<PAGE>
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
(AMENDMENT NO. )
Filed by the registrant /X/
Filed by a party other than the registrant / /
Check the appropriate box:
/ / Preliminary proxy statement
/ / Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by
Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
/X/ Definitive proxy statement
/ / Definitive additional materials
/ / Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12
TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS COMPANY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of filing fee (check the appropriate box):
/X/ No fee required
/ / Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant
to Exchange Act Rule 0-11
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(5) Total fee paid:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
/ / Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
/ / Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was
paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement
number or the form or schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount previously paid:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Form, schedule or registration statement no.:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Filing party:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) Date filed:
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<PAGE>
[LOGO]
TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS COMPANY
205 NORTH MICHIGAN AVENUE
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60601
(312) 228-4500
DEAR STOCKHOLDER:
You are cordially invited to the 1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of
Technology Solutions Company, a Delaware corporation, at 10:00 a.m., Local
Time, on Thursday, October 1, 1998, at the offices of Bank of America
Illinois, 231 South LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60697.
The matters to be considered at the meeting are described in the accompanying
Proxy Statement. Regardless of your plans for attending in person, it is
important that your shares be represented at the meeting. Therefore, please
complete, sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card in the enclosed,
post-paid envelope. This will enable you to vote on the business to be
transacted whether or not you attend the meeting.
We hope that you can attend the 1998 Annual Meeting, but in any event, please
vote your shares by signing and returning your proxy card.
Sincerely,
/s/ William H. Waltrip
WILLIAM H. WALTRIP
CHAIRMAN
September 8, 1998
<PAGE>
TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS COMPANY
NOTICE OF 1998 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON OCTOBER 1, 1998
TO OUR STOCKHOLDERS
The 1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Annual Meeting") of Technology
Solutions Company (the "Company") will be held at 10:00 a.m., Local Time, on
Thursday, October 1, 1998, at the offices of Bank of America Illinois,
231 South LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60697, for the purpose of
considering and acting upon the following matters:
1. To elect two directors to the Board of Directors each to serve
for a three-year term;
2. To adopt an amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation, as
amended, to increase the number of authorized shares of Common
Stock from 50,000,000 to 100,000,000 shares;
3. To ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as
independent accountants for the Company for the fiscal year
ending May 31, 1999; and
4. To transact such other business as may properly come before the
Annual Meeting or any adjournments thereof.
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on August 11, 1998, are
entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting or any adjournment
thereof. A list of such stockholders will be available for examination by any
stockholder for any purpose germane to the Annual Meeting, during normal
business hours, at the principal executive office of the Company, 205 North
Michigan Avenue, Suite 1500, Chicago, Illinois 60601, for a period of ten
days prior to the Annual Meeting.
Your attention is directed to the accompanying Proxy Statement. Whether or
not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting in person, you are urged to
complete, sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card in the enclosed,
post-paid envelope. If you attend the Annual Meeting and wish to vote in
person, you may withdraw your proxy and vote your shares personally.
By order of the Board of Directors,
Paul R. Peterson
Secretary
September 8, 1998
<PAGE>
TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS COMPANY
205 NORTH MICHIGAN AVENUE, SUITE 1500
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60601
PROXY STATEMENT
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
OCTOBER 1, 1998
This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of
proxies by the Board of Directors of Technology Solutions Company (the
"Company") for use at the 1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Annual
Meeting") to be held at 10:00 a.m., Local Time, on Thursday, October 1, 1998,
at the offices of Bank of America Illinois, 231 South LaSalle Street,
Chicago, Illinois 60697. The Company's principal executive office is located
at 205 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1500, Chicago, Illinois 60601.
Each stockholder of record of Common Stock, $.01 par value, of the Company
(the "Common Stock") at the close of business on August 11, 1998 (the "Record
Date"), is entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting or any
adjournment thereof and will have one vote on each matter considered for each
share of Common Stock held on the Record Date. A majority of the shares
entitled to vote will constitute a quorum. On the Record Date there were
40,417,438 shares of Common Stock outstanding.
If you are unable to attend the Annual Meeting, you may vote by proxy. The
proxy holders will vote your shares according to your instructions. If you
return a properly signed and dated proxy card but do not mark a choice on one
or more items, your shares will be voted in accordance with the
recommendations of the Board of Directors for such items as set forth in this
Proxy Statement. The proxy card gives authority to the proxy holders to vote
your shares in their discretion on any other matter presented at the Annual
Meeting or any adjournment thereof. A proxy may indicate that all or a
portion of the shares represented by that proxy are not being voted by a
stockholder with respect to a particular matter. Any such non-voted shares
will be considered present for the purpose of determining the presence of a
quorum.
You may revoke your proxy at any time prior to voting at the Annual Meeting
by delivering written notice to the Secretary of the Company, by submitting a
subsequently dated proxy or by attending and voting in person at the Annual
Meeting.
The Company will bear the cost of preparing, handling, printing and mailing
this Proxy Statement, the related proxy card and any additional material
which may be furnished to stockholders, as well as the actual expense
incurred by brokerage houses, fiduciaries and custodians in forwarding such
materials to beneficial owners of Common Stock held in their names. The
solicitation of proxies will be made by the use of the mail and through
direct communication with certain stockholders or their representatives by
certain officers, directors or employees of the Company who will receive no
additional compensation therefor. This Proxy Statement and the related proxy
card are first being sent or given to stockholders on or about September 8,
1998.
Effective August 10, 1998, the Company's Board of Directors approved a
three-for-two stock split of the Company's Common Stock, effected in the form
of a 50% stock dividend (the "1998 Stock Split"). All share and per share
data included in this Proxy Statement reflect the 1998 Stock Split.
________________________________________________________________________________
-1-
<PAGE>
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors consists of seven persons and is divided into three
staggered classes, each class includes members serving three-year terms. The
terms of the Class I Directors expire on the date of the Annual Meeting. Each
of the nominees for Class I Director, if elected, will serve three years
until the 2001 Annual Meeting and until a successor has been elected and
qualified. The current Class II and III Directors will continue in office
until the 1999 and 2000 Annual Meetings, respectively.
Unless otherwise instructed, the proxy holders will vote the proxies received
by them for the two Class I nominees recommended by the Board of Directors.
Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast. Stockholders may not
cumulate their votes. The two nominees receiving the highest number of votes
will be elected. In the event that any nominee of the Company is unable or
declines to serve as a director at the time of the Annual Meeting, the
proxies will be voted for any nominee who shall be designated by the present
Board of Directors to fill the vacancy. It is not expected that any nominee
will be unable or will decline to serve as a director. In the event that
additional persons are nominated for election as directors, the proxy holders
intend to vote all proxies received by them for the nominees recommended by
the Board of Directors.
NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR
CLASS I -- NOMINEES TO SERVE UNTIL THE 2001 ANNUAL MEETING:
JOHN T. KOHLER, age 51, is currently the President and Chief Executive
Officer of the Company and has been a Director of the Company since June
1994. He joined the Company as Senior Vice President in June 1992, was
promoted to Executive Vice President and named to the Office of the Chairman
in September 1993, became President and Chief Operating Officer in January
1994 and became Chief Executive Officer in June 1995. From 1986 to 1992, he
was Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Kimberly-Clark
Corp. From 1983 to 1986, he was a partner and regional practice director for
the Midwest Region consulting practice of Arthur Young. He is also currently
serving as a Director of Follett Corporation and Infosis Corp.
MICHAEL R. ZUCCHINI, age 52, was elected to the Company's Board of Directors
in October, 1997. He has served as Chief Technology Officer of Fleet
Financial Group, a financial services company, since April, 1997 and as Vice
Chairman since 1993. Since January, 1997, he has served as Chairman of the
Bankers Roundtable Subcommittee on Legislation and Regulation charged with
interacting with Congress on issues related to technology. He is also
currently serving as a Director of Visa U.S.A., Inc., a credit card company.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE COMPANY'S STOCKHOLDERS
VOTE FOR ELECTION OF THE NOMINEES LISTED ABOVE.
________________________________________________________________________________
-2-
<PAGE>
MEMBERS OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS CONTINUING IN OFFICE
CLASS II -- SERVING UNTIL THE 1999 ANNUAL MEETING:
MICHAEL J. MURRAY, age 54, has been a Director of the Company since July
1988. Effective October 1, 1998, due to a merger between BankAmerica and
NationsBank, Mr. Murray will serve as President of Global Corporate &
Investment Banking, BankAmerica Corporation. Since March 1997, Mr. Murray has
been President of Global Wholesale Bank, Bank of America. From 1995 to 1997,
he served as Vice Chairman of Bank of America Corporation, responsible for
the U.S. and International Groups. From 1994 to 1995 he served as Group
Executive Vice President for the U.S. Corporate Group of Bank of America NT &
SA. From 1969 until its merger with Bank of America in 1994, he was employed
by Continental Bank Corporation, most recently as Vice Chairman.
STEPHEN B. ORESMAN, age 66, has been a Director of the Company since July
1988. Since 1990, he has served as President of Saltash, Ltd., a management
consulting firm. He previously served as Senior Vice President of Booz, Allen &
Hamilton, Inc. and Chairman of Booz, Allen & Hamilton International, parent
and subsidiary consulting firms. He is a Director of Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.
and TriNet Corporate Realty Trust, Inc.
RAYMOND P. CALDIERO, age 58, was elected to the Company's Board of Directors
in January, 1998. He has served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive
Officer of CII Inc., a business consulting firm, since 1990. He was employed
with Marriott Corporation for over 18 years with his final position being
Senior Vice President and Assistant to the Chairman in December, 1989. He is
also currently serving as a Director of EnviroSource Corporation of Horsham,
Pennsylvania.
________________________________________________________________________________
-3-
<PAGE>
MEMBERS OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS CONTINUING IN OFFICE (CONTINUED)
CLASS III -- SERVING UNTIL THE 2000 ANNUAL MEETING:
JOHN R. PURCELL, age 66, has been a Director of the Company since July 1988.
He has served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Grenadier
Associates, Ltd., a venture banking, merger and acquisition consulting firm,
since 1989. From February 1991 until 1997, he served as Chairman of Donnelley
Marketing, Inc., a direct marketing company. From 1987 until 1990, he served
as Chairman of Mindscape, Inc., an educational entertainment computer
software company. From 1982 until 1986, he served as Chairman and President
of SFN Companies, Inc., a communications company. He previously served as
Executive Vice President of CBS, Inc. and Senior Vice President, Finance of
Gannett Co., Inc. He is also currently a Director of Bausch & Lomb, Inc.,
Omnicom Group Inc., Repap Enterprises, Inc., and Journal Register Company.
WILLIAM H. WALTRIP, age 60, has been a Director of the Company since December
1992 and Chairman of the Board since June 1993. He also served as Chief
Executive Officer from June 1993 to June 1995. Since January 1996, he has
served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors and, during 1996, served as
Chief Executive Officer of Bausch & Lomb, Inc. From 1991 to 1993, he was Vice
Chairman of Unifax, Inc., a broad-line food service distributor. From 1985 to
1988, he was President, Chief Operating Officer and a Director of
IU International, a diversified services company with major interests in
transportation, environmental services and distribution. From 1982 to 1985, he
was President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director of Purolator Courier
Corporation and from 1972 to 1982, he was President, Chief Operating Officer
and Director of Pan American World Airways, Inc. He is also currently serving
as a Director of Bausch & Lomb, Inc., the Teachers Insurance and Annuity
Association and Thomas & Betts Corporation.
________________________________________________________________________________
-4-
<PAGE>
DIRECTORS' MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES
The Board of Directors held four regular meetings and two special meetings
during the fiscal year ended May 31, 1998 ("Fiscal 1998"). With the exception
of Mr. McLaughlin, who attended all but one of the meetings of the Board of
Directors, each director attended all of the meetings of the Board and
committees thereof on which he served.
The Board of Directors has an Audit Committee presently composed of Messrs.
Murray and Oresman. The Audit Committee reviews the results and scope of the
audit and other services provided by the Company's independent accountants
and recommends the appointment of independent accountants to the Board of
Directors. See "Ratification of Appointment of Independent Accountants." The
Audit Committee met twice during Fiscal 1998.
The Board of Directors has a Compensation Committee presently composed of
Messrs. Purcell and Zucchini. The Compensation Committee approves all
executive compensation and stock option grants. The Compensation Committee
held four regular meetings and two special meetings during Fiscal 1998.
Those directors who are not employees of the Company ("Outside Directors")
receive an annual fee of $25,000 plus reimbursement of expenses incurred in
attending meetings.
In addition, each Outside Director presently holds stock options issued under
the Technology Solutions Company 1993 Outside Directors Plan, as amended (the
"1993 Plan") or the Technology Solutions Company 1996 Stock Incentive Plan
(the "1996 Plan"). The 1996 Plan replaced the 1993 Plan, and no future awards
will be made under the 1993 Plan. Previous awards made under the 1993 Plan
are not affected. Under the 1996 Plan, any new Outside Director will receive
an option to purchase 18,000 shares of Common Stock with a per share exercise
price equal to the closing price of a share of Common Stock as reported on
The Nasdaq Stock Market-SM- on the day such stock option is granted. In
addition to the stock options already granted and options to be granted under
the 1996 Plan to each new Outside Director, an option to purchase 18,000
shares of Common Stock will be granted to each Outside Director at the time
that a previously issued stock option granted under the 1993 Plan or the 1996
Plan to such person becomes exercisable in full (assuming the person is an
Outside Director at that time and assuming there are sufficient options to
purchase shares of Common Stock available for issuance under the 1996 Plan).
Each stock option granted under the 1996 Plan becomes exercisable in
thirty-six monthly installments of 500 shares each, commencing on the last
day of the calendar month immediately following the grant of such option.
________________________________________________________________________________
-5-
<PAGE>
DIRECTORS' MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES (CONTINUED)
The Company has entered into an employment agreement with Mr. William H.
Waltrip to serve as its Chairman of the Board of Directors. The agreement
does not have a fixed expiration date and may be terminated by either party
on 90 days' written notice. If Mr. Waltrip is terminated by the Company, he
will be entitled to receive his salary and health insurance benefits for a
one-year period following such termination. If, following a change in control
of the Company (i) Mr. Waltrip's title, position, duties or salary are
diminished and he resigns within 90 days thereafter, or (ii) his employment
with the Company is terminated following his refusal to relocate for a period
in excess of six months to any location outside of the metropolitan area
where he resides, he will be entitled to receive his salary and health
insurance benefits for a one-year period following such termination. Each of
Mr. Waltrip's options to purchase Common Stock that is not then fully
exercisable will become exercisable in full upon a change in control of the
Company. If Mr. Waltrip's employment with the Company is terminated because
of his death or disability, he or his designated beneficiary will be entitled
to receive his salary and health insurance benefits for a one-year period
following such termination. Mr. Waltrip's current annual salary is $100,000.
The Board of Directors does not have a nominating committee. Selection of
nominees for the Board is made by the entire Board of Directors. The names of
potential nominees for the Company's Board should be directed to the
Company's Secretary, Paul R. Peterson, at 205 North Michigan Avenue,
Suite 1500, Chicago, Illinois 60601.
________________________________________________________________________________
-6-
<PAGE>
PROPOSAL TO ADOPT AN AMENDMENT
TO THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
Presently, the Company's authorized capital stock consists of 50,000,000
shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, and 10,000,000 shares of
Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share. As of the Record Date, the
Company had outstanding 40,417,438 shares of Common Stock.
In June of 1998, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized an
amendment to Article FOURTH of the Certificate of Incorporation, as amended,
to increase the authorized number of shares of Common Stock from 50,000,000
to 100,000,000, thereby increasing the total authorized number of shares of
all classes of capital stock from 60,000,000 to 110,000,000, subject to
stockholder approval.
The increase in authorized shares of Common Stock is recommended by the Board
of Directors in order to provide a sufficient reserve of such shares for the
future growth and needs of the Company. If approved by the stockholders of
the Company, such additional authorized shares would be available for future
issuance for various corporate purposes at the discretion of the Board of
Directors and without further authorization by the stockholders (subject to
the requirements of The Nasdaq Stock Market-SM-). Such purposes might include,
without limitation, the issuance and sale of Common Stock (i) as part or all
of the consideration required to be paid for the acquisition of ongoing
businesses or other assets, (ii) in public or private offerings as a means of
obtaining additional capital to strengthen the Company and expand its
business, (iii) to satisfy any current or future obligation of the Company,
(iv) in connection with the exercise of options, warrants, rights, or the
conversion of convertible securities of the Company, (v) in public or private
exchange offers for other securities of the Company, (vi) as part or all of
the consideration to repay or retire any debt of the Company, (vii) in
connection with stock splits and dividends, or (viii) with respect to
existing or new benefit, option or stock ownership plans or employment
agreements. Any such issuance could reduce the current stockholders'
proportionate interests in the Company, depending on the number of shares
issued and the purpose, terms and conditions of the issuance.
Moreover, the issuance of additional shares could discourage attempts to
acquire control of the Company by tender offer or other means. In such a
case, stockholders might be deprived of benefits that could result from such
an attempt, such as realization of a premium over the market price of their
shares in a tender offer or the temporary increase in market price that could
result from such an attempt. Also, the issuance of stock to persons
supportive of the Board of Directors could make it more difficult to remove
incumbent management and directors from office. The proposed increase in the
number of authorized shares of Common Stock will not change the number of
shares of Common Stock outstanding or the rights of the holders of such stock.
Stockholders do not have preemptive rights to acquire additional shares,
including the shares of Common Stock authorized by the proposed amendment.
Although the Board of Directors will authorize the issuance of Common Stock
only when it considers such issuance to be in the best interest of the
Company, the issuance of additional shares
________________________________________________________________________________
-7-
<PAGE>
of Common Stock may have, among others, a dilutive effect on earnings per
share of Common Stock and on the equity and voting rights of holders of
shares of Common Stock as described above. The Board of Directors, however,
believes that the benefits of providing the flexibility to issue shares
without delay for any business purpose outweigh these possible disadvantages.
VOTE REQUIRED
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares
of Common Stock entitled to vote thereon is required for approval of the
proposed amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation, as amended.
Abstentions and shares not voted by a broker acting as nominee because such
broker lacks discretionary authority to vote such shares will have the same
effect as votes against the proposal.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS DEEMED ADVISABLE, AND UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT
THE COMPANY'S STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR ADOPTION OF THE AMENDMENT TO THE
COMPANY'S CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION, AS AMENDED.
________________________________________________________________________________
-8-
<PAGE>
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT
OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
The Board of Directors has appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as
independent accountants of the Company for the fiscal year ending May 31,
1999. If a majority of the stockholders in attendance at the Annual Meeting,
in person or by proxy, fail to ratify the appointment, the appointment of
other independent accountants will be considered by the Board of Directors.
Abstentions will have the same effect as votes against the proposal. Shares
not voted by a broker acting as nominee because such broker lacks
discretionary authority to vote such shares will be considered as not being
in attendance for the vote on this proposal. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP,
formerly Price Waterhouse LLP, has audited the Company's financial statements
since the fiscal year ended May 31, 1991. Representatives of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP are expected to be at the Annual Meeting and will
be available to respond to appropriate questions. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
will also have the opportunity to make a statement at the Annual Meeting if
they desire to do so.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE COMPANY'S STOCKHOLDERS
VOTE FOR APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSAL TO RATIFY THE APPOINTMENT OF
PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP AS INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS FOR THE COMPANY FOR THE
FISCAL YEAR ENDING MAY 31, 1999.
________________________________________________________________________________
-9-
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION
The following table (the "Compensation Table") sets forth summary information
concerning the compensation of each person who served as Chief Executive
Officer of the Company during Fiscal 1998 and the Company's four other most
highly compensated executive officers during Fiscal 1998 (collectively, the
"Named Executive Officers"):
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
----------------------------------------------------
LONG-TERM
ANNUAL COMPENSATION
COMPENSATION AWARDS
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES
FISCAL UNDERLYING
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY ($) BONUS($) OPTIONS (#)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
John T. Kohler 1998 550,000 150,000 168,750
President and Chief Executive Officer 1997 525,000 460,000 168,750
1996 484,000 460,000 101,625
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kelly D. Conway 1998 440,000 100,000 135,000
Executive Vice President 1997 400,000 225,000 199,125
1996 340,000 385,000(1) 320,625
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James S. Carluccio 1998 450,000 50,000 22,500
Executive Vice President and 1997 450,000 230,000 67,500
Chief Technology Officer 1996 430,000 320,000 33,750
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jack N. Hayden(2) 1998 460,000 150,000 168,750
Executive Vice President 1997 400,000 400,000 202,500
1996 360,000 402,500(3) 101,250
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Michael J. McLaughlin(4) 1998 400,000 -- --
Executive Vice President 1997 400,000 -- --
1996 -- 150,000(5) 151,875(5)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) $55,000 of the Fiscal 1996 bonus represents the accrual charged to earnings
under the employee retention program announced by the Company in February
1994. Under this program, substantially all employees of the Company,
excluding Messrs. Kohler and Carluccio, were awarded a special compensation
of 50 percent of their February 1994 base salary if they remained with the
Company for at least two years. This special compensation vested 50 percent
on March 1, 1995, and 50 percent on March 1, 1996. Under the
terms of this program, Mr. Conway received a total of $110,000.
(2) Mr. Hayden resigned his position as Executive Vice President effective
August 5, 1998. He will remain as a part-time employee of the Company, on a
non-exclusive basis, until February 28, 1999.
(3) $52,500 of the Fiscal 1996 bonus represents the accrual charged to earnings
under the employee retention program described in Note 1 above. Under the
terms of this program, Mr. Hayden received a total of $140,000.
(4) Mr. McLaughlin resigned his position as Executive Vice President effective
June 15, 1998. In addition, he resigned his position as a member of the
Board of Directors effective July 15, 1998. He will remain as a part-time
employee of the Company, on a non-exclusive basis, until May 31, 1999.
(5) Mr. McLaughlin joined TSC on May 31, 1996 and received a $150,000 hiring
bonus and 151,875 stock options.
________________________________________________________________________________
-10-
<PAGE>
OPTION GRANTS
The following table sets forth information with respect to individual grants
of options that were made during Fiscal 1998 to each of the Named Executive
Officers and the potential realizable value of these options assuming five
percent and ten percent rates(1) of compound appreciation in the market value
of the Common Stock over the term of the option grants. The table also
relates those values to the gains that would be realized by all holders of
Common Stock if those rates of appreciation were achieved. No stock
appreciation rights were granted in Fiscal 1998.
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
POTENTIAL REALIZABLE VALUE AT
ASSUMED ANNUAL RATES OF STOCK PRICE
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS(2) APPRECIATION FOR OPTION TERM
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PERCENT OF
TOTAL
NUMBER OF OPTIONS
SECURITIES GRANTED TO
UNDERLYING EMPLOYEES EXERCISE
OPTIONS IN FISCAL PRICE EXPIRATION
NAME GRANTED (#) YEAR ($/SH) DATE 5%($)(1) 10%($)(1)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
John T. Kohler 168,750(3) 7% 15.8890 06/23/07 1,686,236 4,273,252
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kelly D. Conway 135,000(3) 5% 15.8890 06/23/07 1,348,988 3,418,601
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James S. Carluccio 22,500(3) 1% 15.8890 06/23/07 224,831 569,767
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jack N. Hayden 168,750(3) 7% 15.8890 06/23/07 1,686,236 4,273,252
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Michael J. McLaughlin -- -- -- -- -- --
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Potential gain by all
common stockholders(4) -- -- -- -- 505,141,307 1,280,127,251
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Amounts reflect assumed rates of appreciation set forth in the Securities
and Exchange Commission's executive compensation disclosure rules. Actual
gains, if any, on stock option exercises depend on future performance of
the Company's Common Stock and overall stock market conditions. No
assurance can be given that the amounts reflected in these columns will be
achieved.
(2) Upon a sale of substantially all of the business and assets of the Company,
the Board may accelerate the exercisability of these options.
(3) Subject to option provisions regarding termination of employment, one third
of these options became exercisable on June 23, 1998, and 1/36 of these
options become exercisable on the last day of each calendar month for
24 months thereafter.
(4) The future hypothetical value of one share of Common Stock based on a fair
market value of $20.13 on May 31, 1998, and assumed rates of appreciation
of five percent and ten percent through June 23, 2007, would be $32.79 and
$52.21, respectively. The potential realizable value for all holders of
Common Stock is based on 39,901,684 shares of Common Stock outstanding as
of May 31, 1998.
________________________________________________________________________________
-11-
<PAGE>
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
AND FISCAL YEAR END OPTION VALUES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NUMBER OF SECURITIES VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED IN-THE-MONEY
OPTIONS AT MAY 31, 1998 (#) OPTIONS AT MAY 31, 1998 ($)
SHARES ---------------------------- -------------------------------
ACQUIRED ON VALUE
NAME EXERCISE (#) REALIZED ($) EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
John T. Kohler 221,250 3,714,739 351,747 401,253 5,407,152 4,446,454
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kelly D. Conway 186,300 2,296,644 153,458 318,370 2,287,499 3,198,485
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James S. Carluccio 262,500 4,333,520 319,686 47,814 5,259,001 361,142
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jack N. Hayden 144,750 2,408,200 139,309 435,941 1,518,092 4,984,117
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Michael J. McLaughlin -- -- 101,259 50,616 957,525 478,635
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
The Company has entered into an employment agreement with Mr. John T. Kohler
to serve as its President and Chief Executive Officer. The agreement does not
have a fixed expiration date and may be terminated by either party on 90 days'
written notice. If Mr. Kohler is terminated by the Company, he will be
entitled to receive his salary, bonus and health insurance benefits for a
two-year period following such termination, or until he is re-employed. If,
following a change in control of the Company (i) Mr. Kohler's title,
position, duties or salary are diminished and he resigns within 90 days
thereafter, or (ii) his employment with the Company is terminated following
his refusal to relocate for a period in excess of six months to any location
outside of the metropolitan area where he resides, he will be entitled to
receive his salary, bonus and health insurance benefits for a two-year period
following such termination. Each of Mr. Kohler's options to purchase Common
Stock that is not then fully exercisable will become exercisable in full upon
a change in control of the Company. If Mr. Kohler's employment with the
Company is terminated because of his death or disability, he or his
designated beneficiary will be entitled to receive his salary, bonus and
health insurance benefits for a one-year period following such termination.
Mr. Kohler's current annual salary is $550,000.
The Company has entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Kelly D. Conway
to serve as an Executive Vice President. The agreement does not have a fixed
expiration date and may be terminated by either party on 90 days' written
notice. If Mr. Conway is terminated by the Company, he will be entitled to
receive his salary, bonus and health insurance benefits for a two-year period
following such termination, or until he is re-employed. If, following a
change in control of the Company (i) Mr. Conway's title, position, duties or
salary are diminished and he resigns within 90 days thereafter, or (ii) his
employment with the Company is terminated following his refusal to relocate
for a period in excess of six months to any location outside of the
metropolitan area where he resides, he will be entitled to receive his
salary, bonus and health insurance benefits for a two-year period following
such termination. Each of Mr. Conway's options to purchase Common Stock that
is not then fully exercisable will become exercisable in full upon a change
in control of the Company. If Mr. Conway's employment with the Company is
terminated because of his death or disability, he or his designated
beneficiary will be entitled to receive his salary, bonus and health
insurance benefits for a one-year period following such termination.
Mr. Conway's current annual salary is $440,000.
________________________________________________________________________________
-12-
<PAGE>
The Company has entered into an employment agreement with Mr. James S.
Carluccio to serve as an Executive Vice President. The agreement does not
have a fixed expiration date and may be terminated by either party on 90 days'
written notice. If Mr. Carluccio is terminated by the Company, he will be
entitled to receive his salary, bonus and health insurance benefits for a
two-year period following such termination, or until he is re-employed. If,
following a change in control of the Company (i) Mr. Carluccio's title,
position, duties or salary are diminished and he resigns within 90 days
thereafter, or (ii) his employment with the Company is terminated following
his refusal to relocate for a period in excess of six months to any location
outside of the metropolitan area where he resides, he will be entitled to
receive his salary, bonus and health insurance benefits for a two-year period
following such termination. Each of Mr. Carluccio's options to purchase
Common Stock that is not then fully exercisable will become exercisable in
full upon a change in control of the Company. If Mr. Carluccio's employment
with the Company is terminated because of his death or disability, he or his
designated beneficiary will be entitled to receive his salary, bonus and
health insurance benefits for a one-year period following such termination.
Mr. Carluccio's current annual salary is $450,000.
Mr. Hayden resigned his position as Executive Vice President effective August 5,
1998, and entered into a Letter of Understanding pursuant to which, among
other things, he will continue to provide advisory services to the Company as
a part-time employee until February 28, 1999. The Letter of Understanding
provides that Mr. Hayden will receive his full monthly salary and benefits
through September 6, 1998. Thereafter, pursuant to the Letter of
Understanding, Mr. Hayden will receive consideration through the end of the
part-time employment period, February 28, 1999, in the form of a nominal
salary and, subject to Mr. Hayden's satisfaction of his obligations
thereunder, consideration in the amount of $125,000 and eligibility for a
performance-based bonus in an amount not to exceed $125,000.
Mr. McLaughlin resigned his position as Executive Vice President effective
June 15, 1998. In addition, he resigned his position as a member of the Board
of Directors effective July 15, 1998. He will remain as a part-time employee
of the Company, and provide advisory services to the Company, on a
non-exclusive basis, until May 31, 1999. Mr. McLaughlin will receive a
monthly salary of $30,604 and will continue to receive health insurance
benefits during the part-time employment period.
________________________________________________________________________________
-13-
<PAGE>
OTHER TRANSACTIONS
On January 6, 1998, the Company made a loan of $600,000 to Mr. Kohler,
payable on demand but no later than January 5, 1999, and bearing interest at
the rate of 5.7 percent per annum. Mr. Kohler's outstanding balance and
accrued interest as of August 28, 1998 was $622,040.
On December 31, 1997, the Company made a loan of $550,000 to Mr. Conway
bearing interest at the rate of 5.68 percent per annum. One third of the
principal and accrued interest is due on December 31, 1998, December 31,
1999, and December 31, 2000, respectively. Mr. Conway's outstanding balance
and accrued interest as of August 28, 1998 was $570,653.
On March 25, 1998, the Company made a loan of $515,000 to Mr. Hayden bearing
interest at the rate of 5.39 percent per annum. Mr. Hayden has paid $150,000
towards principal and accrued interest on such loan. The remaining
outstanding balance and accrued interest are due on or before February 28,
1999. Mr. Hayden's outstanding balance and accrued interest as of August 28,
1998 was $376,547.
________________________________________________________________________________
-14-
<PAGE>
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
TSC'S COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY
The Company recognizes that the success of a computer system design and
implementation consulting business is based on the performance of its
employees, and that its employees are the Company's primary asset. With that
understanding, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the
"Compensation Committee") applies the following operating principles in its
duties as administrator of the Company's Executive Compensation program:
1. Be competitive in all aspects of the compensation program and
consistently demonstrate a willingness to pay levels of
compensation that are necessary to attract and retain highly
qualified executives.
2. Award stock options to executives in order to align management's
and stockholders' interests.
3. Provide variable compensation opportunities based on the
financial performance of the Company -- when objectives are met
or exceeded, the incentive awards can be attractive; when
objectives are not met, those rewards generally are not
distributed.
4. Adhere to a compensation strategy that effectively balances
short- and long-term goals of the Company.
COMPENSATION POLICIES FOR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The Compensation Committee, presently comprised of two outside board members,
makes executive compensation decisions. In making these decisions, the
Compensation Committee considers recommendations made by the Company's senior
management team. Key components of the Company's Executive Compensation
program include:
1. Base salary -- designed to compensate executives competitively
within the industry.
2. Cash bonus/stock option awards -- designed to help provide a
direct link between executive compensation and the individual's
role in helping the Company attain annual performance measures.
The Compensation Committee believes this Executive Compensation program
effectively serves the interests of both the Company and its stockholders.
The Compensation Committee also believes the program allows the Company to
attract and retain outstanding executives, and motivates these executives to
perform at the highest levels.
________________________________________________________________________________
-15-
<PAGE>
CEO COMPENSATION
Mr. John T. Kohler was named Chief Executive Officer on June 29, 1995.
Mr. Kohler's compensation is substantially related to the Company's
performance because his employment agreement provides for an annual bonus
based, in part, on the Company's achievement of certain revenue and
profitability levels. In Fiscal 1998, Mr. Kohler received a salary of
$550,000 and also received 168,750 options. Mr. Kohler's salary, bonus, and
option award during fiscal 1998 reflect the strategic importance of Mr. Kohler
to the Company, his current contribution to the Company and his anticipated
future contributions toward achievement of the Company's growth objectives.
The foregoing report has been furnished by the Compensation Committee.
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors
John R. Purcell
Michael R. Zucchini
________________________________________________________________________________
-16-
<PAGE>
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF DIRECTORS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth information as of July 31, 1998 concerning the
beneficial ownership of Common Stock for each Director, Named Executive
Officer and all Directors and executive officers as a group. Unless otherwise
noted, the listed persons have sole voting and investment powers with respect
to the shares held in their names, subject to community property laws if
applicable. The table includes options which are exercisable within 60 days.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER % OF TOTAL
OF OUTSTANDING
DIRECTOR NAME SHARES SHARES
- ------------- ------ ------
<S> <C> <C>
John T. Kohler 604,688 (1) 1.3
William H. Waltrip 309,572 (2) *
Raymond P. Caldiero 6,750 (3) *
Michael J. McLaughlin (resigned July 15, 1998) 118,128 (4) *
Michael J. Murray 335,461 (5) *
Stephen B. Oresman 93,712 (6) *
John R. Purcell 874,500 (7) 1.9
Michael R. Zucchini 16,552 (8) *
NAMED
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
- ------------------
John T. Kohler 604,688 (1) 1.3
Kelly D. Conway 339,404 (9) *
James S. Carluccio 427,880 (10) *
Jack N. Hayden (resigned August 5, 1998) 433,419 (11) *
Michael J. McLaughlin (resigned June 15, 1998) 118,128 (4) *
All Directors and Executive
Officers as a group (13 persons) 3,861,644 (12) 8.2
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
* less than one percent
(1) Includes 533,633 shares which Mr. Kohler has the right to acquire under
options which are currently exercisable or which will be exercisable within
60 days.
(2) Includes 309,572 shares which Mr. Waltrip has the right to acquire under
options which are currently exercisable or which will be exercisable within
60 days.
(3) Includes 6,750 shares which Mr. Caldiero has the right to acquire under
options which are currently exercisable or which will be exercisable within
60 days.
(4) Includes 118,128 shares which Mr. McLaughlin has the right to acquire under
options which are currently exercisable or which will be exercisable within
60 days.
(5) Includes 77,625 shares which Mr. Murray has the right to acquire under
options which are currently exercisable or which will be exercisable within
60 days.
(6) Includes 37,125 shares which Mr. Oresman has the right to acquire under
options which are currently exercisable or which will be exercisable within
60 days.
(7) Includes 77,625 shares which Mr. Purcell has the right to acquire under
options which are currently exercisable or which will be exercisable within
60 days. Includes 16,875 shares held by Mr. Purcell's wife and 195,000
shares held by The Purcell Foundation.
(8) Includes 9,000 shares which Mr. Zucchini has the right to acquire under
options which are currently exercisable or which will be exercisable within
60 days. Includes 1,687 shares held by Mr. Zucchini's wife.
(9) Includes 324,545 shares which Mr. Conway has the right to acquire under
options which are currently exercisable or which will be exercisable within
60 days.
(10) Includes 337,500 shares which Mr. Carluccio has the right to acquire under
options which are currently exercisable or which will be exercisable within
60 days.
(11) Includes 426,188 shares which Mr. Hayden has the right to acquire under
options which are currently exercisable or which will be exercisable within
60 days.
(12) Includes 2,554,276 shares which directors and executive officers have the
right to acquire under options which are currently exercisable or which
will be exercisable within 60 days.
________________________________________________________________________________
-17-
<PAGE>
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RELATING TO VOTING SECURITIES
The following table sets forth the holders of Common Stock known to the Company,
through their forms 13-D and/or 13-G filings, to own beneficially more than five
percent of its Common Stock as of December 31, 1997.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AND NUMBER
ADDRESS OF OF SHARES PERCENT
BENEFICIAL OWNER OWNED OF CLASS(1)
- --------------------------------------- ------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Pilgrim Baxter & Assoc.
825 Duportail Road
Wayne, PA 19087 4,064,850(2) 10.1%
Putnam Investments
One Post Office Square
Boston, MA 02109 3,777,135(3) 9.3%
Denver Investment Advisors
1225 Seventeenth Street
Denver, CO 80202 2,685,034(4) 6.6%
GeoCapital Corp.
767 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10153 2,659,500(5) 6.6%
Massachusetts Financial Services
500 Boyleston Street
Boston, MA 02116-3741 2,317,537(6) 5.7%
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Calculated on the basis of the actual number of outstanding shares as of
July 31, 1998 in the amount of 40,417,213.
(2) Based on 13-D and 13-G filings, Pilgrim Baxter & Assoc. represented that
it has sole voting power with respect to 3,214,950 shares and sole
dispositive power with respect to 4,064,850 shares.
(3) Based on 13-D and 13-G filings, Putnam Investments represented that it has
shared voting power with respect to 604,222 shares and shared dispositive
power with respect to 3,777,135 shares.
(4) Based on 13-D and 13-G filings, Denver Investments Advisors represented
that it has sole voting power with respect to 1,773,222 shares and sole
dispositive power with respect to 2,685,034 shares.
(5) Based on 13-D and 13-G filings, GeoCapital Corp. represented that it has
sole dispositive power with respect to 2,659,500 shares.
(6) Based on 13-D and 13-G filings, Massachusetts Financial Services
represented that it has sole voting power with respect to 2,275,912 shares
and sole dispositive power with respect to 2,317,537 shares.
________________________________________________________________________________
-18-
<PAGE>
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following graph compares the Company's cumulative total stockholder
return with the S&P Computer Software and Services Index (the "S&P Computer
Index") and with The Nasdaq Stock Market-SM- U.S. Index (the "Nasdaq Index").
The comparison is based on the assumption that $100.00 was invested on May
31, 1993 in each of the Company's Common Stock, the S&P Computer Index and
the Nasdaq Index.
Note: The stock price performance shown below is not necessarily indicative
of future price performance.
Comparison of Total Return(1)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
31-May-93 31-May-94 31-May-95 31-May-96 31-May-97 31-May-98
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
TSC $100 $ 56 $ 89 $337 $518 $647
S & P Index $100 $120 $169 $236 $394 $512
Nasdaq Index $100 $105 $125 $182 $205 $261
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Total return assumes reinvestment of dividends.
________________________________________________________________________________
-19-
<PAGE>
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
Proposals of stockholders that are intended to be presented at the Company's
1999 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and included in the Company's Proxy
Statement for that meeting must comply with certain rules and regulations
promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The deadline for
submitting to the Company any such proposal (which is otherwise in compliance
with those rules and regulations) for inclusion in the Company's Proxy Statement
for the 1999 Annual Meeting is May 11, 1999.
In addition, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission, at the Company's 1999 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the
proxy holders appointed by the Company may exercise discretionary authority when
voting on a stockholder proposal properly presented at such meeting that is not
included in the Company's Proxy Statement for such meeting if such proposal is
received by the Company after July 24, 1999. If notice of such a stockholder
proposal is received by the Company on or prior to such date, such proposal is
properly presented at the 1999 Annual Meeting and is not included in the
Company's Proxy Statement for such meeting, the proxy holders appointed by the
Company may exercise discretionary authority if, in such Proxy Statement, the
Company advises stockholders on the nature of such proposal and how the proxy
holders appointed by the Company intend to vote on such proposal, unless the
stockholder submitting such proposal satisfies certain requirements of the
Securities and Exchange Commission, including the mailing of a separate proxy
statement to the Company's stockholders.
All stockholder proposals should be directed to the Secretary of the Company.
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange
Act"), requires the Company's officers and directors, and persons who own more
than 10 percent of a registered class of the Company's equity securities
("Reporting Persons") to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with
the Securities and Exchange Commission. Reporting Persons are required by
Securities and Exchange Commission regulation to furnish the Company with copies
of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely on its review of such reports
and written representations from certain Reporting Persons, the Company has
determined that Mr. McLaughlin filed one late report of changes in ownership
which related to one transaction. All other Reporting Persons complied with all
filing requirements applicable to them in Fiscal 1998.
________________________________________________________________________________
-20-
<PAGE>
ANNUAL REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS
A copy of the 1998 Annual Report of the Company (which includes condensed
financial data and a letter to stockholders) accompanies this Proxy Statement.
Appendix 1 to this Proxy Statement, titled "1998 Financial Report" contains all
of the financial information (including the Company's audited financial
statements), and certain general information, previously published in the
Company's Annual Report and Report on Form 10-K. A copy of the Company's Report
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 1998 filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission, without exhibits, will be provided without charge to
any stockholder submitting a request therefor to:
Martin T. Johnson
Chief Financial Officer
Technology Solutions Company
205 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1500
Chicago, IL 60601
Telephone: (312) 228-4500
OTHER BUSINESS
The Board of Directors knows of no other matters to be presented at the Annual
Meeting, but if any other matters should properly come before the Annual
Meeting, it is intended that the persons named in the accompanying proxy card
will vote on such matters in accordance with their best judgment.
________________________________________________________________________________
-21-
<PAGE>
APPENDIX 1
TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS COMPANY
1998 FINANCIAL REPORT
CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Business of TSC 1
Financial Statements and Notes 2
Report of Independent Accountants 21
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations 22
Assumptions Underlying Certain Forward-Looking Statements
and Factors That May Affect Future Results 27
Five-Year Financial Summary 34
Selected Information on TSC Stock 35
Other Information 37
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
BUSINESS OF TSC
Technology Solutions Company ("TSC" or the "Company") is dedicated to
providing the full range of consulting services required to enable its
clients to utilize technology to improve their businesses at a strategic and
operational level. TSC provides information technology (IT) consulting,
strategy consulting, and change management services to help its clients
transform their internal business processes and their relationships with
customers, suppliers, distributors and employees. The Company provides
professional services globally to clients in a wide range of industries,
including financial services, communications, manufacturing, healthcare and
technology.
TSC services span a wide range of IT and strategic business services. TSC's IT
services address a broad spectrum of IT consulting from IT strategy through
systems integration, including the identification of areas of a client's
business that can benefit from computer technology, feasibility studies,
business case justification, business process redesign and reengineering,
benchmarking and best practices, project management, architecture, logical and
physical systems design, hardware and software selection, programming,
implementation, change management, education, training, and benefits
realization. TSC's strategic business services offered include business
strategic planning, value-based customer segmentation analysis, and marketing
research and analysis.
TSC's business strategy is to offer a full range of IT and strategic business
consulting services targeting IT technology areas, specific software packages,
along with specific business processes or vertical markets, in large
middle-market firms located in major markets and countries around the world.
TSC's clients are typically firms that range in size from $500 million to $5
billion in annual revenue.
Since May 1988, TSC has performed project work for over 600 corporations,
including Aetna, Avantel, The Chicago Board Options Exchange, Cigna, Cisco
Systems, ConAgra, Georgia-Pacific, The Equitable, First Union Corporation,
Goldman, Sachs & Co., Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, The Prudential, Pepsi, Square D
Corporation, Swiss Bank Corporation, MCI, Ameritech, Zurich Kemper Life,
Atmos, Progressive and Whirlpool Corporation.
TSC is a corporation formed under the laws of the state of Delaware. Its
principal executive offices are located in Chicago, Illinois. In addition to its
Chicago office, the Company maintains domestic offices in Schaumburg and
Wheaton, Illinois; Atlanta, Georgia; New Canaan, Connecticut; Austin, Dallas,
Houston and Irving, Texas; Bellevue, Washington; Boston and Hudson,
Massachusetts; Brookfield and Wauwatosa, Wisconsin; Columbia, Maryland;
Minneapolis, Minnesota; New York, New York; and San Francisco, Soquel, Sunnyvale
and Irvine, California. International offices are located in Bogota, Colombia;
Cologne, Germany; London, England; Mexico City and Monterrey, Mexico; Paris,
France; Santiago, Chile; Sydney, Australia; Toronto, Canada; and Zug,
Switzerland.
________________________________________________________________________________
PAGE 1
<PAGE>
TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MAY 31, MAY 31,
1998 1997
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents..................................................... $ 38,458 $ 27,951
Marketable securities......................................................... 27,973 15,988
Receivables, less allowance for doubtful receivables of $3,246 and $3,346..... 72,114 43,907
Refundable income taxes....................................................... -- 1,398
Deferred income taxes......................................................... 7,448 7,234
Other current assets.......................................................... 12,750 11,196
-------- --------
Total current assets...................................................... 158,743 107,674
COMPUTERS, FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENT, NET......................................... 9,515 6,416
LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS........................................................... 1,200 8,118
COST IN EXCESS OF NET ASSETS OF ACQUIRED
BUSINESSES AND OTHER INTANGIBLES.............................................. 13,535 3,521
LONG-TERM RECEIVABLES AND OTHER................................................. 14,155 8,137
-------- --------
Total assets.............................................................. $197,148 $133,866
-------- --------
-------- --------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable.............................................................. $ 1,931 $ 1,604
Accrued compensation and related costs........................................ 20,982 17,001
Capitalized lease obligation.................................................. 79 240
Deferred compensation......................................................... 13,566 6,842
Other current liabilities..................................................... 4,784 2,392
-------- --------
Total current liabilities................................................. 41,342 28,079
-------- --------
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value; shares authorized --
10,000,000; none issued.................................................. -- --
Common stock, $.01 par value; shares authorized --
50,000,000; shares issued -- 40,282,870................................... 403 403
Capital in excess of par value................................................ 85,089 61,824
Retained earnings............................................................. 72,463 51,627
Unrealized holding loss....................................................... (42) (319)
Cumulative translation adjustment............................................. (1,209) (318)
-------- --------
156,704 113,217
Less: Treasury stock, at cost (381,186 and 3,185,490 shares)................. (898) (7,430)
-------- --------
Total stockholders' equity................................................ 155,806 105,787
-------- --------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity................................ $197,148 $133,866
-------- --------
-------- --------
</TABLE>
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
are an integral part of this financial information.
________________________________________________________________________________
PAGE 2
<PAGE>
TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands, except per share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the years ended May 31,
------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
REVENUES:
Professional fees ...................... $ 271,595 $ 164,238 $ 97,004
Software and hardware products ......... 280 850 595
--------- --------- --------
271,875 165,088 97,599
--------- --------- --------
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Project personnel ...................... 126,147 76,508 46,744
Other project expenses ................. 39,570 23,374 13,010
Cost of products sold .................. -- 54 476
Management and administrative support .. 57,508 32,074 22,605
Goodwill amortization .................. 3,603 811 --
Shareholder litigation settlement ...... -- -- 2,345
Company founders litigation settlement . -- -- 944
Incentive compensation ................. 10,662 9,394 6,611
--------- --------- --------
237,490 142,215 92,735
--------- --------- --------
OPERATING INCOME .......................... 34,385 22,873 4,864
--------- --------- --------
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Net investment income .................. 2,059 2,295 2,073
Interest expense ....................... (62) (191) (169)
--------- --------- --------
1,997 2,104 1,904
--------- --------- --------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES ................ 36,382 24,977 6,768
INCOME TAX PROVISION ...................... 15,362 9,910 2,194
--------- --------- --------
NET INCOME ................................ $ 21,020 $ 15,067 $ 4,574
--------- --------- --------
--------- --------- --------
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE ................. $ 0.54 $ 0.43 $ 0.15
--------- --------- --------
--------- --------- --------
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON
SHARES OUTSTANDING ..................... 38,887 35,333 31,311
--------- --------- --------
--------- --------- --------
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE ASSUMING DILUTION $ 0.49 $ 0.38 $ 0.13
--------- --------- --------
--------- --------- --------
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON
AND COMMON EQUIVALENT SHARES
OUTSTANDING ............................ 42,781 39,869 36,320
--------- --------- --------
--------- --------- --------
</TABLE>
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
are an integral part of this financial information.
________________________________________________________________________________
PAGE 3
<PAGE>
TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
For the years ended May 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 --
(In thousands, except share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Common Stock Capital in
------------------------- Excess of Retained
Shares Amount Par Value Earnings
---------- ------ ---------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance as of May 31, 1995 ............ 26,855,390 $269 $ 43,971 $ 31,409
Effect of August 10, 1998 three-for-two
stock split on May 31, 1995 balances 13,427,480 134 (134) --
Issuance of 3,596,871 treasury shares
from exercise of stock options ...... -- -- 6,085 --
Issuance of 87,854 treasury shares
from employee stock purchase plan ... -- -- 198 --
Change in net unrealized holding
loss on available-for-sale securities -- -- -- --
Net income ............................ -- -- -- 4,574
Acquisition of 150,875 treasury shares -- -- -- --
---------- ---- -------- --------
Balance as of May 31, 1996 ............ 40,282,870 403 50,120 35,983
Issuance of 2,565,747 treasury shares
from exercise of stock options ...... -- -- 12,140 --
Issuance of 179,165 treasury shares
from employee stock purchase plan ... -- -- 1,396 --
Change in net unrealized holding
loss on available-for-sale securities -- -- -- --
Net income ............................ -- -- -- 15,067
Cumulative translation adjustment ..... -- -- -- --
Issuance of 851,199 treasury shares
for business combinations ........... -- -- (1,832) 577
---------- ---- -------- --------
Balance as of May 31, 1997 ............ 40,282,870 403 61,824 51,627
Issuance of 2,429,116 treasury shares
from exercise of stock options ...... -- -- 15,993 --
Issuance of 269,347 treasury shares
from employee stock purchase plan ... -- -- 3,070 --
Change in net unrealized holding
loss on available-for-sale securities -- -- -- --
Net income ............................ -- -- -- 21,020
Cumulative translation adjustment ..... -- -- -- --
Issuance of 105,841 treasury shares
for business combinations ........... -- -- 4,202 (184)
---------- ---- -------- --------
Balance as of May 31, 1998 ............ 40,282,870 $403 $ 85,089 $ 72,463
---------- ---- -------- --------
---------- ---- -------- --------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Unrealized Cumulative
Holding Translation Treasury
Loss Adjustment Stock Total
-------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance as of May 31, 1995 ............ $(853) $-- $(23,070) $ 51,726
Effect of August 10, 1998 three-for-two
stock split on May 31, 1995 balances -- -- -- --
Issuance of 3,596,871 treasury shares
from exercise of stock options ...... -- -- 8,107 14,192
Issuance of 87,854 treasury shares
from employee stock purchase plan ... -- -- 200 398
Change in net unrealized holding
loss on available-for-sale securities 211 -- -- 211
Net income ............................ -- -- -- 4,574
Acquisition of 150,875 treasury shares -- -- (1,072) (1,072)
----- ---------- ---------- ----------
Balance as of May 31, 1996 ............ (642) -- (15,835) 70,029
Issuance of 2,565,747 treasury shares
from exercise of stock options ...... -- -- 6,001 18,141
Issuance of 179,165 treasury shares
from employee stock purchase plan ... -- -- 418 1,814
Change in net unrealized holding
loss on available-for-sale securities 323 -- -- 323
Net income ............................ -- -- -- 15,067
Cumulative translation adjustment ..... -- (318) -- (318)
Issuance of 851,199 treasury shares
for business combinations ........... -- -- 1,986 731
----- ---------- ---------- ----------
Balance as of May 31, 1997 ............ (319) (318) (7,430) 105,787
Issuance of 2,429,116 treasury shares
from exercise of stock options ...... -- -- 5,660 21,653
Issuance of 269,347 treasury shares
from employee stock purchase plan ... -- -- 625 3,695
Change in net unrealized holding
loss on available-for-sale securities 277 -- -- 277
Net income ............................ -- -- -- 21,020
Cumulative translation adjustment ..... -- (891) -- (891)
Issuance of 105,841 treasury shares
for business combinations ........... -- -- 247 4,265
----- ---------- ---------- ----------
Balance as of May 31, 1998 ............ $ (42) $(1,209) $ (898) $ 155,806
----- ---------- ---------- ----------
----- ---------- ---------- ----------
</TABLE>
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
are an integral part of this financial information.
________________________________________________________________________________
PAGE 4
<PAGE>
TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED MAY 31,
------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
-------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income $ 21,020 $ 15,067 $ 4,574
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
cash from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 7,107 4,442 2,558
Provisions for receivable valuation allowances and
reserves for possible losses 1,897 2,712 1,339
Gain on sale of investments (43) (17) (18)
Deferred income taxes 12,566 8,837 447
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Receivables................................................. (28,031) (21,533) (11,166)
Purchases of trading securities related to deferred
compensation program...................................... (6,724) (4,182) (2,660)
Refundable income taxes..................................... 1,398 49 1,074
Other current assets........................................ (1,493) (4,933) (2,292)
Accounts payable............................................ 352 (73) 572
Accrued compensation and related costs...................... 3,914 5,260 2,849
Deferred compensation funds from employees.................. 6,724 4,182 2,660
Other current liabilities................................... (1,199) 158 (875)
Other assets................................................ (4,369) (3,215) (1,319)
Other....................................................... -- (241) --
-------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities...... 13,119 6,513 (2,257)
-------- -------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of available-for-sale securities......................... (10,250) (1,000) --
Proceeds from available-for-sale securities....................... 5,337 1,314 1,075
Proceeds from held-to-maturity investments........................ 6,910 8,890 4,015
Capital expenditures, net......................................... (5,745) (6,057) (3,651)
Net assets of acquired businesses and other intangibles........... (7,741) (1,127) (3,079)
Other assets...................................................... (3,000) -- --
Capitalized lease obligation...................................... 71 (1,311) 866
-------- -------- --------
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities....... (14,418) 709 (774)
-------- -------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from exercise of stock options........................... 8,721 6,445 9,100
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan........................ 3,688 1,805 398
Treasury stock.................................................... -- -- (1,072)
-------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by financing activities................ 12,409 8,250 8,426
-------- -------- --------
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH
AND CASH EQUIVALENTS............................................ (603) (511) --
-------- -------- --------
INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS................................ 10,507 14,961 5,395
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD....................... 27,951 12,990 7,595
-------- -------- --------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD............................. $ 38,458 $ 27,951 $ 12,990
-------- -------- --------
-------- -------- --------
</TABLE>
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
are an integral part of this financial information.
________________________________________________________________________________
PAGE 5
<PAGE>
TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 1 -- THE COMPANY
TSC delivers business benefits through consulting and systems integration
services that help clients transform customer relationships and improve
operations. The Company's clients generally are located throughout the United
States and in Europe, Latin America and Canada.
NOTE 2 -- SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION -- The accompanying consolidated financial
statements include the accounts of the Company and all of its subsidiaries. All
significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated. Acquired businesses
are included in the results of operations since their acquisition dates.
REVENUE RECOGNITION -- The Company derives substantially all of its revenues
from information technology, strategic business and management consulting,
systems integration, programming, and packaged software integration and
implementation services. The Company operates in one industry segment -
providing IT and strategic business consulting services to major companies. The
Company recognizes revenue on contracts as work is performed primarily based on
hourly billing rates. Out-of-pocket expenses are presented net of amounts billed
to clients in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Contracts are
performed in phases. Losses on contracts, if any, are reserved in full when
determined. Revenue from licensing of software is recognized upon delivery of
the product. The Company does not presently have any significant maintenance and
support contracts for software licensed to clients. Revenue from hardware sales
is recognized upon delivery.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS -- The Company considers all highly liquid investments
readily convertible into cash to be cash equivalents with original maturities of
three months or less. These short-term investments are carried at cost plus
accrued interest, which approximates market.
MARKETABLE SECURITIES -- The Company's marketable securities primarily consist
of preferred stocks. These preferred stocks, all of which are classified as
available-for-sale, are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses
excluded from earnings and reported as a net after-tax amount in a separate
component of stockholders' equity until realized. The Company's investments
related to the executive deferred compensation plan (see Note 10) are classified
as trading securities, with unrealized gains and losses included in the
Company's consolidated statements of income. Realized gains or losses are
determined on the specific identification method.
________________________________________________________________________________
PAGE 6
<PAGE>
COMPUTERS, FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENT -- Computers, furniture and equipment are
carried and depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful
lives. Useful lives generally are five years or less.
COST IN EXCESS OF NET ASSETS OF ACQUIRED BUSINESSES -- The excess of cost over
the fair market value of the net identifiable assets of businesses acquired
(goodwill) is amortized on a straight-line basis, typically over a five-year
period. Accumulated amortization of goodwill as of May 31, 1998 and 1997 was
$4,414 and $811, respectively.
SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT COSTS -- The Company capitalizes certain software
development costs once technological feasibility is established in accordance
with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 86, "Accounting
for the Costs of Computer Software to be Sold, Leased or Otherwise Marketed."
Amortization of software costs is the greater of the amount computed using
the (a) ratio of current revenues to the total current and anticipated future
revenues or (b) the straight-line method over the estimated economic life of
the product.
LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS -- The Company's long-term investments consist of
municipal bonds with maturities primarily through calendar 1998. Since the
Company has the ability and intent to hold the bonds to maturity, the
investments are classified as held-to-maturity under the provisions of SFAS No.
115 and, accordingly, are accounted for at cost, net of accumulated
amortization. Municipal bonds held by the Company are regarded as investment
grade by independent nationally recognized rating agencies.
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE -- The Company adopted SFAS No. 128, "Earnings Per
Share," as of February 28, 1998. The Company discloses basic and diluted
earnings per share in the consolidated statements of income under the provisions
of SFAS No. 128. Earnings per common share assuming dilution is computed by
dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding
during each period presented, including common equivalent shares arising from
the assumed exercise of stock options, where appropriate. Earnings per common
share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of
common shares outstanding during each period presented. All share and per share
amounts have been adjusted to reflect the Company's three-for-two stock splits
effective August 10, 1998, August 1, 1997 and July 30, 1996, respectively.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
RECONCILIATION OF BASIC AND DILUTED EPS
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MAY 31, 1998 MAY 31, 1997 MAY 31, 1996
----------------------------------- ------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
PER PER PER
NET COMMON NET COMMON NET COMMON
INCOME SHARES SHARE INCOME SHARES SHARE INCOME SHARES SHARE
------- ------ ------ ------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Basic EPS $21,020 38,887 $0.54 $15,067 35,333 $0.43 $4,574 31,311 $0.15
Effect of
Stock Option -- 3,894 -- 4,536 -- 5,009
----------------------------------- ------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
Diluted EPS $21,020 42,781 $0.49 $15,067 39,869 $0.38 $4,574 36,320 $0.13
----------------------------------- ------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
----------------------------------- ------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
</TABLE>
________________________________________________________________________________
PAGE 7
<PAGE>
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION -- All assets and liabilities of foreign
subsidiaries are translated to U.S. dollars at fiscal year-end exchange rates.
Income and expense items are translated at average exchange rates prevailing
during the fiscal year. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a
component of stockholders' equity. The functional currencies for the Company's
foreign subsidiaries are their local currencies. Gains and losses from foreign
currency transactions of these subsidiaries are included in the consolidated
statements of income.
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS -- The carrying values of current assets and
liabilities, long-term receivables and long-term investments approximated their
fair values at May 31, 1998 and 1997. Investments pertaining to a minor
investment in a company for which fair value is not readily available is
believed to approximate its carrying amount.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION -- The Company accounts for stock-based compensation
using the intrinsic value method prescribed in Accounting Principles Board (APB)
Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and related
interpretations. Accordingly, the Company recognizes no compensation expense for
its fixed stock option plan or employee stock purchase plan. See Note 13 for
further discussion and related disclosures.
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS -- In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards
Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income." In
addition to net income, comprehensive income includes items recorded directly
to stockholders' equity such as the income tax benefit related to the
exercise of certain stock options. This statement establishes new standards
for reporting and displaying comprehensive income and its components in a
full set of general-purpose financial statements. This statement is effective
for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. Adoption of this standard
will only require additional financial statement disclosure detailing the
Company's comprehensive income.
In June 1997, the FASB also issued SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of
an Enterprise and Related Information." This statement establishes new standards
for reporting information about operating segments in interim and annual
financial statements. This statement is also effective for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 1997. The Company is currently evaluating the
impact, if any, this statement will have on disclosures in the consolidated
financial statements.
On June 15, 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities." SFAS No. 133 is effective for financial
statements issued for periods ending after June 15, 1999. SFAS No. 133 requires
that all derivative instruments be recorded on the balance sheet at their fair
value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recorded each period in
current earnings or other comprehensive income, depending on whether a
derivative is designated as part of a hedge transaction and, if it is, the type
of hedge transaction. The Company anticipates that, due to its limited use of
derivative instruments, the adoption of SFAS No. 133 will not have a significant
effect on the Company's results of operations or its financial position.
________________________________________________________________________________
PAGE 8
<PAGE>
INCOME TAXES -- The Company files its federal and state income tax returns on
a calendar year basis. The current income tax provision (benefit) represents
the Company's federal, state and foreign income taxes for the fiscal year as
though tax returns were filed on a fiscal year basis ending on May 31.
The Company uses an asset and liability approach to financial accounting and
reporting for income taxes. Deferred income taxes are provided when tax laws
and financial accounting standards differ with respect to the amount of
income for a year and the basis of assets and liabilities. The Company does
not provide U.S. deferred income taxes on earnings of foreign subsidiaries
which are expected to be indefinitely reinvested.
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN -- The Company has a 401(k) Savings Plan (the "Plan").
The Plan allows employees to contribute up to 15 percent of their annual
compensation, subject to Internal Revenue Service statutory limitations.
Company contributions to the Plan are discretionary. The Company contributed
$1,806 and $1,234 to the Plan in fiscal 1998 and 1997, respectively.
ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS -- The preparation of financial statements in
conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles requires management
to make assumptions that affect the reported amounts of 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 those estimates.
RECLASSIFICATIONS -- Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior
period to conform to the current period classification.
NOTE 3 -- ACQUISITIONS
In June 1997, the Company acquired The Bentley Company, Inc., (Bentley) for a
combination of cash and the Company's common stock. The transaction was
accounted for using the purchase method of accounting and goodwill was
recorded and is being amortized over five years on a straight-line basis.
Total consideration recorded for Bentley was approximately $12,704. Cash paid
for Bentley totaled $7,360. In addition, the Company also exchanged 44,303
shares of the Company's common stock for all the issued and outstanding stock
of Bentley and replaced the employee stock options outstanding under
Bentley's stock option plan with the Company's stock options. The purchase
price may be increased by approximately $5,785 if certain performance targets
are met over the next fiscal year. Goodwill recorded was approximately
$12,908. Bentley is a Boston-area based firm specializing in business and
operations consulting in the Enterprise Service Management (ESM) area. ESM
encompasses the business processes and systems that relate to the customer
service and field service and support functions.
________________________________________________________________________________
PAGE 9
<PAGE>
In March 1997, the Company combined with HRM Resources, Inc. through the
exchange of common stock of the Company for all the issued and outstanding
shares of HRM Resources. The shares of common stock exchanged included
865,135 shares of unregistered treasury stock. HRM Resources was a technology
implementation firm based in New York that specialized in large-scale
financial and human resources software packages. This transaction was
accounted for as a pooling of interests. The operations of HRM Resources were
not material to the Company's consolidated operations.
In February 1997, the Company acquired Geising International, a German-based
business consulting firm focused on customer relationship management
services, for approximately $1,040. In June 1997, the Company issued 37,962
shares of treasury stock related to the purchase agreement. The results of
Geising International operations have been combined with those of the Company
since the date of acquisition. The acquisition was accounted for using the
purchase method of accounting. Goodwill recorded approximated $994. The
operations of Geising International were not material to the Company's
consolidated operations.
In May 1996, the Company acquired Aspen Consultancy Ltd., a U.K.-based call
center consulting firm. Aspen Consultancy Ltd. became a wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Company. The acquisition was accounted for under the
purchase method of accounting. The purchase price was approximately $1,600
and may be increased by approximately $1,900 if certain performance targets
are met in fiscal years 1998 and 1999. The Company recorded a $300 earn-out
payment in the third quarter of fiscal year 1998 related to the acquisition.
Goodwill recorded at acquisition date approximated $1,600. The operations of
Aspen Consultancy were not material to the Company's consolidated operations.
In May 1996, the Company acquired McLaughlin & Associates, an Illinois-based
consulting firm. McLaughlin & Associates became a division of TSC. The
purchase price approximated $2,000. The acquisition was accounted for under
the purchase method of accounting. Goodwill recorded approximated $1,500. The
operations of McLaughlin & Associates were not material to the Company's
consolidated operations.
Consolidated pro forma net income and earnings per share would not have been
materially different from the Company's reported amounts for fiscal years
1998, 1997 and 1996.
Goodwill for all acquisitions is amortized over five years on a straight-line
basis.
________________________________________________________________________________
PAGE 10
<PAGE>
NOTE 4 -- RECEIVABLES
Receivables consist of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
May 31,
------------------------
1998 1997
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
Amounts billed to clients...................... $71,773 $34,515
Contracts in process........................... 3,587 12,738
------ -------
75,360 47,253
Receivable valuation allowances and
reserves for possible losses................. (3,246) (3,346)
------- -------
$72,114 $43,907
------- -------
------- -------
</TABLE>
Amounts billed to clients represent professional fees and reimbursable
project-related expenses. Contracts in process represent unbilled
professional fees and project costs such as out-of-pocket expense, materials
and subcontractor costs. The amounts above are expected to be collected
within one year from the balance sheet date. Amounts billed to clients are
unsecured and generally due within 30 days.
NOTE 5 -- MARKETABLE SECURITIES AND LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS
Marketable securities, included in current assets and classified as
available-for-sale, are reported at fair value. As of May 31, 1998 and 1997,
the gross unrealized holding gain of $175 and $39, respectively, and gross
unrealized holding loss of $237 and $527, respectively, are presented net and
after-tax a separate component of stockholders' equity.
Municipal bonds, included in long-term investments are presented at cost, net
of accumulated amortization of ($1) and $514 as of May 31, 1998 and 1997,
respectively. These bonds had a market value at May 31, 1998 and 1997 of
$1,202 and $8,184, respectively. Long-term investments of $1,200 as of May
31, 1998 are expected to mature in fiscal 1999.
NOTE 6 -- COMPUTERS, FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENT
Computers, furniture and equipment consist of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
May 31,
-------------------------
1998 1997
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
Computers.................................... $13,410 $ 9,583
Furniture and equipment...................... 6,137 3,324
------- -------
19,547 12,907
Accumulated depreciation..................... (10,032) (6,491)
------- -------
$ 9,515 $ 6,416
------- -------
------- -------
</TABLE>
Depreciation expense was $3,652, $3,492 and $2,239 for the years ended May 31,
1998, 1997, and 1996, respectively.
________________________________________________________________________________
PAGE 11
<PAGE>
NOTE 7 -- LONG-TERM RECEIVABLES AND OTHER
Long-term receivables and other consist of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
May 31,
-------------------------
1998 1997
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
Customer receivables....................... $ 2,016 $5,859
Employee receivables....................... 3,178 1,165
Capitalized software costs................. 4,788 801
Investments................................ 3,000 --
Other...................................... 1,173 312
------ ------
$14,155 $8,137
------ ------
------ ------
</TABLE>
In accordance with SFAS No. 86, amortization expense of capitalized software
costs of $718 and $454 was recorded in fiscal 1998 and fiscal 1997,
respectively. No amortization expense of capitalized software costs was
incurred in fiscal 1996.
NOTE 8 -- INCOME TAXES
The Company uses an asset and liability approach to financial accounting and
reporting for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for
Income Taxes." The provision for income taxes consists of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the years ended May 31,
---------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Current:
Federal............................... $11,831 $10,114 $1,054
State................................. 2,855 3,115 473
Foreign............................... 1,064 -- 220
------- ------- ------
Total current...................... 15,750 13,229 1,747
------- ------- ------
Deferred:
Federal............................... 514 (3,061) 310
State................................. 123 (540) 137
Foreign............................... (1,025) 282 --
------- ------- ------
Total deferred..................... (388) (3,319) 447
------- ------- ------
Provision for income taxes................ $15,362 $ 9,910 $2,194
------- ------- ------
------- ------- ------
</TABLE>
________________________________________________________________________________
PAGE 12
<PAGE>
Total provision for income taxes differed from the amount computed by
applying the federal statutory income tax rate to income from continuing
operations due to the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the years ended May 31,
---------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Federal tax provision, at statutory rate.................. $12,734 $8,741 $2,301
State tax provision, net of Federal benefit............... 1,842 1,674 328
Effect of foreign tax rate differences.................... 63 (91) 33
Nontaxable investment income.............................. (160) (532) (468)
Nondeductible goodwill.................................... 219 51 --
Other..................................................... 664 67 --
------- ------ ------
Provision for income taxes................................ $15,362 $9,910 $2,194
------- ------ ------
------- ------ ------
</TABLE>
Total income tax provision (benefit) was allocated as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the years ended May 31,
---------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Income from continuing operations......................... $ 15,362 $ 9,910 $ 2,194
Items charged directly to stockholders'
equity................................................. (13,493) (11,605) (5,151)
-------- -------- -------
Total tax provision (benefit)............................. $ 1,869 $ (1,695) $(2,957)
-------- -------- -------
-------- -------- -------
</TABLE>
Deferred tax assets and liabilities were comprised of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
May 31,
---------------------
1998 1997
------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred compensation and bonuses....................... $ 5,507 $ 2,737
Net operating loss and credits.......................... 340 3,503
Receivable valuation allowances and reserves
for possible losses.................................. 2,036 1,982
Legal and other accruals................................ 1,696 883
Depreciation............................................ 393 393
Unrealized holding loss................................. 21 195
Other................................................... 594 --
------- -------
Total deferred tax assets............................. 10,587 9,693
------- -------
Deferred tax liabilities:
Prepaid expenses........................................ (2,778) (1,968)
Capitalized software development costs.................. (361) (91)
Other................................................... -- (400)
------- -------
Total deferred tax liabilities........................ (3,139) (2,459)
------- -------
Net deferred tax asset.................................. $ 7,448 $ 7,234
------- -------
------- -------
</TABLE>
________________________________________________________________________________
PAGE 13
<PAGE>
Income before income taxes consisted of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the years ended May 31,
-----------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
United States................ $36,840 $23,910 $6,217
Foreign...................... (458) 1,067 551
------- ------- ------
Total........................ $36,382 $24,977 $6,768
------- ------- ------
------- ------- ------
</TABLE>
Income taxes paid during fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996 were $1,864, $135, and
$545, respectively.
NOTE 9 -- LINE OF CREDIT
The Company has available a $5.0 million unsecured line of credit facility
which expires September 4, 1998. The borrowing rate is at either the bank's
reference rate or at the Eurodollar rate plus 0.75 percent and is based upon
the amount borrowed. The unused line fee is 0.25 percent of the unused
portion of the commitment. There was no borrowing under the line of credit
during fiscal 1998.
NOTE 10 -- EXECUTIVE DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
Effective July 1, 1995, the Company instituted a nonqualified executive
deferred compensation plan. All Company executives (defined as Vice
Presidents and above) are eligible to participate in this voluntary program
which permits participants to annually elect to defer receipt of a portion of
their compensation. The executive deferred compensation plan allows
participants to reduce their current taxable income and also generate
tax-deferred investment earnings. Investment earnings (or losses) are
credited to participants' accounts based on investment allocation decisions
determined by participants. Deferred contributions and investment earnings
are payable to participants upon various specified events, including
retirement, disability or termination. The accompanying consolidated balance
sheets include the deferred compensation liability, including investment
earnings thereon, owed to participants. The accompanying consolidated balance
sheets also include the investments, classified as trading securities,
purchased by the Company with the deferred funds. These investments remain
assets of the Company and are available to the general creditors of the
Company in the event of the Company's insolvency.
________________________________________________________________________________
PAGE 14
<PAGE>
NOTE 11 -- EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
Effective November 1, 1995, the Company instituted the Technology Solutions
Company 1995 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "Plan"). The Plan qualifies as
an "employee stock purchase plan" under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended. The Plan is administered by the Compensation
Committee of the Board of Directors. The Plan permits eligible employees to
purchase an aggregate of 1,687,500 shares of the Company's Common Stock.
Shares are purchased for the benefit of the participants at the end of each
three month purchase period. During the fiscal years ended May 31, 1998 and
1997, 269,347 and 179,165 shares of common stock were purchased under the
Plan, respectively.
NOTE 12 -- STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
On June 29, 1998, the Board of Directors declared a three-for-two stock split
to be effected as a 50 percent stock dividend for stockholders of record on
July 16, 1998. The stock split was effective August 10, 1998. The financial
statements and the relevant share and per share data included herein have
been adjusted to reflect the stock split. As a result of the increase in
issued shares, common stock has been increased and capital in excess of par
has been decreased by $134.
NOTE 13 -- STOCK OPTIONS
On September 26, 1996, the Company's stockholders approved the Technology
Solutions Company 1996 Stock Incentive Plan (the "1996 Plan"). The 1996 Plan
replaced each of the Technology Solutions Company's Stock Option Plan (the
"Original Plan"), the Technology Solutions Company 1992 Stock Incentive Plan
(the "1992 Plan") and the Technology Solutions Company 1993 Outside Directors
Stock Option Plan (the "1993 Plan" and together with the Original Plan and
the 1992 Plan, the "Predecessor Plans"). With the approval of the 1996 Plan,
no future awards will be made under the Predecessor Plans. Previous awards
made under the Predecessor Plans are not affected. Shares subject to awards
made under any of the Predecessor Plans will be available under the 1996
Plan, under certain circumstances, to the extent that such shares are not
issued or delivered in connection with such awards. A total of 2,370,239
shares of the Company's common stock were available for grant on September
26, 1996 under the Predecessor Plans. With the approval of the 1996 Plan,
these shares became available for grant under the 1996 Plan. On September 26,
1996, the stockholders also approved the addition of 2,250,000 shares to the
1996 Plan.
Options granted under the 1996 Plan and the Predecessor Plans authorize the
grant of a variety of stock options and other awards if authorized by the
Company's Board of Directors at prices not less than the fair market value at
the date of grant. Options granted under the Predecessor Plans are generally
exercisable beginning one year after the date of grant and are fully
exercisable in three to four years from date of grant. Options granted under
the 1996 Plan are generally exercisable beginning twelve months after date of
grant and are fully exercisable in forty-two months from date of grant.
Options available for grant are 2,402,291 and 4,520,078 as of May 31, 1998
and 1997, respectively.
________________________________________________________________________________
PAGE 15
<PAGE>
The Company has elected to disclose the pro forma effects of SFAS No. 123,
"Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation." As allowed under the provisions of
this statement, the Company will continue to apply APB Opinion No. 25 and
related interpretations in accounting for the stock options awarded under the
Company's 1996 Plan. Accordingly, no compensation expense has been recognized
for these stock options. Had compensation expense for the Company's 1996 Plan
and Employee Stock Purchase Plan been determined consistent with SFAS No.
123, the Company's net income and earnings per share would have been reduced
to the pro forma amounts indicated below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net Income:
As reported ......... $ 21,020 $ 15,067 $ 4,574
Pro forma ........... $ 13,040 $ 11,018 $ 3,373
Earnings per share:
As reported ......... $ 0.54 $ 0.43 $ 0.15
Pro forma ........... $ 0.33 $ 0.31 $ 0.11
Earnings per diluted share:
As reported ......... $ 0.49 $ 0.38 $ 0.13
Pro forma ........... $ 0.30 $ 0.28 $ 0.09
</TABLE>
The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using
the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average
assumptions:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Expected volatility ....... 41.9%-44.1% 40.9%-51.4% 50.6%-52.0%
Risk-free interest rates .. 5.3%-6.5% 5.3%-6.8% 5.3%-6.4%
Expected lives ............ 4.5 years 4.5 years 4.5 years
</TABLE>
The Company has not paid and does not anticipate paying dividends; therefore,
the expected dividend yield is assumed to be zero.
________________________________________________________________________________
PAGE 16
<PAGE>
A summary of the status of the Company's option plans is presented below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
Weighted- Weighted- Weighted-
Average Average Average
1998 Exercise 1997 Exercise 1996 Exercise
Shares Price Shares Price Shares Price
----------- ---------- ----------- --------- ----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Outstanding at
beginning of year 10,157,024 $ 5.03 10,450,710 $ 3.01 11,534,656 $2.30
Granted 2,466,222 $ 18.27 2,865,929 $ 10.93 2,931,020 $5.15
Exercised (2,429,116) $ 18.85 (2,565,747) $ 15.02 (3,596,871) $6.54
Forfeited (348,435) $ 9.72 (593,868) $ 8.50 (418,095) $2.31
----------- ----------- ------------
Outstanding at
end of year 9,845,695 $ 7.71 10,157,024 $ 5.03 10,450,710 $3.01
----------- ----------- ------------
----------- ----------- ------------
Exercisable at
end of year 4,815,339 $ 4.81 4,288,095 $ 3.01 4,804,506 $2.41
----------- ----------- ------------
----------- ----------- ------------
</TABLE>
Weighted-average fair value of options granted during the year:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
$7.90 $5.24 $2.49
</TABLE>
The following summarizes information about options outstanding as of May 31,
1998:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Options Outstanding Options Exercisable
------------------------------------------- -------------------------
Average Weighted- Weighted-
Range of Remaining Average Average
Exercise Contractual Exercise Exercise
Prices Shares Life Prices Shares Prices
- ------------- --------- ----------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ 0.10-$ 4.33 4,561,298 9 years $ 2.20 3,117,967 $ 2.44
$ 4.34-$ 6.66 436,553 10 years $ 5.31 300,554 $ 5.31
$ 6.67-$10.00 1,919,414 8 years $ 9.43 1,171,155 $ 9.42
$10.01-$30.00 2,928,430 9 years $15.52 225,663 $13.14
--------- ---------
9,845,695 9 years $ 7.71 4,815,339 $ 4.81
--------- ---------
--------- ---------
</TABLE>
________________________________________________________________________________
PAGE 17
<PAGE>
NOTE 14 -- REPORTING SEGMENTS
The Company operates in a single industry segment providing IT technology and
strategic business consulting services to major companies. The Company has
operations in the United States, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Canada, the United
Kingdom, Germany, France, Switzerland, and Australia.
Identifiable assets of foreign subsidiaries are those assets related to the
operations of those subsidiaries. United States assets consist of all other
operating assets of the Company.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
United Foreign
States Subsidiaries Consolidated
------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1998
- ----
Revenues........................... $241,101 $30,774 $271,875
Operating income (loss)............ $ 34,961 $ (576) $ 34,385
Identifiable assets................ $191,921 $ 5,227 $197,148
1997
- ----
Revenues........................... $144,861 $20,227 $165,088
Operating income................... $ 21,856 $ 1,017 $ 22,873
Identifiable assets................ $129,457 $ 4,409 $133,866
1996
- ----
Revenues........................... $ 94,381 $ 3,218 $ 97,599
Operating income................... $ 4,324 $ 540 $ 4,864
Identifiable assets................ $ 87,467 $ 1,970 $ 89,437
</TABLE>
NOTE 15 -- MAJOR CLIENTS
The Company's five largest clients in fiscal 1998 accounted for 4 percent, 4
percent, 3 percent, 3 percent, and 2 percent of total revenues, respectively;
in fiscal 1997, the five largest clients accounted for 8 percent, 7 percent,
5 percent, 4 percent, and 3 percent of total revenues, respectively; and in
fiscal 1996, they accounted for 21 percent, 6 percent, 6 percent, 6 percent,
and 5 percent of total revenues, respectively. No client accounted for 10
percent or more of revenues in either fiscal 1998 or fiscal 1997. In fiscal
1996, one client accounted for 10 percent or more of revenues.
________________________________________________________________________________
PAGE 18
<PAGE>
NOTE 16 -- LEASES
The Company leases various office facilities under operating leases expiring
at various dates through July 31, 2004. Additionally, the Company leases
various apartments and office equipment under operating leases expiring at
various dates. Rental expense for all operating leases approximated $10,527,
$3,217, and $1,442 for the years ended May 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996,
respectively. Future minimum rental commitments under noncancelable operating
leases with terms in excess of one year are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year Amount
----------- ------
<S> <C>
1999............................ $ 7,059
2000............................ 3,569
2001............................ 1,934
2002............................ 1,415
2003............................ 1,134
Thereafter...................... 1,082
-------
$16,193
-------
-------
</TABLE>
The Company had no significant capital leases as of May 31, 1998.
NOTE 17 -- LITIGATION
The Company is party to lawsuits arising out of the normal course of
business. Management believes the final outcome of such litigation will not
have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial
position or results of operations.
NOTE 18 -- SUBSEQUENT EVENT
On June 25, 1998, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized, subject
to stockholder approval, an increase in the authorized number of shares of
common stock of the Company from 50,000,000 shares to 100,000,000 shares.
________________________________________________________________________________
PAGE 19
<PAGE>
NOTE 19-- SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
August 31, November 30, February 28, May 31,
Quarter Ended 1997 1997 1998 1998
- ------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues $60,407 $63,896 $67,404 $80,168
Operating income $ 6,690 $ 9,065 $ 8,754 $ 9,876
Net income $ 3,959 $ 5,312 $ 5,392 $ 6,357
Earnings per common
share(a) $ 0.11 $ 0.13 $ 0.14 $ 0.16
Earnings per common
share assuming dilution(a) $ 0.09 $ 0.12 $ 0.13 $ 0.15
<CAPTION>
August 31, November 30, February 28, May 31,
Quarter Ended 1996 1996 1997 1997
- ------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues $32,162 $39,521 $42,346 $51,059
Operating income $ 3,151 $ 5,928 $ 6,003 $ 7,791
Net income $ 2,125 $ 3,746 $ 3,993 $ 5,203
Earnings per common
share(a) $ 0.06 $ 0.11 $ 0.12 $ 0.14
Earnings per common
share assuming dilution(a) $ 0.06 $ 0.09 $ 0.10 $ 0.13
<CAPTION>
August 31, November 30, February 29, May 31,
Quarter Ended 1995 1995(b) 1996(c) 1996
- ------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues $20,732 $23,300 $25,466 $28,101
Operating income (loss) $ 1,241 $ (560) $ 552 $ 3,631
Net income $ 1,155 $ 43 $ 768 $ 2,608
Earnings per common
share(a) $ 0.04 $ 0.01 $ 0.02 $ 0.08
Earnings per common
share assuming dilution(a) $ 0.03 $ 0.01 $ 0.02 $ 0.07
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(a) All earnings per share data have been restated to reflect the three-for-two
stock splits that were effective on July 30, 1996, August 1, 1997, and
August 10, 1998, respectively.
(b) Includes a charge of $2.3 million related to shareholder litigation
settlement.
(c) Includes a charge of $0.9 million related to Company founders litigation
settlement.
________________________________________________________________________________
PAGE 20
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
of Technology Solutions Company
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and related
statements of income, of changes in stockholders' equity and of cash flows
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
Technology Solutions Company and its subsidiaries (the "Company") at May 31,
1998 and 1997, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for
each of the three years in the period ended May 31, 1998, in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles. 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 of these statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards which 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, assessing
the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management,
and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that
our audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
June 29, 1998
Chicago, Illinois
________________________________________________________________________________
PAGE 21
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
FISCAL 1998 COMPARED WITH FISCAL 1997
Consolidated net revenues for the year ended May 31, 1998 increased 65 percent
to $271.9 million compared with $165.1 million in fiscal 1997. The increase
resulted from domestic revenue growth of 66 percent and international revenue
growth of 52 percent. The source of this growth is the continued strong demand
for the Company's technology and business consulting services in both the
domestic and international markets. The Company's ability to generate this
additional revenue is due to the Company's increased consulting staff from
heightened recruiting efforts and the additional staff that joined the Company
in previously reported business combinations. The additional hours billed by the
increased consulting staff, combined with a seven percent increase in domestic
billing rates, were the primary factors in revenue growth compared to the same
period a year ago.
Project personnel costs for the year ended May 31, 1998, which represent
mainly professional salaries and benefits, increased to $126.1 million from
$76.5 million in fiscal 1997, an increase of 65 percent. The increase was
primarily due to a 41 percent increase in professional headcount and was
consistent with the higher revenues reported in fiscal 1998. Project
personnel costs as a percentage of net revenues remained unchanged between
years at 46 percent.
The Company charges most of its project expenses directly to the client. Other
project expenses consist of nonbillable expenses directly incurred for client
projects and business development efforts including recruiting fees, sales and
marketing expenses, personnel training and provisions for valuation allowances
and reserves for potential losses on continuing projects. Other project expenses
for fiscal 1998 were $39.6 million, compared with $23.4 million for fiscal 1997.
This change was partially due to increases in hiring, training and nonbillable
travel expenses of $10.6 million as a result of increased headcount and business
development. Other project expenses as a percentage of net revenues remained
virtually unchanged between years at approximately 14 percent.
Management and administrative support costs increased $25.4 million to $57.5
million for the year ended May 31, 1998 from $32.1 million for the year ended
May 31, 1997, an increase of 79 percent. Approximately $13.8 million of this
increase was attributable to the investment made in infrastructure over the last
year, which was necessary to support the growth in business. The increase in
costs versus the same period last year include: the opening and expansion of
several domestic and international offices of $5.5 million; increased expenses
in the internal systems and human resources areas of $3.7 million; higher
expenses of $1.6 million related to the expansion of the Company's corporate
recruiting organization; and higher marketing expenses of $1.0 million as a
result of increased corporate marketing efforts. The Company also incurred an
additional $11.6 million of management and administrative costs associated
primarily with increased regional management and practice area support
personnel. These costs primarily include international growth of $2.0 million;
practice area support related to acquisitions of $0.8 million; additional
domestic regional management and practice area support personnel of $3.9
million; and various other management and administrative expenses of $4.9
million which include items such as practice area marketing, recruiting, sales
and other expenses.
________________________________________________________________________________
PAGE 22
<PAGE>
Fiscal 1998 investment programs have included the establishment of new service
offerings including the RADD Lab for the ECM practice area, middle-market ERP
package integration, sales force automation, and new software vendor alliances.
The Company is continuing its geographic expansion in international and western
U.S. geographic areas. The Company's strategy is to extend its current service
offerings on a geographic basis, both domestically and internationally, and to
add new niche service offerings, such that the Company continues its current
level of growth. The Company's investment spending is directly related to this
geographic and new service offering expansion. The investment spending related
to all of these activities involves the absorption of salary, training,
recruiting, selling, infrastructure and other costs and will initially result in
lower operating margins. The costs associated with these programs will affect
project personnel costs, other project expenses and management and
administrative support costs. The expansion into a new international market
typically involves costs and time similar to, but often higher than, a domestic
expansion.
Goodwill amortization increased to $3.6 million for the year ended May 31, 1998
compared to $0.8 million for the year ended May 31, 1997, primarily due to the
purchase of The Bentley Group.
Incentive compensation of $10.7 million was accrued for the year ended May 31,
1998 compared to $9.4 million for the same period last year. This amount
reflects the Company's annual bonus payout for fiscal 1998 made in the first
quarter of fiscal 1999. The Company expects to continue to accrue incentive
compensation in fiscal 1999.
Net investment income in fiscal 1998 was $2.0 million compared to $2.1 million a
year earlier.
The Company's effective tax rate for the year ended May 31, 1998 was 42.2
percent compared to 39.7 percent for the year ended May 31, 1997. The increase
in the effective tax rate in fiscal 1998 was the result of the increased
non-deductible expenses for U.S. tax purposes and the increase in the percentage
of the Company's income from taxable investment income.
Weighted average number of common shares and weighted average number of common
and common equivalent shares outstanding increased primarily due to the exercise
of stock options and the issuance of shares under the Company's employee stock
purchase plan.
FISCAL 1997 COMPARED WITH FISCAL 1996
Consolidated net revenues for the year ended May 31, 1997 increased 69 percent
to $165.1 million in fiscal 1997 compared to $97.6 million in fiscal 1996. The
principal source of the increase was a 52 percent increase in domestic billable
hours, as well as a two percent increase in average domestic hourly billing
rates. The increase in billable hours was attributable to the significant growth
in the overall information technology professional services market combined with
the Company's ability to increase the number of its consulting staff, through
both recruiting efforts and business combinations. The increase in average
hourly billing rates was primarily due to the impact of the fiscal 1997 hiring
efforts and the resulting change in the mix of personnel to include a greater
percentage of more senior personnel. Total Company headcount increased 77
percent to 1,102 at the end of fiscal 1997 compared to 622 at the end of fiscal
1996. The total number of project managers increased to 118 at the end of fiscal
1997 compared to 72 a year
________________________________________________________________________________
PAGE 23
<PAGE>
earlier. Additionally, in fiscal 1997, the Company recorded international
revenues of $20.2 million compared to $3.2 million in fiscal 1996.
Project personnel costs, which represent mainly professional salaries and
benefits, increased to $76.5 million in fiscal 1997 compared to $46.7 million in
fiscal 1996, an increase of 64 percent. This increase was due to additional
headcount and was consistent with the higher revenues reported in fiscal 1997.
Project personnel costs as a percentage of net revenues were 46 percent for
fiscal 1997 compared with project personnel costs as a percentage of net
revenues of 48 percent in fiscal 1996. This decrease was primarily the result of
more efficient utilization of professional staff offset in part by the time lag
between incurrence of project personnel costs and revenue generated by these
personnel.
The Company charges most of its project expenses directly to the client. Other
project expenses consist of nonbillable expenses directly incurred for client
projects and business development efforts including recruiting fees, sales and
marketing expenses, personnel training and provisions for valuation allowances
and reserves for potential losses on continuing projects. Other project expenses
for fiscal 1997 were $23.4 million, an increase of 80 percent from $13.0 million
in fiscal 1996. Other project expenses as a percentage of net revenues increased
slightly to 14 percent in fiscal 1997 compared to 13 percent in the prior year.
This change was due to increases in domestic hiring, training and nonbillable
travel expenses of $3.4 million as a result of increased headcount and business
development. In addition, travel related to various training activities in
fiscal 1997 increased compared to fiscal 1996, as well as an increase in
international expenses of $2.8 million. Also contributing to the change was an
addition to the provision for valuation allowances of $2.7 million due to the
increase in accounts receivable, as well as the inherently higher risks
associated with a larger customer base. The impact of the increase in other
project expenses as a percentage of net revenues was more than offset by the
higher utilization of professional staff, as well as a significant increase in
overall net revenues.
Management and administrative support costs increased 42 percent to $32.1
million in fiscal 1997 compared to $22.6 million in fiscal 1996. The increase of
$9.5 million was primarily attributable to an increase in international expenses
of $6.3 million due to the expansion of foreign operations; growth in the
regional practice area management; and travel and hiring costs of $1.7 million,
partially offset by various other operating costs. Goodwill amortization of $0.8
million was recorded due to the purchase of four businesses in fiscal years 1997
and 1996. During the first nine months of fiscal 1996, $2.9 million was recorded
for the employee retention program. This program expired in February 1996, and,
therefore, no amounts were recorded in fiscal 1997.
Incentive compensation increased $2.8 million to $9.4 million in fiscal 1997
compared to $6.6 million in fiscal 1996. The increase is due to increased
headcount, at both the consulting staff and the project manager levels, and
Company profitability improvement. The Company expects to continue to accrue
incentive compensation throughout fiscal 1998.
Fiscal 1996 results reflect one-time pretax charges for the final settlement
relating to outstanding securities litigation and litigation involving the
Company's founders of $2.3 million and $0.9 million, respectively. The
securities litigation settlement called for a final payment of
________________________________________________________________________________
PAGE 24
<PAGE>
$4.6 million, of which $2.3 million was covered by insurance and the
remaining $2.3 million was charged to fiscal 1996 operations.
Investment income in fiscal 1997, net of interest expense, was $2.1 million
compared to $1.9 million in fiscal 1996.
The Company's effective tax rate for fiscal 1997 was 39.7 percent compared to
32.4 percent in fiscal 1996. The increase in the effective tax rate was the
result of the reduction in the percentage of the Company's income coming from
nontaxable investment income in fiscal 1997. Management believes that the
existing levels of pretax earnings for financial reporting purposes will be
sufficient to generate the minimum amount of future taxable income necessary to
realize the deferred tax asset.
The increase in common and common equivalent shares outstanding was primarily
due to the exercise of stock options and the impact of the increase in the
Company's stock price on the calculation of common equivalent shares.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Net cash provided by operating activities was $13.1 million for the year ended
May 31, 1998 compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $6.5
million in fiscal 1997. Operating cash flow was favorably impacted by higher net
income as a result of increased operating activities partially offset by an
increase in net receivables of $28.0 million due to the growth of the Company's
revenues.
The Company's significant amount of cash, cash equivalents and marketable
securities has provided ample liquidity to handle the Company's current cash
requirements.
Net cash used in investing activities was $14.4 million for the year ended May
31, 1998 compared to net cash provided by investing activities of $0.7 million
for the same period last year. The Company purchased $10.2 million of
available-for-sale securities and received $5.3 million from the sale of
available-for-sale securities. Proceeds of $6.9 million were received by the
Company due to the maturity of several held-to-maturity investments for the year
ended May 31, 1998. The proceeds were transferred to cash and cash equivalents
and reinvested in ongoing business activities and other equity investments.
Capital expenditures for the year ended May 31, 1998 were $5.7 million. Capital
expenditures may continue at the current rate in fiscal 1999 due to the
Company's anticipated growth. The Company currently has no material commitments
for capital expenditures.
Net cash outlays related to business acquisitions were $7.7 million for the year
ended May 31, 1998. The cash outlay was due primarily to a $7.4 million payment
in the first quarter of fiscal 1998 for the acquisition of The Bentley Group
(Bentley). Bentley was acquired for a combination of cash and the Company's
common stock. The transaction was accounted for using the purchase method of
accounting. Total consideration recorded for Bentley was approximately $12.7
million. In addition to cash, the Company exchanged 44,303 shares of common
stock of the Company for all the issued and outstanding shares of Bentley and
replaced the employee stock options
________________________________________________________________________________
PAGE 25
<PAGE>
outstanding under Bentley's stock option plan with the Company's stock
options. The purchase price may be increased by approximately $5.8 million if
certain performance targets are met over the next fiscal year. Additionally,
a $0.3 million earn-out payment was made in the third quarter of fiscal 1998
related to the acquisition of Aspen Consultancy in May 1996.
Other investing activity during fiscal 1998 was the Company's $3.0 million
minority investment in JGI, Inc. d/b/a JGI/Baan, a Baan software reseller and
service organization.
The Company has a $5.0 million unsecured line of credit facility (the
"Facility") with Bank of America Illinois. The agreement expires September 4,
1998. At the Company's election, loans made under the Facility bear interest at
either the Bank of America Illinois reference rate or at the Eurodollar rate
plus 0.75 percent. The unused line fee is 0.25 percent of the unused portion of
the commitment. The Facility requires, among other things, the Company to
maintain certain financial ratios. As of May 31, 1998, the Company was in
compliance with these financial ratio requirements. As of May 31, 1998, no
borrowings were made under the Facility.
IMPACT OF INFLATION AND BACKLOG
Inflation should not have a significant impact on the Company's income to the
extent the Company is able to raise its consulting rates commensurate with its
staff compensation rates, which it has done successfully in the past. Because
the majority of the Company's contracts may be terminated on relatively short
notice, the Company does not consider backlog to be meaningful.
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income," in June
1997. In addition to net income, comprehensive income includes items recorded
directly to stockholders' equity such as the income tax benefit related to the
exercise of certain stock options. This statement establishes new standards for
reporting and displaying comprehensive income and its components in a full set
of general-purpose financial statements. This statement is effective for fiscal
years beginning after December 15, 1997. Adoption of this standard will only
require additional financial statement disclosure detailing the Company's
comprehensive income.
In June 1997, the FASB also issued SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of
an Enterprise and Related Information." SFAS No. 131 establishes new standards
for reporting information about operating segments in interim and annual
financial statements. This statement is also effective for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 1997. The Company is currently evaluating the
impact, if any, this statement will have on disclosures in the consolidated
financial statements.
On June 15, 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities." SFAS No. 133 is effective for financial
statements issued for periods ending after June 15, 1999. SFAS No. 133 requires
that all derivative instruments be recorded on the balance sheet at their fair
value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recorded each period in
current earnings or other comprehensive income, depending on whether a
derivative is designated as part of a hedge transaction and, if it is, the type
of hedge transaction. The Company
________________________________________________________________________________
PAGE 26
<PAGE>
anticipates that, due to its limited use of derivative instruments, the
adoption of SFAS No. 133 will not have a significant effect on the Company's
results of operations or its financial position.
ASSUMPTIONS UNDERLYING CERTAIN FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND FACTORS THAT MAY
AFFECT FUTURE RESULTS
This Form 10-K includes or may include certain forward-looking statements that
involve risks and uncertainties. This Form 10-K contains certain forward-looking
statements concerning the Company's financial position, business strategy,
budgets, projected costs and plans and objectives of management for future
operations as well as other statements including words such as "anticipate,"
"believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "intend," and other similar
expressions. Although the Company believes its expectations reflected in such
forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, stockholders are
cautioned that no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove
correct and that actual results and developments may differ materially from
those conveyed in such forward-looking statements. Important factors that could
cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations reflected in the
forward-looking statements in this Form 10-K include, among others, the pace of
technological change, the Company's ability to manage growth and attract and
retain employees, general business and economic conditions in the Company's
operating regions, and competitive and other factors, all as more fully
described below. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on
which they are made and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update
any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date
of this Form 10-K. If the Company does update or correct one or more
forward-looking statements, investors and others should not conclude that the
Company will make additional updates or corrections with respect thereto or with
respect to other forward-looking statements. The cautionary statements provided
below are being made pursuant to the provisions of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the PSLRA) and with the intention of obtaining
the benefits of the "safe harbor" provisions of the PSLRA for any such
forward-looking information. Many of the factors discussed below, as well as
other factors, have also been discussed in prior filings made by the Company.
Factors which could cause the Company's actual financial and other results to
differ materially from any results that might be projected, forecast, estimated
or budgeted by the Company in the forward-looking statements include, but are
not limited to, the following:
YEAR 2000 ISSUE
The Year 2000 issue describes the possibility that computer programs with
date-sensitive software may recognize a date using "00" as the year 1900, as
opposed to the year 2000, because the programs were written using two digits
rather than four to define the applicable year. This could result in a system
failure or miscalculations causing disruptions of operations such as, among
others, a temporary inability to process transactions, send invoices, or engage
in similar normal business activities. The Company is in the process of
conducting an assessment of its computer information systems and is commencing
the necessary steps to determine the nature and extent of the work required, if
any, to make its internal systems Year 2000 compliant. These steps may require
the Company to modify, upgrade or replace some of its internal systems. The
Company continues to evaluate the estimated cost of bringing all internal
systems, equipment, and
________________________________________________________________________________
PAGE 27
<PAGE>
operations into Year 2000 compliance but has not yet finished determining the
total cost, if any, of these compliance efforts. Based on currently available
information, the Company believes that any necessary compliance efforts will
not have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition and
results of operations. However, if compliance efforts are required and are
not completed on time, or if the cost of any required updating, modification
or replacement of the Company's information systems exceeds the Company's
current estimates, the Year 2000 issue could have a material adverse impact
on the Company's business, operating results and financial condition.
Generally speaking, the Company has deliberately refrained from performing Year
2000 remediation services. It is possible, however, that former, present and
future clients could assert that certain services performed by the Company from
time to time involve or are related to the Year 2000 issue. The Company has
recommended, implemented and customized various third-party software packages
for its clients, and to the extent that such software programs may not be Year
2000 compliant, the Company could be subjected to claims as a result thereof.
Since the Company's inception in 1988, it has designed and developed software
and systems for its clients. Due to the large number of such engagements
undertaken by the Company over the years, there can be no assurance that all
such software programs and systems will be Year 2000 compliant, which could also
result in the assertion of claims against the Company.
The Company's policy has been to endeavor to secure provisions in its client
contracts that, among other things, disclaim implied warranties, limit the
duration of the Company's express warranties, limit the Company's liability to
the amount of fees paid (or a multiple thereof) by the client to the Company in
connection with the project, and disclaim any liability arising from third-party
software that is implemented, customized or installed by the Company. There can
be no assurance that the Company will be able to secure contractual protections
in agreements concerning future projects, or that any contractual protections
secured by the Company in agreements governing pending and completed projects,
will dissuade the other party thereto from asserting claims against the Company
with respect to the Year 2000 issue.
Due to the complexity of the Year 2000 issue, upon any failure of critical
client systems or processes that may be directly or indirectly connected or
related to systems or software designed, developed, customized or implemented
by the Company as described above, the Company may be subjected to claims
regardless of whether the failure is related to the services provided by the
Company. There can be no assurance that the Company would be able to
establish that it did not cause or contribute to the failure of a critical
client system or process. There also can be no assurance that the contractual
protections, if any, secured by the Company in connection with any past,
present or future clients will operate to insulate the Company from, or limit
the amount of, any liability arising from claims asserted against the
Company. If asserted, the resolution of such claims (and the associated
defense costs) could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
business, operating results and financial condition.
________________________________________________________________________________
PAGE 28
<PAGE>
RAPID TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE
The systems consulting and implementation market has experienced rapid
technological advances and developments in recent years. Failure of the Company
to stay abreast of such advances and developments could materially adversely
affect its business. The Company additionally utilizes a number of different
technologies in developing and providing IT solutions for its customers. The
technologies used by the Company are developing rapidly and are characterized by
evolving industry standards in a wide variety of areas. While the Company
evaluates technologies on an ongoing basis and endeavors to utilize those that
are most effective in developing IT solutions for its customers, there can be no
assurance that the technologies utilized by the Company and the expertise gained
in those technologies will continue to be applicable in the future. There can be
no assurance that new technologies will be made available to the Company or that
such technologies can be economically applied by the Company. The inability to
apply existing technologies and expertise to subsequent projects could have a
material adverse effect on the Company's business, operating results and
financial condition.
MANAGEMENT OF GROWTH
The Company's business has grown significantly since its inception, and the
Company anticipates future growth. The growth of the Company's business and the
expansion of its customer base have resulted in a corresponding growth in the
demands on the Company's management and personnel and its operating systems and
internal controls. Any future growth may further strain existing management
resources and operational, financial, human resources and management information
systems and controls, which may not be adequate to support the Company's
operations.
The Company is currently increasing its expense levels as a result of a number
of factors, including substantial increases in the number of employees, the
opening of new offices, investments in equipment, training of employees and the
development of methodologies, tools, etc. An unexpected decline in revenues
without a corresponding and timely reduction in staffing and other expenses, or
a staffing increase that is not accompanied by a corresponding increase in
revenues, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
operating results and financial condition. There can be no assurance that the
Company will be able to manage its recent or future growth successfully. In
addition, there can be no assurance that the Company will continue to grow or
sustain the rate of growth it has experienced in the past.
The Company expects that it will need to further develop its financial and
management controls, reporting systems and procedures to accommodate future
growth. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to develop such
controls, systems or procedures effectively or on a timely basis, and the
failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
operating results and financial condition.
________________________________________________________________________________
PAGE 29
<PAGE>
ABILITY TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN EMPLOYEES
The Company's business consists mainly of professional services and is
inherently labor intensive. The Company's success depends in large part upon its
ability to attract, retain and motivate highly skilled employees, particularly
senior project managers and other senior personnel, for its domestic and
international operations. Qualified senior project managers within and outside
the United States are in particularly great demand and are likely to remain a
limited resource for the foreseeable future. Several attributes of the Company's
work environment pose challenges to the Company's ability to attract and retain
employees, including (i) extensive travel requirements, (ii) the Company's
intense work environment and culture, (iii) the Company's standards for employee
technical skills and job performance, and (iv) the Company's practice of
adjusting the number of technical personnel to reflect active project levels.
Although the Company expects to continue to attract sufficient numbers of highly
skilled employees and to retain its existing senior project managers and other
senior personnel for the foreseeable future, there can be no assurance that the
Company will be able to do so. Failure to attract and retain key personnel could
have a material adverse effect upon the Company's business, operating results
and financial condition.
GROWTH BY ACQUISITION
The Company may grow in part by acquiring existing businesses. The success of
any such acquisition will depend upon, among other things, the ability of the
Company and its management to integrate acquired personnel, operations, products
and technologies into its organization effectively, to retain and motivate key
personnel of acquired businesses and to retain customers of acquired firms.
There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to identify suitable
acquisition opportunities, consummate acquisitions or successfully integrate
acquired personnel and operations into the Company. In addition, acquisitions by
the Company may involve certain other risks, including potentially dilutive
issuances of equity securities and the diversion of management's attention from
other business concerns.
DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL
Although the Company does not believe that the loss of any particular individual
would have a material adverse impact on the Company, the loss of some or all of
the Company's senior managers could have a material adverse impact on the
Company, including its ability to secure and complete engagements. The Company
has employment agreements with its President, Executive Vice Presidents and its
Vice Presidents that contain noncompetition, nondisclosure and nonsolicitation
covenants. The employment agreements with the President and Executive Vice
Presidents do not have fixed expiration dates and may be terminated by either
the Company or the employee on 90 days' written notice. The employment
agreements with the other Vice Presidents generally have a fixed initial term
but are automatically renewed for successive one-year periods unless terminated
by either the Company or the employee on 90 days' written notice. Other senior
employees also have employment agreements that are generally terminable by the
Company or the employee upon 30 to 90 days' written notice.
________________________________________________________________________________
PAGE 30
<PAGE>
UNASSIGNED LABOR COSTS
The Company's unassigned labor costs, which represent salaries of, and other
expenses allocated to systems professionals not assigned to a specific project,
have gradually increased as a percentage of revenues over time. The Company
attempts to reassign employees who meet its performance requirements to other
active projects when they are no longer needed on a particular project. However,
since the Company generally recruits personnel in advance of the commencement of
certain projects in order to meet the needs of such projects, any cancellation
or delays in the anticipated projects could increase the unassigned labor costs
and might cause a material adverse effect upon the Company's business, operating
results and financial condition.
CYCLICALITY
Certain of the Company's customers and potential customers are in industries
that experience cyclical variations in profitability, which may in turn affect
their willingness or ability to fund systems projects such as those for which
the Company may be engaged. The Company's experience indicates, however, that
competitive pressures in cyclical industries sometimes compel businesses to
undertake systems projects even during periods of losses or reduced
profitability.
QUARTERLY RESULTS MAY FLUCTUATE
The Company's results may fluctuate from quarter to quarter as a result of
various factors such as differences in the number of billing days and/or
holidays between quarters, the number of vacation days and sick days taken by
the Company's employees in a particular quarter, and varying weather conditions.
These and other factors can reduce revenues in a given quarter with a
corresponding adverse impact on the Company's margins.
PROJECT RISKS
Because of the project-based nature of the Company's work and the fact that many
of the projects undertaken by the Company are large projects, there is a risk of
a material adverse impact on operating results because of the unanticipated
suspension or cancellation of a large project or the financial difficulties of a
client. The suspension or cancellation of a project or the financial
difficulties of a client could result in a decrease in revenues, the need to
reassign staff, a potential dispute with a client regarding monies owed for
consulting work and expenses, and damage to TSC's reputation.
In addition, because many of the Company's projects are high profile, mission
critical projects for major clients, a failure or inability to meet a client's
expectations with respect to a major project undertaken by the Company could
damage its reputation and affect its ability to attract new business. Third
party products and services are integral to the success of certain Company
projects. To the extent that third parties do not deliver effective products and
services on a timely basis, the Company's project results could be negatively
impacted. Although the Company attempts to limit this risk in its engagement
arrangements with clients and maintains errors and omissions insurance, the
failure of a project could also result in significant financial exposure to the
Company.
________________________________________________________________________________
PAGE 31
<PAGE>
COMPETITION
The systems consulting and implementation market comprises a large number of
participants, is subject to rapid changes and is highly competitive. The Company
competes with and faces potential competition from a number of companies that
have significantly greater financial, technical and marketing resources and
greater name recognition than the Company. The Company also competes with
smaller service providers whose specific, more narrowly focused service
offerings may be more attractive to potential clients than the Company's
multi-dimensional approach. The Company's clients primarily consist of Fortune
1000 and other large corporations and there are an increasing number of
professional services firms seeking systems consulting and implementation
engagements from that client base. The Company believes that its ability to
compete depends in part on a number of factors outside its control, including
the ability of its competitors to hire, retain and motivate a significant number
of senior project managers, the ownership by competitors of software used by
potential clients, the development by others of software that is competitive
with the Company's products and services, and the price at which others offer
comparable services.
In addition, the Company's clients could develop or acquire in-house expertise
in services similar to those provided by the Company, which would significantly
reduce demand for the Company's services. No assurance can be given that the
Company will be able to maintain its existing client base, maintain or increase
the level of revenue generated by its existing clients or be able to attract new
clients.
SUSCEPTIBILITY TO GENERAL ECONOMIC CONDITIONS
The Company's revenues and results of operations will be subject to fluctuations
based on the general economic conditions of the United States as well as the
foreign countries in which it operates. If there were to be a general economic
downturn or a recession in the United States or the foreign countries in which
it operates, then the Company expects that business enterprises would cut back
their spending on, or reduce their budget for, IT services. In the event of such
an economic downturn, there can be no assurance that the Company's business,
operating results and financial condition would not be materially adversely
affected.
COST OVERRUNS
Although the Company's engagements are generally on a time-and-materials basis,
some of its projects are on a "not-to-exceed" or fixed-price basis. The failure
of the Company to complete a project to the client's satisfaction within the
"not-to-exceed" or fixed fee exposes the Company to unrecoverable cost overruns,
which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of
operations and financial condition.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
A majority of the Company's clients have required the Company, as a condition of
performing services for such clients, to grant to the clients all proprietary
and intellectual property rights with respect to the work product resulting from
the performance of such services, including the
________________________________________________________________________________
PAGE 32
<PAGE>
intellectual property rights to any custom software developed by the Company
for such clients. Each such grant of proprietary and intellectual property
rights would limit the Company's ability to reuse work product components and
work product solutions with other clients. In a limited number of such
situations, the Company has obtained, and in the future may attempt to
obtain, ownership interest or a license from its clients to permit the
Company to market custom software for the joint benefit of the client and the
Company. Such arrangements may be nonexclusive or exclusive, and licensors to
the Company may retain the right to sell products and services that compete
with those of the Company. There can be no assurance, however, that the
Company will be able to negotiate software licenses upon terms acceptable to
the Company.
The Company also develops certain foundation and application software tools and
products that are owned by the Company and licensed to its clients. The Company
regards such software as proprietary and intends to protect its rights in such
software, where appropriate, with registered copyrights, patents, registered
trademarks, trade secret laws and contractual restrictions on disclosure and
transferring title. To date, the Company has not filed any applications for the
registration of patents or copyrights on any of its software. There can be no
assurance that any such steps taken by the Company in this regard will be
adequate to deter misappropriation of its proprietary rights or independent
third party development of functionally equivalent products.
In addition, the Company's success is dependent upon its specialized expertise
and methodologies. To protect such proprietary information, the Company relies
upon a combination of trade secret and common laws, employee nondisclosure
policies and third-party confidentiality agreements. However, there can be no
assurance that any such steps taken by the Company in this regard will be
adequate to deter misappropriation of its specialized expertise and
methodologies.
Although the Company believes that its services and products do not infringe on
the intellectual property rights of others, there can be no assurance that such
a claim will not be asserted against the Company in the future.
RISKS OF CONDUCTING INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS
The Company has been significantly increasing its international operations in
recent years and expects to continue to do so in the future. Because the cost of
doing business abroad is typically higher for U.S. businesses than the cost of
doing business domestically, the Company could experience a decline in its
operating margins as the significance of its international operations increases.
International operations and the provision of services in foreign markets are
subject to a number of special risks, including currency exchange rate
fluctuations, trade barriers, exchange controls, national and regional labor
strikes, political risks, additional security concerns and risks of increases in
duties, taxes and governmental royalties, as well as changes in laws and
policies governing operations of foreign-based companies. In addition, the
Company's continued success and growth internationally will depend upon its
ability to attract, develop and retain a sufficient number of highly skilled,
motivated local professional employees in each of those foreign countries where
it conducts operations. Competition for such local personnel qualified to
deliver most of the Company's services is intense, and there can be no assurance
that the Company will be able to recruit, develop and retain a sufficient number
of highly skilled, motivated local professionals to successfully compete
internationally.
________________________________________________________________________________
PAGE 33
<PAGE>
FIVE-YEAR FINANCIAL SUMMARY
(In thousands, except per share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended May 31 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING RESULTS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenues:
Professional fees $271,595 $164,238 $97,004 $65,704 $ 52,521
Software and hardware products 280 850 595 113 636
-------- -------- ------- ------- --------
271,875 165,088 97,599 65,817 53,157
-------- -------- ------- ------- --------
Costs and Expenses:
Project personnel 126,147 76,508 46,744 29,204 24,509
Other project expenses 39,570 23,374 13,010 8,991 5,137
Cost of products sold -- 54 476 110 618
Management and administrative support 57,508 32,074 22,605 18,501 22,297
Goodwill amortization 3,603 811 -- -- --
Shareholder litigation settlement -- -- 2,345 -- --
Company founders litigation settlement -- -- 944 -- --
Former company executive settlements -- -- -- 1,590 --
Incentive compensation 10,662 9,394 6,611 4,651 3,738
-------- -------- ------- ------- --------
237,490 142,215 92,735 63,047 56,299
-------- -------- ------- ------- --------
Operating Income (Loss) 34,385 22,873 4,864 2,770 (3,142)
-------- -------- ------- ------- --------
Other Income 1,997 2,104 1,904 1,930 2,331
-------- -------- ------- ------- --------
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes 36,382 24,977 6,768 4,700 (811)
Income Tax Provision (Benefit) 15,362 9,910 2,194 1,333 (846)
-------- -------- ------- ------- --------
Net Income $ 21,020 $ 15,067 $ 4,574 $ 3,367 $ 35
-------- -------- ------- ------- --------
-------- -------- ------- ------- --------
Earnings Per Common Share $ 0.54 $ 0.43 $ 0.15 $ 0.11 $ 0.00
-------- -------- ------- ------- --------
-------- -------- ------- ------- --------
Weighted Average Number of
Common Shares Outstanding 38,887 35,333 31,311 30,423 34,930
-------- -------- ------- ------- --------
-------- -------- ------- ------- --------
Earnings Per Common Share
Assuming Dilution $ 0.49 $ 0.38 $ 0.13 $ 0.09 $ 0.00
-------- -------- ------- ------- --------
-------- -------- ------- ------- --------
Weighted Average Number of
Common and Common Equivalent
Shares Outstanding 42,781 39,869 36,320 36,253 34,930
-------- -------- ------- ------- --------
-------- -------- ------- ------- --------
FINANCIAL POSITION
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets $197,148 $133,866 $89,437 $65,222 $ 69,340
Fixed assets, net $ 9,515 $ 6,416 $ 4,443 $ 3,083 $ 2,687
Working capital $117,401 $ 79,595 $41,176 $24,349 $ 26,598
Stockholders' equity $155,806 $105,787 $70,029 $51,726 $ 54,100
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
1994-1998 share data and per share data have been restated to reflect the
three-for-two stock splits effective on July 30, 1996, August 1, 1997, and
August 10, 1998, respectively.
________________________________________________________________________________
PAGE 34
<PAGE>
SELECTED INFORMATION ON TSC STOCK
The Company's Common Stock is listed on The Nasdaq Stock Market-SM- under the
symbol "TSCC." As of August 13, 1998, there were approximately 935 holders of
record of the Company's Common Stock. The number of holders of Common Stock does
not include beneficial owners of Common Stock whose shares are held in the name
of banks, brokers, nominees or other fiduciaries.
The following table sets forth the range of high and low trade prices on The
Nasdaq Stock Market-SM- for the Company's Common Stock for each quarter in
fiscal 1997 and fiscal 1998.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Quarter Ended High Low
------------- ---- ---
<S> <C> <C>
August 31, 1996 $13.167 $ 8.389
November 30, 1996 $20.945 $12.445
February 28, 1997 $20.222 $13.167
May 31, 1997 $19.111 $ 9.500
August 31, 1997 $18.055 $14.667
November 30, 1997 $25.000 $13.500
February 28, 1998 $22.667 $13.833
May 31, 1998 $22.500 $16.833
</TABLE>
On August 13, 1998, the last reported sale price on The Nasdaq Stock Market-SM-
for the Company's Common Stock was $17.0625.
The market price for the Common Stock may be significantly affected by factors
such as the announcement of new products or services by the Company or its
competitors, technological innovation by the Company, its competitors or other
vendors, quarterly variations in the Company's operating results or the
operating results of the Company's competitors, general conditions in the
Company's and its customers' markets, changes in the earnings estimates by
analysts or reported results that vary materially from such estimates. In
addition, the stock market has experienced significant price fluctuations that
have particularly affected the market prices of equity securities of many high
technology and emerging growth companies and that often have been unrelated to
the operating performance of such companies. These broad market fluctuations may
materially and adversely affect the market price of the Company's Common Stock.
Following periods of volatility in the market price of a company's securities,
securities class action litigation has often been instituted against such a
company and its officers and directors. Any such litigation against the Company
could result in substantial costs and a diversion of management's attention and
resources, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
operating results and financial condition.
________________________________________________________________________________
PAGE 35
<PAGE>
The Company has never paid dividends on its Common Stock and currently intends
to retain all earnings for use in the expansion of its business and other
corporate purposes. The Company does not anticipate paying any dividends on its
Common Stock in the foreseeable future. The declaration and payment of dividends
by the Company are subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors.
All per share data have been adjusted to reflect the Company's three-for-two
stock splits effected as a 50 percent stock dividend effective August 10, 1998,
August 1, 1997 and July 30, 1996, respectively.
________________________________________________________________________________
PAGE 36
<PAGE>
OTHER INFORMATION
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
ChaseMellon Shareholder Services
East Hartford, CT
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chicago, IL
STOCKHOLDER AND 10-K INFORMATION
Financial inquiries should be directed to Martin T. Johnson, Senior Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer, Technology Solutions Company, 205
North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1500, Chicago, Illinois 60601. Telephone (312)
228-4500. A complimentary copy of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission will be provided upon
request.
ANNUAL MEETING
The Annual Meeting of Stockholders has been scheduled for October 1, 1998, in
Chicago, Illinois, for stockholders of record on August 11, 1998.
________________________________________________________________________________
PAGE 37
<PAGE>
PROXY
TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS COMPANY
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD OCTOBER 1, 1998
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned stockholder of Technology Solutions Company (the
"Company") does hereby acknowledge receipt of Notice of said Annual Meeting
and the accompanying Proxy Statement, and does hereby constitute and appoint
William H. Waltrip and John T. Kohler or either of them, with full power of
substitution, to vote all shares of stock of the Company that the undersigned
is entitled to vote, as fully as the undersigned could do if personally
present, at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company to be held on
October 1, 1998 at 10:00 a.m., Local Time, at the offices of Bank of America
Illinois, 231 S. LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois, and at any adjournment
thereof, as indicated on the reverse side.
(Please date and sign on reverse side)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOLD AND DETACH HERE
<PAGE>
This Proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner directed by the
undersigned stockholder. If no election is made, this Proxy will be voted for
the two nominees listed in Proposal 1, for the proposal to amend the
Company's Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized
shares of Common Stock, and for the proposal to ratify the appointment of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. Please mark Box Yes / / or No / /.
1. The Election of Class I Directors.
FOR all WITHHOLD
nominees AUTHORITY
listed for all nominees
listed
/ / / /
INSTRUCTIONS: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee,
strike that nominee's name from the names listed below.
John T. Kohler and Michael R. Zucchini
2. Proposal to amend the Company's Certificate of Incorporation, as amended,
to increase the number of authorized shares of Common Stock from 50,000,000
to 100,000,000.
/ / FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN
3. Proposal to ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as
independent accountants for the Company for the fiscal year ending
May 31, 1999.
/ / FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN
4. As such proxies may in their discretion determine upon such other
matters as may properly come before the meeting.
THIS PROXY SHALL BE VOTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN AND, IN
THE ABSENCE OF SUCH INSTRUCTIONS, SHALL BE VOTED FOR THE NOMINEES LISTED
ABOVE AND IN FAVOR OF PROPOSALS 2, 3 AND 4. IF OTHER BUSINESS IS PRESENTED AT
SAID MEETING, THIS PROXY SHALL BE VOTED ON THOSE MATTERS IN ACCORDANCE WITH
THE BEST JUDGMENT OF THE NAMED PROXIES.
You are urged to mark, sign, date and return your proxy without delay in the
return envelope provided for that purpose, which requires no postage if
mailed in the United States.
When signing the proxy, please take care to have the signature conform to the
stockholder's name as it appears on this side of the proxy. If shares are
registered in the names of two or more persons, each person should sign.
Executors, administrators, trustees and guardians should so indicate when
signing. Corporations and partnerships should sign in their full corporate
partnership names by a duly authorized person.
Dated: _________________________, 1998
______________________________________
Signature
______________________________________
Signature if held jointly
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOLD AND DETACH HERE
