<PAGE>
=================================================================
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
X ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15 (d) OF THE
--- SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [FEE REQUIRED]
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995
OR
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE
- --- SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [NO FEE REQUIRED]
For the transition period from ___________to____________
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-14309
PAYCO AMERICAN CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
39-1133219
(I.R.S Employer Identification No.)
WISCONSIN
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
180 NORTH EXECUTIVE DRIVE, BROOKFIELD, WISCONSIN 53005
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(414)784-9035
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Name of each exchange on which
Title of each class registered
-------------------- ------------------------------
NONE NONE
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
COMMON STOCK, $.10 PAR VALUE
----------------------------
(Title of Class)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter periods that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to
such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No
--- ----
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definite proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to
this Form 10-K. X
----
(Cover page 1 of 2 pages)
<PAGE>
The aggregate market value of voting stock of the Registrant held by
nonaffiliates was $59,116,681 as of February 29, 1996.
The number of shares outstanding of each of the Registrant's classes
of common stock as of February 29, 1996 was 10,155,085 shares of
$.10 par value common stock.
=================================================================
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Part of Form 10-K
Into Which Portions
Document of Documents are
Incorporated
- -------------------------------------------- -------------------
Payco American Corporation Annual Report to
Shareholders for the Fiscal Year Ended
December 31, 1995 Part II
Definitive Proxy Statement for the 1995
Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be Filed
with Securities and Exchange Commission
within 120 days of December 31, 1995 Part III
Registration Statement on Form S-1
Reg. No. 2-34767 Part IV
Form 10-K filed for fiscal year ended
December 31, 1979 Part IV
Form 10-K filed for fiscal year ended
December 31, 1983 Part IV
Form 10-K filed for fiscal year ended
December 31, 1985 Part IV
Form 10-K filed for fiscal year ended
December 31, 1986 Part IV
Definitive Proxy Statement for the
1989 Annual Meeting of Stockholders Part IV
Definitive Proxy Statement for the
1992 Annual Meeting of Stockholders Part IV
Definitive Proxy Statement for the
1993 Annual Meeting of Stockholders Part IV
<PAGE>
PAYCO AMERICAN CORPORATION
1995 FORM 10-K TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
Item 1. Business
Item 2. Properties
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a vote of Security Holders
PART II
Item 5. Market For the Registrant's Common Equity and Related
Stockholder Matters
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
Accounting and Financial Disclosure
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on
Form 8-K
Signatures
<PAGE>
PART I
ITEM 1 DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
The Registrant, Payco American Corporation, was incorporated August 7, 1969 as
a Delaware Corporation and was reincorporated in Wisconsin on June 28, 1993.
The Registrant and its subsidiaries (hereafter referred to as the "Company")
are engaged in the accounts receivable management and collection business.
The Company is regulated by the Fair Debt Collection Practice Act and the
Telephone Consumer Protection Act which are enforced by the Federal Trade
Commission, and by various state regulatory commissions. Through its network
of 43 offices across the United States, and Puerto Rico, the Company provides
a full range of outsource services which includes the following: consumer debt
collection services; commercial (business to business) debt collection, pre-
collection programs, health care accounts receivable management, student loan
billing, contract management services in which Company personnel work on-site
at a client's location to render expertise in various accounts receivable
areas, from billing to collection, and teleservicing. Teleservicing refers to
outbound and inbound calling programs to perform sales, customer retention
programs, market research, and customer service. The industries the Company
services include credit cards, education, government, health care, retail,
manufacturing, telecommunications, utilities, banks, freight/transportation,
political, print media, real estate and insurance. In addition, as part of
its acquisition program, the Company has purchased, at a discount, a total of
63 portfolios of accounts receivable of which 9 portfolios were purchased in
1995. The Company is also majority owner of joint ventures in Mexico City,
Mexico and Tokyo, Japan that provide receivable management services.
The Company does business under several names, trade names or product trade
styles which are as follows:
Payco American Corporation, PAYCO
National Account Systems, NAS
Payco-General American Credits
University Accounting Service, UAS
National Collex
National Business Division
Creditors Protective Association
IMC Credit Services
IMPACT
FM Services Corporation
FM Services of Arizona
Missouri Medical Collection Inc.
Hospital & Physician Services
Herring Financial Services, Inc.
Central Patient Billing Inc.
Asset Recovery and Management Corp.
Jennifer Loomis & Associates Inc., JLA
CircPlus, PayPlus
Medical Accounting Services, MAS
CheckBack
Select, CVS
Pay Tech, Inc.
Federal Collection Bureau, S.A. DE C.V.
Professional Recoveries Inc.
Furst and Furst (F&F)
Continental Credit Adjustors (CCA)
Grable, Greiner & Wolff (GGW)
Qualink, Inc.
The Company maintains offices in the following metropolitan
areas:
Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona
Los Angeles and Pleasanton, California
Denver, Colorado
Miami, Orlando, Fort Myers, Jacksonville
and Lakeland, Florida
Atlanta, Georgia
<PAGE>
Chicago, Illinois
Indianapolis, Indiana
Augusta, Maine
Baltimore, Maryland
Boston, Massachusetts
Detroit, Michigan
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Springfield, Missouri
Las Vegas, Nevada
Edison and Rochelle New Jersey
Yonkers, New York
Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Columbus, Ohio
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Portland, Oregon
Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Dallas and Houston, Texas
Richmond, Virginia
Seattle, Washington
Brookfield, Wisconsin
Washington DC
Mexico City, Mexico
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Tokyo, Japan
The volume of accounts received by the Company for collection during the year
ended December 31, 1995 was approximately $4.0 billion. Accounts received for
collection in 1994 totalled approximately $3.2 billion.
The Company receives accounts from a wide range of clients including the
federal government, student loan guarantors, hospitals, universities,
utilities, oil companies and retail and bank credit card providers. American
Express Co., contributed approximately 10% of the Company's operating revenue
in 1993. No single client contributed 10% or more of the Company's operating
revenue in 1994 or 1995.
Collections on the accounts received are made through solicitation of payment
through the mail and more importantly through direct telephone contact with
consumers. All accounts received for collection are assigned a work standard,
which is based on various criteria, including, contractual agreement to work
accounts in a certain manner, dollar balances of the account, age of the
account, etc. To aid the Company in monitoring these work standards as well
as to increase collector productivity and client service, the Company
developed the Payco Automated Collection System (PACS [registered trade-
mark]). PACS [registered trademark] is a computer- based collection
system that substantially automates the collection process. The Company
began in 1994 the purchase and customization of its "World-class
Integrated Network" (WIN). This new technologically advanced accounts
receivable management system is expected to completely replace PACS [reg-
istered trademark] in all existing location by the end of 1997. As of
December 31, 1995, WIN has been installed at ten of the Company's locations.
Assuming current system configurations and conversion of all collection
operations, the Company's overall investment in WIN is expected to be
between $19 and $21 million. The Company estimates that by July 1, 1996
approximately 55.0% of the contingency collection business will be on WIN.
In 1994 the Company began to upgrade its automated student loan billing
system. A total investment of approximately $4.0 million is expected to be
required to accomplish this project. The Company will begin the test phase
of the project during the third quarter of 1996. As of December 31, 1995,
$1.9 million has been spent on the student loan billing system project.
<PAGE>
The Company devotes significant and continuous efforts, through training of
personnel and monitoring of compliance with the Fair Debt Collection Practices
Act in order to provide ethical, innovative, high quality accounts receivable
management services which meet client needs and comply with the law. In
addition to traditional collection services, the Company provides service in
the area of student loan billing, letter program, hospital billing, including
interstate Medicaid billing, telemarketing, management and training seminars
and in-house projects and also provides temporary employees to the health care
market. The Company also engages in the purchase of discounted accounts
receivable portfolios through its subsidiary Asset Recovery & Management Corp.
As of December 31, 1995 the Company had purchased 63 portfolios at a total
cost of approximately $ 61.3 million. The Company has continued to purse new
markets for purchasing accounts receivable portfolios.
The Company and its subsidiaries employed 3,098 full-time employees and 484
part-time employees as of December 31, 1995. Of such employees, 236 were
engaged in administration and 3,346 in sales, collection and accounts
receivable management services.
The Company is among the largest firms in the accounts receivable management
industry. Intense competition is provided by numerous local, regional and
several national agencies and it is the policy of most large businesses to
utilize the services of several agencies as well as to make their own
collection efforts.
ITEM 2 PROPERTIES
All of the offices listed in Item 1 above are in leased space totaling
approximately 454,000 square feet as of December 31, 1995. The leases for
such offices expire between March 14, 1996 and September 30, 2007 and provide
for aggregate annual rentals for 1995 of approximately $5.8 million. The
Company leases its headquarters facility of approximately 66,000 square feet
for a term of 20 years ending March 31, 2000. Annual rentals under this lease
for 1995 were $745,000 which may escalate at a rate not to exceed 5% annually.
In addition, the Company leases a modern data processing facility of
approximately 37,000 square feet which houses the Company's computer
operations. Annual rentals under this lease for 1994 were $281,000, which may
escalate at a rate not to exceed 5% annually. The Company considers the
office space and other facilities leased by it to be modern and adequate for
the conduct of its business. The Company also owns furniture, computer
equipment, telephone equipment,office equipment and leases various types of
office equipment which are considered adequate for the conduct of its
business.
ITEM 3 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is a defendant in various legal proceedings involving claims for
damages which constitute ordinary routine litigation incidental to its
business. The Company has provided for the estimated defense costs and
liability associated with pending litigation through charges to operations.
On March 8, 1995 the Company reached a settlement in its litigation with the
Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which had been pending in federal court in
Wisconsin. In a complaint filed in August, 1993, the FTC alleged that the
Company had violated the Federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. The
Company vigorously defended the case, and asserted that any violations of the
Act were contrary to the policy and practice of the Company. The case was
resolved with a Consent Decree, in which the Company did not admit any
liability. The Consent Decree further provides that the Company shall take
additional steps to ensure compliance with the Act, and pay a penalty of
$500,000. The Company had previously established a reserve adequate to cover
the cost of the Consent Decree. The Company further believes that compliance
with provisions of the Consent Decree will not materially effect its financial
condition or ongoing operations.
<PAGE>
ITEM 4 SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders during
the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995.
PART II
-------
ITEM 5 MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED
SECURITY HOLDER MATTERS
The information about the market for the Company's stock and stock quotations
as required by Item 5 of Form 10-K is included in the SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
section of the accompanying Annual Report to Shareholders for 1995 which
appears as Exhibit 13 in this filing, and is incorporated by reference in this
Form 10-K Annual Report.
The Company has no cash dividend paying history.
ITEM 6 SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The selected financial data required by Item 6 of Form 10-K is included in
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA section of the accompanying Annual Report to
Shareholders for 1995, which appears as Exhibit 13 in this filing and is
incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K Annual Report.
ITEM 7 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULT OF OPERATIONS
The discussion and analysis required by Item 7 of Form 10-K is included in
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS of the accompanying Annual Report to
Shareholders for 1995, which appears as Exhibit 13 in this filing and is
incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K Annual Report.
ITEM 8 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following financial statements, related notes thereto, and auditor's
report required by Item 8 of Form 10-K, are included in the accompanying
Annual Report to Shareholders for the years ended December 31, 1995, which
appears as Exhibit 13 in this filing and are hereby incorporated by reference
in this Form 10-K Annual Report:
Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 31, 1995 and 1994
Consolidated Statements for the Three Years Ended
December 31, 1995:
Income
Shareholders' Investment
Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Report of Independent Public Accountants
ITEM 9 DISAGREEMENTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None
PART III
--------
ITEM 10
Except for the table of Executive officers below, all other information called
for by Item 10 is hereby incorporated by reference from the Registrant's
definitive Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting to be held on May 7, 1996
which Proxy Statement will be filed within 120 days after December 31, 1995.
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF REGISTRANT
---------------------------------
OFFICER HAS SERVED
IN CAPACITY
OFFICER POSITIONS AGE INDICATED SINCE
- ------ ---------- --- -------------
Dennis G. Punches Chairman of the Board 60 January 1990
Neal R. Sparby President, Principal 59 October 1991
Executive Officer
David S. Patterson Executive Vice- 55 October 1991
President
Principal Operating
Officer
William W. Kagel Senior Vice President- 59 August 1969
Production
Alvin W. Keeley Senior Vice President- 58 May 1979
Marketing
James R. Bohmann Treasurer and Senior 49 May 1985
Vice President-Corporate
Development (effective
January 1, 1993)
Patrick E. Carroll Senior Vice President- 53 August 1987
Sales
Susan Mathison Vice President- 47 August 1987
Administration and
Secretary (effective
October, 1991)
Philip C. Colin Vice President- 59 January 1989
Information Systems
John P. Stetzenbach Controller and 40 January 1987
Vice President- Finance
& Principal Financial
Officer, (effective
January 1, 1993)
ITEM 11, 12 and 13.
The information called for by Items 11, 12 and 13 is hereby incorporated by
reference from the Registrant's definitive Proxy statement for its Annual
Meeting to be held on May 7, 1996 which Proxy Statement will be filed within
120 days after December 31, 1995.
<PAGE>
PART IV
-------
ITEM 14 EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON
FORM 8-K
(a)(1) Financial Statements--The financial statements filed as
part of this Annual Report are listed under Item 8.
(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules:
All schedules have been omitted because they are not
applicable, not required or information is included in the
Financial Statements or the Notes thereto.
Separate financial statements of the Registrant have been omitted since it is
primarily an operating company and all subsidiaries included in the
Consolidated Financial Statements are majority owned.
(a)(3) Exhibits required to be filed by Item 601 of
Regulation S-K:
EXHIBIT PAGE
REFERENCE NUMBER
- --------- ------
3(a) Articles of Incorporation of New Payco, N/A
Inc. and Agreement and Plan of Merger of
New Payco, Inc. and Payco American Corporation
dated March 26, 1993, which are Exhibits A and B,
respectively, to Registrant's definitive Proxy
Statement for the 1993 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders, are hereby incorporated by reference
to such Proxy Statement.
3(b) By-Laws of New Payco, Inc. which is Exhibit C to N/A
Registrant's definitive Proxy Statement for the
1993 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, is hereby
incorporated by reference to such Proxy Statement.
10(a) Lease agreement between Payco American Corporation N/A
and the Brookfield Investment Company dated
July 12, 1979--Exhibit 1 of Registrant's Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1979
is hereby incorporated by reference.
<PAGE>
10(b) Lease agreement between Payco American Corporation N/A
and the Percom Investment Company dated August
5, 1983--Exhibit 10(c) of Registrant's Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1983
is hereby incorporated by reference.
10(c) Purchase Order #92136 of Registrant dated N/A
June 8, 1982, pertaining to the purchase of
software and hardware related to the Payco
Automated Collection System--Exhibit 10(d)
of Registrant's Form 10-K for fiscal year ended
December 31, 1983 is hereby incorporated by
reference.
10(d) Lease agreement between Payco American Corporation N/A
and the Westlake Investment Company dated
March 1, 1985--Exhibit 10(e) of Registrant's
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1985 is hereby incorporated
by reference.
10(e) Lease agreement between Payco American Corporation N/A
and the Dublin Investment Company dated July
14, 1986--Exhibit 10(f) of Registrant's Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1986
is hereby incorporated by reference.
10(f) Lease agreement between Payco American Corporation N/A
and the Hacienda Investment Company dated
October 14, 1986--Exhibit 10(g) of Registrant's
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1986 is hereby incorporated
by reference.
10(g) Modification, dated February 17, 1987, of the N/A
lease agreement filed as Exhibit 10(b) between
Payco American Corporation and Percom Investment
Company.--Exhibit 10(h) of Registrant's Form 10-K
for fiscal year ended December 31, 1986 is
hereby incorporated by reference.
10(h) Modification, dated December 30, 1986, of the N/A
lease agreement filed as Exhibit 10(a) between
Payco American Corporation and Brookfield Investment
Company.--Exhibit 10(i) of Registrant; Form 10-K
for fiscal year ended December 31, 1986 is
hereby incorporated by reference.
10(i) 1988 Stock Option Plan of Payco American N/A
Corporation--Incorporated by reference
Exhibit A of Registrant's definitive Proxy
Statement for the 1989 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders.
10(j) 1992 Stock Option Plan of Payco American N/A
Corporation--Incorporated by reference
Exhibit A of Registrant's definitive Proxy
Statement for the 1992 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders.
10(k) Amendment to 1992 Payco American Stock N/A
Option Plan, Incorporated by reference to
Registrant's definitive Proxy Statement
for the 1993 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
10(l) Modification, dated December 30, 1992 to the N/A
lease agreement filed as Exhibit 10(d)
between Payco American Corporation and Westlake
Investment Company Exhibit 10(l) of Registrant's
Form 10-K for fiscal year ended December 31, 1992
is hereby incorporated by reference.
<PAGE>
13 Annual Report to security holders ____
22 List of subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995. ____
27 Financial Data Schedule ____
(b)(3) Reports on Form 8-K
No reports on Form 8-K were filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended December 31,
1995.
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
==========
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, Payco American Corporation has duly caused this report to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
DATE MARCH 26, 1996 BY NEAL R. SPARBY
------------------ ------------------
Neal R. Sparby, President &
Principal Executive Officer
PAYCO AMERICAN CORPORATION
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
By JAMES R. BOHMANN DATE MARCH 26, 1996
------------------------- --------------
James R. Bohmann, Director
By PATRICK E. CARROLL DATE MARCH 26, 1996
------------------------ --------------
Patrick E. Carroll, Director
By WILLIAM W. KAGEL DATE MARCH 26, 1996
------------------------ --------------
William W. Kagel, Director
By ALVIN W. KEELEY DATE MARCH 26, 1996
------------------------ --------------
Alvin W. Keeley, Director
By DAVID S. PATTERSON DATE MARCH 26, 1996
------------------------ --------------
David S. Patterson, Director &
Principal Operating Officer
By DENNIS G. PUNCHES DATE MARCH 26, 1996
------------------------ --------------
Dennis G. Punches
Chairman of the Board
By NEAL R. SPARBY DATE MARCH 26, 1996
------------------------ --------------
Neal R. Sparby, Director &
Principal Executive Officer
By JOHN P. STETZENBACH DATE MARCH 26, 1996
------------------------ --------------
John P. Stetzenbach, Principal
Financial & Accounting Officer
By WILLIAM A. INGLEHART DATE MARCH 26, 1996
------------------------ --------------
William A. Inglehart
Director
By RAYMOND J. LARKIN DATE MARCH 26, 1996
------------------------ --------------
Raymond J. Larkin
Director
By RICHARD G. MILES DATE MARCH 26, 1996
------------------------ --------------
Richard G. Miles
Director
<PAGE>
By BO S. GORANSON DATE MARCH 26, 1996
------------------------ --------------
Bo S. Goranson
Director
By DENNIS SHEA DATE MARCH 26, 1996
------------------------ --------------
Dennis Shea
Director
(1) Not available for signature
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 21
LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1995
Payco American Corporation has the following subsidiaries, all of which are
wholly owned and included in the consolidated financial statements of the
Company:
STATE OF
INCORPORATION
-------------
Payco-General American Credits, Inc. Delaware
National Account Systems, Inc. Delaware
University Accounting Service, Inc. Wisconsin
Reliance National Insurance Company LTD. Bermuda
FM Services Corporation Arizona
Jennifer Loomis & Associates, Inc. Arizona
Asset Recovery & Management Corp. Wisconsin
Payco American International Corporation Wisconsin
Professional Recoveries Inc. Wisconsin
Indiana Mutual Credit Association, Inc. Indiana
Furst and Furst, Inc. Wisconsin
Qualink, Inc. Wisconsin
Payco American Corporation has a majority interest in the following
subsidiaries, which are included in the consolidated financial statements of
the Company:
Pay-Tech, Inc. Wisconsin
Federal Collection Bureau, S.A. DE C.V. Mexico
<PAGE>
Annual Report Cover Description
- -------------------------------
The 1995 Annual Report Cover for Payco American Corporation is herewith
described in order to comply with Securities and Exchange Commission
electronic filing requirements.
Off white glossy cover with a collage of photos and business items including;
envelope, headset, telephone receiver, computer greenbar paper. The following
words are also part of the collage: WIN, VISION, "The Power of Human
Potential, Education & Shared Vision". A photo of a globe also appears.
Employees Pictured on Cover: Customer service representative, Tracy Fredrick,
Sales consultants, Brad Taylor and Rachelle Melloch, and production
supervisor, Marla Lumpkins, and account representative Marc Benkowski.
(top right to right center)
PAYCO [globe logo][registered trade mark]
AMERICAN CORPORATION
1995 ANNUAL REPORT
Annual Report Inside Cover Wording and Description
- --------------------------------------------------
PAYCO AT A GLANCE
VISION: DELIVER BEST-IN-CLASS RECEIVABLE MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS
WORLDWIDE WHILE INCREASING SHAREHOLDER WORTH.
FOUNDED: 1959
HEADQUARTERS: BROOKFIELD, WISCONSIN, USA
GEOGRAPHIC PRESENCE: 43 OFFICE LOCATIONS ACROSS THE UNITED STATES
(FOR LIST, SEE INSIDE BACK COVER); ALSO OFFICES IN SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO;
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO; AND TOKYO, JAPAN.
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 3,500
STOCK MARKET LISTING: NASDAQ-PAYC
ON THE COVER: PEOPLE MAKE THE PAYCO DIFFERENCE THROUGH VISION, SOLUTIONS,
CUSTOMER SERVICE, TOP PERFORMANCE, AND ASSISTANCE FROM OUR LEADING EDGE
TECHNOLOGY - WIN (WORLD-CLASS INTEGRATED NETWORK). EMPLOYEES PICTURED ARE
(TOP PHOTO) CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE TRACY FREDRICK, (MIDDLE PHOTO)
SALES CONSULTANTS BRAD TAYLOR AND RACHELLE MELLOCH, (BOTTOM PHOTO) PRODUCTION
SUPERVISOR MARLA LUMPKINS, AND ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE MARC BENKOWSKI.
<PAGE>
Front Inside Cover -continued
- -----------------------------
The following table is presented in lieu of a bar graph illustration which
appears in the paper copy of the 1995 Annual Report. this information is
presented in this format in compliance with the Securities and Exchange
Commission electronic filing requirements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Comparison of Five Year History of Operating Revenue, net Income
Per Share and Operating Margin
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
Year 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995
- ----- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Operating Revenue 112.5 123.6 150.8 150.7 175.6
(in Millions of Dollars)
Net Income Per Share .49 .33 .40 .45 .52
(in Dollars)
Operating Margin 7.1 4.7 5.0 5.6 5.6
(Percentage)
</TABLE>
The following accomplishments are shown at the bottom of the inside front
cover and extend onto page 1 of the annual report in time line fashion.
IN 1995, PAYCO ACCOMPLISHED A GREAT DEAL. HERE ARE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS:
January 1995 Payco acquires Furst & Furst
January 1995 First of 8 management workshops held in '95 on
"Learning Organization."
February 1995 Payco acquires Continental Credit Adjustors
May 1995 First of 8 offices converted in '95 to WIN
(World-class Integrated Network).
May 1995 Payco acquires Grable, Greiner & Wolff.
May 1995 Training of more than 200 production managers and
supervisors begins.
August 1995 Payco wins contract to manage business office
of Maricopa County Health Care Systems.
September 1995 Payco combines its health care accounts
receivable management services, now marketed
under the name Qualink.
December 1995 Telemarketing/teleservicing operations
consolidated into two locations.
December 1995 Payco surpasses previous company record for
annual operating revenue.
<PAGE>
INSIDE BACK COVER
METROPOLITAN LOCATIONS
ATLANTA, GA, AUGUSTA, ME, BALTIMORE, MD, BOSTON, MA, BROOKFIELD, WI
CHICAGO, IL, CINCINNATI, OH, CLEVELAND, OH, COLUMBUS, OH,
DALLAS, TX, DENVER, CO, DETROIT, MI, EDISON, NJ, FORT MYERS, FL,
HOUSTON, TX, INDIANAPOLIS, IN, JACKSONVILLE, FL, LAS VEGAS, NV,
LOS ANGELES, CA, MIAMI, FL, MINNEAPOLIS, MN, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, ORLANDO, FL,
PHILADELPHIA, PA, PHOENIX, AZ, PITTSBURGH, PA, PLEASANTON, CA, PORTLAND, OR,
RICHMOND, VA, ROCHELLE PARK, NJ,
SAN JUAN, PR, SEATTLE, WA, SPRINGFIELD, MO, TUCSON, AZ,
WASHINGTON, DC, YONKERS, NY
INTERNATIONAL LOCATIONS
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO
TOKYO, JAPAN
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
DENNIS G. PUNCHES ALVIN W. KEELEY
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT-
MARKETING
NEAL R. SPARBY DIRECTOR
PRESIDENT
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER SUSAN MATHISON
DIRECTOR VICE PRESIDENT-
ADMINISTRATION
DAVID S. PATTERSON SECRETARY
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER JOHN P. STETZENBACH
VICE PRESIDENT-FINANCE
JAMES R. BOHMANN CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT-
CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT BO S. GORANSON
TREASURER DIRECTOR
DIRECTOR
WILLIAM A. INGLEHART
PATRICK E. CARROLL DIRECTOR
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT-SALES
DIRECTOR RAYMOND J. LARKIN
DIRECTOR
PHILIP C. COLIN
VICE PRESIDENT- RICHARD G. MILES
CORPORATE INFORMATION DIRECTOR
SERVICES
DENNIS SHEA
WILLIAM W. KAGEL DIRECTOR
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT-
PRODUCTION
DIRECTOR
<PAGE>
INSIDE BACK COVER CONTINUED:
CRAMER MULTHAUF & HAMMES
LEGAL COUNSEL
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
AUDITORS
FIRSTAR TRUST COMPANY
TRANSFER AGENT
A COPY OF THE COMPANY'S 10-K ANNUAL REPORT, FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION, IS AVAILABLE TO STOCKHOLDERS BY WRITTEN REQUEST TO:
SUSAN MATHISON
PAYCO AMERICAN CORPORATION
180 NO EXECUTIVE DRIVE
BROOKFIELD, WISCONSIN 53005-6066
Printed on recycled paper with soy ink [recycle mark].
BACK COVER
Bottom center: PAYCO [registered trademark with globe]
American Corporation
Bottom right corner: CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
180 N. EXECUTIVE DRIVE
BROOKFIELD, WISCONSIN 53005-6066
TELEPHONE (414) 784-9035
http://www.payco.com
<PAGE>
PAYCO AMERICAN CORPORATION
HEALTH CARE ACCOUNTS
CONSUMER DEBT COLLECTION RECEIVABLE MANAGEMENT
- ------------------------ ----------------------
DESCRIPTION: DESCRIPTION:
Full-service collections, Management of all or a portion
including skip tracing and of the accounts receivable
litigation. functions. Includes patient
reception services, third-
MARKETS: party billing, patient pay
Credit cards, education, resolution, inbound and out-
government, health care, bound patient communication
retail, telecommunications, services, cash application
utilities. functions.
MARKETS:
Hospitals, clinics, physicians,
dentists.
COMMERCIAL DEBT COLLECTION PRECOLLECTION SERVICES
- -------------------------- -----------------------
DESCRIPTION: DESCRIPTION:
Collection of business-to- Timely follow-up of consumer
business debt. credit accounts through
letters and telephone contacts.
MARKETS:
Banks, freight/transportation, MARKETS:
government, insurance, Consumer credit grantors.
telecommunications.
STUDENT LOAN BILLING TELESERVICING
- -------------------- -------------
DESCRIPTION: DESCRIPTION:
Billing, due diligence Teleservicing refers to out-
and customer service for bound and inbound calling
Perkins, NDSL, HPSL, and programs to perform sales,
PCL student loans and customer retention programs,
institutional funds. market research, and customer
service.
MARKETS:
Colleges, universities. MARKETS:
Banks, cable TV,
CONTRACT MANAGEMENT manufacturers,
------------------- print media, political, real
DESCRIPTION: estate, retail, telecommunica-
Payco personnel perform tions and utilities.
accounts receivable functions
at the client's location.
MARKETS:
Both commercial and consumer credit grantors.
-1-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA PAYCO AMERICAN CORPORATION
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31:
1995 1994 1993 1992 1991
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(the following amounts are presented in thousands of dollars except per share data)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Accounts Received for Collection $4,029,000 $3,246,000 $3,538,000 $3,378,000 $3,097,000
Operating Revenue 175,560 150,696 150,795 123,585 112,452
Net Income 5,250 4,559 4,001 3,288 4,932
Net Income Per Share 0.52 0.45 0.40 0.33 0.49
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AS OF DECEMBER 31: 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Total Assets 103,675 87,498 79,081 73,232 63,590
Long-Term Debt 334 395 447 255 95
The Company has no cash dividend paying history.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARKET FOR COMPANY'S STOCK AND RELATED SECURITY MATTERS
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The Company's stock is traded principally in the over- QUARTER ENDED HIGH LOW
the-counter market. The number of shareholders of __________________________________________________
record on December 31, 1995 was 612.
<S> <C> <C> <C>
March 31,1994 $12.00 $9.00
June 30,1994 10.00 8.50
The following table shows the high and low closing September 30,1994 9.50 8.25
sale prices reported in the NASDAQ National Market December 31,1994 9.50 6.50
System (Symbol PAYC). March 31,1995 9.00 7.00
June 30,1995 8.50 6.38
September 30,1995 9.63 7.63
December 31,1995 9.50 8.25
</TABLE>
-2-
<PAGE>
PAYCO AMERICAN CORPORATION
TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS
Dear Fellow Shareholders:
Your Company produced record revenue of $175.6 million in 1995, up 16.5%
from 1994. Earnings per share increased 15.6% to $0.52, compared to $0.45 in
1994. The 1995 earnings per share include a charge in the fourth quarter of
approximately $0.03 per share to establish a reserve against our remaining
investment in our Japanese joint venture.
JAPAN JOINT VENTURE
- -------------------
The Business proposition that credit grantors in Japan could benefit from
an efficient receivable management process remains valid. The carrying value
of the joint venture interest is sufficiently uncertain that conservative
accounting dictated a downward adjustment, which was taken in the fourth
quarter of 1995. We continue to consider alternatives which may result in
profitable operations in one of the largest economies in the world.
CONVERSION COSTS & BENEFITS
- ---------------------------
In 1995 we began converting to our new computer system, WIN (World-class
Integrated Network). Amortization of conversion costs contributed to
increased expenses in 1995. These costs will increase in 1996.
We expect WIN to improve productivity as well as help increase
collections and, in turn, revenue and profit margins. In 1995 we converted
eight more offices to WIN after converting two offices in late 1994. Users
are praising WIN for its speed, flexibility, efficiency and ease of use.
STRATEGIC POSITIONING
- ---------------------
Payco took a number of steps in 1995 to improve our competitive position
and better meet the needs of key markets:
THIRD-PARTY COLLECTIONS
We simplified the reporting structure of our domestic third-party
collection operations, increasing our ability to focus our efforts to meet and
exceed client expectations. We see growth potential for contingency fee
collection programs and for fee-for-service programs.
MEDICAL BILLING
We created a new subsidiary, Qualink, Inc., to serve hospitals and
clinics that want to increase efficiency and quality by outsourcing parts or
all of their accounts receivable operations. Qualink performs pre-admission
and admission services, third-party
<PAGE>
billing and follow-up, self-pay account billing and follow-up, cash
application, and inbound and outbound patient communication services. WIN
provides capabilities for us to be very competitive in this market.
-3-
COMMERCIAL COLLECTIONS
The 1995 acquisitions of Furst & Furst and Grable, Greiner & Wolff make
Payco a leading provider of commercial collection services in the United
States. An increasing number of organizations are outsourcing collection and
customer service functions, providing growth opportunities for our commercial
collection operations.
TELESERVICING DIVISION
In late 1995 we consolidated our teleservicing operations into two call
centers located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Phoenix, Arizona. The
Teleservicing Division performs telemarketing (outbound calling programs to
sell products and services or to gather information) and teleservicing
(telephone customer service programs).
STUDENT LOAN BILLING
We progressed in the upgrade of our student loan billing system in 1995.
Scheduled for completion in late 1996, the upgrade will enable us to deliver
greater flexibility, efficiency and responsiveness. We expect the upgraded
system, combined with strong customer service, to help us increase this
business.
COMPLIANCE
We continued to progress toward the goal of providing superior collection
recoveries with zero consumer complaints. Strict compliance with collection
laws, combined with an approach that emphasizes "PHD" - Preserving Human
Dignity - will enable us to produce top results for our clients while
upholding their positive public image.
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
We increased our investment in training and educating our work force,
including management. For example, in 1995 we began customized training of
more than 200 Production Department supervisors and managers. We will
continue Production management training in 1996. We also introduced "learning
organization" principles to more than 160 managers. Our goal is to
continuously improve our employees' ability to think, learn, solve problems,
communicate and share a common vision.
<PAGE>
OUTSOURCE OPPORTUNITIES
In order to improve efficiency and customer service, an increasing number
of organizations are outsourcing the closely-linked, "non-core" functions of
accounts receivable management, telephone customer service and telemarketing.
Payco currently performs significant "outsource" projects for:
-Utility Companies
-Hospitals
-Student Loan Servicers
-Transportation and
Freight Companies
-State Governments
-Political Campaigns.
We will continue to aggressively pursue the growth of these types of revenues.
OUTLOOK
We expect 1996 to be challenging as we:
-Convert to WIN from the Payco
Automated Collection System
(PACS[registered trademark])
-Upgrade the student loan billing
system by late 1996
-Deal with pricing pressures in
certain markets
-Intensify our training efforts.
We serve markets that offer opportunities for growth. Our employees have
demonstrated the ability to deliver value to our clients and thereby
capitalize on these opportunities. We will continue to do this in 1996.
We sincerely thank our clients for their business, our employees for
their accomplishments, our Directors for their guidance, and you, our
shareholders, for your continued confidence.
[photograph of Dennis G. Punches]
DENNIS PUNCHES
-----------------
Dennis G. Punches
Chairman of the Board
[photograph of Neal R. Sparby]
NEAL R SPARBY
-----------------
Neal R. Sparby
Chief Executive Officer
-4-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS PAYCO AMERICAN CORPORATION
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 31, 1995 1994 1995 1994
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands of dollars except share and per share data)
<S> <C> <C> <S> <C> <C>
ASSETS LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS'
INVESTMENT
CURRENT ASSETS: CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Cash and Cash Equivalents $7,752 $10,867 Collections Due to Clients $20,233 $17,794
Cash and Cash Equivalents Accounts Payable 5,441 5,459
Held for Clients 20,233 17,794
Short-Term Borrowings 13,034 6,200
Other Notes Payable 1,000 -
Obligations under Capital
Accounts Receivable-Trade Leases 60 77
Net of Allowances 21,013 15,541 Accrued Liabilities-
Salaries and Benefits 6,493 5,597
Accounts Receivable- Taxes, Other Than Income 1,224 1,101
Purchased 11,012 13,826 Other 1,705 1,698
Prepaid Expenses 1,527 1,054 Deferred Revenue 118 192
Accrued Income Taxes - 23
Deferred Income Taxes 1,087 743 Accrued Income Taxes 49 -
---------- --------- --------- ----------
Total Current Assets 62,624 59,848 Total Current Liabilities 49,357 38,118
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT: OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES 834 942
Data Processing Equipment 45,373 33,105 LONG-TERM DEBT 334 334
Furniture and Equipment 12,793 11,334
Leasehold Improvements 3,513 2,998 OBLIGATIONS UNDER CAPITAL
Property Held under LEASES - 61
Capital Leases 634 634
---------- --------- COMMITMENTS AND
62,313 48,071 CONTINGENCIES (Note 11)
Less Accumulated
Depreciation and SHAREHOLDERS' INVESTMENT:
Amortization 39,450 34,463 Preferred Stock,
---------- --------- No Par Value-
Net Property and Equipment 22,863 13,608 Authorized 500,000 Shares,
None Issued - -
<PAGE>
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE-
PURCHASED 4,338 4,164 Common Stock,
$0.10 Par Value-Authorized
50,000,000 Shares,
OTHER LONG-TERM Issued & Outstanding, 10,155,085
RECEIVABLES 519 839 and 10,128,503 Shares, Respectively 1,016 1,013
NON-COMPETE COVENANTS, NET 1,151 2,691 Additional Paid-In Capital 2,020 1,637
GOODWILL, NET 11,661 5,939 Cumulative Translation Adjustments (24) (51)
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES 238 287 Stock Options Issuable 148 704
OTHER ASSETS 281 122 Retained Earnings 49,990 44,740
--------- ----------
Total Shareholders' Investment 53,150 48,043
---------- --------- --------- ----------
$103,675 $87,498 $103,675 $87,498
========== ========= ========= ==========
<FN>
===========================================================================================================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated balance sheets.
</TABLE>
-5-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAYCO AMERICAN CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE THREE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1995 1994 1993
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands of dollars except share and per share data)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING REVENUE $175,560 $150,696 $150,795
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Salaries and Benefits 100,108 82,786 82,007
Telephone 10,619 10,846 10,160
Postage and Supplies 10,824 8,962 9,206
Occupancy Costs 9,053 8,381 8,741
Data Processing Equipment 8,415 7,353 7,938
Amortization of Acquisition Costs 14,803 12,543 13,874
Other Operating Costs 11,822 11,360 11,362
----------- ----------- -----------
Total Operating Expenses 165,644 142,231 143,288
----------- ----------- -----------
Income from Operations 9,916 8,465 7,507
----------- ----------- -----------
OTHER INCOME, Primarily from
Short-Term Investments 234 68 28
INTEREST EXPENSE 770 148 268
----------- ----------- -----------
Income before Income Taxes 9,380 8,385 7,267
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES 4,130 3,826 3,266
----------- ----------- -----------
NET INCOME $5,250 $4,559 $4,001
=========== =========== ===========
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES
OUTSTANDING 10,133,173 10,080,889 10,075,886
NET INCOME PER SHARE $0.52 $0.45 $0.40
<FN>
=================================================================================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
</TABLE>
-6-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' INVESTMENT PAYCO AMERICAN CORPORATION
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
FOR THE THREE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
Additional Cumulative
Common Stock Paid-In Translation Stock Options Retained
Shares Amount Capital Adjustments Issuable Earnings
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
(in thousands of dollars except share data)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE
December 31, 1992 10,075,886 $1,008 $1,084 $ - $1,311 $36,180
Net Income - - - - - 4,001
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
BALANCE
December 31, 1993 10,075,886 1,008 1,084 - 1,311 40,181
Currency Translation
Adjustment - - - (51) - -
Net Income - - - - - 4,559
Exercise of Stock Options 52,617 5 553 - (607) -
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
BALANCE
December 31, 1994 10,128,503 1,013 1,637 (51) 704 44,740
Currency Translation
Adjustment - - - 27 - -
Net Income - - - - - 5,250
Exercise of Stock Options 26,582 3 383 - (556) -
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
BALANCE
December 31, 1995 10,155,085 $1,016 $2,020 ($24) $148 $49,990
=======================================================================================================
<FN>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
</TABLE>
-7-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAYCO AMERICAN CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 1994 1993
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands of dollars)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net Income $5,250 $4,559 $4,001
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:
Amortization of Acquisition Costs 14,803 12,543 3,874
Depreciation and Amortization 5,367 4,681 4,777
Benefit of Deferred Income Taxes (201) (465) (363)
Changes in Assets and Liabilities:
Accounts Receivable-Trade (5,472) (2,262) (761)
Prepaid Expenses (361) (119) 444
Accounts Payable (54) 839 (838)
Accrued Liabilities 954 835 1,442
Deferred Revenue (74) (46) 34
Accrued Income Taxes 72 (967) 302
-------- -------- --------
Net Cash Provided by Operations 20,284 19,598 22,912
-------- -------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital Expenditures, Net of Retirements (13,447) (4,755) (2,598)
Purchase of Accounts Receivable (9,725) (17,309) (15,152)
Purchase of Other Businesses, Net (8,160) (4,333) -
Long-Term Notes Receivable 320 (354) (485)
-------- -------- --------
Net Cash Used In Investing Activities (31,012) (26,751) (18,235)
-------- -------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net Proceeds (Payments) from Short-Term Borrowings 6,834 4,200 (1,600)
Net Proceeds from Other Notes Payable 1,000 - -
Payments Under Capital Lease Obligations (78) (119) (245)
Other Long-Term Debt and Other 27 ( 26) 309
Net Payments from Exercise of Stock Options (170) ( 49) -
-------- -------- --------
Net Cash Provided by (Used In) Financing Activities 7,613 4,006 (1,536)
-------- -------- --------
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and
Cash Equivalents (3,115) (3,147) 3,141
<PAGE>
Cash and Cash Equivalents at
Beginning of Year 10,867 14,014 10,873
-------- -------- --------
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year $7,752 $10,867 $14,014
======== ======== ========
<FN>
==================================================================================
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOWS INFORMATION:
Cash Paid For:
Income Taxes, Net of Refunds $4,361 $5,374 $3,327
Interest 691 216 266
==================================================================================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
</TABLE>
-8-
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
PAYCO AMERICAN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1 BUSINESS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
- ------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
Payco American Corporation and its subsidiaries (the Company)
provide the following outsource services: consumer debt collection;
commercial debt collection; student loan billing; contract management of
accounts receivable; health care accounts receivable billing and management;
precollection programs; and inbound and outbound calling programs. The
Company also purchases and manages portfolios of discounted accounts
receivable. The market for the Company's services are the United States,
Puerto Rico, Mexico and Japan.
BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Payco American
Corporation and its majority-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany
transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
Collection revenue is recognized at a commission rate when a collection
payment is received. Revenue is recognized on purchased accounts receivable
portfolios when payments are collected. Revenue on all other services
provided by the Company is recognized as the service is performed.
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment are carried at cost. Maintenance and repairs are
expensed as incurred. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of in the
normal course of business, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are
removed from the accounts, and resulting gains or losses are included in the
Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company provides for depreciation and
amortization by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives as
follows:
Data Processing Equipment 3-8 years
Telephone Equipment 3-7 years
Office Furniture & Other 3-10 years
Leasehold improvements are amortized over the term of the related leases.
<PAGE>
GOODWILL AND ACQUISITION COSTS
Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair market value of
net assets of acquired businesses. Goodwill is amortized on a straight-line
basis principally over 20 years. Accumulated amortization at December 31,
1995 and 1994 totalled $1.8 million and $1.2 million, respectively.
Non-compete covenants are recorded at cost and are amortized on a straight-
line basis over the term of the covenant, typically three to five years.
Accumulated amortization at December 31, 1995 and 1994 totalled $6.3 million
and $5.5 million, respectively.
In March 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 121 (SFAS 121), "Accounting for the
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of."
This standard, which must be adopted in 1996, requires long-lived impaired
assets still in use to be carried at fair value and all long-lived assets to
be disposed of to be reported a the lower of carrying amount or fair value
less cost to sell.
SFAS 121 prescribes a cash flow test for recoverability whenever events or
changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not
be recoverable. For purposes of SFAS 121, assets include certain identifiable
intangibles, goodwill, property and equipment.
The Company does not anticipate that SFAS 121 will have a material impact on
the Consolidated Financial Statements.
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE-PURCHASED
Purchased accounts receivable portfolios are recorded at cost and amortized,
based upon a percentage of expected collections, over the life of the
individual portfolios. The amortization rates are reviewed periodically and
adjusted, based on the projected overall collection performance of each
portfolio. Although the contractual lives of certain purchased receivables is
20 years, management expects to recover its portfolio costs over four years.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Short-term investments, which consist of certificates of deposit, government
instruments and commercial paper, are included in Cash and Cash Equivalents on
the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Short-term investments at December 31, 1995
and 1994 were $2.1 million and $1.8 million, respectively. The Company
considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of less than
90 days to be cash equivalents for cash flow purposes.
<PAGE>
INCOME TAXES
Deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the difference
between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using
enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected
to reverse.
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION
Foreign currency assets and liabilities are translated into United States
dollars at end of period rates of exchange, and income and expense accounts
are translated at the weighted average rates of exchange for the period.
Resulting translation adjustments are a separate component of Shareholders'
Investment.
RECLASSIFICATION
Certain 1994 and 1993 amounts have been reclassified to conform to
presentation for 1995.
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions
that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from the estimates.
<PAGE>
2 FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
- ---------------------------------------
The estimated fair values and the methods and assumptions used to estimate the
fair values of the financial instruments of the Company as of December 31,
1995 are reflected below. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents,
notes payable and long-term debt approximate the fair value. The fair values
of the notes payable and debt were determined based on current market rates
offered on notes and debt with similar terms and maturities.
-9-
Purchased accounts receivable balances were assigned fair values based on a
discounted cash flow analysis. The discount rate was based on an acceptable
rate of return adjusted for the risk inherent in the purchased accounts
receivable portfolios. The estimated fair value of purchased receivables was
$17.8 million at December 31, 1995.
3 INCOME TAXES
- ----------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
__________________________________________________________________
The provision for income taxes for the three years ended
December 31, 1995 consists of the following:
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
1995 1994 1993
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
(dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Current:
Federal $3,412 $3,336 $2,795
State and Foreign 919 955 834
------- -------- --------
Total Current 4,331 4,291 3,629
Total Deferred ( 201) ( 465) ( 363)
------- -------- --------
Total Provision $4,130 $3,826 $3,266
===================================================================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
The following is a reconciliation of the statutory Federal rate to the
effective tax rate applicable to the Company's consolidated income before
taxes:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
1995 1994 1993
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Federal Statutory Rate 34.0% 34.0% 34.0%
State and Foreign Taxes
Net of Federal Benefit 5.8 7.6 6.9
Other 4.2 4.1 4.0
------ ----- -----
Effective Tax Rate 44.0% 45.7% 44.9%
====== ===== =====
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
The components of the net deferred tax asset (liability) as of December 31,
1995 and 1994 were as follows:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
1995 1994
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
(dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Deferred Tax Assets:
Related to Intangible Assets $ 1,155 $ 847
Deferred Compensation 408 914
Accruals and Reserves Not Currently
Deductible For Tax Purposes 1,256 743
-------- ---------
Total Deferred Tax Assets 2,819 2,504
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Related to Fixed Assets (1,366) ( 1,407)
Other ( 128) ( 67)
------- -------
Total Deferred Tax Liabilities (1,494) ( 1,474)
-------- ---------
Net Deferred Tax Asset $ 1,325 $ 1,030
</TABLE>
===================================================================
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
The net deferred tax asset is classified in the December 31, 1995 and 1994
Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
1995 1994
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
(dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Non-current Deferred Income
Tax Asset $ 238 $ 287
Current Deferred Income Tax Asset 1,087 743
-------- --------
Net Deferred Tax Asset $1,325 $1,030
</TABLE>
===================================================================
4 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
- --------------------------
The Company maintains a separate profit sharing/401(k) savings plan. The
discretionary contributions to the profit sharing/401(k) savings plan that
were charged to operations for the year ended December 31, 1993 were $200,000.
Effective January 1, 1994, the Company amended the profit sharing/401(k)
savings plan to add a provision to allow for partial matching of employee
contributions by the Company. All employees who participate in the savings
feature of the plan are eligible for the discretionary employer matching
contributions. For each dollar an employee contributes up to 4% of
compensation, the Company contributed 25% in 1995 and 20% in 1994. During 1995
and 1994 the charge to operations for matching contributions was $196,000 and
$159,000, respectively.
The Company also maintained an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
Effective January 1, 1995, the ESOP was merged into the profit sharing/401(k)
savings plan. In conjunction with the merger of the plans, the new combined
plan, the Payco American Retirement Plan, was amended to provide the employee
with the ability to continue to purchase the Company's common stock through
the 401(k) savings feature of the plan. No discretionary contribution was
made to the ESOP during 1994 or 1993. All ESOP shares have been allocated to
participant accounts.
In addition to the plans described above, the Company has another defined
contribution pension plan which cover employees hired in connection with a
1995 acquisition. The cost of this plan was $25,000 in 1995.
The Company does not provide post-retirement health or life insurance benefits
or post-employment benefits to employees.
<PAGE>
5 ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE PURCHASED
- ---------------------------------
In November, 1990, the Company began purchasing discounted accounts receivable
portfolios. Revenue recognized on cash collected from these portfolios
totalled $15.8 million, $13.1 million and $14.3 million during 1995, 1994 and
1993, respectively. Amortization costs associated with these revenues
totalled $12.4 million, $10.3 million and $11.8 million during 1995, 1994 and
1993, respectively.
6 OPERATING REVENUE
- ---------------------
In 1995 and 1994, no single client contributed 10% or more to operating
revenue. The Company had one client that contributed approximately 10% of its
total operating revenue in 1993.
7 TRADE ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
- -----------------------------
Trade accounts receivable are reported net of an allowance for doubtful
accounts. The allowance at December 31, 1995 and 1994 was $604,000 and
$555,000, respectively.
-10-
Trade accounts receivable consist of amounts due from clients which can be
summarized into "Group Concentrations of Credit Risk" as defined in the SFAS
No. 105. As of December 31, 1995 and 1994, 35% and 17% of the Company's
accounts receivable were from clients in the health care and education
industries, respectively, and 19% and 13% from utility clients, respectively.
8 PURCHASE OF OTHER BUSINESSES
- --------------------------------
On January 1, 1995, the Company purchased certain assets of Furst and Furst
(F&F). F&F provides accounts receivable management services to commercial
clients through offices in Illinois, New Jersey and California. On February
1, 1995 the Company purchased the collection business of Continental Credit
Adjustors (CCA). CCA is located in Houston, Texas and provides primarily
medical and retail collection services to Texas clients. On May 1, 1995, the
Company purchased the collection business of Grable, Greiner & Wolff, (GGW).
GGW provides accounts receivable management services to commercial and retail
clients and is located in Beachwood, Ohio. A total of $7.9 million was paid
for these companies via cash and a note payable. In addition, the purchase
agreements require certain future contingent payments which if paid out, will
be accounted for as additional purchase price.
<PAGE>
On February 1, 1994 the Company purchased certain assets of Indiana Mutual
Credit Association, Inc. (IMC) at a cost of $3 million, plus certain payments
contingent on performance. IMC provides accounts receivable management
services primarily to the medical marketplace through its office in
Indianapolis, Indiana.
The pro forma impact on the results of operations of the Company, had the
acquisitions been made as of the beginning of the year purchased, would not
have been material. All activity subsequent to the acquisitions has been
reported in the consolidated financial statements of the Company.
9 STOCK PLANS
- ---------------
The Board of Directors has approved various stock option plans for certain
employees and officers. The stock options have been granted at market prices.
Under a stock option plan established in 1988, the Board of Directors granted
options to purchase up to 500,000 shares of common stock. The award of such
options was dependent upon meeting certain performance goals over the three
year period ended December 31, 1991. Under the 1988 plan, options to purchase
306,367 shares of common stock have been awarded to management, and 193,633
options have been forfeited. Under a 1992 stock option plan, 443,500 options
have been granted, of which 19,500 options have been forfeited.
The Company also maintains a common stock equivalent plan. Under this plan
certain management employees were granted, at the discretion of the Board of
Directors, units that are valued at the market price of the Company's common
stock. Employees vest in these units over the sixth to tenth year of service
subsequent to the award. The units are to be paid out at the Board's
discretion in common stock or cash. Participants can make an election to
defer receipt of the value of the units until termination of their employment.
In the absence of such election, participants are paid 20% of the value on the
6th through 10th anniversary dates of the grant. As of December 31, 1995,
there were 136,767 outstanding units awarded under the plan. The Board has no
plans to award any additional units under this plan. On May 19, 1992,
participants representing 160,831 units in the common stock equivalent plan
agreed to cap the value of units awarded to a maximum value of $12.63 per
unit. In exchange for this agreement, the Board of Directors granted each
participant an equivalent number of options to purchase shares of the
Company's common stock at the then current market price of $12.63. This
agreement was amended on May 20, 1993, to cap the value of units awarded to a
maximum value of $7.50 per unit in exchange for a reduction of their option
price to $7.50. Of the 160,831 options granted under this agreement, 8,066
and 3,213 were forfeited in 1995 and 1994, respectively.
<PAGE>
The Company realized compensation expense related to the common stock
equivalent plan of $67,000, $53,000, and $(209,000) for the years ended 1995,
1994 and 1993 respectively. The related accrual is included in Other Long-
Term Liabilities.
The following table summarizes stock option activity for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 1995 and options outstanding as of
December 31, 1995.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Stock option activity for the three years ended December 31, 1995 was as
follows:
Options Exercised
Options Awarded Option Price or Forfeited
--------------- ------------ ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1993 - - 17,046
1994 - - 96,477
1995 - - 88,335
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
As of December 31, 1995, options outstanding were as follows:
Options Outstanding Exercise Price Expiration
------------------- -------------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
17,022 $ 4.38 1996
136,000 $12.25 1999
283,667 $ 7.81 1999
136,767 $ 7.50 2002
<FN>
The impact of these options on earnings per share is immaterial.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
In October, 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (SFAS 123), "Accounting for Stock-
Based Compensation." This standard, which must be adopted in 1996,
establishes financial accounting and reporting standards for stock-based
employee compensation. This standard permits entities to continue to measure
compensation cost for stock-based employee compensation plans, using the
accounting method prescribed by APB 25, as long as pro forma disclosures of
net income and earnings per share are presented as if the fair value based
method of accounting, as defined in SFAS 123, had been
-11-
applied. The Company has not yet determined whether it will adopt the SFAS
123 method of accounting or continue APB 25 accounting with the required
disclosures.
<PAGE>
10 LINE OF CREDIT
- ------------------
The Company has a $25.0 million short-term borrowing agreement with its
primary lender. The agreement allows the Company to borrow funds under a
line of credit agreement or through the issuance of commercial paper. All
loans made to the Company by its lender under the line of credit are payable
upon demand and are evidenced by a single promissory note. The Company is not
required to maintain compensating balances, and there are no restrictive
covenants under the agreement. As of December 31, 1995, the Company had $12.0
million available to borrow. Funds borrowed were used primarily to finance
the Company's acquisitions and for capital expenditures related to the
Company's World-class Integrated Network (WIN) collection system. The maximum
interest rate at December 31, 1995 was 5.95%.
The Company borrows funds under its line of credit as needed and repays the
notes as funds become available from operations. The following table provides
supplemental information for the three years ended December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted
Weighted Average
Average Interest
Interest Amounts Rate
Year Ended Ending Rate at Outstanding During the
December 31, Balance Year End Maximum Average(1) Year(2)
- ------------ ------- ----------- ------- -------- ----------
(dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1993 $ 2,000 4.31% $ 8,000 $ 4,557 4.46%
1994 $ 6,200 6.98% $ 6,200 $ 2,176 5.80%
1995 $13,034 5.88% $15,800 $10,793 6.25%
<FN>
(1) Average amounts outstanding during the year were computed
on daily outstanding balances.
(2) Weighted average interest rates during the year were
computed by dividing actual interest expense by the average amounts
outstanding.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
11 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
- ----------------------------------
Leases- The Company is obligated under operating leases for certain office
space and equipment for various periods through 2007. The Company is also
obligated under capital leases for certain furniture, telephone and computer
equipment.
These operating and capital leases are due in approximate amounts in the chart
at the top of the next column.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
__________________________________________________________
Year ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands) Operating Capital
- --------------- -------------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
1996 $5,570 $ 59
1997 4,409 6
1998 3,398 -
1999 3,089 -
2000 1,766 -
2001 and subsequent 7,825 -
______
Total Capital Lease Payments 65
Less Interest ( 5)
---------
Present Value of Capital Lease Payments $ 60
=========
</TABLE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------
Certain of the leases for office space require the Company to pay, as
additional rent, any allocable increases in real estate taxes and other
expenses over a specified base rent. Total rental expense was $5.8 million,
$5.4 million, and $5.7 million for the three years ended December 31, 1995,
1994, and 1993.
The Company leases its corporate headquarters, data processing center and the
office space for three of its collection operations from partnerships in which
certain officers and directors of the Company are the principal partners. The
terms of the leases provided for aggregate annual payments of approximately
$2.4 million, $2.2 million and $2.1 million for the three years ended December
31, 1995, 1994 and 1993. Such lease amounts are subject to an escalation
adjustment, not to exceed 5% annually. All operating and maintenance costs
associated with these buildings are paid by the Company. In the opinion of
management, the terms of the leases are at least as favorable as could have
been obtained in arm's-length negotiations with an unaffiliated lessor.
<PAGE>
Other Contingencies - At December 31, 1995, the Company was involved in a
number of legal proceedings and claims that were routine to the nature of the
collection business. The Company has provided for the estimated uninsured
amounts and costs of defense against these pending suits through charges to
operations and believes that reserves it has established for ultimate
settlement are adequate at December 31, 1995.
On August 2, 1993 a complaint was filed by the Department of Justice on behalf
of the Federal Trade Commission against the Company based on alleged
violations of the Federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. On March 8,
1995, the Company reached a settlement regarding this matter. the case was
resolved with a consent decree in which the Company did not admit any
liability and paid a $500,000 civil penalty. The Company had previously
established a reserve adequate to cover the settlement.
Reliance National Insurance Co. Ltd. (RNIC), a wholly-owned subsidiary in
Bermuda, provides professional liability insurance coverage for the Company.
As of December 31, 1995, RNIC had recorded reserves totaling $0.8 million for
future reported and unreported claims.
-12-
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF PAYCO AMERICAN CORPORATION
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Payco American
Corporation (a Wisconsin corporation) and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995
and 1994, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders'
investment, and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1995,1994 and
1993. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Payco
American Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995 and 1994, and
the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years ended
December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
February 9, 1996. -------------------
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONS
- ------------------------------------------------
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
- ---------------------
Accounts received for collection for the year ended December 31, 1995 reached
a record $4.0 billion, or a 24.1% increase when compared to the year ended
December 31, 1994. The acquisition of Furst and Furst (F&F), a commercial
collection agency based in Chicago, Illinois; Continental Credit Adjustors
(CCA), a retail collection agency located in Houston, Texas; and Grable
Greiner & Wolff (GGW) a commercial collection agency located in Beachwood,
Ohio, accounted for 6.8% of the increase between years. (Also see Note 8 to
the Consolidated Financial Statements). Exclusive of the 1995 acquisitions,
accounts received for collection increased 17.3% as a result of new client
sales and expanded services to existing clients.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Operating revenue for the three years ended December 31, 1995 is summarized in
the chart below, left.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue 1995 1994 1993
- ---------------------- -------- ------ --------
(dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Collection $137,626 $114,399 $115,062
Accounts Receivable-Purchased 15,798 13,128 14,272
Student Loan Billing 7,277 6,876 6,717
Medicaid Billing 6,743 5,717 6,348
Telemarketing 5,224 6,665 5,551
Other 2,892 3,911 2,845
-------- -------- ---------
Total Operating Revenue $175,560 $150,696 $150,795
</TABLE>
===============================================================
1995 vs. 1994
Collection revenue increased 20.3% to $137.6 million during 1995, compared to
$114.4 million in 1994. Excluding revenue from acquisitions made in 1995,
collection revenue increased $12.9 million, or 11.3%. The primary factors
leading to the increase in collection revenue were new client sales, including
services to state governments, expanded services to utility clients and our
prime sub-contractor role for Maricopa County Health Care Systems. Collection
revenue was also favorably impacted by expanded business with current clients
in the student loan and credit card industry. The Company continues to
experience competitive pressure on prices.
<PAGE>
The Federal Government has approved a direct student loan program, the four
year implementation of which began in July, 1994. The initial phases of this
program have had little impact on the Company. The Company continues to
monitor the changes and to seek opportunities in the industry.
The debate over the nation's health care system continues to be monitored by
the Company. It remains unclear at this time what changes will be
implemented, when they will be implemented and what their eventual impact, if
any, will be on the Company's business.
-13-
Revenue from purchased accounts receivable portfolios increased 20.3% to $15.8
million in 1995, compared to $13.1 million in 1994. During 1995 the Company
purchased nine accounts receivable portfolios at a cost of $9.7 million.
Student Loan Billing revenue increased 5.8% from $6.9 million in 1994 to $7.3
million in 1995. This increase was due primarily to increased business volume
from new and existing clients. Student Loan Billing revenue also increased
due to contract pricing increases which were a result of new postal rates
which became effective January 1, 1995. There has been discussion in
Congresssional budget hearings regarding the possibility of eliminating or
reducing Federal Capital Contributions to the NDSL-Perkins loan program. As
one of the primary servicers of this program, the Company could be effected by
this change. The immediate or long-term effects, if any, from changes to the
level of Federal Capital Contributions to the NDSL-Perkins loan program are
not determinable at this time.
Medicaid Billing revenue increased 17.9% to $6.7 million primarily as a result
of new client business. Medicaid Billing revenue includes processing of
interstate Medicaid claims for clients, as well as health care receivable
management services.
Other Billing revenue decreased 26% to $2.9 million in 1995. This category
includes customized collection letter programs and billing services. The
decline in Other Billing revenue is due primarily to the loss of business from
a major client that subsequently declared bankruptcy. This client generated
approximately $269,000 of revenue in this category in 1995, compared to $1.3
million 1994.
Telemarketing revenue decreased 21.6%, from $6.7 million in 1994 to $5.2
million in 1995. This decrease is the result of planned termination of
service to clients that were not profitable. While Telemarketing revenue
decreased during 1995, profit margins increased. The Company restructured its
telemarketing operations at the end of 1995 by closing its Herndon, Virginia
site, expanding its Phoenix, Arizona operations and opening a new site in
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
<PAGE>
Operating expenses increased $23.4 million or 16.5%, to $165.6 million in
1995, compared to $142.2 million in 1994. Factors that contributed to the
overall increase in operating expense are the following:
Salaries and benefits, the Company's largest expense, increased by 20.9%
between years to $100.1 million. During 1995 compensation expense included
$6.6 million due to the acquisition of F&F, CCA, and GGW. Exclusive of the
effect of the 1995 acquisition, salaries and benefits increased 13.0%,
primarily as a result of increased staff required to support new business,
higher incentive compensation to the sales staff a result of the revenue
increases, and additional compensation costs for development, installation and
training associated with the WIN (World-class Integrated Network) system.
The Company does not provide post-retirement health or life insurance benefits
or post-employment benefits to employees.
Telephone expense decreased 2.1% to $10.6 million in 1995. Telephone expense
includes expense associated with dedicated communication lines, local and long
distance service and maintenance on telephone equipment. Telephone expense
exclusive of 1995 acquisitions deceased 6.3%. During the first half of 1994,
the Company upgraded its telephone systems in certain locations through the
purchase of technologically advanced equipment at a cost of approximately $1.2
million. During the third quarter of 1994, the Company renegotiated its
contracts for long distance service and benefited from lower long distance
rates beginning in the fourth quarter of 1994. The decline in telemarketing
business also decreased telephone costs during 1995.
Postage and supplies expense increased 20.8% between years to $10.8
million. Postage and supplies expense, exclusive of the 1995 acquisitions of
F&F, CCA, & GGW, increased 12.2%. Postage alone increased 11.0% exclusive of
acquisitions, primarily as a result of the January 1, 1995 postal rate
increase.
Occupancy costs, which includes expense for leased office space, depreciation
of furniture and fixtures, amortization of leasehold improvements, and rental
and repair of office equipment, increased 8.0% between 1995 and 1994 to $9.1
million. Exclusive of the acquisitions of F&F, CCA, and GGW, occupancy costs
decreased 2.5%, primarily as a result of planned office space reduction and
renegotiated leases at certain locations.
<PAGE>
Data processing equipment costs increased 14.4% to $8.4 million in 1995.
Exclusive of the effect of 1995 acquisitions, these costs increased 10.6%.
This increase is attributable primarily to increased depreciation and
maintenance charges as a result of the Company's investment in WIN. During
the last half of 1994 the Company began investment in hardware and software to
support WIN, the Company's new receivable management system which will replace
PACS [registered trademark] (Payco Automated Collection System). During 1995
the Company installed WIN in eight office locations, bringing total
installation to ten. Assuming current system configurations and conversion of
all collection operations, the Company's overall investment in WIN is expected
to be between $19 and $21 million. The conversion of additional offices is
scheduled to continue throughout 1996 and into 1997. The Company estimates
that by July 1, 1996, approximately 55.0% of the contingency collection
business will be on WIN.
In 1994 the Company began to upgrade its automated student loan billing
system. A total investment of approximately $4.0 million is expected to be
required to accomplish this project. The Company will begin the test phase of
the project during the third quarter of 1996.
Amortization of acquisition costs was $14.8 million in 1995, compared to $12.5
million in 1994. This expense category includes the amortization of non-
compete agreements, debtor account inventory, goodwill and purchased accounts
receivable portfolios. Amortization expense associated with purchased
accounts receivable portfolios increased by $2.1 million between years to
$12.4 million. This increase is due to increased collections on new and
existing portfolios.
-14-
Other operating costs increased 4.1% between years to $11.8 million. Other
operating costs, exclusive of the acquisitions of F&F, CCA, and GGW, decreased
1.3%. Other operating costs includes, among other categories, business
insurance, legal expenses, skip tracing costs and travel and entertainment
costs. In December of 1995, the Company established a $481,000 reserve for its
remaining investment in Pay Tech, Inc., the Company's joint venture in Japan.
The business proposition that credit grantors in Japan could meaningfully
benefit from an efficient receivable management process remains valid. The
carrying value of the joint venture interest is sufficiently uncertain that
conservative accounting dictates a reserve be established for potential losses
on this investment. The Company continues to consider alternatives which may
result in profitable operations in one of the largest economies in the world.
<PAGE>
Other income, which consists primarily of interest income, increased by
$166,000, while interest expense increased by $622,000 when compared to the
year ended December 31, 1994. The increase in interest expense is due
primarily to the increase in average borrowings under the Company's line of
credit, which were used primarily to finance accounts receivable purchases,
acquisition of new businesses and WIN related purchases.
The effective tax rate decreased between years from 45.7% to 44.0%. The
effective tax rate fluctuates as a result of changes in pre-tax income,
nondeductible expense and changes in the mix of state income tax rates.
Earnings per share in 1995 were $0.52, including a $0.03 charge for the
reserve against the Company's investment in Japan, compared to $0.45 in 1994.
The increase in earnings per share is primarily attributable to increased
revenue during 1995, offset by the impact of increased interest expense and
income taxes.
1994 vs. 1993
Accounts received for collection for the year ended December 31, 1994 were
$3.2 billion, or an 8% decrease when compared to the year ended December 31,
1993. A decrease in certain government program placements and a student loan
client that ceased operations in late 1993 contributed to the decline in
accounts received for collection between years.
Collection revenue for the year ended December 31, 1994 decreased 0.6% over
the same periods of the prior year. The overall decline in collection revenue
was primarily due to declining contingency rates brought on by competition and
a decrease in collection revenue from a student loan client which ceased
operations in 1993. However, collection revenue benefited as a result of the
acquisition of Indiana Mutual Credit Association (IMC), the foreign
operations, and expanded services to new and existing clients.
Revenue from purchased accounts receivable portfolios decreased 8.0% to $13.1
million in 1994. During 1994 the Company purchased eleven accounts receivable
portfolios at a cost of $17.3 million, of which $6.1 million were purchased
during the fourth quarter of 1994.
Billing revenue, including Student Loan, Medicaid and Other billing revenue
increased 3.7% in 1994 to $16.5 million, compared to 1993.
Telemarketing revenue increased 20.1% between 1993 and 1994 to $6.7 million,
primarily as a result of sales to new clients and increased business volume
from existing clients.
<PAGE>
Salaries and benefits increased by 0.9% between years to $82.8 million.
During 1994, compensation expense included $2.3 million due to the acquisition
of IMC and foreign operations. Exclusive of the effect of the IMC acquisition
and foreign operations, salaries and benefits decreased 1.8% primarily as a
result of staff reductions during the second half of 1993.
Telephone expense increased 6.8% to $10.8 million in 1994. Local and long
distance service expense increased by $0.8 million, primarily because of
acquisitions, increased telemarketing business, and a change in the long
distance calling patterns. During the first half of 1994 the Company upgraded
its telephone systems in certain locations through the purchase of
technologically advanced equipment at a cost of approximately $1.2 million.
During the third quarter of 1994 the Company renegotiated its contracts for
long distance service and benefited from lower long distance rates beginning
in the fourth quarter.
Postage and supplies expense decreased 2.7% between years to $9.0 million.
Postage and supplies expense historically fluctuates with the level of
accounts received for collection.
Occupancy costs decreased 4.1% between 1994 and 1993 to $8.4 million.
Expenses related to leased office space declined $496,000 between years as a
result of planned office space reduction and renegotiated leases at certain
locations. Increased space rental due to the acquisition of IMC, to foreign
operations and to expansion in other locations resulted in additional rental
costs of $215,000 during 1994.
Data processing equipment costs decreased 7.4% to $7.4 million in 1994
compared to 1993. The decrease in data processing equipment costs is
attributable primarily to savings realized under the renegotiated maintenance
contract with the Company's major computer vendor which took effect in January
1994. Depreciation expense on computer equipment decreased $270,000 during
1994 when compared to 1993. During the last half of 1994, the Company began
investment in hardware and software to support the WIN collection system.
During the third quarter of 1994 the Company installed WIN in its Lakeland,
Florida location.
-15-
Amortization of acquisition cost was $12.5 million in 1994, compared to $13.9
million in 1993. Amortization expense associated with purchased accounts
receivable portfolios decreased by $1.5 million between years to $10.3
million. This decrease is due to the decreased collections on the portfolios.
Other operating costs were level between years at $11.4 million. Other
operating costs includes business insurance and legal expenses, skip tracing
costs and travel and entertainment costs.
<PAGE>
Other income, which consists primarily of interest income, increased by
$40,000, while interest expense decreased by $120,000 when compared to the
year ended December 31, 1993. The decrease in interest expense was due
primarily to the decreased average borrowing under the Company's line of
credit.
The effective tax rate increased between years from 44.9% to 45.7%. The
effective tax rate fluctuated as a result of levels of pre-tax income,
nondeductible expenses and changes in the mix of state income tax rates.
Earnings per share in 1994 was $0.45, compared to $0.40 in 1993. The increase
in earnings per share was primarily due to improved operating margins in 1994
as a result of cost control measures taken by the Company.
EFFECT OF INFLATION
Compensation and benefits, the Company's largest expense category, is
sensitive to fluctuations in the rate of inflation.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company has a $25.0 million short-term borrowing agreement with its
primary lender. The agreement allows the Company to borrow funds under a line
of credit agreement or through the issuance of commercial paper. All loans
made to the Company by its lender under the line of credit are payable upon
demand and are evidenced by a single promissory note. The Company is not
required to maintain compensating balances, and there are no restrictive
covenants under the agreement. As of December 31, 1995, the Company had $12.0
million available to borrow. Funds borrowed were used primarily to finance
the Company's acquisition program and capital expenditures related to WIN.
The weighted average interest rate at December 31, 1995 was 5.88%. the maximum
interest rate at December 31, 1995 was 5.95%. The Company considers the line
of credit to be it primary liquidity resource.
The Company expects to continue to make investments in property and equipment
in order to support the long-term growth of the Company. During 1995 the
Company continued implementation and installation of WIN, a technologically
advanced collection system which will replace PACS [registered trademark].
The total remaining capital expenditures associated with this project are
estimated to be approximately $10 to $12 million and will continue through
1997.
<PAGE>
The Company also expects to invest a total of approximately $4.0 million in
order to upgrade its automated student loan billing system. As of December 31,
1995, $1.9 million was invested in this project. The student loan billing
system is expected to be in a test phase during the third quarter of 1996.
These capital expenditures are necessary in order for the Company to expand
its revenue growth opportunities, enhance its collection process, respond to
changing market requirements and reduce the overall cost of the data
processing operation in future years. In addition, the Company will continue
to selectively pursue the accounts receivable purchase program and the
acquisition of certain collection and related businesses and will continue to
explore opportunities in the global marketplace.
While there are a variety of factors that could have an impact on the actual
amount of future capital expenditures, the Company anticipates that total
capital expenditures for 1996 will be approximately $13 million.
The Company's formal commitments consist primarily of operating leases for
office space and certain capitalized leases. For additional information,
refer to Note 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
The Company has reviewed its liquidity in relation to planned capital
expenditures, growth in working capital to support increased business, and its
acquisition program. To the extent internal funding may not be sufficient to
meet its future cash requirements, the Company plans to utilize its line of
credit, which it considers to be adequate to meet its needs.
-16-
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
Pursuant to Item 601(c)(2)(i) of Regulations S-K, the Registrnat hereby
disclaims Exhibit 27. This schedule contains summary financial information
and is qualified in its entirety by reference to Exhibit 13.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1995
<CASH> 27985
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 21617
<ALLOWANCES> 604
<INVENTORY> 0
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 62624
<PP&E> 62313
<DEPRECIATION> 39450
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 103675
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 49357
<BONDS> 0
<COMMON> 1016
0
0
<OTHER-SE> 52134
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 103675
<SALES> 175560
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 175560
<CGS> 0
<TOTAL-COSTS> 165644
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 770
<INCOME-PRETAX> 9380
<INCOME-TAX> 4130
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 5250
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 5250
<EPS-PRIMARY> 0.52
<EPS-DILUTED> 0
</TABLE>
