U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark one)
/X/ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 1997
OR
/ / TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ________ to ________
Commission file number: 0-28268
USCS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
------------------------------------------------------
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE 94-1727009
------------------------------------- ------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of (IRS Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification)
2969 PROSPECT PARK DRIVE,
RANCHO CORDOVA, CALIFORNIA 95670-6148
--------------------------------------- ------------------
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code (916) 636-4500
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last
report)
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 the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class Outstanding at July 31, 1997
----------------------------- ---------------------------------
Common Stock, $.05 par value 23,264,825 shares
USCS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED June 30, 1997
PAGE NO.
Part I. Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements 3
Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets
June 30, 1997 (Unaudited) and December 31, 1996 4
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
Three months and six months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996 5
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
Six months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996 6
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements 7
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition, Results of Operations, and Certain Factors
that May Affect Future Results. 8-15
Part II. Other Information
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 16
Item 2. Changes in Securities 16
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities 16
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 16
Item 5. Other Information 16
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 17
Signature 18
2
USCS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
PART I- FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following consolidated condensed financial statements, except for the
balance sheet as of December 31, 1996, have been prepared by USCS International,
Inc. (the Company) without audit by independent public accountants, but in
accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) and, in the opinion of the Company, include all adjustments
(consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair statement
of results for each period shown. Certain information and footnote disclosures
normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such
SEC rules and regulations. The Company believes that the disclosures made are
adequate to make the information presented not misleading. These financial
statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes
thereto included in the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1
(Registration No. 333-3842) declared effective by the SEC on June 20, 1996 and
the Company's Annual Report to Stockholders and the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996. The results of operations for
the quarter and six months ended June 30, 1997 are not necessarily indicative of
the results to be expected for the entire year ending December 31, 1997.
3
USCS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands except share and per share amounts)
June 30, December 31,
1997 1996
------------ ------------
(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash $ 8,641 $ 8,452
Accounts receivable 71,445 73,458
Current portion of net investment in leases 4,863 4,922
Paper products and other inventory 4,083 4,418
Other 5,957 8,972
---------- ----------
Total current assets 94,989 100,222
Property and equipment, net 94,880 94,350
Net investment in leases, net of current portion 4,476 6,252
Other 8,352 4,735
---------- ----------
Total assets $ 202,697 $ 205,559
---------- ----------
---------- ----------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 41,057 $ 48,975
Current portion of long-term debt 3,977 4,772
Deferred revenue 1,657 9,434
---------- ----------
Total current liabilities 46,691 63,181
Long-term debt, net of current portion 3,048 5,647
Customer deposits 17,185 12,752
Other liabilities 8,185 8,646
---------- ----------
Total liabilities 75,109 90,226
---------- ----------
---------- ----------
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred Stock, $.05 par value,
10,000,000 shares authorized;
no shares issued and outstanding - -
Common Stock, $.05 par value,
Authorized 40,000,000 shares; Issued
and outstanding:
23,249,305 shares at June 30, 1997
(unaudited) and 23,068,826 shares
at December 31, 1996 1,162 1,153
Additional paid-in capital 55,512 53,902
Retained earnings 71,092 60,437
Foreign currency translation adjustment (178) (159)
---------- ----------
Total stockholders' equity 127,588 115,333
---------- ----------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 202,697 $ 205,559
---------- ----------
---------- ----------
4
USCS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands except per share amounts)
Three months ended Six months ended
June 30, June 30,
------------------------ -----------------------
1997 1996 1997 1996
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Revenue:
Software and services:
Customer management $ 37,655 $ 33,807 $ 75,434 $ 66,284
Bill processing 29,521 23,982 57,919 46,926
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Total 67,176 57,789 133,353 113,210
Equipment sales and services 5,522 5,783 10,315 10,617
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Total revenue 72,698 63,572 143,668 123,827
--------- --------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Cost of revenue:
Software and services:
Customer management 17,383 18,521 35,911 36,751
Bill processing 21,064 17,837 41,924 34,835
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Total 38,447 36,358 77,835 71,586
Equipment sales and services 2,728 3,413 5,526 6,346
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Total cost of revenue 41,175 39,771 83,361 77,932
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Gross profit 31,523 23,801 60,307 45,895
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Operating expenses:
Research and development 7,860 5,890 14,731 11,533
Selling, general and administrative 14,197 12,070 27,462 23,078
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Total operating expenses 22,057 17,960 42,193 34,611
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Operating income 9,466 5,841 18,114 11,284
Interest expense 186 1,143 355 2,349
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Income before income taxes 9,280 4,698 17,759 8,935
Income tax provision 3,678 1,855 7,104 3,529
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net income $ 5,602 $ 2,843 $ 10,655 $ 5,406
--------- --------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Earnings per share $ 0.23 $ 0.13 $ 0.43 $ 0.26
--------- --------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Weighted average common
shares and equivalents 24,620 21,304 24,580 20,982
--------- --------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- --------- ---------
5
USCS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
Six months ended
June 30,
-----------------------
1997 1996
----------- ----------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by operating activities $ 16,974 $ 6,575
--------- --------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures, net (11,990) (13,501)
Purchase of subsidiary (2,046) -
Other (974) (339)
--------- --------
Net cash used in investing activities (15,010) (13,840)
--------- --------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net paydown under revolving credit agreement - (26,000)
Payments on long-term debt (3,394) (9,436)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock 1,619 42,838
Repurchase of common stock - (39)
--------- --------
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities (1,775) 7,363
--------- --------
Net increase in cash 189 98
Cash at January 1 8,452 6,627
--------- --------
Cash at June 30 $ 8,641 $ 6,725
--------- --------
--------- --------
6
USCS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Long-term Debt
The Company has a five-year unsecured revolving credit line with two
banks in the amount of $50 million. Borrowings under the agreement
bear interest at the Company's choice of LIBOR (plus a margin ranging
from .55% to 1.25%), the bank's base rate or a quoted rate. Under the
borrowing agreement, the Company is required to maintain certain
financial ratios and meet a net worth test. The revolving credit line
expires September, 2001.
2. Stockholders' Equity
In June 1996, the Company completed an initial public offering (IPO) of
its common stock. Upon the close of the IPO, the Company effected
certain stock splits and conversions of its Voting and Non-Voting Common
Stock. All share and per share data have been restated to reflect the
effect of the stock splits.
3. Income Tax
Income tax provisions for interim periods are based on estimated
effective annual income tax rates. The Company recognizes deferred tax
assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of
temporary differences between tax bases and financial reporting bases
of assets and liabilities.
4. Earnings per Share
Earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of shares
outstanding and common stock equivalents during the respective periods,
including the assumed net shares issuable upon exercise of stock options
when dilutive. Common and common equivalent shares issued during the
twelve-month period prior to the IPO are included in the calculations as
if they were outstanding for all periods presented.
Under the recently issued FAS 128, the pro forma basic earnings per
share, as defined by the statement, would be $0.24 and $0.14 for the
quarters ended June 30, 1997 and 1996, based on weighted average shares
outstanding of 23,152,000 and 19,615,000, respectively. For the
six-month period ended June 30, 1997 and 1996, pro forma basic earnings
per share, as defined by the statement, would be $0.46 and $0.28, based
on weighted average shares outstanding of 23,124,000 and 19,326,000,
respectively. The pro forma diluted earnings per share, as defined by
the statement, would be $0.23 and $0.14 for the quarters ended June 30,
1997 and 1996, based on weighted average shares outstanding of
24,298,000 and 20,272,000, respectively. For the six-month period ended
June 30, 1997 and 1996, the pro forma diluted earnings per share, as
defined by the statement, would be $0.44 and $0.27, based on shares
outstanding of 24,216,000 and 19,950,000, respectively.
7
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition, Results
of Operations, and Certain Factors that May Affect Future Results
This Quarterly Report contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and
uncertainties. The statements that are not historical facts or statements of
current status are forward-looking statements as defined in the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are subject to risks and
uncertainties including, but not limited to, the risks and uncertainties set
forth under the caption "CERTAIN FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT FUTURE RESULTS." The
Company's future results may differ significantly from the results and forward-
looking statements discussed in this Report.
Founded in 1969, USCS is a leading global provider of customer care and billing
solutions to the communications industry and other service industries. USCS
operates in one segment with revenue derived primarily from providing software
and bill processing services to cable television and multi-service providers and
bill processing services to telecommunications companies. Software and bill
processing services for cable television and multi-service providers are
generally provided under bundled service arrangements. Most of the Company's
revenue is derived based on the number of subscribers or end-users of the
Company's clients, the number of billing statements mailed and/or the number of
images, generally one-page-side, produced. Most of the Company's revenue is
derived under long-term contracts with terms ranging from three to seven years.
Clients are billed monthly, generally based on the number of end-users they
serve. As a result, a significant portion of the Company's revenue is recurring
and increases as the service provider's customer base grows. In addition, the
Company sells computer hardware and provides associated maintenance. Leasing is
provided as an alternative to equipment purchases for clients.
The Company provides software and services to North American and U.K. cable
television and multi-service providers primarily through a direct sales force.
Outside of North America and the U.K., the Company markets its software services
primarily through strategic alliances with companies specializing in system
integration or computer hardware manufacturing that are capable of providing
local sales and support. Building and maintaining relationships with its
clients is an important part of the Company's strategy because selling cycles
can extend a year or longer. The Company has committed increased resources to
the international, multi-service and telecommunications markets because it
believes these represent opportunities to grow at rates greater than in the U.S.
cable television marketplace alone.
8
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the Company's
consolidated condensed statements of operations and the percentage of revenue
represented by each line item:
Three months ended Six months ended
June 30, June 30,
------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1997 1996
---------------------- ---------------------- --------------------- --------------------
(Dollars in thousands) (Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited) (Unaudited)
Revenue:
Software and services:
Customer management $ 37,655 51.8% $ 33,807 53.2% $ 75,434 52.5% $ 66,284 53.5%
Bill processing 29,521 40.6 23,982 37.7 57,919 40.3 46,926 37.9
---------- ------- ---------- --------- ----------- -------- ----------- --------
Total 67,176 92.4 57,789 90.9 133,353 92.8 113,210 91.4
Equipment sales and services 5,522 7.6 5,783 9.1 10,315 7.2 10,617 8.6
---------- ------- ---------- --------- ----------- -------- ----------- --------
Total revenue 72,698 100.0 63,572 100.0 143,668 100.0 123,827 100.0
---------- ------- ---------- --------- ----------- -------- ----------- --------
Cost of revenue:
Software and services:
Customer management 17,383 23.9 18,521 29.1 35,911 25.0 36,751 29.7
Bill processing 21,064 29.0 17,837 28.1 41,924 29.2 34,835 28.1
---------- ------- ---------- --------- ----------- -------- ----------- --------
Total 38,447 52.9 36,358 57.2 77,835 54.2 71,586 57.8
Equipment sales and services 2,728 3.7 3,413 5.4 5,526 3.8 6,346 5.1
---------- ------- ---------- --------- ----------- -------- ----------- --------
Total cost of revenue 41,175 56.6 39,771 62.6 83,361 58.0 77,932 62.9
---------- ------- ---------- --------- ----------- -------- ----------- --------
Gross profit 31,523 43.4 23,801 37.4 60,307 42.0 45,895 37.1
---------- ------- ---------- --------- ----------- -------- ----------- --------
Operating expenses:
Research and development 7,860 10.8 5,890 9.2 14,731 10.3 11,533 9.3
Selling, general and
administrative 14,197 19.5 12,070 19.0 27,462 19.1 23,078 18.7
---------- ------- ---------- --------- ----------- -------- ----------- --------
Total operating expenses 22,057 30.3 17,960 28.2 42,193 29.4 34,611 28.0
---------- ------- ---------- --------- ----------- -------- ----------- --------
Operating income 9,466 13.1 5,841 9.2 18,114 12.6 11,284 9.1
Interest expense 186 .3 1,143 1.8 355 .2 2,349 1.9
---------- ------- ---------- --------- ----------- -------- ----------- --------
Income before income taxes 9,280 12.8 4,698 7.4 17,759 12.4 8,935 7.2
Income tax provision 3,678 5.1 1,855 2.9 7,104 5.0 3,529 2.8
---------- ------- ---------- --------- ----------- -------- ----------- --------
Net income $ 5,602 7.7% $ 2,843 4.5% $ 10,655 7.4% $ 5,406 4.4%
---------- ------- ---------- --------- ----------- -------- ----------- --------
---------- ------- ---------- --------- ----------- -------- ----------- --------
9
Revenue. Total revenue increased by 14%, to $72.7 million in the second quarter
of 1997 from $63.6 million in the comparable quarter in 1996. Software and
services, which was 92% of total revenue in the second quarter of 1997 versus
91% in the second quarter of 1996, increased in the second quarter of 1997 by
16% over the prior year quarter. Customer management software and services
revenue, of which a significant majority comes from bundling software with bill
processing services, increased by 12% to $37.7 million in the second quarter of
1997 from $33.8 million in the 1996 second quarter. Bill processing services
revenue provided primarily to telecommunications companies as a stand-alone
service increased by 23%, to $29.5 million in the second quarter of 1997 from
$24.0 million in the comparable quarter of the prior year. Equipment sales and
services, as expected, slightly declined at $5.5 million in the second quarter
of 1997 compared to $5.8 million in the same quarter of 1996. As a percentage
of revenue, equipment sales and services declined to 8% in the second quarter of
1997 from 9% in the same quarter of 1996.
Total revenue increased by 16%, to $143.7 million for the six months ended June
30, 1997 from $123.8 million in the comparable period in 1996. Software and
services, which was 93% of total revenue for the six months ended June 30, 1997
versus 91% for the same period in 1996, increased by 18% in the first six months
of 1997 over the first six months of 1996. Customer management software and
services revenue increased by 14%, to $75.4 million in the six months ended June
30, 1997 from $66.3 million for the same period in 1996. Bill processing
services revenue increased by 23%, to $57.9 million in the first six months of
1997 from $46.9 million in the comparable period of the prior year. Equipment
sales and services slightly declined to $10.3 million in the first six months of
1997 compared to $10.6 million for the same period in 1996 and decreased to 7%
of revenue in 1997 from 9% in the comparable 1996 period.
Growth in revenue in customer management software and services, for the second
quarter and six months ended June 30, 1997 compared to the same periods in 1996,
came primarily from sales of additional services, increases in the number of
subscribers from the growth of existing clients and addition of new clients
primarily in international markets and contractually based price adjustments.
The bill processing services revenue increase for the second quarter and six
month period ending June 30, 1997, compared to the same periods in 1996, was
attributable to increased statement production from the addition of new
customers, the internal growth of existing customers and from the sale of
additional services.
Cost of Revenue and Gross Profit. The Company's gross profit margin increased to
approximately 43% in the second quarter of 1997 from approximately 37% in the
comparable quarter in 1996. For the six-month period ending June 30, 1997, the
gross profit margin was 42% compared to 37% for the same period in 1996.
Customer management software and services gross profit margin increased to
approximately 54% in the second quarter of 1997 from 45% in the comparable
quarter in 1996. For the six-month period ending June 30, 1997, the gross
profit was approximately 52% compared to 45% for the same period in 1996. Bill
processing services gross profit margin approximated 29% in the second quarter
of 1997, compared to 26% for the same period in 1996. For the six-month period
ended June 30, 1997, the gross profit margin approximated 28% compared to 26% in
the same period in 1996. Gross profit margins increased because of economies of
scale associated with overall higher subscriber counts, increased statement
processing volumes, operational efficiencies and increased revenue from selling
additional services. The gross profit margin on equipment-related revenue
increased to approximately 51% in the second quarter of 1997 from 41% in the
comparable quarter in 1996. For the six-month period ending June 30, 1997, the
gross profit margin was 46% compared to 40% in the same period in 1996. The
increase in margins is primarily attributed to less discounting and concessions
on equipment sales.
10
Research and Development. Research and development expense in the second
quarter of 1997 was $7.9 million, an increase of $2.0 million, or 33%, over the
comparable quarter in the prior year. For the six-month period ended June 30,
1997, research and development expense was $14.7 million in 1997 compared to
$11.5 million in 1996, an increase of 28%. Research and development was 11% of
total revenue in the second quarter of 1997 compared to 9% in the second quarter
of 1996, and 10% of total revenue in the first six months of 1997 compared to 9%
in the first six months of 1996. The added expense was incurred for expanding
features and functionality, primarily in customer management software and
services.
Selling, General and Administrative. Selling, general and administrative
expenses approximated 20% and 19% of total revenue for the quarter ended June
30, 1997 and 1996, respectively, and approximated 19% for the six-month period
ended June 30, 1997 and 1996. Selling, general and administrative expenses in
the second quarter of 1997 increased by approximately 18% over the comparable
quarter in the prior year, and for the six-month period ending June 30, 1997
increased by 19% over the same period in 1996. Sales and marketing increased by
23% in the second quarter of 1997 compared to the first quarter of 1996, and by
23% in the first six months of 1997 compared to 1996. This increase is
attributable to increased sales and marketing efforts in the domestic and
international markets. General and administrative expenses increased 14% in the
second quarter of 1997 compared to the first quarter of 1996, and increased by
16% in the first six months of 1997 compared to the same period in 1996, but
remained constant as a percentage of revenue. This increase is attributed to
greater support for the increased sales and marketing activity, as well as
customer and investor relations activity and support required for company
growth.
Net Income. Net income in the second quarter of 1997 increased by 97%, to $5.6
million from $2.8 million in the comparable 1996 quarter, and in the six-month
period ended June 30, 1997, net income increased by 97% to $10.7 million from
$5.4 million in the comparable 1996 period. This increase is primarily because
of the factors cited above and a net reduction of interest expense of
approximately $1.0 million in the second quarter and $2.0 million in the first
six months of 1997 due to the retirement of debt primarily through IPO proceeds.
Net income per share increased 77% and 65% in the second quarter and first six
months of 1997, respectively, versus the comparable periods in 1996. The
increase in net income per share in the second quarter and first six months of
1997 resulted from the Company's higher earnings, partially offset by an
increase of 16% and 17%, respectively, in the number of shares used in the
calculation of earnings per share.
11
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The primary sources of financing the Company's growth have been cash provided by
operations, borrowing from banks and financial institutions and the IPO
proceeds. The Company utilized the net proceeds from the IPO to reduce debt
under certain revolving credit agreements and, in combination with positive cash
flow from operations, to prepay insurance company loans in 1996. The retirement
of a majority of the Company's debt allowed the redirection of cash used for
debt service to operations and growth.
The Company collects from its clients and remits to the U.S. Postal Service a
substantial amount of postage. The majority of contracts allow the Company to
pre-bill and/or require deposits from its clients to mitigate the effect on cash
flow. As of June 30, 1997, 31% of the Company's accounts receivable represented
amounts due from clients for postage. Postage collections and remittances are
not included in the Company's statements of operations.
At June 30, 1997, the Company had $8.6 million of cash, $71.4 million of
accounts receivable (including postage receivable of $ 21.9 million), $4.9
million of current net investment in leases, and $48.3 million of working
capital. At June 30, 1997, the Company had no borrowings under unsecured bank
credit arrangements with a total borrowing availability of $50 million. Of the
$7 million of total debt outstanding at June 30, 1997, $4 million is due over
the following 12-month period. Of the total debt outstanding, $6.1 million
pertains to the Company's leasing subsidiary and is collateralized, without
recourse, by rents receivable, and $.9 million is for bonds collateralized by
real estate.
The Company continues to make significant investments in capital equipment and
research and development, as well as to expand into new domestic and
international markets. The Company believes that net cash from operations and
the Company's borrowing availability will be sufficient to support operations
through the next twelve months.
CERTAIN FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT FUTURE RESULTS
A number of uncertainties exist that could affect the Company's future operating
results, including, without limitation, changes in the cable television market,
the Company's ability to retain existing customers and attract new customers,
the Company's continuing ability to develop products that are responsive to the
evolving needs of its customers, increased competition, changes in operating
expenses, changes in government regulation of the Company's clients and general
economic factors.
Dependence on the Cable Television Market
The Company is highly dependent on the cable television market. Approximately
60% of the Company's revenue was derived from sales to U.S. and international
cable television service providers in the second quarter and first six months of
1997 and 1996. The number of providers of cable television service in the U.S.
has been declining, resulting in a reduction of the number of potential cable
television clients in the U.S. As the number of companies serving the available
subscriber base decreases, the loss of a single client could have a greater
adverse impact on the Company than in the past. Even if the number of clients
remains the same, a decrease in the number of subscribers served by the
Company's cable television clients would result in lower revenue for the
Company. Furthermore, a decrease in the number of cable subscribers or any
adverse development in the cable television market could have a material adverse
effect on the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Also see "International Business Activities."
12
Changing Communications Market
The communications market is characterized by rapid technological developments,
changes in client requirements, evolving industry standards and frequent new
product introductions. The Company's future success will depend, in part, upon
its ability to enhance its existing applications, develop and introduce new
products that take advantage of technological advances and respond promptly to
new client requirements and evolving industry standards. The Company has
expended considerable funds to develop products to serve the changing
communications market. If the communications market grows or converges more
slowly than anticipated or the Company's products and services fail to achieve
market acceptance, there could be a material adverse effect on the financial
condition and results of operations of the Company. Further, the Company's
development projects are subject to all of the risks associated with the
development of new software and other products based on innovative technologies.
The failure of such development projects could have a material adverse effect on
the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Variability of Quarterly Operating Results
The Company's quarterly operating results may fluctuate from quarter to quarter
depending on various factors, including the impact of significant start-up costs
associated with initiating the delivery of contracted services to new clients,
the hiring of additional staff, new product development and other expenses,
introduction of new products by competitors, pricing pressures, the evolving and
unpredictable nature of the markets in which the Company's products and services
are sold and general economic conditions.
New Products, Rapid Technological Changes and Competition
The market for the Company's products and services is highly competitive, and
competition is increasing as additional market opportunities arise. The
Company believes its most significant competitors for customer management
software and services are independent providers of such software and services
and in-house systems. Tele-Communications, Inc. ('TCI"), after giving effect
to the purchase of the cable operations of Viacom in 1996, which was a client
of the Company, represented approximately 18% and 19% of the Company's
revenue in the second quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 1997 and
1996, respectively. In June 1996, the Company entered into a new
three-and-one-half year contract to continue to provide customer management
software and bill processing services to TCI. Under the contract, TCI may
remove subscribers from the agreement during its term, subject to price
increases based on the number of subscribers remaining under contract. TCI
previously announced that it is developing and testing an in-house system and
that such in-house system will replace the Company's customer management
software system. TCI informed the Company on August 11, 1997, that it had
agreed to sell its in-house system and to enter into a long term exclusive
customer management software and services contract with one of the Company's
competitors. Management estimates that the migration of TCI subscribers will
take place over an extended period; however, the Company cannot predict the
migration schedule TCI will adopt nor the resultant impact on the Company's
revenue and results of operations. Another client, which accounted for
approximately 4% of total revenue in the second quarter and first six months
of 1997 and 1996, has orally advised the Company that it may move to an
alternative solution for its customer management software requirements.
In addition, competitive factors could influence or alter the Company's overall
revenue mix between customer management software, services, including bill
processing services, and equipment sales and leasing. Any of these events could
have a material adverse effect on the financial condition and results of
operations, including gross profit margins, of the Company.
13
Concentration of Client Base
Aggregate revenue from the Company's ten largest clients accounted for
approximately two-thirds of total revenue in the second quarter and six-month
period ending June 30, 1997 and 1996. Loss of all or a significant part of the
business of any of these clients, or a decrease in their respective customer
bases, would have a material adverse effect on the financial condition and
results of operations of the Company. Three of the Company's clients
represented approximately 41% and 43% of total revenue in the second quarter of
1997 and 1996, respectively, and approximately 41% and 44% in the six-month
period ending June 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
Management of Growth
Management of the Company's growth may place a considerable strain on the
Company's management, operations and systems. The Company's ability to execute
its business strategy will depend in part upon its ability to manage the demands
of a growing business. Any failure of the Company's management team to
effectively manage growth could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
business, financial condition or results of operations.
Client Failure to Renew or Utilize Contracts
A substantial portion of the Company's revenue is derived from the sale of
services or products under long-term contracts with its clients. The Company
typically does not have the unilateral option to extend the terms of such
contracts upon their expiration. In addition, certain of the Company's contracts
do not require clients to make any minimum purchase. Others require minimum
purchases that are substantially below the current level of business under such
contracts and all such contracts are cancelable by clients under certain
conditions. The failure of clients to renew contracts, a reduction in usage by
clients under any contracts or the cancellation of contracts could have a
material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition and results of
operations.
International Business Activities
The Company markets its products in a variety of international markets. To date,
the Company's customer management software has been installed in 20 countries.
More than 5% of the Company's customer management software and services revenue
came from international sources in the second quarter and first six months of
1997 compared to less than 5% for the same periods in the prior year. The
Company is expanding its international presence, primarily through third party
marketing and distribution alliances. The Company's current and proposed
international business activities are subject to certain inherent risks. There
can be no assurance that such risks will not have a material adverse effect on
the Company's future international sales and, consequently, the Company's
business, operating results and financial condition.
Attraction and Retention of Key Personnel
The Company's future success depends in large part on the continued service of
its key management, sales, product development and operational personnel. The
Company believes that its future success also depends on its ability to attract
and retain skilled technical, managerial and marketing personnel, including, in
particular, additional personnel in the areas of research and development and
technical support. Competition for qualified personnel is intense. The Company
has from time to time experienced difficulties in recruiting qualified skilled
technical personnel. Failure by the Company to attract and retain the personnel
it requires could have a material adverse effect on the financial condition and
results of operations of the Company.
14
Dependence on Proprietary Technology
The Company relies on a combination of patent, trade secret and copyright laws,
nondisclosure agreements, and other contractual and technical measures to
protect its proprietary technology. There can be no assurance that these
provisions will be adequate to protect its proprietary rights. Although the
Company believes that its products and services do not infringe upon the
proprietary rights of third parties, there can be no assurance that third
parties will not assert infringement claims against the Company or the Company's
clients.
Government Regulation
The Company's existing and potential clients are subject to extensive
regulation, and certain of the Company's revenue opportunities may depend on
continued deregulation in the worldwide communications industry. In addition,
the Company's clients are subject to certain regulations governing the privacy
and use of the customer information that is collected and managed by the
Company's products and services. Regulatory changes that adversely affect the
Company's existing and potential clients could have a material adverse effect on
the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Possible Volatility of Stock Price
Although the Company believes that it has the product offerings and resources
needed for continuing success, future revenue and margin trends cannot be
reliably predicted and may cause the Company to adjust its operations. The
Company's stock price, like that of other technology companies, is subject to
significant volatility. The announcement of new products, services or
technologies by the Company or its competitors, quarterly variations in the
Company's results of operations, changes in revenue or earnings estimates by the
investment community and speculation in the press or investment community are
among the factors affecting the Company's stock price. In addition, the stock
price may be affected by general market conditions and domestic and
international macroeconomic factors unrelated to the Company's performance.
Because of the foregoing reasons, recent trends should not be considered
reliable indicators of future stock prices or financial results.
15
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.
None.
Item 2. Changes in Securities.
None.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.
None.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
None.
Item 5. Other information.
On April 14, 1997, the Company's CableData subsidiary
acquired Lynn-Arthur Associates, Inc. (LAA). LAA specializes
in software and professional services used in the
implementation of telecommunications companies' billing
systems. LAA is a leader in the provision of real-time call
rating. Its software and expertise also includes data
collection, debit calling services and operator services
support. LAA provides software and services to
telecommunications providers in North and South America. LAA
is headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
In order to give the participants in the Company's Employee
Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) access to Company stock in their
ESOP account in an orderly phased manner for purposes of
self-direction, in July, 1997, the Board of Directors
terminated the Company's ESOP effective January 1, 1997,
with distribution of the ESOP assets to take place in phased
quarterly increments. The initial distribution of ESOP
assets to ESOP participants will begin in August, 1997,
with a distribution of the greater of 400 shares or 10% of
the shares in each ESOP participant's account, plus all cash
in the account. The number of shares involved in the
initial distribution is 508,040. Subsequent quarterly
distribution increments will be not less than 5%
(approximately 178,000 shares) of the total August 31, 1996
ESOP balance. Effective November 12, 1996, the Company
registered the shares in the ESOP pursuant to a Form S-8.
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Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.
(a) Exhibits.
Exhibit 11 Computation of Per Share Earnings
Exhibit 27 Financial Data Schedule
Exhibit 99 Statement Production Services Agreement (redacted)
dated June 25, 1997 between Federal Express
Corporation and International Billing Services,
Inc., a subsidiary of the Registrant
Exhibit 99.1 Registrant's press release dated August 11, 1997
re: USCS International Comments on TCI
Announcement.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K.
The Registrant filed the following report on Form 8K:
Registrant's Press Release, dated as of July 14, 1997, announcing
a statement production services agreement with Federal Express
Corporation as exhibit 99.1 and 99.2 to Form 8K, and contract
(redacted) filed as exhibit 99 to the Registrant's June 30, 1997
Form 10Q.
17
USCS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
USCS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Registrant)
Dated: August 11, 1997 By: /s/ DOUGLAS L. SHURTLEFF
------------------------
Douglas L. Shurtleff
Senior Vice President, Finance
(Chief Financial Officer)
18