1 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 Form 10-K X ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 _ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM _____________ TO ------------- Commission file number 0-21796 CDW COMPUTER CENTERS, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Illinois 36-3310735 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) 200 N. Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills, Illinois 60061 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code : (847) 465-6000 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act : Title of each class Name of each exchange on which registered None N/A Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (g) of the Act : Common Stock 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 ----- ----- 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 the 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 ----- The aggregate market value of the Common Stock held by non-affiliates as of March 29, 1999 was approximately $1.360 billion, based upon the market price per share of $63.13. As of March 29, 1999, the registrant had 21,540,991 shares of Common Stock, $0.01 par value, outstanding. 2 DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE Portions of the following documents are incorporated by reference into the parts of this Form 10-K designated to the right of the document listed. Incorporated Document Location in Form 10-K 1998 Definitive Proxy Statement, to be Part III, Items 10, 11, 12 and 13 filed pursuant to Regulation 14 A not later than April 30, 1999. An Index to Exhibits appears at pages Part IV, Item 14 20 - 22 herein i 3 CDW COMPUTER CENTERS, INC. 1998 FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 INDEX PART I 10-K Page No. Item 1. Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Item 2. Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Item 3. Legal Proceedings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders . . . . . . 9 PART II Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Item 6. Selected Financial Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data . . . . . . . . . 19 Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure . . . . .. . . . . . . .19 PART III Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant . . . . . . 19 Item 11. Executive Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .19 Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions . . . . . . . . 19 PART IV Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedule and Reports on Form 8-K . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Signatures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 ii 4 PART I Item 1. BUSINESS. GENERAL CDW Computer Centers, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively 'CDW' or the 'Company') is a leading direct marketer of microcomputer products, primarily to business, government, educational, institutional and home office users in the United States. The Company sells a broad range of name-brand microcomputer products, including hardware and peripherals, software, networking/communication products and accessories through knowledgeable telemarketing account managers. On May 27, 1998, the Company formed CDW Government, Inc. (CDW-G), a wholly owned subsidiary. CDW-G sells personal computers and related products and focuses exclusively on serving government and education accounts. Sales of products that utilize, or are compatible with, Microsoft Windows, Windows NT and MS-DOS operating platforms account for substantially all of the Company's net sales. The Company offers popular brand name microcomputer products from Apple, Compaq, Canon, Epson, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Intel, Lotus, Microsoft, NEC, Novell, Toshiba and 3Com, among others. The Company's high volume, cost-efficient operation, supported by its proprietary information technology systems, enables it to offer these products at discounted prices. The Company directs its marketing efforts toward current and prospective customers with a particular focus on business, government, educational, institutional and home office users. The Company believes that these entities and persons have a high level of product knowledge and are most likely to purchase sophisticated systems and products through the Company's direct marketing format. The Company markets to prospective customers through its catalog and other direct mailing programs, through national advertising in computer magazines and through electronic commerce via the Internet. During the year ended December 31, 1998, the Company serviced approximately 634,000 customers. The Company continues to focus on generating repeat sales from existing customers while attracting sales from new customers. The Company has consistently maintained a high annual rate of repeat purchases from current customers by offering excellent customer service and competitive pricing on a broad range of microcomputer products. The Company enhances repeat purchases by offering add-on and replacement products through its experienced telemarketing account managers who are knowledgeable about a customer's needs, and by enhancing product offerings such as networking products through targeted catalogs to such users. THE MICROCOMPUTER PRODUCTS INDUSTRY EVOLUTION The microcomputer industry has evolved as a result of, among other things, the development of new technologies that have been translated by manufacturers into new products and applications. The Company has been and will continue to be dependent on the continued development of new technologies and products by its vendors, as well as the acceptance of such technologies and new products by end-users. A decrease in the rate of development of new technologies and new products by manufacturers, or the lack of acceptance of such technologies and products by end-users, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's growth prospects and results of operations. The sophistication and value consciousness of the Company's customer base, combined with the evolution of industry standards for microcomputers, has also resulted in heightened end-user interest in, and acceptance of, microcomputers, peripherals and software which use the Microsoft operating platform and are manufactured by high quality manufacturers. In addition, the intense competition among manufacturers has generally reduced prices and increased the number of microcomputers and related products being used by businesses and sold by direct marketing organizations such as CDW. The Company believes that its direct marketing format, which promotes the sale of high quality, brand name products at competitive prices and a high level of technical service, is well suited to serve an increasingly sophisticated and value conscious customer base. 1 5 COMPETITION The microcomputer products industry is highly competitive. The Company competes with a large number and variety of resellers of microcomputer and related products. In the hardware category, the Company competes with traditional microcomputer retailers, computer superstores, consumer electronic and office supply superstores, mass merchandisers, national direct marketers, Internet retailers, corporate resellers and value-added resellers. In the software and accessories categories, the Company generally competes with these same resellers as well as specialty retailers and resellers. In addition, as a result of improving technology, certain software manufacturers have developed and may continue to develop sales methods that allow customers to download software programs and packages directly onto the customer's system through the use of modem telecommunications. The Company also competes with distributors and manufacturers that sell hardware and software directly to certain customers. Several of the Company's current and potential competitors are larger and have substantially greater resources than the Company. Additionally, several competitors in the direct marketing and Internet commerce industries have raised capital in the public markets through initial and subsequent public offerings. The increased visibility of these companies and their access to the capital markets may improve their market position and their ability to compete with the Company. Although the Company offers products for sale via electronic commerce, there can be no assurance that the Company's sales via electronic commerce will meet or exceed sales levels generated by competitors. The Company believes that competition may increase in the future, which could require the Company to reduce prices, increase advertising expenditures or take other actions which may have an adverse effect on the Company's operating results. The current industry configuration may result in increased pricing pressures. Decreasing prices of microcomputers and related products, resulting in part from technological changes, may require the Company to sell a greater number of products to achieve the same level of net sales and gross profit. Such a trend could make it more difficult for the Company to continue to increase its net sales and earnings growth. In addition, if the growth rate of microcomputer sales were to slow down, the Company's operating results could be adversely affected. THE CDW PHILOSOPHY The Company adheres to a central philosophy known as the CDW CIRCLE OF SERVICE. The philosophy is based upon the premise, promoted by its management, that "People Do Business With People They Like." The CDW CIRCLE OF SERVICE is a graphic reminder to the Company and its personnel that good service leads to good experiences and increased sales, and, alternatively, that bad experiences lead to lost sales and job uncertainty. BUSINESS STRATEGY The Company's business strategy is to be a high volume, cost-efficient direct marketer of a broad range of brand name, competitively priced, microcomputer products and to provide a high level of customer service. The Company believes that the following factors are of principal importance in its ability to implement this business strategy: Breadth and Depth of Selection. The Company offers a wide range of products, providing its customers with the convenience of one-stop shopping for their microcomputer-related needs. The Company carries brand name products and regularly reviews and modifies its mix of product offerings. 2 5 Competitive Pricing. The Company believes that its high volume, cost-efficient direct marketing format allows it to maintain a pricing advantage over many other microcomputer product resellers. The Company utilizes a pricing model which allows it to efficiently pass on pricing changes as they occur and provide its customers with the lowest possible price. Sales and Marketing. The Company uses telemarketing account managers to respond to customer inquiries generated by direct marketing in personal computer magazines, periodic catalog mailings and Internet marketing activities. In addition to its direct marketing efforts, the Company uses certain other sales strategies, including outbound calling through its Corporate Development team, to expand and enhance its base of active customers. The Company's sales function is organized to support customers requiring unique service levels or product lines. Customer Service - Custom Configuration and Technical Support. As of December 31, 1998, the Company custom configures approximately 3,000 units per week and ships the majority of its orders the day the order is placed. The Company employs a trained technical staff that is available by telephone to assist the customer should technical problems occur in order to reduce product returns and increase customer satisfaction. The Company believes that its commitment to service at the time of sale and after the purchase maximizes sales and encourages repeat customers. Information Technology. The Company uses proprietary, real-time information technology systems which centralize management of key functions and generate daily operating control reports enabling management to identify and respond quickly to internal changes and trends in the industry and to provide high levels of customer satisfaction. Effective Inventory Control. The Company's management information systems, "just-in-time" purchasing system, RF-based cycle counting system and use of vendor stock balancing and price protection programs allow it to minimize its investment in inventory, reduce inventory discrepancies and the risk of obsolescence while meeting customer needs. These systems resulted in the Company achieving approximately 24 inventory turns during 1998. High Quality Personnel. The Company strives to attract, retain and motivate high quality personnel and provides its coworkers with financial incentives designed to maximize performance and productivity. The Company and Mr. Krasny, its majority shareholder, Chairman and CEO, have instituted short-term incentive programs and stock-based compensation programs to reward and motivate all of the Company's coworkers. 3 7 MERCHANDISE The Company offers microcomputer products including hardware and peripherals, software, networking and communication products and accessories for use with microcomputers based on a variety of operating platforms. The Company's just-in-time purchasing system and aggressive inventory management allows it to limit its on-hand inventory and ship orders generally on a same-day basis. The following is a listing of selected product manufacturers by product category : PRODUCT CATEGORIES SELECTED PRODUCT MANUFACTURERS ------------------ ------------------------------ HARDWARE AND PERIPHERALS: Notebook and Laptop Computers 3Com IBM Okidata Desktop Computers and Servers 3M Imation Quantum Printers Acer Infocus Seagate Data Storage Devices Adaptec Intel Simple Video Products APC Iomega SMC Add-on Boards/Memory Apple Kingston Sony Input Devices Belkin Kodak TDK Multi-Media Canon Lexmark Tectronix Net/Comm Products Cisco Logitech Toshiba Other Accessories Compaq Magnavox Viewsonic CTX Maxell Visiontek Epson Memorex Western Digital Fujitsu Microtek Hewlett-Packard NEC SOFTWARE: Adobe Lotus Seagate Computer Associates Microsoft Symantec Corel Novell The Company continually seeks to expand and improve its relationships with manufacturers as well as increase the number of products which it is authorized to sell. The Company offers a wide variety of software packages in the business and personal productivity, utility and language, educational and entertainment categories. The Company also offers a broad range of microcomputer accessories, including computer-related items and supplies such as diskettes, printer products, pointing devices, digital cameras and connectors. PURCHASING AND VENDOR SELECTION; INVENTORY MANAGEMENT The Company believes that effective purchasing is a key element of its business strategy of providing name brand products at competitive prices. The Company's purchasing staff works to identify reliable high quality suppliers of products, then actively negotiates to decrease the Company's cost and expand vendor support programs, permitting the Company to improve the competitiveness of selling prices of its products. The Company seeks to establish strong relationships with its vendors, and employs a policy of paying vendors within terms stated and taking advantage of all appropriate discounts. During 1998, CDW purchased approximately 60% of its merchandise from distributors and aggregators and the balance direct from manufacturers, all of 4 8 which ship directly to the Company's distribution facility. The Company is generally authorized by manufacturers to sell via direct marketing all or selected products offered by the manufacturer. The Company's authorization with each manufacturer provides for certain terms and conditions, which may include one or more of the following: product return privileges, price protection policies, purchase discounts and vendor support programs, such as purchase or sales rebates and cooperative advertising reimbursements. The Company's business and results of operations may be adversely affected if the terms and conditions of the Company's authorizations were significantly modified or if certain products become unavailable to the Company, whether such unavailability is because the manufacturer terminates the Company's authorization or the product is subject to allocation or otherwise. Vendor support programs are at the discretion of the manufacturers and usually require achieving a specified sales volume or growth rate to qualify for all, or some of the incentive program. For the year ended December 31, 1998, Ingram Micro/Ingram Alliance and Merisel were the only vendors from whom purchases exceeded 10% of total purchases. Additionally, in 1998 Compaq and Hewlett Packard products each comprised more than 10% of total Company sales. The loss of any of these vendors, or any other key vendors, could have an adverse effect on the Company. The Company believes that the Chicago metropolitan area is an excellent location for its business as it is centrally located for purposes of shipping products throughout the United States and provides quick access to manufacturers and same day access to its principal distributors and aggregators, including Ingram Micro/Ingram Alliance, Merisel, Tech Data, and Micro United. The relocation of key distributors utilized in the Company's just-in-time purchasing model could adversely impact the Company's results of operations. Although brand names and individual products are important to the Company's business, the Company believes that competitive sources of supply are available in substantially all of the merchandise categories the Company carries. CDW also applies its proprietary information technology systems to the task of managing its inventory. At December 31, 1998, the Company maintained an investment in inventory of approximately $64 million with approximately $72,000 of inventory on hand over 90 days old. The Company turned its inventory approximately 24 times during 1998. MARKETING AND ADVERTISING ACTIVITIES The Company utilizes a variety of advertising and marketing media to attract and retain customers, including national advertising in computer related publications, catalogs and certain other direct marketing activities, as well as electronic marketing via the Internet. In 1998, the Company launched a new national branding campaign which includes national print media and national cable television advertisements. Due to its relationships with its product suppliers and others, a substantial portion of its advertising and marketing expenses are reimbursed through cooperative advertising reimbursement programs. These cooperative advertising programs are at the discretion of the Company's vendors and are typically tied to certain purchasing volumes and other commitments required by the Company. The Company's approach to its marketing and advertising activities is proprietary in nature, as is its strategy in managing its files of current, prior and prospective customers. In order to measure the effectiveness of its marketing activities, the Company tracks responses to its various efforts by a variety of means. This information is used to further refine its strategy and develop more effective programs in the future. www.cdw.com The Company has an established Internet web site, known as www.cdw.com, to capitalize on the growing interest and opportunity created by electronic commerce. The web site includes many advanced features to attract new customers and produce sales, including more than 40,000 computer products to search and order on-line, advanced search capabilities, product specifications on over 10,000 products, product availability and pricing. It also offers side-by-side product comparisons, links to product reviews, newsworthy announcements, personalized access and customized two-way interaction that allows for checking order status at will. In addition, the Company has, through its excellent relations with vendors, arranged for links between vendors' web sites and the Company's. The Company believes the website provides information and convenience for its customers, while also serving as another source for new customers. During 1998 the Company generated $60.5 million of unassisted sales over its web site, of which $20.6 million were generated in the fourth quarter. 5 9 SALES ACTIVITIES AND ORDER FULFILLMENT The Company's success is due in part to the strength of its account managers who respond to customer telephone inquiries generated by the Company's advertising and marketing efforts, and contact customers. The Company's account managers are trained in Company systems and philosophies, are product knowledgeable and motivated to maximize sales and provide high levels of customer service. All account managers are graduates of CDW University, the Company's proprietary sales training program. The program includes four weeks of classroom training followed by several weeks of sales experience in one of the Company's retail showrooms. CDW seeks to build customer relations by assigning each customer to the account manager who first services the customer. Upon subsequent calls to CDW, the customer is directed to their account manager for assistance. In the spirit of teamwork, account managers are encouraged to cooperate and work together to maximize sales and customer satisfaction. Each catalog and advertisement distributed by the Company bears a toll-free number to be used by customers in phoning CDW to place a product order. Telephone calls are answered by account managers who utilize on-line computer terminals to retrieve information regarding product characteristics, cost and availability and to enter customer orders. Account managers enter orders on-line into a computerized order fulfillment system which updates the Company's customer purchase history. Computer processing of orders is performed immediately following the placement of the order and upon receipt of credit approval. The Company ships most credit approved orders received by 9:00 p.m., exclusive of orders for products not in stock or subject to allocation by the manufacturer, on the day the order was received. Orders are shipped by Federal Express, Airborne Express, RPS, Chicago Messenger Service, United Parcel Service, U.S. Mail, common carrier or any other acceptable manner requested by the customer. The Company charges customers for shipping but may offer promotional shipping programs from time to time. The average order size was $745 in 1998 and $704 in 1997. CDW account managers are generally compensated pursuant to a commission schedule based upon the gross profit generated by them. CDW account managers have the authority to negotiate and adjust prices for products, provided that the account manager sells the product at a price which meets established management guidelines. The Company's account managers have the opportunity to achieve relatively high compensation levels and have historically shown increased productivity as training and experience levels increase. CUSTOMERS CDW currently maintains a database of over 3.1 million active and prospective names of which approximately 634,000 were serviced by the Company in 1998. The Company believes that its customers consist principally of businesses, government institutions and home business users, which tend to purchase higher-end equipment. For the year ended December 31, 1998, sales to business, government and institutional customers accounted for approximately 87% of the Company's net sales, although consumers account for a greater proportion of the total names on the Company's database. CDW's customers are located principally throughout the United States. In 1998, approximately 21% of the Company's net sales were generated by sales to Illinois residents, approximately 29% were generated to residents of the eastern United States, approximately 16% were generated by sales to residents of the southern United States, approximately 18% were generated by sales to residents of the western United States and approximately 15% were generated by sales to residents of the Midwestern United States (other than Illinois). In addition, approximately 1% were sold to customers outside the United States. 6 10 CUSTOM CONFIGURATION AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT The Company offers custom configuration which permits customers to add accessories, load software or request a custom setup of systems purchased from the Company. During 1998, the Company's custom configuration center processed approximately 119,000 custom configured units. The Company employs a technical staff that is trained and maintains the highest levels of professional certification from manufacturers including that of "Novell Certified Network Engineer" and "Certified Microsoft Engineer". The Company's trained technical support personnel are available by telephone to assist the customer with technical problems or questions in order to reduce product returns and increase customer satisfaction. CDW has developed a proprietary customer service tracking system to ensure that customer initiated service requests are responded to rapidly. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS CDW has installed and operates customized information technology systems based upon an IBM AS/400, Novell, Microsoft NT and other platforms. Collectively, these systems allow for centralized management of key functions, including inventory and accounts receivable management, purchasing, sales and distribution, and the preparation of daily operating control reports which provide concise and timely information regarding key aspects of the business. The Company's proprietary information technology systems enable the Company to enhance its productivity, ship customer orders on a same-day basis, respond quickly to changes in its industry and provide high levels of customer service. The Company's success is dependent on the accuracy and proper utilization of its information technology systems, including its telephone systems. The Company's ability to manage its inventory and accounts receivable collections; to purchase, sell and ship its products efficiently and on a timely basis; and to maintain its cost-efficient operation is dependent upon the quality and utilization of the information generated by its information technology systems. In that regard, the Company anticipates that it will, from time to time, require software and hardware upgrades for its present information technology systems. In addition, the ability of the Company to adapt its systems to changes in the competitive environment or to take advantage of additional automation is dependent upon its ability to recruit and retain qualified IT professionals. If the Company were unable to develop or purchase future enhancements to its information technology hardware or software, or continue to hire and retain qualified IT professionals, the Company's operating results could be adversely affected. See Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for information regarding the impact of the Year 2000 issue on the Company's business. PERSONNEL AND TRAINING At December 31, 1998, the Company employed 1,512 coworkers. Of these, 1,302 were employed at the Company's headquarters in Vernon Hills, Illinois, 52 at the Company's retail showroom in Chicago, Illinois, 152 at the Buffalo Grove, Illinois telemarketing facility and 6 were employed at the government sales office in Chantilly, Virginia. The Company considers its coworker relations to be excellent. The Company's level of net sales per coworker decreased approximately 6.7% to $1.39 million for the year ended December 31, 1998 as compared to $1.49 million for the year ended December 31, 1997. No coworkers are covered by collective bargaining agreements. CDW emphasizes the recruiting and training of high quality personnel and, to the extent possible, promotes people to positions of increased responsibility from within the Company. Each coworker initially receives training appropriate for his or her position and a complete CDW orientation. This is followed by varying levels of training in information technology. New account managers participate in an intensive four-week long classroom training program known as "CDW University," followed by hands-on, face-to-face showroom training during which time they are introduced to the Company's philosophy, systems, and products and services. Training for specific product lines and continuing education programs for all account managers are conducted on an ongoing basis, supplemented by vendor sponsored training programs for all account managers and technical support personnel. 7 11 INCENTIVE AND REGULAR COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS Compensation Arrangements. The Company's coworkers are generally compensated on a basis that rewards performance and the achievement of identified goals. For example, account managers receive compensation pursuant to a commission schedule which is based upon aggregate gross profit dollars, accounts receivable personnel are eligible for monthly bonuses if late balances are held below target levels, and operations personnel are eligible for monthly bonuses based upon such factors as prompt vendor returns and order fulfillment rates. The Company believes that these incentives positively impact its performance and profitability. Coworker Incentive Stock Option, MPK Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plans. In addition to regular compensation, the Company, and Mr. Krasny individually, provide Company coworkers with additional long-term incentives designed to maximize performance and productivity. To this end, the Company and Mr. Krasny have adopted various stock-based compensation plans which enable Company coworkers to share in the success of the Company through appreciation in the value of the Company's stock. RETAIL SHOWROOMS The Company currently operates two retail showrooms allowing customers an opportunity to examine products prior to purchase or to talk directly with CDW sales or technical personnel. One showroom is located within the Company's main distribution facility and headquarters in Vernon Hills, Illinois, and the other is located in downtown Chicago, Illinois. These showrooms occupy approximately 5,100 square feet each. The Company's retail showrooms, which generated approximately 5.4% of the Company's net sales for 1998, inclusive of orders placed by telephone and picked up at the retail showroom, provide an environment in which to further train the Company's account managers before they join its telemarketing department. TRADEMARKS The Company conducts its business under the trade names and service marks "CDW", "Computer Discount Warehouse" and "CDW-G." The Company has taken steps to register and protect these marks and believes they have significant value and are important factors in its marketing programs. ITEM 2. PROPERTIES. The Company's primary location and headquarters is in Vernon Hills, Illinois, and includes its main distribution center, telemarketing facility, a retail showroom and corporate offices. The facility consists of a combined total of approximately 325,000 square feet of warehouse and office space, including a 100,000 square foot warehouse expansion which was completed in September 1998, and is located on approximately 27 acres of land. In March 1998, the Company acquired 18 acres of vacant land contiguous to the Vernon Hills facility. The Company now owns a total of 45 acres of land at the Vernon Hills site, of which approximately 18 are vacant and available for future expansion. The Company's Chicago retail showroom is under lease through the year 2000. The Company is obligated under a lease through 2004 for a combined 104,000 square foot office and warehouse facility in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, that previously served as its main facility. In October 1998, the Company reopened the office portion of the Buffalo Grove facility as a telemarketing center. The Company is attempting to sublease the Buffalo Grove facility and plans to occupy the office space while it finalizes future long term growth plans for its Vernon Hills campus. See Note 7 in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 8 12 ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS. In December 1998, the Company and Michael P. Krasny, its majority shareholder, Chairman and CEO, agreed to settle the litigation brought against them in 1993 by a former shareholder, director and executive officer of the Company. The lawsuit was related to the Company's redemption of the common stock held by the former shareholder in July 1990, and requested actual and punitive damages. Although the Company and Mr. Krasny believe their actions were honest and proper and that the allegations were without merit, they agreed to the settlement of the suit, whereby all pending litigation was dismissed with a one time payment by Mr. Krasny to the former shareholder of approximately $4.4 million. The amount was determined based upon the difference between the agreed upon estimated fair market value of the Company at the time of the redemption of the former shareholder's interest in 1990 and the amount previously paid to the former shareholder. Pursuant to Mr. Krasny's indemnification of the Company for all costs, damages or settlements related to the litigation, the Company recorded the payment by Mr. Krasny to the former shareholder as a capital contribution, with an offsetting reduction of paid-in capital for the additional redemption price paid to the former shareholder. Thus, the settlement had no impact on the Company's results of operations or cash flows. Mr. Krasny also reimbursed the Company for all expenses, net of tax benefits received by the Company, related to this action. For the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, the Company and Mr. Krasny incurred legal expenses in the aggregate of approximately $1.3 million, $379,000 and $133,000, respectively, which have been assumed by Mr. Krasny. These legal expenses are recorded as a selling and administrative expense and the reimbursement, net of tax, is recorded as an increase to paid-in capital. As a result of the settlement, the Company does not anticipate incurring any additional expenses related to this lawsuit. ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS. There were no matters submitted during the fourth quarter of 1998 to a vote of security holders. 9 13 PART II ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS. The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices for the Company's Common Stock on The Nasdaq Stock Market (R) for the periods indicated. These quotations were obtained from Nasdaq. As of February 11, 1999, the Company believes there were approximately 6,600 beneficial owners of the Company's stock. Except for distributions prior to May 25, 1993, the date of termination of the Company's election to be taxed as an S Corporation, the Company has neither declared nor paid any cash dividends on its Common Stock. The Company currently intends to retain earnings for use in the operation and expansion of its business and therefore does not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future. 1998 1997 --------------------- -------------------- QUARTER ENDED LOW HIGH LOW HIGH - ----------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- March 31............ $47 1/2 $ 70 3/4 $42 7/8 $70 June 30............. 38 1/4 61 1/2 39 5/8 57 3/4 September 30........ 36 55 53 78 December 31......... 43 1/4 103 7/8 42 13/16 69 3/4 10 14 Item 6. Selected Financial Data. CDW Computer Centers, Inc. and Subsidiaries Selected Financial and Operating Data (in thousands, except per share and selected operating data) Year Ended December 31, ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- INCOME STATEMENT DATA : Net sales $ 1,733,489 $ 1,276,929 $ 927,895 $ 628,721 $ 413,270 Cost of sales 1,513,314 1,106,124 805,413 548,568 359,274 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross profit 220,175 170,805 122,482 80,153 53,996 Selling and administrative expenses 115,537 90,315 64,879 49,175 34,617 Exit charge (1) - - 4,000 - - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income from operations 104,638 80,490 53,603 30,978 19,379 Interest income (expense), net 4,708 4,259 3,469 1,973 392 Other income (expense), net (335) (241) (188) 47 119 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income before income taxes 109,011 84,508 56,884 32,998 19,890 Income tax provision 43,170 33,507 22,484 12,939 7,777 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income $ 65,841 $ 51,001 $ 34,400 $ 20,059 $ 12,113 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income per share Basic $ 3.06 $ 2.37 $ 1.60 $ 0.95 $ 0.61 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Diluted $ 3.03 $ 2.35 $ 1.58 $ 0.95 $ 0.61 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Weighted average number of common shares outstanding Basic 21,531 21,525 21,525 21,026 20,003 Diluted 21,752 21,704 21,785 21,080 20,003 SELECTED OPERATING DATA : Average order size $ 745 $ 704 $ 704 $ 630 $ 590 Number of orders shipped (in thousands) 2,327 1,814 1,318 998 700 Customers serviced (in thousands) 634 575 462 374 274 Net sales per co-worker (in thousands) $ 1,392 $ 1,490 $ 1,459 $ 1,364 $ 1,223 Inventory turnover 24.0 21.4 23.4 21.7 22.2 Accounts receivable - days sales outstanding 32.2 25.0 22.6 21.8 20.7 December 31, ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- FINANCIAL POSITION: Working capital $ 228,730 $ 167,421 $ 123,614 $ 99,127 $ 49,217 Total assets 341,821 269,641 198,830 132,929 77,860 Total debt and capitalization lease obligations - - - - - Total shareholders' equity 270,763 199,866 141,622 106,161 55,843 (1) The exit charge provides for estimated costs associated with vacating the Company's leased facility. See Note 7 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 11 15 ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS. The following discussion and analysis of the Company's financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following table sets forth for the periods indicated information derived from the Company's statements of income expressed as a percentage of net sales: - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PERCENTAGE OF NET SALES FINANCIAL RESULTS YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1998 1997 1996 ------- ------- ------- Net sales 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % Cost of sales 87.3 86.6 86.8 ------- ------- ------- Gross profit 12.7 13.4 13.2 Selling and administrative expenses 6.7 7.1 7.0 Exit charge ---- ---- 0.4 ------- ------- ------- Income from operations 6.0 6.3 5.8 Interest and other income 0.3 0.3 0.3 ------- ------- ------- Income before income taxes 6.3 6.6 6.1 Income tax provision 2.5 2.6 2.4 ------- ------- ------- Net income 3.8 % 4.0 % 3.7 % OPERATING STATISTICS YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, ----------------------------------- 1998 1997 1996 Number of orders shipped 2,326,618 1,814,388 1,318,316 Average order size $745 $704 $704 Customers serviced 634,000 575,000 462,000 Number of account managers, end of period 622 399 311 Annualized inventory turns 24 21 23 12 16 The following table represents sales by product line as a percentage of net sales for each of the periods noted. Product lines are based upon internal product code classifications and are not retroactively adjusted for the addition of new categories or changes in individual product categorization. ----------------------------------------- ANALYSIS OF PRODUCT MIX YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, ----------------------------------------- 1998 1997 1996 -------- -------- -------- Notebook & Laptop Computers 19.8 % 25.0 % 26.3 % Desktop Computers and Servers 15.7 13.2 11.9 Software 13.4 12.6 12.2 Printers 12.6 12.1 11.3 Data Storage Devices 11.0 10.4 9.7 Net/Comm Products 9.3 8.5 9.6 Video 7.8 7.8 7.6 Add-On Boards/Memory 4.1 4.8 5.7 Input Devices 2.6 3.0 2.8 Multi-Media 1.9 2.0 1.8 Other Accessories 1.8 0.6 1.1 -------- --------- -------- Total 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % -------- --------- -------- YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 Net sales in 1998 increased 35.8% to a record $1.733 billion compared to $1.277 billion in 1997. The Company's average order size increased 5.8% in 1998 to $745 from $704 in 1997. The number of customers serviced for the year ended December 31, 1998 grew to 634,000 compared to 575,000 for the year ended December 31, 1997. The growth in net sales is primarily attributable to a higher concentration of commercial accounts, a higher level of sales per active account and an increase in the number of orders processed. Sales to commercial accounts, including business, government, educational and institutional, increased to 87% of net sales in 1998 from 82% in 1997. The number of active customers increased over 10% to 634,000 in 1998 from 575,000 in 1997, while the number of active commercial accounts increased approximately 24% in the same period. For the twelve months ended December 31, 1998 the number of orders shipped increased 28.2% to over 2.3 million. Desktop computers and servers were the fastest growing product category with unit volume increasing 86% and dollar volume 62%. Notebook computers continue to represent the largest portion of the Company's sales at 20%, with dollar volume increasing more than 7% from 1997. The average selling price of desktop CPU's decreased 15.5% and the average selling price of notebook CPU's declined 3.5% from 1997. The Company believes there may be additional decreases in prices for personal computers and related products. Such decreases require the Company to sell more units in order to maintain or increase the level of sales. Should future manufacturer price reductions or the Company's marketing efforts fail to increase the level of unit sales, the Company's sales growth rate and operating results could be adversely affected. Sales of Compaq, Hewlett Packard, IBM, Microsoft and Toshiba products comprise a substantial portion of the Company's sales. The loss of any of these, or any other key vendors, could have an adverse effect on the Company's results from operations. The statement concerning future prices, sales and results from operations are forward looking statements that involve certain risks and uncertainties such as stated above. The fastest growing product categories in terms of sales dollars in 1998 were desktop computers at 62%, network and communication products at 48%, software at 45%, data storage devices at 44%, and printers at 41%. Demand for certain products offered by the Company, and the growth of certain product categories, are driven by advances in technology and the development of new products and applications by the industry manufacturers, and acceptance of these new technologies and products by end-users. Any slowdown in the rate of technological advancement and new product development by industry manufacturers could have a material adverse effect on the Company's future sales growth. 13 17 Gross profit decreased as a percentage of net sales to 12.7% for the twelve months ended December 31, 1998, compared to 13.4% in 1997. The decrease in gross profit as a percentage of net sales is primarily the result of lower selling margins achieved on certain product lines, lower levels of inventory price protection from vendors and increased shipping costs. The lower levels of price protection in 1998 were the result of changes by certain manufacturers in the terms and conditions of their inventory price protection programs. On a forward-looking basis, it is likely that the gross profit margin achieved will be less than 13%, and could be less than the 12.7% achieved in 1998. The statement concerning future gross profit is a forward looking statement that involves certain risks and uncertainties such as the continued participation by vendors in inventory price protection and rebate programs, product mix, market conditions and other factors which could result in a fluctuation of gross margins below recent experience. Certain manufacturers may make additional changes that limit the amount of price protection for which the Company is eligible. Such changes could have a negative impact on gross margin in future periods. Vendor rebate programs are at the discretion of the vendor and many of these programs are dependent on achieving certain goals and objectives. Accordingly, there is no certainty that such programs will continue at their current levels or that the established goals and objectives will be attained. Selling and administrative expenses, which include net advertising expense, other selling administrative expenses and the executive incentive bonus pool decreased to 6.7% of net sales in 1998 versus 7.1% in 1997. Net advertising expense decreased as a percentage of net sales to 0.7% from 1.3% for the year ended December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Gross advertising expense decreased to 3.0% of net sales in 1998 versus 3.5% in 1997. The Company decreased catalog circulation and the number of national advertising pages versus the prior year, while expanding its spending on branding and electronic commerce activities. The decline in gross advertising spending was consistent with the Company's strategy of shifting resources in 1998 to an aggressive sales force expansion. Based upon the Company's planned marketing initiatives, future levels of gross advertising expense as a percentage of net sales are likely to be relatively consistent with or higher than the level achieved in 1998. Cooperative advertising reimbursements as a percentage of net sales were consistent with the level achieved in 1997 at 2.3% of net sales. The cooperative advertising reimbursement rate may fluctuate in future quarters depending on the level of vendor participation achieved and collection experience. The statements concerning future advertising expense and cooperative advertising reimbursements are forward looking statements that involve certain risks and uncertainties including the ability to identify and implement cost effective incremental advertising and marketing programs as well as the continued participation of vendors in the cooperative advertising reimbursement program. Other selling and administrative costs increased to 5.7% of net sales in 1998 from 5.4% in the prior year due primarily to increases in payroll and related costs. The increase in payroll costs as a percentage of sales is due primarily to investment in the recruiting, training and development of new account managers. As of December 31, 1998 there were 622 account managers, an increase of 56% from 399 account managers as of December 31, 1997. Of the 622 account managers, approximately 73% had fewer than 24 months experience and 58% had fewer than 12 months, as compared to 70% and 42% at the end of 1997, respectively. The executive incentive bonus pool decreased to $3.3 million in 1998 from $5.3 million in 1997. Of the $2.0 million decrease in the bonus pool from the prior year, $800,000 results from an effective increase in the pool in 1997 due to the $4.0 million exit charge taken in 1996, $100,000 is due to a lower level of growth in operating income and the remaining $1.1 million is due to a change in the bonus pool rate. For 1998, the Compensation and Stock Option Committee established the bonus pool at 15% of the increase in operating income over the prior year, versus 20% in prior periods. For 1999, the bonus pool rate will remain at 15% of the increase in operating income over 1998. 14 18 Legal costs incurred by the majority shareholder, Chairman and CEO, Michael P. Krasny, in connection with the lawsuit filed by a former shareholder were $1.3 million and $379,000, in 1998 and 1997, respectively. Mr. Krasny reimbursed the Company for these costs, which were recorded by the Company as expenses with an offsetting increase to paid-in capital, net of tax effects. Although the Company and Mr. Krasny believe their actions were honest and proper, they agreed to a settlement of the suit in December 1998, whereby all pending litigation was dismissed. Under terms of the settlement the Company and Mr. Krasny agreed to make a one time payment to the former shareholder of approximately $4.4 million, which amount was paid by Mr. Krasny. The Company recorded the payment by Mr. Krasny to the former shareholder as a capital contribution, with an offsetting reduction of paid-in capital for the additional redemption price paid to the former shareholder. Thus, the settlement had no impact on the Company's results of operations or cash flows. Interest income, net of other expenses, increased to $4.4 million in 1998 compared to $4.0 million in 1997, primarily due to higher levels of available cash. The effective income tax rate, expressed as a percentage of income before income taxes, was 39.6% for the year ended December 31, 1998 versus 39.7% in 1997. Net income for the twelve months ended December 31, 1998 was $65.8 million, a 29% increase over $51.0 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 1997. Diluted earnings per share was $3.03 and $2.35 for the year ended December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively, an increase of 29%. YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 Net sales in 1997 increased 37.6% to a record $1.277 billion compared to $928 million in 1996. The Company's average order size in 1997 of $704 per order was unchanged from 1996 and orders shipped increased 37.6% to over 1.8 million. The number of customers serviced for the year ended December 31, 1997 grew to 575,000 compared to 462,000 for the year ended December 31, 1996. The growth in net sales is primarily attributable to growth in the number of orders and customers resulting from the expansion of marketing efforts, new product offerings, manufacturer price reductions, and an increase in the number of account managers. Lower manufacturer pricing levels and expanded product features in notebooks resulted in a shift within the notebook and laptop product category to lower priced models. Selling prices on many models of notebook and desktop computers decreased substantially from previous periods due to manufacturer price reductions. As a result, desktop and notebook computer unit volume grew 69% and 65%, respectively, from 1996 while dollar sales volume grew 52% and 31%, respectively. The downward trend in manufacturer prices for CPU products stimulated additional unit sales and further expanded the market for personal computers. The fastest growing product categories in 1997 were desktop computers at 52%, data storage devices at 48%, printers at 47%, software at 42% and notebook computers at 31%. Video and memory products declined as a percentage of sales as unit prices for these products declined from the previous year. The Company believes that new product introductions in 1997, including MMX technology, positively impacted sales of CPU's, multimedia products, input devices, software and data storage devices. The Company expanded its number of account managers to 399 as of December 31, 1997 from 311 at December 31, 1996. Gross profit increased as a percentage of net sales to 13.4% for the year ended December 31, 1997, compared to 13.2% for the year ended December 31, 1996. The increase in gross profit as a percentage of net sales is primarily due to the expansion of selling margin on certain product lines resulting from vendor support programs, opportunistic purchases and pricing strategies. 15 19 Selling and administrative expenses increased slightly to 7.1% of net sales for the year ended December 31, 1997 from 7.0% for the year ended December 31, 1996. Net advertising expense as a percentage of net sales increased to 1.3% of net sales in 1997 compared to 1.0% in 1996. Gross advertising expense increased to 3.5% of net sales in 1997 versus 3.2% in the prior year, primarily due to expanded catalog circulation and national advertising pages combined with new marketing initiatives. Cooperative advertising reimbursements aggregated approximately 2.2% of net sales in 1997 and 1996. The executive incentive bonus pool was $5.3 million and $5.0 million for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively, and is included within selling and administrative expenses. Pursuant to existing plans, the amount of the executive incentive bonus pool is set by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors with a maximum eligible amount of 20% of the year over year increase in income from operations. The exit charge recorded in 1996 caused the executive incentive bonus pool to decrease in 1996 by $800,000 and increase by the same amount in 1997. Legal costs incurred by the majority shareholder for the year ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, in connection with the lawsuit filed by a former shareholder were $379,000 and $133,000, respectively. Other selling and administrative costs were 5.4% of net sales in 1997 compared to 5.5% in the prior year, as increased occupancy and moving costs were offset by improved productivity and other cost control measures. Interest income, net of other expenses, totaled $4.0 million for the year ended December 31, 1997 compared to $3.3 million for the year ended December 31, 1996. The increase is due to higher interest rates combined with higher levels of cash available for investment resulting from cash generated from operations, including the tax benefit from stock option and restricted stock transactions in the first quarter of 1997, offset by funds utilized for construction of the Vernon Hills facility. The effective income tax rate, expressed as a percentage of income before income taxes, increased slightly to 39.7% for the year ended December 31, 1997 from 39.5% for the year ended December 31, 1996. Net income for the year ended December 31, 1997 was $51.0 million, a 48.3% increase over $34.4 million for the year ended December 31, 1996. Diluted earnings per share was $2.35 and $1.58 for the year ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively, an increase of 48.7%. Excluding the impact of the exit charge and its related impact on the executive incentive bonus pool in 1997 and 1996, pro forma net income and diluted earnings per share were $51.5 million and $2.37 in 1997, representing increases of 41.6% and 41.9%, respectively, from 1996. All per share and related amounts have been adjusted to reflect the three-for-two stock split effected in the form of a stock dividend paid on July 15, 1996. SEASONALITY Although the Company has historically experienced variability in the rates of sales growth, it has not historically experienced seasonality in its business. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES WORKING CAPITAL CDW has historically financed its operations and capital expenditures primarily through cash flow from operations, short-term bank borrowings and public offerings of common stock. At December 31, 1998, the Company had cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of $70.7 million and working capital of $228.7 million. At December 31, 1997 the Company had working capital of $167.4 million. The increase of $61.3 million in working capital in 1998 was due 16 20 primarily to certain components of the Company's cash flow from operations for the year ended December 31, 1998 offset by capital expenditures for facility expansion and other purposes. The Company's current primary and anticipated use of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities balances is to fund the growth in working capital and capital expenditures necessary to support future growth in sales. MARKET RISK The Company's investments in marketable securities as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 are all due in one year or less and are concentrated in U.S. Government and Government Agency securities. As such, the risk of significant changes in the value of these securities as a result of a change in market interest rates is minimal. CASH FLOWS Cash provided by operating activities in 1998 was $4.5 million compared to $19.5 million for 1997. The primary working capital factors that have historically affected the Company's cash flows from operations are the levels of accounts receivable, merchandise inventory and accounts payable. Accounts receivable at December 31, 1998 increased $66.0 million from December 31, 1997. The increase in accounts receivable resulted from increased sales volume, an increase in the percentage of net sales generated from open credit terms with commercial customers to 62% from 55% in 1997. Cash used in investing activities for 1998 was $17.6 million compared to $17.8 million in 1997. In 1998, the Company incurred approximately $15.1 million of capital expenditures for the purchase of additional land, expansion of the Vernon Hills warehouse, warehouse equipment, information technology investments and leasehold improvements. The remainder of cash used in investing activities reflects increases in the Company's marketable securities portfolio. Financing activities in 1998 included the renewal of the Company's unsecured credit facilities with two financial institutions aggregating $50.0 million. The credit facilities expire in June 1999 and contain certain financial covenants. Borrowings under one of the lines bear interest at the prime rate less 2.5%, LIBOR plus 0.5% or the federal funds rate plus 0.5%, as determined by the Company. Borrowings under the second credit facility bear interest at the prime rate less 2.5%, LIBOR plus 0.45% or the federal funds rate plus 0.45%, as determined by the Company. At December 31, 1998 there were no borrowings against either of the credit facilities. The Company intends to renew the credit facilities upon expiration. In October 1998, the Company established an unsecured stand-by letter of credit for approximately $160,000 related to improvements to the Vernon Hills facility which expires in June 1999. During the third quarter of 1998, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 1 million shares of its common stock in open market transactions. The Company repurchased a total of 50,000 shares during the third quarter for approximately $2.1 million. The Company intends to hold the repurchased shares in treasury for general corporate purposes, including issuances under various employee stock option plans. YEAR 2000 READINESS DISCLOSURE General The Year 2000 Issue ("Y2K") is the result of computer programs being written using two digits rather than four to define the applicable year. Any of the Company's computer programs that have date-sensitive software may recognize a date using "00" as the year 1900 rather than 2000. This could result in a system failure or miscalculations causing disruptions of operations, including, among other things, a temporary inability to process transactions, receive or ship products, send invoices, or engage in similar normal business activities. 17 21 The Company has initiated a Y2K project and assigned a Y2K project team designed to make all its hardware and software systems Y2K compliant prior to December 31, 1999. The Company intends to contract an outside organization to review its project methodology and status to ensure all aspects of the Y2K issue have been addressed. Project CDW's Y2K project consists of internal and external components. The internal section has been divided into five steps: 1. Awareness - Awareness includes evaluating industry best practices, generating management and employee awareness, establishing communications methods and establishing the project team. 2. Assessment - This phase includes hardware and software compliance assessment, establishment of the size and scope of the project, establishment of a project timeline, priorities, budgeting and allocation of resources. 3. Renovation - Renovation consists of establishing a detailed implementation plan, the design of new systems and system corrections, writing of system code and software and hardware testing. 4. Validation - Validation includes testing new systems and system corrections to ensure they will function properly in operation. 5. Implementation - Final certification of the new and corrected systems, implementation of the systems and monitoring to ensure they continue to function. The Awareness, Assessment and Renovation phases of the project were completed prior to December 1998. As a result of the Assessment phase, the Company believes it will not be required to replace any of its hardware components or significant portions of its software to make its systems Y2K compliant. As of December 31, 1998 the Company believes it has completed substantially all of the validation and implementation of internal systems critical to continuing operations. The remaining portions of the internal project include validation and implementation of secondary files and systems, as well as the review of project methodology and status to be conducted by an outside organization. The external portion of the project focuses on assessing the Y2K readiness of product and service vendors and its potential impact on the Company's operations. The Company will begin communications with its vendors in the first quarter of 1999 to assess the status of the vendors' Y2K projects. The Company will then work through issues with its business partners to minimize potential business interruptions. This portion of the project is expected to be completed prior to December 31, 1999. Costs The Company estimates that total costs for the Y2K project, through December 31, 1999, will range between $750,000 and $1 million. As of December 31, 1998 the Company has incurred, and recorded as operating expenses, approximately $240,000 in costs related to the project, of which approximately $190,000 were incurred during the year ended December 31, 1998. Essentially all of the Company's expenditures to date are for internal payroll costs related to the assessment and correction of internal systems. Of the estimated remaining costs of $510,000 to $760,000, approximately one-third relate to the cost of assessing and communicating with vendors and two-thirds relate to the correction and testing of internal systems. Risks The failure to correct a material Y2K problem could result in an interruption in, or a failure of, certain normal business activities or operations. Such failures could materially and adversely affect the Company's results of operations and financial condition. Due to the general uncertainty inherent in the Y2K problem, resulting in part from the uncertainty of the Y2K readiness of third-party suppliers, the Company is unable to determine at this time whether the consequences of Y2K failures will have a material impact on the Company's results of operations and financial condition. The Company's Y2K project is expected to significantly reduce the Company's level of uncertainty about the Y2K problem and, in particular, about the Y2K compliance and readiness of its material vendors. The Company believes that, with the completion of the project as scheduled, the possibility of significant interruptions of normal operations should be minimized. Although the Company believes the potential impact is not material, as a result of the Y2K issue the Company may be exposed to lawsuits resulting from the sale of products which are not Y2K compliant. 18 22 The statements concerning future impact of the Y2K issue are forward looking statements that involve certain risks and uncertainties, such as the inability to receive products on a timely basis from vendors, ship products to customers and other factors, which could have a material impact on the Company's results from operations. Certain vendors may fail to adequately prepare their information systems or the Company's own Y2K project may not correct all Y2K issues. Accordingly, there is no certainty that either the Company or its vendors will complete their Y2K projects prior to December 31, 1999. Certain statements included in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations concerning the Company's sales growth, gross profit as a percentage of sales, advertising expense, cooperative advertising reimbursements, exit charge and Y2K readiness are forward-looking statements that involve certain risks and uncertainties, as specified herein. ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA. The information required by this item is contained in a separate section of this Report beginning on page F(i). See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements beginning on page F(i). ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE. There were no disagreements with accountants on accounting and financial disclosure matters during the periods reported herein. PART III ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT. The information required hereunder is incorporated by reference herein from the Registrant's 1998 Definitive Proxy Statement, to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than April 30, 1999. ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION. The information required hereunder is incorporated by reference herein from the Registrant's 1998 Definitive Proxy Statement, to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than April 30, 1999. ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT. The information required hereunder is incorporated by reference herein from the Registrant's 1998 Definitive Proxy Statement, to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than April 30, 1999. ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS. The information required hereunder is incorporated by reference herein from the Registrant's 1998 Definitive Proxy Statement, to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than April 30, 1999. 19 23 PART IV ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K. (a) The following documents are filed as part of this report : 1. Financial Statements (See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements on page F(i) of this Report); 2. Index to Financial Statement Schedule : Page ---- Report of Independent Accountants on Financial Statement Schedule S-1 Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts S-2 All other schedules are omitted since the required information is not present or is not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule, or because the information required is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto. 3. Exhibits required by Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-K, Item 601: EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT ---------- ----------------------- 3 (c) Articles of Incorporation of CDW Computer Centers, Inc. (an Illinois Corporation) (iii) 3 (d) Bylaws of CDW Computer Centers, Inc. (an Illinois Corporation) (iii) 10 (a) CDW Computer Centers, Inc. Employees' Defined Contribution Retirement Plan and Trust (i) 10 (b) CDW Incentive Stock Option Plan (i) 10 (c) MPK Stock Option Plan and Agreement (i) 10 (d) MPK Restricted Stock Plan and Agreement (i) 10 (e) Employment and Non-Competition Agreement dated as of March 15, 1993 between the Company and Michael P. Krasny (i) 10 (f) Employment and Non-Competition Agreement dated as of March 15, 1993 between the Company and Greg C. Zeman (i) 10 (g) Employment and Non-Competition Agreement dated as of March 15, 1993 between the Company and Daniel B. Kass (i) 10 (h) Employment and Non-Competition Agreement dated as of March 15, 1993 between the Company and Mary C. Gerlits (i) 10 (n) Tax Indemnification Agreement dated as of May 25, 1993 between the Company and Michael P. Krasny (i) 10 (p) Lease Agreement dated February 22, 1993 between the Company, as lessee, and Chevy Chase Business Park Limited Partnership, as lessor, relating to the premises located in Buffalo Grove, Illinois (i) 10 (s) Indemnification Agreement between the Company and Michael P. Krasny to be dated as of May 19, 1993 (i) 10 (t) CDW Director Stock Option Plan (i) 10 (w) Indemnification and Hold Harmless Agreement between Michael P. Krasny and the Company dated May 14, 1993 (i) 10 (y) First Lease Amendment dated as of May 13, 1993 to Lease Agreement dated February 22, 1993 between the Company, as lessee, and Chevy Chase Business Park Limited Partnership, as lessor, relating to the premises located in Buffalo Grove, Illinois (i) 20 24 10 (ee) Lease Agreement dated January 25, 1995 between the Company, as lessee, and IJM Management Limited Partnership, as agent for the owner, as lessor, relating to the premises located in Chicago, Illinois (ii) 10 (ff) Purchase/Sale Agreement dated and effective February 12, 1997 between the Company, as buyer, and Continental Executive Parke, L.L.C. as seller, relating to the premises located in Vernon Hills, Illinois, made on March 14, 1997 (iii) 10 (ii) Non-statutory Stock Option Agreement dated September 5, 1996 between the Company and Harry J. Harczak, Jr. (iv) 10 (jj) Non-statutory Stock Option Agreement dated September 5, 1996 between the Company and James R. Shanks (iv) 10 (kk) Form of Indemnification and Hold Harmless Agreement between the Company and the Selling Shareholder (v) 10 (ll) CDW 1996 Incentive Stock Option Plan (v) 10 (oo) Purchase/Sale Agreement dated and effective December 16, 1997 between the Company, as buyer, and Continental Executive Parke, Vernon Hills, Illinois, made on March 2, 1997 (vi) 10 (pp) CDW 1997 Officer and Manager Bonus Plan (vi) 10 (qq) Revolving Note between the Company and LaSalle National Bank dated June 28, 1998 (vii) 10 (rr) Revolving Note between the Company and The Northern Trust Company dated June 30, 1998 (vii) 10 (ss) First Amendment to CDW Incentive Stock Option Plan 10 (tt) First Amendment to CDW 1996 Incentive Stock Option Plan 21 Subsidiaries of the Registrant (i) 23 Consent of Independent Accountants 27 Financial Data Schedule FOOTNOTES (i) Incorporated by reference from the exhibits filed with the Company's registration statement (33-59802) on Form S-1 filed under the Securities Act of 1933 filed on May 11, 1993 and the Company's registration statement (333-60025) on Form S-3 filed under the Securities Act of 1933 on July 28, 1998. (ii) Incorporated by reference from the exhibits filed with the Company's quarterly report (0-21796) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1995. (iii) Incorporated by reference from the exhibits filed with the Company's registration statement (33-94820) on Form S-3 filed under the Securities Act of 1993. (iv) Incorporated by reference from the exhibits filed with the Company's quarterly report (0-21796) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1997. (v) Incorporated by reference from the exhibits filed with the Company's registration statement (333-20935) on Form S-3 filed under the Securities Act of 1993. (vi) Incorporated by reference from the exhibits filed with the Company's annual report (0-21796) on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997. (vii) Incorporated by reference from the exhibits filed with the Company's Quarterly report (0-21796) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1998. 21 25 (b) The Company did not file any reports on Form 8-K during the last quarter of the year ended December 31, 1998. (c) The Exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K are reflected above in Section (a) 3. of this Item. (d) The financial statement schedule is included as reflected in Section (a) 2. of this Item. 22 26 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. CDW COMPUTER CENTERS, INC. Date : March 29, 1999 By : /s/ Michael P. Krasny Michael P. Krasny, Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary 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. Signature Title Date /s/ Michael P. Krasny Chairman of the Board, Chief March 29, 1999 Michael P. Krasny Executive Officer and Secretary /s/ Gregory C. Zeman President and Director March 29, 1999 Gregory C. Zeman /s/ Daniel B. Kass Vice President-Sales March 29, 1999 Daniel B. Kass and Director /s/ Harry J. Harczak, Jr. Chief Financial Officer March 29, 1999 Harry J. Harczak, Jr. and Treasurer /s/ Sandra M. Rouhselang Controller and March 29, 1999 Sandra M. Rouhselang Chief Accounting Officer 23 27 ITEMS 8 AND 14(A) INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Page(s) Report of Independent Accountants F-1 Consolidated Balance Sheets as of F-2 December 31, 1998 and 1997 Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended F-3 December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity for the years ended F-4 December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended F-5 December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-6 F(i) 28 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS The Board of Directors CDW Computer Centers, Inc. Vernon Hills, Illinois In our opinion the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of CDW Computer Centers, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1998, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Chicago, Illinois January 21, 1999 F-1 29 CDW COMPUTER CENTERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (in thousands) December 31, ------------ 1998 1997 ------------- ------------ ASSETS Current assets : Cash and cash equivalents $ 4,230 $ 18,233 Marketable securities 66,458 61,192 Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,185 and $1,950, respectively 152,308 87,524 Miscellaneous receivables 5,896 3,960 Merchandise inventory 64,392 61,941 Prepaid expenses and other assets 1,423 759 Deferred income taxes 5,081 3,587 --------- --------- Total current assets 299,788 237,196 Property and equipment, net 37,056 26,704 Deferred income taxes and other assets 4,977 5,741 --------- --------- TOTAL ASSETS 341,821 $ 269,641 ========= ========= LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities : Accounts payable $ 41,358 $ 44,451 Accrued expenses : Payroll, Commissions and management incentive Compensation 16,279 12,996 Income taxes 5,146 5,504 Exit costs 2,715 3,391 Other 5,560 3,433 --------- --------- Total current liabilities 71,058 69,775 --------- --------- Commitments and contingencies Shareholders' equity : Preferred shares, $1.00 par value; 5,000 shares authorized; none issued - - Common shares, $ .01 par value; 75,000 shares authorized; 21,571 and 21,525 shares issued, respectively 216 215 Paid-in capital 81,352 74,680 Retained earnings 192,259 126,418 Unearned compensation (975) (1,447) --------- --------- 272,852 199,866 Less cost of common shares in treasury, 50 and 0 shares, respectively (2,089) - Total shareholders' equity 270,763 199,866 --------- --------- TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 341,821 $ 269,641 ========= ========= The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. F-2 30 CDW COMPUTER CENTERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME (in thousands, except per share data) Years Ended December 31, --------------------------------------------- 1998 1997 1996 --------------------------------------------- Net sales $ 1,733,489 $ 1,276,929 $ 927,895 Cost of sales 1,513,314 1,106,124 805,413 ----------- ----------- ----------- Gross profit 220,175 170,805 122,482 Selling and administrative expenses 115,537 90,315 64,879 Exit charge - - 4,000 ----------- ----------- ----------- Income from operations 104,638 80,490 53,603 Interest income 4,708 4,259 3,469 Other expense (335) (241) (188) ----------- ----------- ----------- Income before income taxes 109,011 84,508 56,884 Income tax provision 43,170 33,507 22,484 ----------- ----------- ----------- Net income $ 65,841 $ 51,001 $ 34,400 =========== =========== =========== Earnings per share Basic $ 3.06 $ 2.37 $ 1.60 =========== =========== =========== Diluted $ 3.03 $ 2.35 $ 1.58 =========== =========== =========== Weighted average number of common shares outstanding Basic 21,531 21,525 21,525 =========== =========== =========== Diluted 21,752 21,704 21,785 =========== =========== =========== The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. F-3 31 CDW COMPUTER CENTERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (in thousands) Total Common Stock Paid in Retained Unearned Treasury Shares Shareholders' Shares Amount Capital Earnings Compensation Shares Amount Equity -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1995 21,525 $ 215 $ 66,414 $ 41,017 $ (1,485) - $ - $ 106,161 MPK Restricted Stock Plan forfeitures (127) 127 - Amortization of unearned compensation 981 981 Compensation stock option grants 1,586 (1,586) - Capital contribution for legal costs assumed by majority shareholder, net of tax 80 80 Net income 34,400 34,400 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1996 21,525 215 67,953 75,417 (1,963) - - 141,622 MPK Restricted Stock Plan forfeitures (35) 35 - Amortization of unearned compensation 481 481 Compensatory stock option grants, net of forfeitures 699 699 Tax Benefit from restricted stock and stock option transactions 5,835 5,835 Capital contribution for legal costs assumed by majority shareholder, net of tax 228 228 Net income 51,001 51,001 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1997 21,525 215 74,680 126,418 (1,447) - - 199,866 MPK Restricted Stock Plan forfeitures (1) (1) Amortization of unearned compensation 472 472 Compensatory stock option grants 986 986 Exercise of Stock Options 46 1 1,140 1,141 Tax benefit from stock option transactions 3,741 3,741 Capital contribution for litigation settlement by majority shareholder 4,365 4,365 Additional redemption price pursuant to litigation settlement (4,365) (4,365) Capital contibution for legal costs assumed by majority shareholder, net of tax 806 806 Purchase of treasury shares 50 (2,089) (2,089) Net income 65,841 65,841 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1998 21,571 $ 216 $ 81,352 $ 192,259 $ (975) 50 $(2,089) $ 270,763 ====================================================================================== The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. F-4 32 CDW COMPUTER CENTERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (in thousands) Years Ended December 31, -------------------------------------- 1998 1997 1996 -------- -------- -------- Cash flows from operating activities: Net income $ 65,841 $ 51,001 $ 34,400 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation 4,758 2,672 1,975 Accretion of marketable securities (2,797) (2,014) (87) Stock-based compensation expense 1,458 1,180 981 Allowance for Doubtful Accounts 1,235 850 475 Legal fees assumed by majority shareholder 806 228 80 Deferred tax benefit (720) (1,351) (3,228) Loss on disposal of fixed asset - - 281 Tax benefit from stock option exercise 3,741 5,835 - Changes in assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable (66,019) (30,978) (20,310) Miscellaneous receivables (1,936) (29) (1,569) Merchandise inventory (2,451) (20,479) (14,040) Prepaid expenses and other assets (675) 58 (625) Accounts payable (3,093) 7,809 17,206 Accrued compensation 3,283 2,246 6,061 Accrued income taxes and other expenses 1,769 3,108 3,187 Accrued exit costs (676) (596) 3,987 -------- -------- -------- Net cash provided by operating activities 4,524 19,540 28,774 -------- -------- -------- Cash flows from investing activities: Purchases of available-for-sale securities (26,810) (13,825) (24,701) Redemptions of available-for-sale securities 32,250 9,575 27,300 Purchases of held-to-maturity securities (88,122) (87,330) (86,781) Redemptions of held-to-maturity securities 80,213 90,892 68,732 Purchase of property and equipment (15,110) (17,081) (11,078) -------- -------- -------- Net cash used in investing activities (17,579) (17,769) (26,528) -------- -------- -------- Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds of treasury shares (2,089) - - Proceeds from exercise of stock options 1,141 - - -------- -------- -------- Net cash used in investing activities (948) - - -------- -------- -------- Net (decrease) increase in cash (14,003) 1,771 2,246 Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period 18,233 16,462 14,216 -------- -------- -------- Cash and cash equivalents - end of period $ 4,230 $ 18,233 $ 16,642 ======== ======== ======== Supplementary disclosure of cash flow information: Interest paid $ - $ 1 $ 14 Taxes paid $ 40,400 $ 26,197 $ 23,763 The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. F-5 33 CDW COMPUTER CENTERS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. Description of Business CDW Computer Centers, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively the "Company") are engaged in the distribution of brand name personal computers and related products primarily through direct marketing to end users within the United States. The Company's primary business is conducted from a combined telemarketing, corporate office, warehouse and showroom facility located in Vernon Hills, Illinois. The Company also operates a telemarketing facility in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, a retail showroom in Chicago, Illinois and a government sales office in Chantilly, Virginia. The Company extends credit to business, government and institutional customers under certain circumstances based upon the financial strength of the customer. Such customers are typically granted net 30 day credit terms. The balance of the Company's sales are made primarily through third party credit cards and for cash-on-delivery. Upon assessment of Statements of Financial Accounting standards No. 131 (SFAS 131), "Disclosures about Segments of and Enterprise and Related Information", the Company has determined that through 1998 it operated as one business segment as defined by SFAS 131. 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CDW Computer Centers, Inc, and its wholly owned subsidiaries, CDW Government, Inc. (CDW-G), which was formed on May 27, 1998, and Northbrook Ad Agency, Inc. (NAA). CDW-G sells personal computers and related products and focuses exclusively on serving government and educational accounts. NAA provides advertising services, primarily consisting of media placements, solely to the Company. All intercompany transactions and accounts are eliminated in consolidation. Basis of Presentation The Company has adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130 (SFAS 130), "Reporting Comprehensive Income". For the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 the Company has no components of Comprehensive Income, as defined by SFAS 130, which are not contained in net income as reported on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. Certain amounts for 1997 and 1996 were reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Pervasiveness of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Additionally, such estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. F-6 34 Earnings Per Share Effective December 31, 1997 the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings Per Share" (SFAS 128). Accordingly, the Company has disclosed earnings per share calculated using both the basic and diluted methods for all periods presented. A reconciliation of basic and diluted per-share computations is included in Note 10 to the financial statements. On June 24, 1996, the Board of Directors of the Company announced a three-for-two stock split effected in the form of a stock dividend paid on July 15, 1996 to all common shareholders of record as of July 5, 1996. All per share and related amounts contained in these financial statements and notes have been adjusted to reflect this stock split. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include all deposits in banks and highly liquid temporary cash investments purchased with original maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase. Marketable Securities The Company classifies securities with a stated maturity which it has the intent to hold to maturity, as "held-to-maturity" and records such securities at amortized cost. Securities which do not have stated maturities or for which the Company does not have the intent to hold to maturity are classified as "available-for-sale" and recorded at fair value, with unrealized holding gains or losses, if material, recorded as a separate component of Shareholders' Equity. The Company does not invest in trading securities. All securities are accounted for on a specific identification basis. The Company's marketable securities are concentrated in securities of the U.S. Government and U.S. Government Agencies. Such investments are supported by the financial stability and credit standing of the U. S. Government or applicable U. S. Government Agency. Merchandise Inventory Inventory is valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined on the first-in, first-out method. Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost. The Company calculates depreciation using the straight-line method with useful lives ranging from 2 to 25 years. Expenditures for major renewals and improvements that extend the useful life of property and equipment are capitalized. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Advertising Advertising costs are charged to expense in the period incurred. Cooperative reimbursements from vendors, which are earned and available, are recorded in the period the related advertising 35 expenditure is incurred. Advertising expense, included in selling and administrative expenses net of cooperative reimbursements earned, was approximately $12,400,000, $16,200,000 and $8,900,000 for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Stock-Based Compensation In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock Based Compensation" (SFAS 123), the Company accounts for its stock-based compensation programs according to the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees." Accordingly, compensation expense is recognized to the extent of employee or director services rendered based on the intrinsic value of compensatory options or shares granted under the plans. See Note 9 for disclosure of the Company's stock based compensation plans in accordance with SFAS 123. Fair Value of Financial Instruments The Company estimates that the fair market value of all of its financial instruments at December 31, 1998 and 1997 are not materially different from the aggregate carrying value due to the short term nature of these instruments. Treasury Shares During 1998, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 1 million shares of its common stock in open market transactions. The Company repurchased a total of 50,000 shares during the third quarter for approximately $2.1 million. The Company intends to hold the shares in treasury for general corporate purposes, including issuances under various employee stock option plans. The Company accounts for the treasury shares using the cost method. 3. Marketable Securities The amortized cost and estimated fair values of the Company's investments in marketable securities at December 31, 1998 and 1997 (in thousands) were: Gross Unrealized Estimated Holding Amortized Security Type Fair Value Gains Losses Cost ------------- ---------- -------------------- --------- December 31, 1998 Available-for-sale: U.S. Government and Government Agency $ 2,004 $ 4 $ - $ 2,000 securities ------------------------------------------------------- Held-to-maturity: Bonds of states, municipalities, and 512 - 510 political subdivisions 2 U.S. Government and Government Agency 63,963 45 (30) 63,948 securities ------------------------------------------------------- Total held-to-maturity 47 (30) 64,458 64,475 ------------------------------------------------------- ======================================================= Total marketable securities: $ 66,479 $ 51 $ (30) $ 66,458 ======================================================= December 31, 1997 Available-for-sale: Redemptive tax-exempt preferred stocks $ 7,250 $ - $ - $ 7,250 ------------------------------------------------------- Held-to-maturity: Bonds of states, municipalities, and 263 1 - 262 political subdivisions U.S. Government and Government Agency securities 53,614 - (66) 53,680 ------------------------------------------------------- Total held-to-maturity 53,877 1 (66) 53,942 ------------------------------------------------------- ======================================================= Total marketable securities: $ 61,127 $ 1 $ (66) $ 61,192 ======================================================= 36 The Company's investments in securities held-to-maturity at December 31, 1998 and 1997 were all due in one year or less by contractual maturity. Estimated fair values of marketable securities are based on quoted market prices. 4. Property, Equipment and Facility Relocation Property and equipment consists of the following (in thousands): December 31, ------------ 1998 1997 ----------------------------------- Land $ 10,367 $ 6,272 Machinery and equipment 11,001 9,316 Building 12,495 8,276 Computer and data processing equipment 7,502 3,596 Furniture and fixtures 1,882 1,246 Computer software 1,341 1,049 Leasehold improvements 390 390 Construction in progress 728 451 --------------- --------------- 45,706 30,596 Less accumulated depreciation 8,650 3,892 --------------- --------------- Net property and equipment $ 37,056 $ 26,704 =============== =============== In June 1996, the Company purchased approximately 27 acres of vacant land in Vernon Hills, Illinois, upon which it constructed a combined telemarketing, warehouse, showroom and corporate office facility. Construction of the Vernon Hills facility was completed in July 1997, at which time the Company relocated to the new facility. In March 1998, the Company acquired approximately 18 acres of vacant land contiguous to its Vernon Hills facility for $4.1 million. The Company now owns approximately 45 total acres. The Company completed construction of a 100,000 square foot addition to its current warehouse facility in September 1998, leaving approximately 18 acres available for future expansion. 5. Financing Arrangements The Company has an aggregate $50 million available pursuant to unsecured lines of credit with two financial institutions expiring in June 1999, at which time the Company intends to renew the lines. Borrowings under one of the lines bear interest at the prime rate less 2.5%, LIBOR rate plus 0.5% or the federal funds rate plus 0.5%, as determined by the Company. Borrowings under the second credit facility bear interest at the prime rate less 2.5%, LIBOR rate plus 0.45% or the federal funds rate plus 0.45%, as determined by the Company. At December 31, 1998 and 1997, there were no borrowings from these credit facilities. In October 1998 the Company established an unsecured stand-by letter of credit for approximately $160,000 related to improvements to the Vernon Hills facility which expires in June 1999. 6. Trade Financing Agreements The Company has entered into security agreements with certain financial institutions ("Flooring Companies") in order to facilitate the purchase of inventory from various suppliers under certain terms and conditions. The agreements allow for a maximum credit line of $33.9 million collateralized by inventory purchases financed by the Flooring Companies. At December 31, 1998 and 1997, the Company owed the Flooring Companies a total of approximately $6.7 million and $7.2 million, respectively, which is included in trade accounts payable. 37 7. Operating Leases and Exit Costs The Company is obligated under a lease agreement through December 31, 2003 for its Buffalo Grove office and warehouse facility. The Company is also obligated under a lease agreement for its Chicago showroom which expires on June 30, 2001. In addition to the Chicago showroom rental costs, the Company is subject to a proportionate share of any increase in real estate taxes and operating costs over a certain amount per square foot. For the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 rent expense was $230,000, $540,000 and $923,000, respectively. Additionally, $689,000 and $379,000 of rental payments were charged to the exit liability in 1998 and 1997, respectively. Minimum future rentals are as follows (in thousands): Years Ended December 31, Amount ------------------------ ----------------- 1999 $ 1,028 2000 1,028 2001 931 2002 873 2003 873 Thereafter - ----------------- $ 4,733 ================= The Company recorded a $4.0 million pre-tax non-recurring charge to operating results for exit costs relating to the Buffalo Grove facility in the first quarter of 1996. The exit costs consist primarily of the estimated cost to the Company of subleasing the vacated facility, including holding costs, the estimated costs of restoring the building to its original condition and certain asset write-offs resulting from the relocation. During 1998 and 1997 the Company charged approximately $676,000 and $974,000 against the exit accrual, respectively. These amounts include cash payments for rent, real estate taxes and restoration, net of sublease payments, which totaled $676,000 in 1998 and $469,000 in 1997. During 1997 the Company charged approximately $505,000 of asset write offs to the exit accrual and reclassified various accruals for operating costs related to the vacated facility, totaling $378,000, to the exit liability. In the fourth quarter of 1998 the Company reopened a portion of the Buffalo Grove facility as a telemarketing center. Accordingly, the Company records a proportionate share of the rent and other operating costs to selling and administrative expenses. The Company plans to occupy the Buffalo Grove facility while it finalizes future long term growth plans for its Vernon Hills campus. There is no assurance that the remaining exit liability of $2.7 million at December 31, 1998 will be adequate to cover actual costs should the Company's actual experience in subleasing the facility differ from the assumptions used in calculating the exit charge. 38 8. Income Taxes Components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 consist of (in thousands): Current: 1998 1997 1996 ------------ ------------ ------------ Federal $ 35,968 $ 28,630 $ 20,978 State 7,922 6,228 4,734 ------------ ------------ ------------ 43,890 34,858 25,712 Deferred (720) (1,351) (3,228) ------------ ----------- ------------ Provision for income taxes $ 43,170 $ 33,507 $ 22,484 ============ ============ ============ The current income tax liabilities for 1998 and 1997 were reduced by $3.7 million and $5.8 million, respectively, for tax benefits recorded directly to paid-in capital relating to the exercise and vesting of shares pursuant to the CDW Stock Option Plan, the MPK Stock Option Plan and the MPK Restricted Stock Plan. The reconciliation between the statutory tax rate expressed as a percentage of income before income taxes and the actual effective tax rate for 1998, 1997 and 1996 is as follows: 1998 1997 1996 ------ ------ ------ Statutory federal income tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State taxes, net of federal benefit 4.6 4.6 4.7 Other 0.0 0.1 (0.2) ------ ------ ------ 39.6 % 39.7 % 39.5 % ====== ====== ====== The tax effect of temporary differences that give rise to the net deferred income tax asset at December 31, 1998 and 1997 are presented below (in thousands): 1998 1997 --------- ---------- Current: Accounts receivable $ 1,827 $ 1,385 Merchandise inventory 333 344 Accrued expenses 2,921 1,858 ---------- ---------- 5,081 3,587 ---------- ---------- Non-current: Employee stock plans 4,238 3,800 Exit charge 1,059 1,322 Other (441) 508 ---------- ---------- 4,856 5,630 ---------- ---------- Net deferred tax asset $ 9,937 $ 9,217 ========== ========== 39 The portion of the net deferred tax asset relating to employee stock plans results primarily from the MPK Stock Option Plan and compensatory stock option grants under the CDW Stock Option Plans. Compensation expense related to these plans is deductible for income tax purposes in the year the options are exercised. Although realization is not assured, management believes, based upon historical taxable income, that it is more likely than not that all of the deferred tax asset will be realized. 9. Stock-Based Compensation CDW Stock Option Plans The Company has established certain stock-based compensation plans for the benefit of its directors and coworkers. Pursuant to these plans the Company has reserved a total of 4,134,068 common shares for stock option grants. The plans generally include vesting requirements from 3 to 10 years and option lives of 20 years. Options may be granted at exercise prices ranging from $0.01 to the market price of the common stock at the date of grant. Option activity for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998 was as follows: Weighted-Average Options Shares Exercise Price Exercisable ---------------- -------------- ------------- Balance at January 1, 1996 537,810 $ 24.81 - Options granted 590,685 56.10 Options exercised - - Options forfeited 74,151 24.93 --------------- --------------- -------------- Balance at December 31, 1996 1,054,344 42.33 - --------------- -------------- -------------- Options granted 859,759 52.33 Options exercised - - Options forfeited 82,184 47.51 --------------- -------------- -------------- Balance at December 31, 1997 1,831,919 46.79 44,737 --------------- -------------- -------------- Options granted 714,115 92.76 Options exercised 45,872 24.87 Options forfeited 115,035 50.50 --------------- --------------- --------------- Balance at December 31, 1998 2,385,127 $ 60.80 113,045 =============== =============== =============== 40 For the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, the weighted-average fair value of options granted was as follows: 1998 1997 1996 ------ ------ ------ Exercise price equals market price $65.99 $36.18 $42.08 Exercise price is less than market price $95.93 $52.12 $42.45 The following table summarizes the status of outstanding stock options as of December 31, 1998: Options Outstanding Options Exercisable ------------------------------------------------- --------------------------- Weighted-Average Number of Remaining Weighted- Number of Weighted- Range of Options Contractual Life Average Options Average Exercise Prices Outstanding (in years) Exercise Price Exercisable Exercise Price ---------------- ------------- ------------------- --------------- ------------ --------------- $0.01 34,068 19.0 $ 0.01 - - $9.33 - $13.00 12,300 16.0 11.38 1,500 12.30 $22.75 - $27.00 376,205 16.4 25.31 111,545 25.03 $40.00 - $59.31 1,278,611 18.4 54.82 - - $64.81 - $95.94 683,943 20.0 95.48 - - ---------------- ------------- ------------------- --------------- ------------ --------------- $0.01 - $95.94 2,385,127 18.5 $ 60.80 113,045 $ 24.86 ================ ============= =================== =============== ============ =============== Had the Company elected to apply the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock Based Compensation" (SFAS 123) regarding recognition of compensation expense to the extent of the calculated fair value of stock options, reported net income and earnings per share would have been reduced as follows: (in 000's, except per share amounts) 1998 1997 1996 ------------- ------------- ------------- Net income, as reported $ 65,841 $ 51,001 $ 34,400 Pro forma net income $ 61,574 $ 48,573 $ 33,931 Basic earnings per share, as reported $ 3.06 $ 2.37 $ 1.60 Diluted earnings per share, as reported $ 3.03 $ 2.35 $ 1.58 Pro forma basic earnings per share $ 2.86 $ 2.26 $ 1.58 Pro forma diluted earnings per share $ 2.84 $ 2.25 $ 1.56 The effects of applying SFAS 123 in the above pro forma disclosure are not likely to be representative of the effects disclosed in future years because the proforma calculations exclude stock options granted before 1995. 41 For purposes of the SFAS 123 pro forma net income and earnings per share calculation, the fair value of each option grant is estimated as of the date f grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The weighted-average assumptions used in determining fair value as disclosed for SFAS 123 are shown in the following table: 1998 1997 1996 ------ ------ ------ Risk-free interest rate 5.4 % 5.5 % 6.6 % Dividend yield 0.0 % 0.0 % 0.0 % Option life (years) 9.9 9.9 10.3 Stock price volatility 52.6 % 51.7 % 48.2 % MPK Stock Option Plan Effective December 31, 1992, the Company's current majority shareholder established the MPK Stock Option Plan pursuant to which he granted non-forfeitable options to certain officers to purchase 4,143,375 shares of common stock owned by him at an exercise price of $.017 per share. Options were exercised and the resulting shares were sold pursuant to secondary offerings in 1995 and 1997, and open market transactions in 1998, as follows: Transaction Date Number of Options ---------------- ----------------- 1995 338,000 1997 136,000 1998 165,000 Subsequent to December 31, 1998, one of the plan participants, who holds 244,755 options, terminated employment with the Company. Pursuant to the terms of the MPK Stock Option Plan, the participant has 180 days to exercise all remaining options. Additionally, the Company's majority shareholder has 90 days from the date of exercise to elect to acquire the shares at market value with a note payable with interest over ten years. Options for 892,710 shares for the two remaining participants are exercisable as of December 31, 1998 and the remaining 1,904,998 options are exercisable at the rate of 571,501 on each December 31 hereafter until all options are exercisable. The options have a 20 year life. The number of options exercisable increase proportionately to shares, if any, sold by the majority shareholder. 42 MPK Restricted Stock Plan Effective upon the closing of the initial public offering, the current majority shareholder established the MPK Restricted Stock Plan. Pursuant to this plan, the majority shareholder allocated 668,604 shares of his common stock to be held in escrow for the benefit of those persons employed by the Company as of December 31, 1992. The number of shares allocated to each employee was dependent upon the employee's years of service and salary history. As a result of these grants, which provided for vesting based upon continuous employment with the Company or its subsidiaries through January 1, 2000, the Company recorded a capital contribution and offsetting deferred charge of approximately $2.8 million for unearned compensation equal to the number of shares granted, times $4.17 per share. The deferred charge is classified in the equity section of the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as unearned compensation and is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. As of December 31, 1998, 126,516 shares have been forfeited for which the Company has recorded a reduction of both unearned compensation and paid-in capital, in addition to reducing the amortization of unearned compensation accordingly. The Company filed a Registration Statement on Form S-3, which was effective on February 7, 1997, to modify the terms of the MPK Restricted Stock Plan and provide participants the option to accelerate the vesting on 25% of their shares in exchange for the extension of the vesting period on their remaining shares through 2003. Under the terms of this modification, participants who elected the acceleration were granted options by the Company equal to the number of shares which became vested with an exercise price of $59.00 per share, the market price of the stock on the acceleration date. Participants elected accelerated vesting under this modification for 132,064 shares. As of December 31, 1998, 26,517 shares remain outstanding under the original terms and vest on January 1, 2000 and 383,507 shares remain outstanding under the modified terms and vest 25% each year beginning on January 1, 2000. MPK Stock Plans, Tax Benefits The exercise and vesting of shares pursuant to the MPK Stock Option Plan and MPK Restricted Stock Plan resulted in the realization by the Company of tax benefits of $3.1 million in 1998 and $6.2 million in 1997, of which $144,000 and $334,000, respectively, were previously recorded in deferred taxes. The incremental tax benefits of $2.9 million in 1998 and $5.8 million in 1997 were recorded to paid-in capital. 43 10. Earnings Per Share The Company has outstanding at December 31, 1998 common shares totaling approximately 21,521,000. The Company has also granted options to purchase common shares to the coworkers of the Company as discussed in Note 9. These options have a dilutive effect on the calculation of earnings per share. The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted earnings per share computations as required by SFAS 128. Years ended December 31, -------------------------------------------- 1998 1997 1996 -------------------------------------------- Basic earnings per share: Income available to Common shareholders (numerator) $ 65,841 $ 51,001 $ 34,400 =========== =========== ============ Weighted average common Shares outstanding (denominator) 21,531 21,525 21,525 =========== =========== ============ Basic earnings per share $ 3.06 $ 2.37 $ 1.60 =========== =========== ============ Diluted earnings per share: Income available to common shareholders (numerator) $ 65,841 $ 51,001 $ 34,400 =========== =========== ============ Weighted average common shares outstanding 21,531 21,525 21,525 Effect of dilutive securities: Options on common stock 221 179 260 ----------- ----------- ------------ Total common shares and dilutive securities 21,752 21,704 21,785 (denominator) =========== =========== ============ Diluted earnings per share $ 3.03 $ 2.35 $ 1.58 =========== =========== ============ 11. Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plan The Company has a profit sharing plan which includes a salary reduction feature established under the Internal Revenue Code Section 401(k) covering substantially all employees. Contributions by the Company to the profit sharing plan are determined at the discretion of the Board of Directors. For the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, the Company's profit sharing expense was approximately $1,860,000, $1,066,000 and $662,000, respectively. 12. Contingencies In December 1998, the Company and Michael P. Krasny, its majority shareholder, Chairman and CEO, agreed to settle the litigation brought against them in 1993 by a former shareholder, director and executive officer of the Company. The lawsuit was related to the Company's redemption of the common stock held by the former shareholder in July 1990, and requested actual and punitive damages. Although the Company and Mr. Krasny believe their actions were honest and proper and that the allegations were without merit, they agreed to the settlement of the suit, whereby all pending litigation was dismissed with a one time payment by Mr. Krasny to the former shareholder of approximately $4.4 million. The amount was determined based upon the difference between the agreed upon estimated fair market value of the Company at the time of the redemption of the former shareholder's interest in 1990 and the amount previously paid to the former shareholder. Pursuant to Mr. Krasny's indemnification of the Company for all costs, damages or settlements related to the litigation, the Company recorded the payment by Mr. Krasny to the former shareholder as a capital contribution, with an offsetting reduction of paid-in capital for the additional redemption price paid to the former shareholder. Thus, the settlement had no impact on the Company's results of operations or cash flows. The majority shareholder also reimbursed the Company for all expenses, net of tax benefits received by the Company, related to this action. For the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, the Company and majority shareholder incurred legal expenses of approximately $1.3 million, $379,000 and $133,000, respectively, which have been assumed by the majority shareholder. These legal expenses are recorded as a selling and administrative expense and the reimbursement, net of tax, is recorded as an increase to paid-in capital. As a result of the settlement the Company does not anticipate incurring any additional expenses related to this lawsuit. 44 13. Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) The following information is for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997 (in thousands, except per share data): ` First Second Third Fourth Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter --------- --------- --------- --------- December 31, 1998 Net sales $ 384,591 $ 408,945 $462,720 $477,233 Gross profit 49,147 51,707 58,863 60,458 Income before income taxes 24,453 25,807 28,384 30,367 Net income 14,770 15,588 17,141 18,342 Earnings per Share: Basic $ 0.69 $ 0.72 $ 0.80 $ 0.85 Diluted $ 0.68 $ 0.72 $ 0.79 $ 0.84 December 31, 1997 Net sales $ 297,777 $ 304,545 $323,901 $350,706 Gross profit 39,943 41,657 42,980 46,225 Income before income taxes 18,822 21,043 21,543 23,100 Net income 11,359 12,700 13,001 13,941 Earnings per Share: Basic $ 0.53 $ 0.59 $ 0.60 $ 0.65 Diluted $ 0.52 $ 0.59 $ 0.60 $ 0.64 45 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS To the Board of Directors CDW Computer Centers, Inc. Our report on the consolidated financial statements of CDW Computer Centers, Inc. and Subsidiaries is included on page F-1 of this Form 10-K. In connection with our audits of such financial statements, we have also audited the related financial statement schedule listed in the index on page 20 of this Form 10-K. In our opinion, the financial statement schedule referred to above, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information required to be included therein. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Chicago, Illinois January 21, 1999 S-1 46 CDW COMPUTER CENTERS, INC. SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 199 (in thousands) Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E -------- ---------- ------------------------- ---------- ---------- Balance at Charged to Charged to Balance at Beginning Costs and Other End Description of Period Expenses Accounts Deductions of Period ----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Year ended December 31, 1998 Deducted in the balance sheet from the asset to which it applies: Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 1,950 $ 2,129 $ - $ 894 (a) $ 3,185 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Year ended December 31, 1997 Deducted in the balance sheet from the asset to which it applies: Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 1,100 $ 1,166 $ - $ 316 (a) $ 1,950 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Year ended December 31, 1996 Deducted in the balance sheet from the asset to which it applies: Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 625 $ 517 $ - $ 42 (a) $ 1,100 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Note: (a) Uncollectible items written off, less recoveries of items previously written off. 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