AMERICAN BUSINESS INFORMATION INC /DE
10-K405/A, 1997-09-04
DIRECT MAIL ADVERTISING SERVICES
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<PAGE>
 
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D.C. 20549

                                  FORM 10-K/A
(Mark One)

[X]  Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Act of 1934
     [No Fee Required] For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 or

[_]  Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Act of
     1934 [No Fee Required] For the transition period from ________ to ________

Commission file number: 0-19598

                      AMERICAN BUSINESS INFORMATION, INC.
            (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

               Delaware                                     47-0751545
   (State or other jurisdiction of                       (I.R.S. Employer
   incorporation or organization)                      Identification No.)

                 5711 South 86th Circle, Omaha, Nebraska 68127
                   (Address of principal executive offices)

      Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (402) 593-4500
              __________________________________________________

          Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
                                     None

          Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
                        Common Stock, $0.0025 par value
               __________________________________________________


Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K.                                                                 [X]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.
YES   X     NO 
    -----      -----     

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the
registrant, based upon the closing sale price of the Common Stock on March 7,
1997 as reported on the NASDAQ National Market System, was approximately
$203,975,000. Shares of Common Stock held by each officer and director and by
each person who owns 5% or more of the outstanding Common Stock have been
excluded in that such persons may be deemed to be affiliates. This determination
of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other
purposes.

    As of March 7, 1997 registrant had outstanding 24,314,007 shares of Common
Stock.
<PAGE>

                      DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The company's definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders
to be held on May 23, 1997, which will be filed within 120 days of the end of
fiscal year 1996, is incorporated into Part III hereof by reference.

                                    PART I

     American Business Information, Inc. (the "Company") hereby amends Items 6, 
7, 8 and 14, Schedule II, and Exhibits 11, 23 and 27 of its Form 10-K filed for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 for the purposes described in Note (1) 
"General" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements on page F-7.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>

  ITEM 6.  SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

  The selected consolidated financial data below have been derived from the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and should
be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and Consolidated
Financial Statements and related notes appearing elsewhere herein.

                                                                     Year Ended December 31,
                                                     ----------------------------------------------------
                                                         1996      1995        1994       1993       1992
                                                         ----      ----        ----       ----       ----
                                                              (in thousands, except per share data)
<S>                                                <C>        <C>          <C>       <C>        <C>
Statement of Operations Data:                  
Net sales......................................      $108,298   $86,766     $69,603    $55,752    $48,517
Costs and expenses:                            
 Database and production                       
  costs........................................        29,272    23,999      18,321     13,973     11,774
 Selling, general and                          
  administrative...............................        45,766    37,724      28,249     23,072     20,051
 Depreciation and                              
  amortization.................................         4,855     3,469       2,957      2,651          -
 One-time, non-cash items (1)..................        21,500         -           -          -          -
                                                     --------   -------     -------    -------    ------- 
                                                                                                          
Total costs and expenses.......................       101,393    65,192      49,527     39,696     34,235
                                                     --------   -------     -------    -------    -------
Operating income...............................         6,905    21,574      20,076     16,056     14,282
Other income (expense):                        
 Investment income.............................         3,194     1,322       1,109      1,172        607
 Interest expense..............................          (209)     (157)       (247)      (298)      (605)
 Other.........................................          (943)        -           -          -         58
                                                     --------   -------     -------    -------    -------
Income before income taxes                     
 and discontinued                              
   operation...................................         8,947    22,739      20,938     16,930     14,342
Income taxes...................................         3,400     8,421       7,710      5,941      4,435
                                                     --------   -------     -------    -------    -------
Income from continuing                         
 operations....................................         5,547    14,318      13,228     10,989      9,907
Loss on discontinued                           
 operation.....................................          (355)   (2,317)       (404)      (214)         -
Loss from abandonment of                       
 subsidiary....................................        (1,373)        -           -          -          -
                                                     --------   -------     -------    -------    -------
Net income.....................................      $  3,819   $12,001     $12,824    $10,775    $ 9,907
                                                     ========   =======     =======    =======    =======
Historical and pro forma                       
 information(2)                                
 Net income....................................      $  3,819   $12,001     $12,824    $10,775    $ 9,162
                                                     ========   =======     =======    =======    =======
Earnings per share:                            
  Income from continuing                       
   operations..................................      $   0.26   $  0.69     $  0.64    $  0.53    $  0.45
 Loss on discontinued                          
  operation and                                
    abandonment of                             
     subsidiary................................         (0.08)    (0.11)      (0.02)     (0.01)         -
                                                     --------   -------     -------    -------    -------
 Net income....................................      $   0.18   $  0.58     $  0.62    $  0.52    $  0.45
                                                     ========   =======     =======    =======    =======
                                               
Weighted average shares                        
 outstanding...................................        21,033    20,738      20,678     20,658     20,165
                                                     ========   =======     =======    =======    =======
                                               
                                                                          December 31,
                                                     -----------------------------------------------------
                                                         1996      1995        1994       1993       1992
                                                     --------   -------     -------    -------    -------
                                                                         (in thousands)
<S>                                                 <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>
Balance Sheet Data:                            
 Working capital...............................      $ 46,221   $45,363     $35,411    $30,765    $23,465
 Total assets..................................       107,877    91,241      77,783     61,027     47,807
 Long-term debt, including                     
  current portion..............................         1,135     2,039       3,821      4,587      5,306
 Shareholders' equity..........................        87,605    76,084      63,326     50,665     39,508

- -------------
  (1)  Represents charges for purchased in-process research and development costs of approximately $10 million relating to the
       acquisition of Digital Directory Assistance, Inc. in August 1996, and the change in estimated useful lives of approximately
       $11.5 million due to management's evaluation of the remaining lives of certain intangibles related to acquisitions prior to
       1995.

  (2)  Prior to February 1992, the Company was taxed as an S corporation. Accordingly, net income prior to February 1992
       contained no provision for federal and state income taxes.  Pro forma net income reflects a pro forma tax provision at a
       combined federal and state income tax rate of 36% in 1992. The Company ceased being taxed as an S corporation February 1992.
</TABLE>

                                     -3-
<PAGE>
 
     
ITEM 7.   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
          ---------------------------------------------------------------  
          RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
          ---------------------

Overview

     The Company is a leading provider of business-to-business marketing
information which it supplies from its proprietary database containing
information on approximately 10 million businesses in the United States and 1
million businesses in Canada.

     The Company generally recognizes revenues from sales of its products and
services at the time the product is delivered or the service is performed. The
pricing of the products and services varies according to the number of names
supplied, the type of information purchased, the medium through which the
information is delivered, and the channel of distribution. In 1996, over 100,000
customers purchased the Company's products and services.

     The Company's primary expenses relate to maintaining, updating, and
telephone verifying its database and the direct marketing costs associated with
selling its products and services. The Company has been profitable on an
operating basis in each year since its inception in 1972. The Company believes
inflation has not had a significant impact on its operations.

     The Company's net sales on a quarterly basis can be affected by seasonal
characteristics, the timing of acquisitions, and certain other factors including
the timing and extent of the Company's own direct marketing activity.

     The Company completed five acquisitions in the second half of 1996 and the
first quarter of 1997. As a result of the acquisitions in 1996, the Company
wrote-off $10 million of in-process research and development costs. The company
will be taking a significant write-off in the first quarter of 1997 as a result
of its acquisition of Database America Companies, Inc. (DBA). The write off will
amount to roughly $70 million and will result in a net loss for the Company in
1997. In addition, the Company entered into a $65 million credit facility to
finance a portion of the DBA acquisition, which prohibits the company from
declaration of dividends without prior approval from the lenders. Borrowings
under the facility will result in a significant increase in interest expense.

     This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements within the
meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 27A of
the Securities Act of 1933, which are subject to the "safe harbor" created by
that section. The Company's actual future results could differ materially from
those projected in the forward-looking statements. Some factors which could
cause future actual results to differ materially from the company's recent
results or those projected in the forward-looking statements are described in
"Factors Affecting Operating Results" below. The Company assumes no obligation
to update the forward-looking statements or such factors.

                                     -4-
<PAGE>
 
     
Results of Operations

     The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain items
from the Company's statement of operations data expressed as a percentage of net
sales:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              Year Ended December 31                    
                                                                             ------------------------                   
                                                                                                                        
                                                                              1996      1995     1994                   
                                                                              ----      ----     ----                   
<S>                                                                           <C>       <C>      <C>                    
Net sales...........................................................          100%      100%     100%                   
Costs and expenses:                                                                                                     
  Database and production costs.....................................           27        28       26                    
  Selling, general and administrative...............................           42        43       41                    
  Depreciation and amortization.....................................            5         4        4                    
  One-time, non-cash items..........................................           20         -        -                    
                                                                             ----      ----     ----                    
Total costs and expenses............................................           94        75       71                    
                                                                             ----      ----     ----                    
Operating income....................................................            6        25       29                    
Other income (expense)..............................................            2         1        1                    
                                                                             ----      ----     ----                    
Income before income taxes and discontinued operation...............            8        26       30                    
Income taxes........................................................            3         9       11                    
                                                                             ----      ----     ----                    
Income from continuing operations...................................            5        17       19                    
  Loss on discontinued operation and abandonment of subsidiary......           -1        -3        1                    
                                                                             ----      ----     ----                    
Net income..........................................................            4%       14%      18%                   
                                                                             ====      ====     ====                    
</TABLE>
- --------------

1996 Compared to 1995

     Net sales increased 25% to $108.3 million in 1996 from $86.8 million in
1995. The Company's sales lead and directory products accounted for $10.0
million of this increase while sales from CD-ROM products increased $7.3 million
from the prior year.

     Database and production costs for 1996 increased to $29.3 million, or 27%
of net sales, from $24.0 million, or 28% of net sales, in 1995. These amounts
primarily represent the costs of compiling and telephone verifying information
in the database, fulfilling customer orders, the direct costs associated with
the production of CD-ROM titles, and royalty costs.

     Selling, general and administrative expenses increased in 1996 to $45.8
million, or 42% of net sales, from $37.7 million, or 43% of net sales in 1995.
Excluding a charge of $3.1 million in 1995 for compensation expense related to
the repurchase of common stock from a former officer of the Company, selling,
general and administrative expenses were 40% of net sales in 1995. The increased
spending as a percentage of net sales was primarily attributable to an overall
increase in direct marketing activities for all of the Company's products and
services, continued investment in a field sales organization and promotional
marketing of CD-ROM products.

     Depreciation and amortization expense increased to $4.9 million in 1996
from $3.5 million in 1995, primarily due to the increased amortization related
to acquisitions.

     During the third quarter of 1996, the Company recorded one-time, non-cash
charges to continuing operation of $10.0 million for purchased in-process
research and development associated with the August 1996 acquisition of Digital
Directory Assistance, Inc. and $11.5 million associated with a change in the
estimated useful lives of certain intangible assets related to acquisitions
prior to 1995.

                                     -5-
<PAGE>
 
        Operating income in 1996 was $6.9 million, or 6% of net sales, compared
     to $21.6 million, or 25% of net sales, in 1995.  Excluding the one-time,
     non-cash items described above, operating income for 1996 would have been
     $28.4 million, or 26% of net sales.

        Investment income during 1996 increased to $3.2 million from $1.3
     million in 1995, due to net realized gains of $1.3 million on the sale of
     marketable securities during 1996 compared to net realized losses of $339
     thousand on the sale of marketable securities during 1995.  Interest
     expense increased slightly to $209 thousand in 1996 from $157 thousand in
     1995 due to the addition of capitalized equipment leases during early 1996.
     Other expenses consists of a $740 thousand permanent write-down on an
     equity investment included in other assets of the consolidated balance
     sheet and $203 thousand of costs associated with the pooling-of-interests
     transaction.


     1995 Compared to 1994

        Net sales increased 25% to $86.8 million in 1995 from $69.6 million in
     1994.  The Company's sales lead and directory products accounted for $9.6
     million of this increase with the remaining $7.6 million increase coming
     from CD-ROM products.  Revenue increases for all products were the result
     of an increase in both the number and average size of orders placed by
     customers.  There were no significant price increases for the Company's
     products and services during the year.

        Database and production costs for 1995 increased to $24.0 million, or
     28% of net sales, from $18.3 million, or 26% of net sales, in 1994.  These
     amounts primarily represent the costs of compiling and telephone verifying
     information in the database and fulfilling customer orders, the direct
     costs associated with the production of CD-ROM titles, and royalty costs.
     The increase in database and production costs as a percentage of net sales
     was primarily attributable to increased sales of CD-ROM products which bear
     a slightly higher level of costs then the Company's traditional lead
     generation products.

        Selling, general and administrative expenses increased in 1995 to $37.7
     million from $28.2 million in 1994.  Excluding a charge of $3.1 million in 
     1995 for compensation expense related to the repurchase of common stock
     from a former officer of the Company, selling, general and administrative
     expenses were proportionate with revenue recognition and were 40% of net
     sales in 1995 compared to 41% of net sales in 1994. The increased spending
     was primarily attributable to an overall increase in direct marketing
     activities for all of the Company's products and services, continued
     investment in a field sales organization and promotional marketing of CD-
     ROM products.

        Depreciation and amortization expense increased to $3.5 million in 1995
     from $3.0 million in 1994, primarily due to the increased amortization
     related to acquisitions.

        Operating income in 1995 was $21.6 million, or 25% of net sales,
     compared to $20.1 million, or 29% of net sales, in 1994.

        Investment income during 1995 increased to $1.3 million compared to $1.1
     in 1994 due to the increase in cash and cash equivalents and investments.
     Interest expense decreased to $157 thousand in 1995 from $247 thousand in
     1994 due to lower outstanding debt balances during 1995.

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources

     As of December 31, 1996, the Company's principal sources of liquidity
included cash and cash equivalents of $7.5 million and short term investments of
$22.8 million. The Company has revolving lines of credit totaling $10.0 million,
which had no outstanding balance at December 31, 1996.

     Net cash provided by operating activities for 1996 totaled $13.7 million
compared to $15.8 million in the same period of 1995. The decrease is due
primarily to a higher level of outstanding trade accounts receivable. The
Company spent $2.9 million on upgrades to data processing equipment and $1.8
million for land and building improvements to its Omaha, Nebraska and Carter
Lake, Iowa facilities. The Company anticipates spending an additional $4.0
million over the next twelve months for equipment and facility expansion.

     The Company paid $4.0 million in September 1996 as part of the estimated
purchase price of $17.1 million for Digital Directory Assistance, Inc. A
promissory note of $7.9 million was paid the Seller in January 1997, which was
funded using the Company's cash equivalents. The remaining amount due the Seller
of approximately $5.2 million was paid through the issuance of the Company's
common stock.

     Subsequent to December 31, 1996, the Company entered into a $65 million
Credit Facility with First Union Bank. The purpose of the facility was to
finance a portion of the acquisition of Database America Companies, Inc. In
addition, the bank syndicate led by First Union Bank recently approved an
additional $10 million of availability under the Credit Facility. This will
increase the Credit Facility to $75 million and provide the Company with
additional access to working capital.

     The Company believes that cash flows from operations and its cash and short
term investments will be sufficient to fund its foreseeable operating and
capital expenditure needs for at least the next twelve months. Additional
financing may be required in the event that other capital investment, business
expansion or acquisition opportunities arise.

Factors That May Affect Operating Results.

     Fluctuations in Operating Results. The Company believes that future
operating results may be subject to quarterly and annual fluctuations based on
numerous factors. The Company's net sales on a quarterly basis can be affected
by seasonal characteristics and certain other factors including the timing and
extent of the Company's own direct marketing activity. In addition, the expenses
associated with acquiring data, direct marketing campaigns and the timing of
acquisitions and the costs and expenses associated therewith may also affect
operating results.

     Risks Associated With Recent and Future Acquisitions. During the past year,
the Company has made a number of strategic acquisitions. Acquisitions may result
in the diversion of management's attention from day-to-day operations and may
include numerous other risks and costs, including risks and costs relating to
difficulties in the integration of operations, products and

                                     -7-
<PAGE>
 
personnel. To the extent that efforts to pursue acquisition opportunities have
in the past resulted, or may in the future result, in a diversion of resources
or that efforts to integrate recent and future acquisitions fail, there could be
a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations and
financial condition. Acquisitions may result in dilutive issuances of equity
securities, the incurrence of additional debt, and amortization expenses related
to goodwill and other intangible assets. While there are currently no
commitments with respect to any particular material acquisitions, the Company's
management has historically evaluated on an ongoing basis the strategic
opportunities available to the Company. The Company may in the near- or long-
term future pursue acquisitions of complementary products, technologies or
businesses.

     Competition.  The business information industry is highly competitive. In
particular, the rapid expansion of the Internet creates a substantial new
channel for distributing business information to the market, and a new avenue
for future entrants to the business information industry. There is no guarantee
that the Company will be successful in this new market. Many of the Company's
principal competitors have substantially greater resources than the Company. In
addition, the Company has no control over the possible future entry into the
marketplace of other potential competitors, some of which may be much larger
than the Company and may have much larger capital bases from which to develop
and compete with the Company.

     Direct Marketing Regulation and Postal Rates. The Company and many of its
customers engage in direct marketing. Any negative impact on direct marketing,
including changes to existing laws or regulations or future laws and
regulations, may adversely affect the Company's operating results. The direct
mail industry depends and will continue to depend upon the services of the
United States Postal Service and other private mail carriers. Any modification
by the Postal Service of its rate structure or any increase in public or private
postal rates generally could have a negative impact on the demand for business
information, direct mail activities and the cost of the Company's direct mail
activities. In addition to the risk of rate increases, the direct mail industry,
and thus the Company's operating results, could be adversely affected by postal
strikes. 

     Loss of Data Centers. The Company's business depends on computer systems
contained in the Company's two data centers. The Company's disaster recovery
program is based upon maintaining redundant computer equipment at each of its
data centers. The data centers are protected by Halon fire suppression systems,
designed to extinguish a fire without damaging the computer equipment. The
centers are further protected by uninterrupted power supply backup systems.
There can be no guarantee that a fire or other disaster affecting one or both of
its data centers would not disable the Company's computer systems. Any
significant damage to either or both of the data centers could have a material
adverse affect on the Company.

     Limited Protection of Intellectual Property and Proprietary Rights. The
Company relies on a combination of copyright, trademark and trade secret laws,
employee and third-party nondisclosure agreements and other methods to protect
its proprietary rights. Despite these precautions, it may be possible for
unauthorized third parties to copy certain portions of the company's products or
reverse engineer or obtain and use information that the Company regards as
proprietary. The Company generally licenses its software products to end-users
on a "right to use" basis pursuant to a perpetual license. The Company
licenses some of its products under "shrink-wrap" licenses (i.e., licenses
included as part of the product packaging). Shrink-wrap licenses are not
negotiated with or signed by individual licensees, and purport to take effect
upon the opening of the product package. Certain

                                     -8-
<PAGE>
 
license provisions protecting against unauthorized use, copying, transfer and
disclosure of the licensed program may be unenforceable under the laws of
certain jurisdictions and foreign countries. In addition, the laws of some
foreign countries do not protect proprietary rights to the same extent as do the
laws of the United States. There can be no assurance that the foregoing measures
will be adequate to protect the Company's intellectual property.

                                     -9-
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

    The information required by this item (other than selected quarterly
financial data which is set forth below) is incorporated by reference to
the Consolidated Financial Statements set forth on pages F-1 through F-17
hereof.

    The following table sets forth selected financial information for each
of the eight quarters in the two-year period ended December 31, 1996.  This
information has been prepared by the Company on the same basis as the
consolidated financial statements and includes all normal recurring
adjustments necessary to present fairly this information when read in
conjunction with the Company's audited consolidated financial statements
and the notes thereto.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                          1996 Quarter Ended                       1995 Quarter Ended
                                ----------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------
                                March 31   June 30   Sept. 30   Dec. 31   March 31    June 30   Sept. 30   Dec. 31
                                --------  ---------  ---------  --------  ---------  ---------  --------   -------
                                                            (in thousands, except per share data)
<S>                             <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>

Net sales.....................   $24,785    $24,325  $ 27,585    $31,603   $20,696    $21,209    $21,501   $23,360
Costs and expenses:
   Database and production
    costs.....................     6,274      6,654     7,745      8,599     5,141      5,986      6,149     6,723
 Selling, general and
  administrative..............    10,152     10,113    11,409     14,092     8,255      8,103      8,366    13,000
 Depreciation and amortization     1,164      1,165       962      1,564       790        807        796     1,076
   One-time, non-cash items...         -          -    21,500          -         -          -          -         -
                                 -------    -------  --------    -------   -------    -------    -------   -------
   Total costs and expenses...    17,590     17,932    41,616     24,255    14,186     14,896     15,311    20,799
                                 -------    -------  --------    -------   -------    -------    -------   -------

Operating income (loss).......     7,195      6,393   (14,031)     7,348     6,510      6,313      6,190     2,561
Other income (expense), net...       399        613      (238)     1,268       (25)       430        334       426
                                 -------    -------  --------    -------   -------    -------    -------   -------
Income before income taxes and
  discontinued operation......     7,594      7,006   (14,269)     8,616     6,485      6,743      6,524     2,987
Income taxes..................     2,885      2,630    (5,389)     3,274     2,420      2,465      2,420     1,116
                                 -------    -------  --------    -------   -------    -------    -------   -------
Income (loss) from continuing
 operations...................     4,709      4,376    (8,880)     5,342     4,065      4,278      4,104     1,871
   Loss on discontinued
    operation.................         -          -      (355)         -      (251)    (1,896)         -      (170)
   Loss from abandonment of
    subsidiary................         -          -    (1,373)         -         -          -          -         -
                                 -------    -------  --------    -------   -------    -------    -------   -------
Net income (loss).............   $ 4,709    $ 4,376  $(10,608)   $ 5,342   $ 3,814    $ 2,382    $ 4,104   $ 1,701
                                 =======    =======  ========    =======   =======    =======    =======   =======


Earnings (loss) per share:
Income (loss) from continuing
 operations...................   $  0.23    $  0.21  $  (0.43)   $  0.25   $  0.20    $  0.20    $  0.20   $  0.09
   Loss on discontinued
    operation and
    abandonment of
     subsidiary...............         -          -      (.08)         -     (0.01)     (0.09)         -     (0.01)
                                 -------    -------  --------    -------   -------    -------    -------   -------
Net income (loss).............   $  0.23    $  0.21  $  (0.51)   $  0.25   $  0.19    $  0.11    $  0.20   $  0.08
                                 =======    =======  ========    =======   =======    =======    =======   =======


Weighted average shares
  outstanding.................    20,783     20,801    20,840     21,701    20,685     20,719     20,768    20,775
                                 =======    =======  ========    =======   =======    =======    =======   =======

</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                            1996 Quarter Ended                         1995 Quarter Ended
                                                   ---------------------------------------   ---------------------------------------
                                                   March 31   June 30   Sept. 30   Dec. 31   March 31   June 30   Sept. 30   Dec. 31
                                                  ---------   -------   --------   -------   --------   -------   --------   -------
<S>                                               <C>         <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>
As a Percentage of Net Sales:
Net sales...............................            100%        100%      100%       100%      100%       100%      100%       100%
Costs and expenses:
 Database and production costs..........             25          27        28         27        25         28        29         29
 Selling, general and administrative....             41          42        41         45        40         38        39         56
 Depreciation and amortization..........              5           5         4          5         4          4         4          5
 One-time, non-cash items...............              -           -        78          -         -          -         -          -
                                                    ---         ---       ---        ---       ---        ---       ---        ---
 Operating income (loss)................             29          26       (51)        23        31         30        29         11
- ---------------------
</TABLE>

                                      -10-
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART IV

     ITEM 14.  EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

          (a)  The following documents are filed as a part of this Report:

               1.  Financial Statements.  The following Consolidated Financial
     Statements of American Business Information, Inc. and Report of Independent
     Accountants are included at pages F-1 through F-17 of this Form 10-K:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                    DESCRIPTION                               PAGE NO.
          -----------------------------                       --------
          <S>                                                 <C> 
          Report of Independent Accountants....................  F-2
          Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1996
          and 1995.............................................  F-3
          Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years
          Ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994..............  F-4
          Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for
          the Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994....  F-5
          Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years
          Ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994..............  F-6
          Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements...........  F-7
</TABLE>

          2.  Financial Statement Schedule.  The following consolidated
     financial statement schedule of American Business Information, Inc. and
     Subsidiaries for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 is filed
     as part of this Report and should be read in conjunction with the
     Consolidated Financial Statements.


                    DESCRIPTION                               PAGE NO.
          -----------------------------                       --------
          Schedule II  Valuation and Qualifying Accounts.......  S-1

          Schedules not listed above have been omitted because they are not
     applicable or are not required or the information required to be set forth
     therein is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes
     thereto.

                                      -11-
<PAGE>
 
          3.  Exhibits.  The following Exhibits are filed as part of, or
     incorporated by reference into, this report:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
          Exhibit
            No.                             Description
          -------      ------------------------------------------------------------  
          <S>          <C>                                                                  
          3.1          Certificate of Incorporation, Amended as of September, 1996
 
          3.2 (1)      By-laws
 
          4.1 (1)      Specimen Certificate representing the Common Stock
 
          10.1         1992 Stock Option Plan, Amended as of March, 1997
 
          10.2 (2)     Form of Indemnification Agreement with Officers and Directors
 
          10.8 (4)     Asset Purchase Agreement between the Company and Digital Directory   
                       Assistance, Inc.
 
          10.9 (5)     Agreement and Plan of Reorganization between the Company and the    
                       Shareholders of DBA Holdings, Inc.
 
          10.10 (5)    Agreement and Plan of Merger between the Company and DBA Holdings, Inc.
 
          10.11 (5)    Loan Agreement between the Company and First Union National Bank of  North Carolina
 
          10.1         Registration Rights Agreement between the Company and 3319977 Canada Inc.
 
          10.12        Registration Rights Agreement between the Company and the Shareholders of 
                       Digital Directory Assistance, Inc.
 
          10.1         Registration Rights Agreement between the Company and the Shareholders
                       of County Data Corporation.

          11           Statement re: computation of per share earnings

          21           Subsidiaries and State of Incorporation
</TABLE> 

                                     -12-
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
          <S>    <C>
          23     Consent of Independent Accountants

          24     Power of Attorney (included on signature page)

          27     Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE> 
- --------------------
     (1)  Incorporated by reference to exhibits filed with Registrant's
          Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 33-42887) which became
          effective February 18, 1992.

     (2)  Incorporated by reference to exhibits filed with Registrant's
          Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 33-51352) which became
          effective September 16, 1992.

     (3)  Incorporated by reference to exhibits filed with Registrant's year
          end report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993.

     (4)  Incorporated by Reference to exhibits filed with registrant's current
          report on Form 8-K dated September 10, 1996.

     (5)  Incorporated by reference to exhibits filed with Registrant's report
          on Form 8-K dated February 28, 1997.

          (b)  Reports on Form 8-K:

               On September 10, 1996, the Company filed a current report on Form
     8-K, which was subsequently amended by a Form 8-K/A, related to the
     acquisition of Digital Directory Assistance, Inc.

               On February 28, 1997, the Company filed a current report on Form
     8-K related to the acquisition of DBA Holdings, Inc.

                                     -13-
<PAGE>
 
                                  SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


AMERICAN BUSINESS INFORMATION, INC.



By: /s/ Vinod Gupta
    -----------------------
    Vinod Gupta
    Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive
    Officer (principal executive officer)

    /s/ Jon H. Wellman
    --------------------------
    Jon H. Wellman
    President and Chief Operating Officer


    /s/ Steven Purcell
    --------------------------
    Steven Purcell
    Chief Financial Officer (principal
    financial officer)

    Dated:  August 13, 1997

                                     -14-
<PAGE>
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

     KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Vinod Gupta and Jon Wellman, jointly and
severally, his attorneys-in-fact, each with the power of substitution, for him
in any and all capacities, to sign any amendments to this Report on Form 10-K,
and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact, or his substitute or
substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

    Signature                     Title                             Date
- ----------------                ---------                        ---------
<C>                        <S>                                 <C>

/s/ Vinod Gupta            Chairman of the Board, Chief        July 21, 1997
- ----------------------     Executive Officer (principal
Vinod Gupta                executive officer)


/s/ Jon H. Wellman         President and  Chief Operating      July 21, 1997
- ----------------------     Officer
Jon H. Wellman


/s/ Steven Purcell         Chief Financial Officer             July 21, 1997
- ----------------------     (principal financial officer)
Steven Purcell


/s/ Jon D. Hoffmaster      Director                            July 21, 1997
- ----------------------
Jon D. Hoffmaster


/s/ Gautam Gupta           Director                            July 21, 1997
- ----------------------
Gautam Gupta


/s/ Elliot S. Kaplan       Director                            July 21, 1997
- ----------------------
Elliot S. Kaplan


/s/ Harold Andersen        Director                            July 21, 1997
- ----------------------
Harold Andersen


/s/ George F. Haddix       Director                            July 21, 1997
- ----------------------
George F. Haddix


/s/ Paul A. Goldner        Director                            July 21, 1997
- ----------------------
Paul A. Goldner


/s/ George J. Kubat        Director                            July 21, 1997
- ----------------------
George J. Kubat
</TABLE>

                                     -15-
<PAGE>
 
             AMERICAN BUSINESS INFORMATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                  INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     Page
                                                                                     ----
<S>                                                                                  <C>

American Business Information, Inc. and Subsidiaries:

Report of Independent Accountants................................................... F-2
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1996 and 1995........................ F-3
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended
  December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.................................................. F-4
 
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Years
  Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994............................................ F-5
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended
  December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.................................................. F-6
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.......................................... F-7
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
 
                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS



To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of
American Business Information, Inc.:

We have audited the consolidated financial statements and the financial
statement schedule of American Business Information, Inc. and subsidiaries
listed in Item 14(a) of this Form 10-K. These financial statements and the
financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and
the financial statement schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the consolidated financial position of American Business
Information, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the
consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles. In addition, in our opinion the financial
statement schedule referred to above, when considered in relation to the basic
financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material
respects, the information required to be included therein.

As discussed in Note 18, the accompanying financial statements have been
restated.

                                             /s/ Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
                                                 COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.


Omaha, Nebraska
January 24, 1997, except for Notes 17 and 18,
for which the dates are February 15, 1997 and July 31, 1997, respectively

                                      F-2
<PAGE>
 
             AMERICAN BUSINESS INFORMATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                  __________________________________________

                       as of December 31, 1996 and 1995
                     (In thousands, except share amounts)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                             ASSETS                                                  1996         1995
                             ------                                                  ----         ----
                                                                                   Restated    Restated
<S>                                                                              <C>            <C>
Current assets:
 Cash and cash equivalents.....................................................    $  7,497     $11,999
 Marketable securities.........................................................      22,810      23,350
 Trade accounts receivable, net of allowances of $2,724 and
   $1,824, respectively........................................................      29,630      18,552
 Income taxes receivable.......................................................       1,105         984
 Prepaid expenses..............................................................       3,761       1,733
 Deferred marketing costs......................................................       1,263         996
 Deferred income taxes.........................................................           -         129
                                                                                   --------     -------
   Total current assets........................................................      66,066      57,743
                                                                                   --------     -------
Property and equipment, net....................................................      18,886      13,885
Net assets of business transferred under contractual arrangement...............           -       2,972
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization.............................      16,916      14,642
Deferred income taxes..........................................................       5,388           -
Other assets...................................................................         621       1,999
                                                                                   --------     -------
                                                                                   $107,877     $91,241
                                                                                   ========     ======= 
                                LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                ------------------------------------
 
Current liabilities:
 Current portion of long-term debt.............................................    $    708     $   969
 Note payable to shareholders..................................................       7,925           -
 Accounts payable..............................................................       5,520       4,255
 Accrued payroll expenses......................................................       2,352       5,267
 Accrued expenses..............................................................         711         239
 Deferred revenue..............................................................       2,117       1,650
 Deferred income taxes.........................................................         512           -
                                                                                   --------     -------
   Total current liabilities...................................................      19,845      12,380
                                                                                   --------     -------
 
Long-term debt, net of current portion.........................................         427       1,070
Deferred income taxes..........................................................           -       1,707
 
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
 Preferred stock, $.0025 par value.  Authorized 5,000,000 shares;
   none issued or outstanding..................................................           -           -
 Common stock, $.0025 par value.  Authorized 25,000,000 shares;
   22,265,960 shares issued and 22,100,960 shares outstanding at 
   December 31, 1996, and 20,776,860 shares issued and outstanding
   at December 31, 1995........................................................          55          51
 Paid-in capital...............................................................      37,268      27,342
 Retained earnings.............................................................      52,942      48,937
 Treasury stock, at cost, 165,000 shares held at December 31, 1996,
   and 0 shares held at December 31, 1995......................................      (2,281)          -
 Unrealized holding loss, net of tax...........................................        (379)       (246)
                                                                                   --------     -------
   Total stockholders' equity..................................................      87,605      76,084
                                                                                   --------     -------
                                                                                   $107,877     $91,241
                                                                                   ========     =======
</TABLE> 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
                                 statements. 

                                      F-3
<PAGE>
 
             AMERICAN BUSINESS INFORMATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                  __________________________________________

             for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
                   (In thousands, except per share amounts)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     1996       1995      1994
                                                                   ---------  --------  --------
<S>                                                                <C>        <C>       <C>
                                                                              Restated
 
Net sales........................................................  $108,298   $86,766   $69,603
Costs and expenses:
  Database and production costs..................................    29,272    23,999    18,321
  Selling, general and administrative............................    45,766    37,724    28,249
  Depreciation and amortization..................................     4,855     3,469     2,957
  One-time, non-cash items.......................................    21,500         -         -
                                                                   --------   -------   -------
                                                                    101,393    65,192    49,527
                                                                   --------   -------   -------
Operating income.................................................     6,905    21,574    20,076
Other income (expense):
  Investment income..............................................     3,194     1,322     1,109
  Interest expense...............................................      (209)     (157)     (247)
  Other..........................................................      (943)        -         -
                                                                   --------   -------   -------
Income before income taxes and discontinued operation............     8,947    22,739    20,938
Income taxes.....................................................     3,400     8,421     7,710
                                                                   --------   -------   -------
Income from continuing operations................................     5,547    14,318    13,228
  Loss on discontinued operation.................................      (355)   (2,317)     (404)
  Loss from abandonment of subsidiary............................    (1,373)        -         -
                                                                   --------   -------   -------
Net income.......................................................  $  3,819   $12,001   $12,824
                                                                   ========   =======   =======
 
Earnings per share:
 Income from continuing operations...............................  $   0.26   $  0.69   $  0.64
   Loss on discontinued operation and abandonment of subsidiary..     (0.08)    (0.11)    (0.02)
                                                                   --------   -------   -------
 Net income......................................................  $   0.18   $  0.58   $  0.62
                                                                   ========   =======   =======
Weighted average shares outstanding..............................    21,033    20,738    20,678
                                                                   ========   =======   =======
 
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
                                  statements.

                                      F-4
<PAGE>
 
             AMERICAN BUSINESS INFORMATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                  __________________________________________

             for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
                     (In thousands, except share amounts)

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                                                           Net            Total    
                                                              Common   Paid-In   Retained   Treasury    Unrealized     Stockholders'
                                                              Stock    Capital   Earnings    Stock     Holding Loss       Equity   
                                                              ------   -------   --------   --------   ------------   --------------
<S>                                                           <C>      <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>      <C>

Balances, December 31, 1993................................   $  34    $26,519    $24,112    $     -     $     -         $50,665
Issuance of 6,750 shares of common stock...................       -         54          -          -           -              54
Unrealized holding loss, net of tax........................       -          -          -          -        (217)           (217)
Net income.................................................       -          -     12,824          -           -          12,824
                                                              -----    -------    -------    -------     -------         -------
                                                                   
Balances, December 31, 1994................................      34     26,573     36,936          -        (217)         63,326
Issuance of 94,125 shares of common stock..................       -        786          -          -           -             786
Unrealized holding loss, net of tax........................       -          -          -          -         (29)            (29)
3 for 2 stock split........................................      17        (17)         -          -           -               -
Net income.................................................       -          -     12,001          -           -          12,001
                                                              -----    -------    -------    -------     -------         -------
                                                                   
Balances, December 31, 1995-Restated.......................      51     27,342     48,937          -        (246)         76,084
Issuance of 1,220,975 shares of common stock...............       3      9,628          -          -           -           9,631
Issuance of 560,000 shares of common stock                                                                       
   in pooling-of-interests transaction ....................       1         86        186          -           -             273
Tax benefit related to employee stock options..............       -        212          -          -           -             212
Acquisition of treasury stock..............................       -          -          -     (2,281)          -          (2,281)
Unrealized holding loss, net of tax........................       -          -          -          -        (133)           (133)
Net income.................................................       -          -      3,819          -           -           3,819
                                                              -----    -------    -------    -------       -----         -------
                                                                                                                 
Balances, December 31, 1996-Restated.......................   $  55    $37,268    $52,942    $(2,281)      $(379)        $87,605
                                                              =====    =======    =======    =======       =====         =======
 

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

</TABLE>


                                      F-5
<PAGE>
 
             AMERICAN BUSINESS INFORMATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                   -----------------------------------------

             for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
                                (In thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      1996             1995          1994
                                                                                      ----             ----          ----
                                                                                    Restated         Restated
<S>                                                                                     <C>          <C>          <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income.....................................................................   $  3,819         $ 12,001      $ 12,824
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
    operating activities:
    Depreciation and amortization................................................      4,855            3,469         3,125
    Deferred income taxes........................................................     (6,307)             662           574
    Impairment of other assets...................................................        740              630             -
    One-time non-cash items......................................................     21,500                -             -
    Loss on discontinued operation and abandonment of subsidiary.................      2,788            1,833             -
    Net realized (gains) losses on sale of marketable securities.................     (1,267)             339             -
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions and disposals:
    Trade accounts receivable....................................................     (7,762)          (4,108)       (2,166)
    Prepaid expenses.............................................................     (1,611)            (796)          211
    Deferred marketing costs.....................................................       (267)            (996)            -
    Accounts payable.............................................................     (1,422)           2,480           615
    Income taxes receivable and payable..........................................       (128)          (1,330)          573
    Accrued expenses.............................................................     (3,111)           1,635         2,330
                                                                                    --------         --------      --------
          Net cash provided by operating activities..............................     11,827           15,819        18,086


Cash flows from investing activities:
    Proceeds from sales of marketable securities.................................     18,865           15,787        15,248
    Purchases of marketable securities...........................................    (17,348)         (24,792)      (15,316)
    Purchases of property and equipment..........................................     (6,755)          (3,554)       (3,580)
    Acquisitions of businesses, including minority interest......................     (6,484)          (1,174)       (8,246)
    Software development costs...................................................     (1,955)            (512)            -
    Other........................................................................        347             (660)         (500)
                                                                                    --------         --------      --------
          Net cash used in investing activities..................................    (13,330)         (14,905)      (12,394)

Cash flows from financing activities:
    Repayment of long-term debt..................................................     (1,450)          (3,192)       (5,566)
    Proceeds from long-term debt.................................................          -                -         4,800
    Issuance of common stock.....................................................        520              786            54
    Tax benefit related to employee stock options................................        212                -             -
    Acquisition of treasury stock................................................     (2,281)               -             -
                                                                                    --------         --------      --------
          Net cash used in financing activities..................................     (2,999)          (2,406)         (712)
                                                                                    --------         --------      --------

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents.............................     (4,502)          (1,492)        4,980
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning.............................................     11,999           13,491         8,511
                                                                                    --------         --------      --------
Cash and cash equivalents, ending................................................   $  7,497         $ 11,999      $ 13,491
                                                                                    ========         ========      ========

Supplemental cash flow information:
    Interest paid................................................................   $     78         $    165      $    259
                                                                                    ========         ========      ========

    Income taxes paid............................................................   $  8,280         $  8,226      $  6,328
                                                                                    ========         ========      ========
</TABLE>

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

                                      F-6
<PAGE>
 
             AMERICAN BUSINESS INFORMATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(1)  GENERAL

     American Business Information, Inc. ("ABI") and its subsidiaries, ("the
Company"), provide business information to organizations engaged in business-to-
business marketing through products and services derived from the Company's
database. These products include customized business lists, business directories
and other information services.

     This amendment is being filed to reflect the presentation of a charge to
compensation expense in 1995 related to the Company's acquisition of 291,875
shares of common stock from a former officer of the Company, and to adjust asset
valuation reserves by approximately $660,000. The transaction had been
previously reported as a charge to paid-in-capital during the first quarter of
1996.

(2)  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

     Use of Estimates and Assumptions: The preparation of financial statements
in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management
to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of
the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses
during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

     Principles of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include
the accounts of ABI and its subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions
have been eliminated.

     Revenue Recognition: The Company recognizes revenue from the sale of
product or license of information at the time of delivery. A portion of the
revenue is deferred and recognized over the license term when the Company is
required to provide updated information. Allowance is made currently for
estimated returns and for estimated uncollectable amounts. Actual experience has
been within management's expectations.

     Database Costs: Costs to maintain and enhance the Company's database are
expensed as incurred.

     Advertising Costs: Certain direct-response advertising costs are
capitalized and amortized over periods that correspond to the estimated revenue
stream of the individual advertising activity. All other advertising costs are
expensed as the advertising takes place. Total unamortized marketing costs at
December 31, 1996 and 1995, was $1.3 million and $1.0 million, respectively.
Total advertising expense included in net income for the years ending December
31, 1996, 1995, and 1994 was $11.0 million, $10.8 million and $8.6 million,
respectively.

      Software Capitalization: Until technological feasibility is established,
software development costs are expensed as incurred. After that time, direct
costs are capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method over the
estimated economic life, generally one to three years. Unamortized software
costs included in intangible assets at December 31, 1996 and 1995, was $1.4
million and $431 thousand, respectively. Amortization of capitalized costs
during 1996 and 1995 totaled approximately $1.0 million and $81 thousand,
respectively.

                                      F-7
<PAGE>
 
     Income taxes: The Company recognizes income taxes using the liability
method, under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on
the difference between financial and tax bases of assets and liabilities using
enacted tax rates.

     Earnings Per Share: Earnings per share are based on the weighted average
number of common shares outstanding. Common equivalent shares arise as a result
of stock options and have not been included in the calculation since their
dilutive effect is less than 3%.

     Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, Earnings Per Share, (FASB 128) was
issued in February 1997 and is effective for financial statements issued for
periods ending after December 15, 1997, including interim periods. The standard
revises the calculation and presentation of earnings per share and requires the
presentation of "basic earnings per share" and "diluted earnings per share."
Management believes the amount reported as earnings per share in the
accompanying income statement would approximate basic earnings per share under
FASB 128. Management has not calculated diluted earnings per share under FASB
128, which requires the assumption that options, including those that expired or
are canceled during the period, were exercised at the beginning of the period,
using the treasury stock method.

      Invested Cash: Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid debt instruments
purchased with an original maturity of three months or less and are carried at
cost which approximates fair value. Marketable securities have been classified
as available-for-sale and therefore net unrealized gains and losses are reported
as a separate component of stockholders' equity. Unrealized and realized gains
and losses are determined by specific identification and fair values are
estimated based on quoted market prices.

     Long-Lived Assets: Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation
and amortization are computed using primarily the straight-line method, based on
the following estimated useful lives: buildings and improvements - 30 years;
office furniture and equipment - 5 to 7 years; and capitalized equipment leases-
5 years. Intangible assets are stated at cost and are amortized over the periods
benefited on a straight-line basis. Prior to 1996, goodwill, distribution
networks, and noncompete agreements were amortized on a straight-line basis over
30 years, 15 years, and the terms of the agreements, respectively. In 1996, the
Company shortened the lives for goodwill and distribution networks in
recognition of more rapid changes in the businesses acquired to 8 years and 2
years, respectively.

     All of the Company's long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever
events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be
recoverable. If the sum of the expected future cash flows is less than the
carrying amount of the asset, a loss is recognized.

     Reclassifications: Certain reclassifications were made to the 1994 and 1995
financial statements to conform to the 1996 presentation.

                                      F-8
<PAGE>
 
(3)  ACQUISITIONS

     Effective August 1996, the Company acquired certain assets and assumed
certain liabilities of Digital Directory Assistance, Inc. ("DDA"), a publisher
of PhoneDisc CD-ROM products. The total purchase price, subject to adjustment,
was estimated to be approximately $17.1 million of which $4.0 million was paid
in September 1996, $7.9 million in the form of a promissory note issued to the
sellers due January 1997, and the remaining amount through the issuance of
600,000 unregistered shares of the Company's common stock in September 1996. The
acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting.
Substantially all of the purchase price consisted of intangibles and resulted in
a one-time charge of approximately $10 million ($6.2 million after tax)
representing purchased in-process research and development costs which relates
to projects that have not met technological feasibility and that management
believes has no alternative future use. The Company has allocated substantially
all of the remaining purchase price to goodwill which is being amortized over
its useful life of 8 years. Subsequent to December 31, 1996, the purchase price
was adjusted to be $13.3 million pursuant to the purchase price calculation, and
is subject to additional re-valuation at future determination dates. The next
determination date is as of March 31, 1997. Adjustments to the purchase price
will be reflected as adjustments to goodwill. The $7.9 million promissory note
due in January 1997 was used to fund an escrow account for holding funds
potentially due the sellers, of which $2.3 million was paid to the sellers in
February 1997 based on the first determination date of December 31, 1996.

     Effective November 1996, the Company acquired the common stock of County
Data Corporation (CDC), the leading national new business database compiler.
Total consideration for the acquisition was 560,000 unregistered shares of the
Company's common stock. The acquisition was accounted for under the pooling-of-
interests method of accounting. The accompanying consolidated financial
statements have not been restated to reflect this acquisition, as the net sales
and net income of CDC were not significant for the periods presented.

     Effective November 1996, the Company acquired certain assets and assumed
certain liabilities of Marketing Data Systems, Inc. (MDS), a provider of data
warehousing, research and analysis services for target marketing applications to
Fortune 1000 companies. Total consideration for the acquisition was $2.4
million, consisting of $1.0 million in cash and 118,000 unregistered shares of
the Company's common stock. The acquisition has been accounted for under the
purchase method of accounting. The Company has allocated substantially all of
the purchase price to goodwill which is being amortized over its useful life of
8 years.

     Effective December 1996, the Company acquired certain assets and assumed
certain liabilities of BJ Hunter, the Canadian leader in the sale of lead
generation products. Total consideration for the acquisition was $3.1 million,
consisting of $876 thousand in cash and 150,000 unregistered shares of the
Company's common stock. The acquisition has been accounted for under the
purchase method of accounting. The Company has allocated substantially all of
the purchase price to goodwill which is being amortized over its useful life of
8 years.

     Effective August 1994, the Company acquired certain assets of Zeller &
Letica ("Z&L") and Nationwide Mail Marketing ("NMM") for total consideration of
$2.4 million which was accounted for under the purchase method. The Company has
allocated substantially all of the purchase price to a distribution network
which is being amortized over its estimated useful life of 2 years.

     Effective March 1994, the Company acquired certain assets from Business
Mailers, Inc. ("BMI") for total consideration of $5.8 million which was
accounted for under the purchase method. The Company has allocated substantially
all of the purchase price to a distribution network which is being amortized
over its estimated useful life of 2 years.

                                      F-9
<PAGE>
 
     Operating results for each of these acquisitions are included in the
accompanying consolidated statements of operations from the respective
acquisition dates. Assuming the above described companies had been acquired on
January 1, 1995, unaudited pro forma consolidated revenues, net income and net
income per share would have been as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             Years Ended December 31,
                                            1996                  1995
                                            ----                  ----     
                                             (In thousands except per
                                                   share amounts)
<S>                                        <C>                  <C>
 
          Net sales...................     $120,111             $101,404
          Net income..................     $  3,131             $ 11,577
          Net income per share........     $   0.14             $   0.52
</TABLE>
     The pro forma information provided above does not purport to be indicative
of the results of operations that would actually have resulted if the
acquisitions were made as of those dates or of results which may occur in the
future.

     The Company paid $48 thousand, $148 thousand, and $280 thousand in 1996,
1995 and 1994, respectively, to Annapurna Corporation for consulting services
and related expenses in connection with acquisition activity conducted by the
Company. Annapurna Corporation is 100% owned by a significant stockholder. The
Company also paid $156 thousand in 1996 to a Director of the Company for
consulting services in connection with acquisition activity conducted by the
Company.
 
(4)  MARKETABLE SECURITIES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         Amortized  Unrealized    Unrealized    Fair
                                           Cost     Gross Gain    Gross Loss    Value
                                         ---------  ----------    ----------    -----
          At December 31, 1996                          (In thousands)
<S>                                      <C>        <C>           <C>           <C>

          Municipal bonds                 $11,450       $ 35          $(132)   $11,354
          U.S. government and agency          808          7             (5)       811
          Corporate bonds                   5,751         17            (58)     5,709
          Common stock                      5,365         18           (496)     4,886
          Preferred stock                      47          3              -         50
                                          -------       ----          -----    -------
                                          $23,421       $ 80          $(691)   $22,810
                                          =======       ====          =====    =======


                                                     Gross          Gross
                                        Amortized  Unrealized     Unrealized     Fair
                                          Cost     Holding Gain  Holding Loss    Value
                                        ---------  ------------  ------------    -----
          At December 31, 1995                          (In thousands)

          Municipal bonds                 $12,027       $ 68          $ (55)   $12,040
          U.S. government and agency        1,513         46              -      1,559
          Corporate bonds                   7,189        114             (5)     7,298
          Common stock                      1,148         11           (248)       911
          Preferred stock                   1,804          4           (266)     1,542
                                          -------       ----          -----    -------
                                          $23,681       $243          $(574)   $23,350
                                          =======       ====          =====    =======
</TABLE>
                                     F-10
<PAGE>
 
  Scheduled maturities of marketable debt securities at December 31, 1996, are 
as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                Less Than   One to   Five to   More than
                                 1 Year    5 Years  10 Years    10 Years
                                ---------  -------  --------   ---------
                                            (In thousands)
  <S>                           <C>        <C>      <C>        <C>
 
  Municipal bonds                $1,738    $ 6,294     $732     $2,589
  U.S. government and agency          -        811        -          -
  Corporate bonds                 1,869      3,840        -          -
                                 ------    -------     ----     ------
                                 $3,607    $10,945     $732     $2,589
                                 ======    =======     ====     ======
 
</TABLE>

  During 1996, proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities
approximated $18.9 million with realized gains of $1.6  million and realized
losses of $343 thousand.  In 1995, proceeds approximated $15.8 million with
realized gains of $747 thousand and realized losses of $1.1 million.

(5) PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 December 31,
                                                1996     1995
                                               -------  -------
                                                (In thousands)
  <S>                                            <C>      <C>
 
  Land and improvements...................    $ 1,220  $ 1,032
  Buildings and improvements..............      9,084    7,157
  Furniture and equipment.................     21,597   15,439
  Capitalized equipment leases............      1,437    1,437
                                              -------  -------
                                               33,338   25,065
  Less accumulated depreciation and
    amortization:
      Owned property......................     14,188   11,036
      Capitalized equipment leases........        264      144
                                              -------  -------
        Property and equipment, net.......    $18,886  $13,885
                                              =======  =======
 
</TABLE>

  Under the terms of its capital lease agreements, the Company is required to
pay ownership costs, including taxes, licenses and maintenance.  The Company
also leases office space under operating leases expiring at various dates
through February, 2005.  Certain of these leases contain renewal options.  Rent
expense was $952 thousand in 1996, $593 thousand in 1995, and $603 thousand in
1994.

  Following is a schedule of the future minimum lease payments under these
leases as of December 31, 1996.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                  Capital   Operating
                                                  -------   ---------
                                                     (In thousands)
<S>                                               <C>       <C>
 1997..........................................     $516     $1,009
 1998..........................................      438        784
 1999..........................................       35        551
 2000..........................................       --        358
 2001..........................................       --        238
                                                    ----     ------ 
 Total future minimum lease payments...........      989     $2,940
                                                             ======
 Less amounts representing interest............       79
                                                    ----
 Present value of net minimum lease payments...     $910
                                                    ====
</TABLE>

                                      F-11
<PAGE>
 
(6) OTHER INVESTMENTS

  Included in other assets at December 31, 1996 and 1995, are investments of
$571 thousand and $1.3 million, respectively, in two companies that are
partially owned by certain members of the Board of Directors of the Company.  At
December 31, 1996, the investments include $500 thousand in Trident Capital
Partners CSG Acquisition Fund, L.P. and $71 thousand in IDE Corporation.  The
Company owns less than 10% of either company and accounts for these investments
on the cost method.  No dividends have been received from these investments.
 
(7) INTANGIBLE ASSETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                       December 31,
                                   1996           1995
                                  -------       -------
<S>                               <C>           <C>
                                    (In thousands)
 Goodwill.......................  $18,188       $ 6,331
 Distribution networks..........        -        11,871
 Noncompete agreements..........        -           150
 Software development costs.....    1,955           512
                                  -------       -------
                                   20,143        18,864
 Less accumulated amortization..    3,227         4,222
                                  -------       -------
                                  $16,916       $14,642
                                  =======       =======
</TABLE>

(8) FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS

  The Company has two secured revolving lines of credit totaling $10.0
million, none of which was outstanding at December 31, 1996.  One $5.0 million
line of credit expires in May 1997.  A second line of credit of $5.0 million
expires in January 2000.  Any borrowings would accrue interest at the bank's
base rate and would be payable upon demand.
 
  Long-term debt consisted of the following:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                   December 31,
                                                                  1996     1995
                                                                ------   ------
                                                                 (In thousands)
<S>                                                             <C>     <C>
 Bank note, repaid in March 1996..............................  $   --   $  687
 Bank note assumed in acquisition, repaid in January 1997.....     225       --
 Computer lease obligations, discounted at 4.9% (See Note 5)..     910    1,352
                                                                ------   ------
                                                                 1,135    2,039
 Less current portion.........................................     708      969
                                                                ------   ------
  Long-term debt..............................................  $  427   $1,070
                                                                ======   ======
</TABLE>

  The maturities of long-term debt are as follows:

                1997..................................  $  708
                1998..................................     427
                                                        ------
                                                        $1,135
                                                        ======

                                      F-12
<PAGE>
 
(9) INCOME TAXES

     The provision for income taxes on continuing operations consists of the
following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                               Years ended December 31,
                                            1996        1995          1994
                                            ----        ----          ----
                                                    (in thousands)
                    <S>                    <C>          <C>          <C>
                    Current:
                    Federal..............  $ 8,782     $7,101        $6,559
                    State................      925        658           577
                                           -------     ------        ------
                                             9,707      7,759         7,136
                                           -------     ------        ------
                    Deferred:
                    Federal..............   (6,159)       615           443
                    State................     (148)        47           131
                                           -------     ------        ------
                                            (6,307)       662           574
                                           -------     ------        ------
                                           $ 3,400     $8,421        $7,710
                                           =======     ======        ======
</TABLE>

     Loss on discontinued operation and abandonment of subsidiary is presented
net of income tax benefits of $1.1 million in 1996, $1.3 million  in 1995 and
$235 thousand in 1994.

     The effective income tax rate varied from the federal statutory rate as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           Years ended December 31,
                                                                                      1996           1995           1994
                                                                                      ----           ----           ----
                                                                                                 (in thousands)
<S>                                                                                  <C>           <C>             <C>
Tax provision computed at statutory rate of 35%............................          $3,131         $7,959         $7,328
State taxes, net...........................................................             530            401            418
Nondeductible expense, nontaxable income and other.........................            (261)            61            (36)
                                                                                     ------         ------         ------
                                                                                     $3,400         $8,421         $7,710
                                                                                     ======         ======         ======
</TABLE> 

     The components of the net deferred tax asset (liability) were as follows:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                                                   Years ended December 31,
                                                                                       1996          1995
                                                                                       ----          ----
                                                                                       (in thousands)
<S>                                                                                   <C>            <C>
Deferred tax assets:
 Marketable securities.....................................................         $   232        $    85
 Intangible assets.........................................................           5,758              -
 Accrued vacation..........................................................             291            185
 Accrued expenses..........................................................             369            409
 Accounts receivable.......................................................             317            389
 Other assets..............................................................             521            239
 Other.....................................................................               -            208
                                                                                    -------        -------
                                                                                      7,488          1,515
                                                                                    -------        -------
Deferred tax liabilities:
 Intangible assets.........................................................               -         (1,439)
 Depreciation..............................................................            (824)          (801)
 Prepaid expenses and other................................................          (1,788)          (853)
                                                                                    -------        -------
                                                                                     (2,612)        (3,093)
                                                                                    -------        -------
Net deferred tax asset (liability).........................................         $ 4,876        $(1,578)
                                                                                    =======        =======
</TABLE>

                                      F-13
<PAGE>
 
(10) STOCK INCENTIVES

     The Company has a stock option plan under which a total of 4.0 million (1.9
million prior to 1996) shares of the Company's common stock have been reserved
for issuance to officers, key employees and non-employee directors.

     Options are generally granted at the stock's fair market value on the date
of grant, vest generally over a four year period and expire five years from date
of grant. Options issued to shareholders holding 10% or more of the Company's
stock are generally issued at 110% of the stock's fair market value on the date
of grant and vest over periods ranging from five to six years with early vesting
if certain financial goals are met. Certain options issued to directors at the
stock's fair market value vested immediately and expire five years from grant
date. The Company has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation". Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for the
stock option plan. Had compensation cost for the Company's stock option plan
been determined based on the fair value at the grant date for awards in 1995 and
1996 consistent with the provisions of 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>
          Year Ended December 31,                      1996      1995
          -----------------------------                ----      ----
                                    (In thousands, expect per share amounts)

          <S>                                         <C>       <C>
          Net income-as reported                      $3,819    $12,001
          Net income-pro forma                        $3,103    $11,779

          Earnings per share-as reported              $ 0.18    $  0.58
          Earnings per share-pro forma                $ 0.15    $  0.57
          </TABLE>

     The above pro forma results are not likely to be representative of the
effects on reported net income for future years since options vest over several
years and additional awards generally are made each year.

     The fair value of the weighted average of each year's option grants is
estimated as of the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model
with the following weighted-average assumptions used for grants in 1996 and
1995, respectively: dividend yield of 0%; expected volatility of 15.52%; risk
free interest rate based on the U.S. Treasury strip yield at the date of grant;
and expected lives of 4.0 years for options other than those issued to 10% or
more shareholders for which the expected lives were equal to the vesting periods
of 5 to 6 years.

                                     F-14
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          1996                        1995                        1994
                                                   -------------------        ---------------------       ---------------------
                                                              Weighted                      Weighted                   Weighted
                                                          Average Exercise              Average Exercise           Average Exercise
                                                   Shares      Price           Shares         Price        Shares        Price
                                                   ------      -----           ------         -----        ------        -----
<S>                                              <C>          <C>            <C>             <C>          <C>            <C>

Outstanding on January 1,                         1,456,875     $10.97        1,094,250       $ 8.65        694,500      $ 8.28
Granted                                           1,937,000     $16.34          498,000       $15.38        436,500      $ 9.18
Exercised                                          (352,975)    $ 8.63          (94,125)      $ 8.36         (6,750)     $ 7.94
Forfeited / Expired                                (484,000)    $12.00          (41,250)      $ 8.45        (30,000)     $ 8.13
                                                 ----------     ------       ----------       ------      ---------      ------
Outstanding on December 31,                       2,556,900     $15.16        1,456,875       $10.97      1,094,250      $ 8.65
                                                 ==========     ======       ==========       ======      =========      ======

Options exercisable at end of year                  292,525     $11.07          378,750       $10.99        189,000      $12.54
                                                 ==========     ======       ==========       ======      =========      ======

Shares available on December 31,
  for options that may be granted                 1,443,100                     443,125                     805,750
                                                 ==========                  ==========                   =========

Weighted-average grant date fair value of
  options, granted during the year - exercise
  price equals stock market price at grant       $     3.94                  $     3.82
                                                 ==========                  ==========

Weighted-average grant date fair value of
  options granted during the year - exercise
  price exceeds stock market price at grant      $    4.19                   $        -
                                                 =========                   ==========
</TABLE>

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at
December 31, 1996:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      Options Outstanding                     Options Exercisable
                                        -----------------------------------------------     -----------------------


                                                             Weighted-
                                                              Average         Weighted-                   Weighted-
                                                             Remaining         Average                     Average
                                          Number            Contractual       Exercise        Number       Exercise
Range of Exercise Prices                Outstanding             Life            Price       Exercisable     Price
- ------------------------                -----------         -----------         -----       -----------    ------
<S>                                     <C>                  <C>               <C>          <C>          <C>
$8.00                                       36,500            0.3 years        $ 8.00          36,500       $ 8.00
$7.59                                       71,375            1.3 years        $ 7.77          46,250       $ 7.79
$8.66 to $9.50                             197,025            2.5 years        $ 9.03          87,525       $ 8.98
$11.00 to $11.50                           157,500            3.1 years        $11.48          39,375       $11.48
$15.50 to $17.50                           157,500            3.5 years        $17.12          61,875       $16.53
$13.25 to $18.50                         1,937,000            4.4 years        $16.34          21,000       $15.50
                                         ---------                             ------         -------       ------
$7.59 to $18.50                          2,556,900                             $15.16         292,525       $11.07
                                         =========                             ======         =======       ======

</TABLE>

                                      F-15
<PAGE>
 
(11) SAVINGS PLAN

     Employees who meet certain eligibility requirements can participate in the
Company's 401(k) Savings and Investment Plan. Under the plan, the Company may,
at its discretion, match a percentage of the employee contributions. The Company
recorded expenses related to its matching contributions of $115 thousand, $80
thousand and $71 thousand in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

(12)  DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

     On June 1, 1995, the Company transferred substantially all of the assets
and liabilities of its wholly-owned subsidiary, American Business
Communications, Inc. ("ABC") to a wholly-owned subsidiary of Baker University.
The Company received $3.0 million in the form of a 7.52% non-recourse promissory
note, due in equal monthly installments through 2005. The note is listed as "net
assets of business transferred under contractual arrangement" on the
accompanying consolidated balance sheet since it is non-recourse to Baker
University. ABC recorded net sales of $2.9 million and $6.7 million during 1995
and 1994, respectively.

     During 1996, Baker University defaulted on the note and the Company
abandoned any remaining net assets of the business. As a result, the Company
recorded a loss from abandonment of subsidiary of $1.4 million, net of tax.

     The Company originally reported the transfer of assets in 1995 as a loss on
sale of discontinued operations. However, the prior year amount has been
reclassified in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletins 5-E and 5-Z, as an
impairment of net assets transferred under contractual arrangement. Since the
remaining net assets have been abandoned in 1996, all 1995 amounts related to
ABC have been reclassified as discontinued operations.

(13) SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

     The Company made certain acquisitions in 1996 and 1994 (See Note 3) and
assumed liabilities as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  1996      1994
                                                 -------   -------
                                                  (In thousands)
           <S>                                   <C>       <C>
           Fair value of assets                  $28,107   $ 9,333
           Cash paid                              (5,910)   (8,200)
           Promissory note issued                 (7,925)        -
           Common stock issued                    (9,382)        -
                                                 -------   -------
           Liabilities assumed                   $ 4,890   $ 1,133
                                                 =======   =======
</TABLE>

     In conjunction with the transfer of ABC in 1995, approximately $6.8 million
of assets, less liabilities of $1.0 million, were exchanged for a $3.0 million
note receivable. As a result, the Company recognized an impairment of $1.8
million net of a tax benefits, which is included in loss on discontinued
operations.

                                     F-16

<PAGE>
 
(14)  FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

     The carrying amount of the Company's financial instruments approximates
their estimated fair value at December 31, 1996. The fair value of cash and cash
equivalents was based on the carrying value of such assets. The estimated fair
value of marketable securities were based on quoted market prices. The fair
value of notes receivable and long-term debt, including capital lease
obligations, were estimated based on discounted cash flows using market rates at
the balance sheet date. The use of discounted cash flows can be significantly
affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of
future cash flows. The derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by
comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in
immediate settlement of the instrument.

(15)  CONTINGENCIES

     The Company and its subsidiaries are involved in legal proceedings, claims
and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. Management believes
that any resulting liability should not materially affect the Company's
financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

(16)  ONE-TIME, NON-CASH ITEMS
 
     One-time, non-cash items represent charges for the purchased in-process
research and development of approximately $10 million relating to the
acquisition of DDA (See Note 3) and the change in estimated useful lives of
approximately $11.5 million due to management's evaluation of the remaining
lives of certain intangibles related to acquisitions prior to 1995.

(17)  SUBSEQUENT EVENT

     Effective February 15, 1997, the Company acquired all issued and
outstanding common stock of DBA Holdings, Inc., the parent company of Database
America Companies, Inc. (DBA), a leading provider of data processing and
analytical services for marketing applications, and compiler of information on
consumers and businesses in the United States. Total consideration for the
acquisition was approximately $100 million, consisting of approximately $50
million in cash and approximately 2.2 million shares of the Company's common
stock. The acquisition will be accounted for as a purchase. The Company expects
to immediately write-off a significant portion of the purchase price in the
first quarter of 1997. The remaining intangibles and goodwill will be written
off over 8 years.

(18)  RESTATEMENT
 
     During 1995, the Company agreed to repurchase, at fair market value,
291,875 shares of common stock from a former officer of the Company for $3.1
million. The charge of $3.1 million is reflected as selling, general and
administrative expense on the accompanying 1995 consolidated statement of
operations. The Company originally reported the transaction as a charge to paid-
in-capital during the first quarter of 1996. Consequently, the accompanying
financial statements have been restated to properly account for the repurchase
as compensation expense.

     The accompanying financial statements have also been restated to reflect an
increase to receivable reserves of $0.6 million. The charge of $0.6 million is
reflected as selling, general and administrative expense on the accompanying
1995 consolidated statement of operations.

     The restatements decreased net income for 1995 by $2.3 million.
Additionally, as of December 31, 1996, paid-in capital increased by $1.9
million, accounts receivable decreased by $0.6 million, retained earnings
decreased by $2.3 million, and total stockholders' equity decreased by $0.4
million.

     Earnings per share for December 31, 1995 decreased by $0.11 as a result of
the restatement.


                                     F-17


<PAGE>
 
             AMERICAN BUSINESS INFORMATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                  SCHEDULE II
                       VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
                                (In thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       Additions
                               --------------------------
                   Balance at  Charged to                             Balance at
                   Beginning    Costs and    Charged to                 End of
Description        of Period    Expenses   Other Accounts  Deductions   Period
- -------------      ----------  ----------  --------------  ---------- ----------
<S>                <C>         <C>         <C>             <C>        <C>
                                                               
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable:                    (A)

December 31, 1994..  $  250      $  936         $   -        $  782     $  404
 
December 31, 1995..  $  404      $1,585         $   -        $  965     $1,024
 
December 31, 1996..  $1,024      $1,485         $ 364*       $1,284     $1,589
 
 
 
Allowance for sales returns:                                   (B)
 
December 31, 1994..  $  -        $  -           $   -        $  -       $  -
 
December 31, 1995..  $  -        $  800         $   -        $  -       $  800
 
December 31, 1996..  $  800      $3,401         $ 929*       $3,995     $1,135
</TABLE>

*  Recorded as a result of acquisitions

(A) Charge-offs during the period indicated
(B) Returns processed during the period indicated

                                      S-1
<PAGE>
 
                               INDEX TO EXHIBITS
                      AMERICAN BUSINESS INFORMATION, INC.
                          ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit                                                                                            Sequentially
  No.                             Description                                                      Numbered Page
 -------     -------------------------------------------------                                     -------------
<C>          <S>                                                                                   <C>

 3.1         Certificate of Incorporation, Amended as of September, 1996

 3.2 (1)     By-laws

 4.1 (1)     Specimen Certificate representing the Common Stock

10.1         1992 Stock Option Plan, Amended as of March, 1997

10.2 (2)     Form of Indemnification Agreement with Officers and Directors

10.8 (4)     Asset Purchase Agreement between the Company and Digital Directory Assistance, Inc.

10.9 (5)     Agreement and Plan of Reorganization between the Company and the Shareholders
             of DBA Holdings, Inc.

10.10 (5)    Agreement and Plan of Merger between the Company and DBA Holdings, Inc.

10.11 (5)    Loan Agreement between the Company and First Union National Bank of North Carolina

10.12        Registration Rights Agreement between the Company and 3319977 Canada Inc.

10.13        Registration Rights Agreement between the Company and the Shareholders of Digital
             Directory Assistance, Inc.

10.14        Registration Rights Agreement between the Company and the Shareholders of County
             Data Corporation.

11           Statement re: computation of per share earnings

21           Subsidiaries and State of Incorporation

23           Consent of Independent Accountants

24           Power of Attorney (included on signature page)

27           Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>

- -----------
(1) Incorporated by reference to exhibits filed with Registrant's Registration
    Statement on Form S-1 (No. 33-42887) which became effective February 18,
    1992.
<PAGE>
 
(2)  Incorporated by reference to exhibits filed with Registrant's
     Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 33-51352) which became effective
     September 16, 1992.

(3)  Incorporated by reference to exhibits filed with Registrant's year end
     report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993.
 
(4)  Incorporated by reference to exhibits filed with Registrant's current
     report on Form 8-K dated September 10, 1997.
 
(5)  Incorporated by reference to exhibits filed with Registrant's current
     report on Form 8-K dated February 28, 1997.

     (b)  Reports on Form 8-K:

          On September 10, 1996, the Company filed a current report on Form 8-K,
which was subsequently amended by a Form 8-K/A, related to the acquisition of
Digital Directory Assistance, Inc.

          On February 28,1997, the Company filed a current report on Form 8-K
related to the acquisition of DBA Holdings, Inc.

<PAGE>
 
                                                                      EXHIBIT 11


                      AMERICAN BUSINESS INFORMATION, INC.
             STATEMENT REGARDING COMPUTATION OF PER SHARE EARNINGS

             For the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
                   (In thousands, except per share amounts)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   1996     1995     1994
                                                  -------  -------  -------
<S>                                               <C>      <C>      <C>
 
Average shares outstanding......................   21,033   20,738   20,678
Net additional common equivalent shares (1).....      341      632      174
                                                  -------  -------  -------
 
Average number of common and common equivalent
 shares outstanding.............................   21,374   21,370   20,852
                                                  =======  =======  =======
 
Net income for per share computation (1)........  $ 3,819  $12,001  $12,824
                                                  =======  =======  =======
 
Net income per average common and common
 equivalent share outstanding...................  $  0.18  $  0.56  $  0.62
                                                  =======  =======  =======
</TABLE>
______________________________

(1)  This calculation is submitted in accordance with Regulation S-K item
     601(b)(11) although not required by footnote 2 to paragraph 14 of APB
     Opinion No. 15 because it results in dilution of less than 3 percent.

<PAGE>
 
                                                                      EXHIBIT 23



                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
on Form S-8 (File No. 33-59256) of American Business Information, Inc. of our
report dated January 24, 1997, February 15, 1997 and July 31, 1997 on our audits
of the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule of
American Business Information, Inc. as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and for
each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996, which report is
included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


                                                    /s/ Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
                                                    COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.

Omaha, Nebraska
September 4, 1997

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 5
<RESTATED> 
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                         DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                              DEC-31-1996
<CASH>                                          7,497 
<SECURITIES>                                   22,810 
<RECEIVABLES>                                  29,630 
<ALLOWANCES>                                        0 
<INVENTORY>                                         0 
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               66,066       
<PP&E>                                         33,338      
<DEPRECIATION>                                 14,452    
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                107,877      
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          19,845    
<BONDS>                                           427  
                               0 
                                         0 
<COMMON>                                           55 
<OTHER-SE>                                     87,550       
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                  107,877         
<SALES>                                             0          
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                              108,298          
<CGS>                                               0          
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                 101,393          
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                  943       
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                    0      
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                209       
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 8,947       
<INCOME-TAX>                                    3,400      
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             5,547      
<DISCONTINUED>                                  1,728  
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                     0      
<CHANGES>                                           0  
<NET-INCOME>                                    3,819 
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     .18 
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     .18 
        

</TABLE>


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