                          $   1,924           $   1,869
       Accounts receivable, net of allowances for doubtful
          accounts of $1,732 and $1,171                                                 95,856              97,206
       Current lease receivables                                                        21,321              18,751
       Inventories                                                                      19,363              10,008
       Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings of
          $22,213 and $17,335                                                           22,565              19,091
       Deferred income tax benefits                                                          -               2,488
       Prepaid expenses, deposits and other                                              5,268               2,575
       Prepaid income taxes                                                              9,438               5,533
                                                                                   -----------          ----------
            TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS                                                       175,735             157,521
                                                                                   -----------          ----------

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:
       Furniture, fixtures and equipment                                                91,918              75,712
       Less-accumulated depreciation and amortization                                  (44,458)            (37,713)
                                                                                   -----------          ----------
            NET PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT                                                  47,460              37,999
                                                                                   -----------          ----------

OTHER ASSETS:
       Lease receivables, net of current portion                                        39,304              34,998
       Goodwill, net of amortization of $10,225 and $7,979                              40,716              43,206
       Other                                                                             1,727               1,884
                                                                                   -----------          ----------
            TOTAL OTHER ASSETS                                                          81,747              80,088
                                                                                   -----------          ----------

                                                                                   $   304,942          $  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>
                                                                                   JANUARY 30,          APRIL 30,
                                                                                      1999                 1998
                                                                                   -----------          ----------
                                                                                   (Unaudited)           (Audited)
<S>                                                                                <C>                  <C>
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES:
       Current maturities of long-term debt                                           $     73           $   3,257
       Current maturities of discounted lease rentals                                   18,464              14,758
       Accounts payable                                                                 23,584              24,135
       Deferred revenue                                                                 20,858              19,953
       Accrued -
          Salaries and wages                                                             6,770              15,123
          Warranty costs                                                                 1,786               1,776
          Other liabilities                                                              5,729              10,509
       Deferred Income Taxes                                                               560                   -
       Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings of $17,634
         and $16,390                                                                     8,325               9,442
                                                                                   -----------          ----------
             TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES                                                  86,149              98,953
                                                                                   -----------          ----------

LONG-TERM DEBT, NET OF CURRENT MATURITIES                                               78,567              52,440

DISCOUNTED LEASE RENTALS, NET OF CURRENT MATURITIES                                     28,642              20,883

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES                                                                    6,864               5,661
                                                                                   -----------          ----------

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
       Common stock - $0.10 par value; 40,000,000 authorized shares;
       10,700,141 and 9,963,716 shares issued and outstanding                            1,070                 996
       Capital in excess of par value                                                   50,620              44,741
       Retained earnings                                                                57,252              54,048
       Unamortized cost of stock                                                        (2,197)               (641)
       Foreign currency translation adjustments                                         (2,025)             (1,473)
                                                                                   -----------          ----------
             TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY                                                104,720              97,671
                                                                                   -----------          ----------

                                                                                   $   304,942          $  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>
                                                                                       NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                               ---------------------------------
                                                                               JANUARY 30,           JANUARY 31,
                                                                                  1999                  1998
                                                                               -----------           ----------
<S>                                                                            <C>                   <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net Income                                                                     $    2,878            $    8,372
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used for
  operating activities:
       Restructuring charge                                                         1,552                  --
       Restructuring charges paid                                                  (2,494)                 --
       Depreciation and amortization                                               14,372                14,977
       Deferred income taxes                                                        4,224                   518
       Changes in operating items, net of effects from acquisitions:
          Accounts receivable                                                       3,174               (17,711)
          Inventories                                                              (9,258)               (4,752)
          Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings                       (3,600)              (11,707)
          Prepaid expenses, deposits and other                                     (2,497)               (2,851)
          Accounts payable                                                           (946)                 (380)
          Deferred revenue                                                            566                 1,131
          Accrued liabilities                                                     (13,066)              (11,283)
          Income taxes payable / receivable                                        (3,758)                 (933)
          Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings                       (1,084)                4,756
                                                                               ----------            ----------
               NET CASH USED FOR OPERATING ACTIVITIES                              (9,937)              (19,863)
                                                                               ----------            ----------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
       Additions to property and equipment, net                                   (19,702)              (14,402)
       Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired                                15               (20,450)
       Investment in lease contracts                                              (26,636)              (17,452)
       Collections from lease contracts                                            19,584                17,310
       Other, net                                                                    (633)                  (13)
                                                                               ----------            ----------
               NET CASH USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES                             (27,372)              (35,007)
                                                                               ----------            ----------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
       Repayment of debt assumed in acquisitions                                   (1,267)               (2,013)
       Borrowings of long-term debt                                               248,464               189,745
       Repayments of long-term debt                                              (225,244)             (139,365)
       Borrowings of discounted lease rentals                                      26,416                13,472
       Repayments of discounted lease rentals                                     (14,869)              (11,789)
       Proceeds from sale of common stock                                           3,837                 2,873
                                                                               ----------            ----------
               NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES                           37,337                52,923
                                                                               ----------            ----------
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH                                                27                    10
                                                                               ----------            ----------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH                                                        55                (1,937)

CASH, BEGINNING OF PERIOD                                                           1,869                 5,147
                                                                               ----------            ----------
CASH, END OF PERIOD                                                            $    1,924            $    3,210
                                                                               ----------            ----------
                                                                               ----------            ----------
</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 30, 1999

                                    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 30, 1999      JANUARY 31, 1998
                                                      -----------------     ----------------
     <S>                                              <C>                   <C>
     Cash paid for:                                    
       Interest                                            $ 5,652                $ 4,761
       Income taxes                                        $ 1,617                $ 4,985

     Non-cash investing and financing activities:
       Stock issued for acquisition                        $   114                $ 6,325
</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                   NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                          -------------------------------        ------------------------------
                                          JANUARY 30,         JANUARY 31,        JANUARY 30,        JANUARY 31,
                                             1999                 1998              1999               1998
                                          -----------         -----------        ----------         -----------
<S>                                       <C>                 <C>                <C>                <C>
Net income (loss)                         $  (3,478)            $ 3,275            $ 2,878            $ 8,372
                                          ---------             -------            -------            -------
                                          ---------             -------            -------            -------
Weighted average common
  Shares outstanding - Basic                 10,572               9,780             10,420              9,599

Effect of stock option and
  Benefit plans                                --                   231                107                181
                                          ---------             -------            -------            -------
Weighted average common
  Shares outstanding - Diluted               10,572              10,011             10,527              9,780
                                          ---------             -------            -------            -------
                                          ---------             -------            -------            -------
Net income (loss) per share -

      Basic                               $   (0.33)            $  0.33            $  0.28            $  0.87
                                          ---------             -------            -------            -------
                                          ---------             -------            -------            -------
      Diluted                             $   (0.33)            $  0.33            $  0.27            $  0.86
                                          ---------             -------            -------            -------
                                          ---------             -------            -------            -------
</TABLE>

    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 a
loss of approximately $3.3 million and income of approximately $2.8 million for
the three month periods ended January 30, 1999 and January 31, 1998,
respectively. For the nine month periods ended January 30, 1999 and January 31,
1998 comprehensive income was approximately $2.3 million and $7.8 million,
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 $6.8 million of costs associated with internal-use
software developed or obtained during the nine months ended January 30, 1999.

RESTRUCTURING CHARGES

    During the quarter ended January 30, 1999, the Company recorded a
restructuring charge of $1.5 million relating to a workforce reduction announced
early in the quarter. This resource reduction in the communications business was
made to bring the Company's expense structure in line with anticipated growth.
The restructuring charge reflects the costs of severance and other employment
termination benefits.

                                      6
<PAGE>

    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 (no amounts
were 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 certain
communications equipment and products for field application and installation.
The parties have entered into a five year agreement that is effective for the
period of July 1998 through July 2003.

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.

    The Company operates in three business segments, Global Services,
Communication Solutions, and Financial Services. Due to the Company's continuing
expansion and growth in the area of IT 

                                      7
<PAGE>

consulting services, financial results for Global Services are now reported 
as (i) IT Consulting Services and (ii) Communication Services. Interim 
disclosures under SFAS No. 131 are as follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        FOR THE QUARTER ENDED
                                           --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      JANUARY 30, 1999                          JANUARY 31, 1998
                                           ---------------------------------------    -------------------------------------
                                                                   OPERATING                                 OPERATING
                                              REVENUES           INCOME (LOSS)          REVENUES           INCOME (LOSS)
                                           ----------------    -------------------    --------------     ------------------
     <S>                                   <C>                 <C>                    <C>                <C>
     Global Services:
        IT Consulting Services                   $  35,536               $  1,065          $ 25,187                $ 1,515
        Communication Services                      34,593                  1,884            30,967                  1,596
                                           ----------------    -------------------    --------------     ------------------
          Total Global Services                     70,129                  2,949            56,154                  3,111
     Communication Solutions                        39,492                 (8,615)           53,979                  2,629
     Financial Services                              1,888                    791             1,634                  1,243
                                           ----------------    -------------------    --------------     ------------------
     Totals                                      $ 111,509              $  (4,875)         $111,767                $ 6,983
                                           ----------------    -------------------    --------------     ------------------
                                           ----------------    -------------------    --------------     ------------------

<CAPTION>
                                                                      FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                           --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      JANUARY 30, 1999                          JANUARY 31, 1998
                                           ---------------------------------------    -------------------------------------
                                                                   OPERATING                                 OPERATING
                                              REVENUES           INCOME (LOSS)          REVENUES           INCOME (LOSS)
                                           ----------------    -------------------    --------------     -------------------
     <S>                                   <C>                 <C>                    <C>                <C>
     Global Services:
        IT Consulting Services             $       102,256                $ 3,755          $ 62,254                 $ 4,688
        Communication Services                      99,856                  7,581            94,494                   4,717
                                           ----------------    -------------------    --------------     -------------------
          Total Global Services                    202,112                 11,336           156,748                   9,405
     Communication Solutions                       144,584                 (5,908)          155,910                   4,340
     Financial Services                              5,716                  2,774             5,472                   3,202
                                           ----------------    -------------------    --------------     -------------------
     Totals                                 $      352,412               $  8,202          $318,130                $ 16,947
                                           ----------------    -------------------    --------------     -------------------
                                           ----------------    -------------------    --------------     -------------------
</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 communication 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 communication
systems solutions to customers in the United States, Canada and England.
Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with sales and service offices located
throughout 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 communication services,
communications and technology products and financing alternatives through its
three business units, Global Services, Communication Solutions (formerly known
as Communication Systems) and Financial Services.

SUMMARY

     During the quarter ended January 30, 1999, the Company incurred a net loss
of $3.5 million or $0.33 per common share, as compared to net income of $3.3
million or $0.33 per common share for the quarter ended January 31, 1998. For
the nine month period ended January 30, 1999, net income decreased to $2.9
million, or $0.27 per common share, compared to $8.4 million, or $0.86 per
common share for the similar period ended January 31, 1998. All per share
figures reflect diluted rather than basic EPS.

                                       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 30,   JANUARY 31,       FISCAL       JANUARY 30,   JANUARY 31,       FISCAL
                                         1999          1998        1999 VS. 1998      1999          1998      1999 VS. 1998
                                      ------------  ------------   -------------   ------------  -----------  -------------
<S>                                   <C>           <C>            <C>             <C>           <C>          <C>
REVENUES:

Global Services
     IT Consulting Services                 31.9%        22.5%           41.1%           29.0%        19.6%       64.3%
     Communication Services                 31.0%        27.7%           11.7%           28.4%        29.7%        5.7%
                                         --------     --------        --------        --------     --------    --------
       Total Global Services                62.9%        50.2%           24.9%           57.4%        49.3%       28.9%
Communication Solutions                     35.4%        48.3%          (26.8%)          41.0%        49.0%       (7.3%)
Financial Services                           1.7%         1.5%           15.5%            1.6%         1.7%        4.5%
                                         --------     --------        --------        --------     --------    --------
       Total Revenues                      100.0%       100.0%           (0.2%)         100.0%       100.0%       10.8%

COST OF SALES                               75.7%        71.5%            5.8%           70.6%        71.9%        8.8%
                                         --------     --------        --------        --------     --------    --------
GROSS MARGIN                                24.3%        28.5%          (15.2%)          29.4%        28.1%       15.8%

SELLING, GENERAL &
  ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES                   27.3%        22.3%           22.0%           26.6%        22.8%       29.5%

RESTRUCTURING CHARGES                        1.4%         --              N/A             0.5%         --          N/A
                                         --------     --------        --------        --------     --------    --------

OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)                     (4.4%)        6.2%         (170.0%)           2.3%         5.3%      (51.6%)
  Interest Expense and Other, Net           (1.1%)       (1.0%)           7.8%           (0.9%)       (0.8%)      23.7%
                                         --------     --------        --------        --------     --------    --------

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE PROVISION
FOR  INCOME TAXES                           (5.5%)        5.2%         (206.2%)           1.4%         4.5%       64.7%
  Income Tax (Benefit) Provision            (2.4%)        2.3%         (206.1%)           0.6%         1.9%      (63.4%)
                                         --------     --------        --------        --------     --------    --------

NET INCOME (LOSS)                           (3.1%)        2.9%         (206.2%)           0.8%         2.6%      (65.6%)
                                         --------     --------        --------        --------     --------    --------
                                         --------     --------        --------        --------     --------    --------
</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 30,            JANUARY 31,               JANUARY 30,              JANUARY 31,
                                      1999                   1998                      1999                    1998
                                   -----------            -----------               -----------              ----------
<S>                                <C>                    <C>                       <C>                      <C>

GROSS MARGIN PERCENTAGES:

Global Services
   IT Consulting Services             30.0%                   26.2%                     33.2%                   27.5%
   Communication Services             30.8%                   29.9%                     31.6%                   28.9%
      Total Global Services           30.4%                   28.2%                     32.4%                   28.3%
Communication Solutions               11.6%                   27.8%                     23.9%                   26.6%
Financial Services                    61.1%                   63.5%                     61.0%                   67.0%
</TABLE>

                                       10
<PAGE>

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

    REVENUES. Revenues decreased less than 1.0% to $111.5 million for the
quarter ended January 30, 1999 as compared to $111.8 million for the prior
year's quarter ended January 31, 1998. For the nine month period ended January
30, 1999, revenues increased 10.8% to $352.4 million as compared to $318.1
million for the similar period last year.

    Revenues from Global Services increased $14.0 million or 24.9%, and $45.4
million or 28.9%, during the comparable three and nine month periods ended
January 30, 1999 and January 31, 1998, respectively. Revenues from IT Consulting
Services increased $10.3 million, or 41.1%, and $40.0 million, or 64.3%, during
the comparable three and nine month periods ended January 30, 1999 and January
31, 1998, respectively. These increases were generally the result of: (i) the
inclusion of the results of PRIMA, acquired in September 1997, for the three and
nine month periods ended January 30, 1999; (ii) the merger with Wordlink during
June 1998; and (iii) internal growth. Revenues from Communication Services
increased 11.7% to $34.6 million for the quarter ended January 30, 1999 as
compared to $31.0 million for the prior year quarter. For the nine month period
ended January 30, 1999, Communication Services revenues increased 5.7% to $99.9
million as compared to $94.5 million for the nine month period ended January 31,
1998.

    Revenues from Communication Solutions decreased 26.8% to $39.5 million in
the quarter ended January 30, 1999 from $54.0 million in the similar period last
year. Communication Solutions revenues decreased $11.3 million, or 7.3%, to
$144.6 million for the nine month period ended January 30, 1999 as compared to
the similar period last year. Communication Solutions revenues were negatively
affected by the resource reduction and other organizational and leadership
changes which occurred in the third quarter of fiscal 1999. The disruption in
the sales force resulting from the resource reduction adversely affected volume
in the third quarter.

    Revenues from Financial Services increased 15.5%, to $1.9 million in the
third quarter of fiscal year 1999 from $1.6 million in the similar quarter last
year. Revenues for the nine month period ended January 30, 1999 increased 4.5%,
to $5.7 million from $5.5 million in the similar period ended January 31, 1998.

    GROSS MARGIN. The Company's gross margin decreased $4.9 million, or 15.2%,
to $27.0 million for the quarter ended January 30, 1999 as compared to $31.9
million for the similar quarter last year. For the nine month period ended
January 30, 1999, gross margin increased $14.1 million, or 15.8%, to $103.6
million as compared to $89.4 million for the similar period last year. As a
percent of total revenues, gross margin was 24.3% and 29.4% for the three and
nine month periods ended January 30, 1999 as compared to 28.5% and 28.1% for the
similar periods ended January 31, 1998. The decrease in the gross margin
percentage for the current three month period was the result of significantly
lower gross margins in Communication Solutions, were offset somewhat by
increased margins in Global Services.

    Gross margin as a percent of revenues for Global Services was 30.4% and
32.4% for the three and nine month periods ended January 30, 1999 as compared to
28.2% and 28.3% for the similar periods last year. The gross margin for IT
Consulting Services increased to 30.0% and 33.2% for the three and nine month
periods of fiscal year 1999 from 26.2% and 27.5% 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 as opposed to fixed price
contracts. The gross margin for Communication Services increased to 30.8% and
31.6% from 29.9% and 28.9% for the three and nine months ended January 30, 1999
and January 31, 1998, respectively.

                                       11
<PAGE>

    Gross margin as a percent of revenues for Communication Solutions was 11.6%
and 23.9% for the three and nine months ended January 30, 1999 as compared to
27.8% and 26.6% for the comparable periods ended January 31, 1998. The decline
in the current quarter and year-to-date margin percentages is due largely to
non-recurring charges associated with the resolution of cost overruns on a large
government contract, as well as higher than anticipated installation costs
related to new product offerings.

    Gross margin as a percent of revenues for Financial Services was 61.1% and
61.0% for the three and nine months ended January 30, 1999 as compared to 63.5%
and 67.0% for the similar periods last year.

    SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. Selling, general and 
administrative expenses increased 22.0% to $30.4 million in the third quarter 
of fiscal year 1999 as compared to $24.9 million in the similar period last 
year. For the nine month period, these expenses increased 29.5% to $93.8 
million as compared to $72.5 million in the prior year period. As a percent 
of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 27.3% 
and 26.6% for the three and nine month periods ended January 30, 1999, as 
compared to 22.3% and 22.8% for the same periods last year. These increases 
are partially due to the lower volume in the Communication Solutions 
segment as well as increased investments in the IT Consulting Services 
business including new product offerings, costs associated with the Wordlink 
acquisition, investments in Connaissance Consulting and the opening of new 
consulting offices in the past nine months.

    RESTRUCTURING CHARGE. During the quarter ended January 30, 1999, the Company
recorded a restructuring charge of $1.5 million relating to a workforce
reduction announced early in the quarter. This resource reduction in the
communications business was made to bring the Company's expense structure in
line with anticipated growth. The restructuring charge reflects the costs of
severance and other employment termination benefits.

    INTEREST EXPENSE. Interest expense was $1.2 million for the three month
periods ended January 30, 1999 and January 31, 1998. For the nine months ended
January 30, 1999 interest expense increased to $3.4 million from $2.7 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 nine months ended January 30, 1999 and 43.5% and 42%, respectively,
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. In the third quarter of fiscal 1999, the Company incurred a net
loss of $3.5 million or $0.33 per diluted share, as compared to net income of
$3.3 million or $0.33 per diluted share for the third quarter of fiscal year
1998. Net income was $2.9 million or $0.27 per diluted share, and $8.4 million,
or $0.86 per diluted share, for the nine month periods ended January 30, 1999
and January 31, 1998, respectively.

                                       12
<PAGE>

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

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

    CAPITAL EXPENDITURES. The Company used $19.7 million for capital
expenditures during the nine months ended January 30, 1999, as compared to $14.4
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.

    INVESTMENT IN LEASE CONTRACTS. The Company has also made a significant
investment in lease contracts with its customers. The investment made in lease
contracts year-to-date in fiscal year 1999 totaled $26.6 million. Net lease
receivables increased to $60.6 million, at January 30, 1999 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 $47.1
million at January 30, 1999 as compared to $35.6 million at April 30, 1998.
Interest rates on these credit agreements at January 30, 1999 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 generally bear
interest at the banks' reference rate (7.75% at January 30, 1999), 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 January 30, 1999).
Total consolidated borrowings under this agreement at January 30, 1999 and April
30, 1998 were $77.3 million and $52.4 million, respectively. 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.

                                       13
<PAGE>

IMPACT OF YEAR 2000

    The Company has completed an assessment of the hardware and software in 
its core business information systems and has substantially completed the 
necessary modifications.  The Company is testing its systems to verify proper 
functionality 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 affect 
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. The Company is well under way with its efforts, which are
scheduled to be completed by the fall of 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.

                                       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 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 6.    EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a)        Exhibits.

           None


(b)        Reports on Form 8-K.

           None


                                       15
<PAGE>

                                       
                                  SIGNATURES


     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 15, 1999           By /s/ David R. Richard           
                                  --------------------------------
                                  David R. Richard
                                  Chief Executive Officer,
                                  President and Director


Date:  March 15, 1999           By /s/ Kenneth S. MacKenzie  
                                  --------------------------------
                                   Kenneth S. MacKenzie
                                   Chief Financial Officer
                                   (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)


                                     16


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