1 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K FOR ANNUAL AND TRANSITION REPORTS PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (MARK ONE) /X/ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 ON 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 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 NO. 0-18492 DIGITAL SOLUTIONS, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) NEW JERSEY 22-1899798 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) 300 ATRIUM DRIVE, SOMERSET, NEW JERSEY 08873 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE (732) 748-1700 SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT: NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE ON TITLE OF EACH CLASS WHICH REGISTERED 1 2 NONE [Cover Page 1 of 2 Pages] SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT: COMMON STOCK, $.001 PAR VALUE PER SHARE (Title of class) Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter 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 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. / / On January 2, 1998, the aggregate market value of the voting stock of Digital Solutions, Inc. (consisting of Common Stock, $.001 par value per share) held by non-affiliates of the Registrant was approximately $34,332,000 based upon the average bid and asked price for such Common Stock on said date as reported by Nasdaq. On such date, there were issued and outstanding 19,141,760 shares of Common Stock of the Registrant. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE Proxy Statement for 1998 Annual Meeting of Shareholders [Cover Page 2 of 2 Pages] 2 3 PART I ITEM 1. BUSINESS INTRODUCTION Digital Solutions, Inc. ("DSI" or "the Company"), was founded in 1969 as a payroll service company and has evolved into a leading provider of human resource management services to a wide variety of industries in 50 states. DSI currently offers three general categories of services: (1) professional employer organization ("PEO") services, (2) employer administrative services, such as payroll processing, personnel and administration, benefits administration and tax filing; and, (3) contract staffing, or the placement of temporary and permanent employees. DSI currently furnishes PEO, payroll and contract staffing services to over 1,438 client organizations with approximately 5,000 worksite PEO and staffing employees, and believes that it currently ranks, in terms of revenues and worksite employee base, as one of the largest professional employer organizations in the United States. In addition, DSI places temporary help in hospitals and clinics throughout the United States through its Houston, Texas and Clearwater, Florida offices. The Company has three regional offices in Somerset, New Jersey; Houston, Texas; and Clearwater, Florida and five sales service centers in New York, New York; El Paso and Houston, Texas; Clearwater, Florida; and Somerset, New Jersey. Essentially, the Company provides services that function as the personnel department for small to medium sized companies. The Company believes that by offering services which relieve small and medium size businesses of the ever increasing burden of employee related record keeping, payroll processing, benefits administration, employment of temporary and permanent specialized employees and other human resource functions, the Company will position itself to take advantage of a major growth opportunity during this decade and the next. Recognizing the desire by many small businesses to be relieved not only of the human resource administrative functions, but also of the responsibility to manage employees and oversee operational tasks ancillary to their core business, the Company has formulated a strategy of emphasizing PEO and "outsourcing" services. In PEO, a service provider becomes an employer of the client company's employees and provides these employees to the client to perform their intended functions at the worksite. In outsourcing, the service provider is not only responsible for human resource administration but also assumes ultimate responsibility in some cases for management of the employees and their job functions. For example, a provider of outsourcing services could be engaged by a hospital or clinic to manage the maintenance and operation of the facility. The medical staff would still be responsible for the medical 3 4 functions but the physical plant would be managed by the provider. DSI is focusing its future growth on the PEO and outsourcing industry. The Company's expansion program will focus on internal growth through the cross marketing of its PEO services to its entire client base and the acquisition of compatible businesses strategically situated in new areas or with a client base serviceable from existing facilities. DSI is now committed to focusing on the PEO and outsourcing industry for its future growth and to convert Staff-Rx, the Company's medical contract staffing subsidiary, into more than a staffing business by focusing on PEO, outsourcing and facilities management. While DSI will continue to sell stand-alone employer services, such as payroll and tax filing, it will emphasize the PEO component of its service offerings with a goal of becoming the leading provider of PEO services in the United States. A major component of the Company's growth strategy is the acquisition of well situated independent PEO companies whose business can be integrated into the Companies operations. However, there can be no assurance any such acquisition will be consummated by the Company. Digital Solutions, Inc. was organized under the laws of the State of New Jersey on November 25, 1969 and maintains executive offices at 300 Atrium Drive, Somerset, New Jersey 08873 where its telephone number is (732) 748-1700. GENERAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTS DURING THE LAST FISCAL YEAR BANK CREDIT LINE In February 1995, the Company entered into a one year revolving credit line facility (the "Line") with a bank which was subsequently extended and amended on seven occasions. Each loan extension has been for limited periods of time. The fifth amendment executed as of December 31, 1996, restricted the Company from borrowing any additional funds available on the Line and required weekly principal payments of $10,000, effective February 24, 1997. Effective October 31, 1997, the Company entered into the seventh amendment to the loan agreement. Under the terms of this agreement, which expires October 31, 1998, the Company was required to grant to the bank 500,000 warrants to purchase the Company's common stock. The warrants will vest in amounts of 200,000 and 300,000 as of April 30, 1998 and October 31, 1998, respectively, if the obligations under the loan agreement are not paid in full by these dates. The warrants have an exercise price of $2.4375 per share which was the fair market value of the stock at the date of the agreement. The Company is obligated to make monthly payments of interest on the outstanding amounts at the bank's floating base rate plus three percent (11.5% at September 30, 1997). The Line is collateralized by all of the 4 5 Company's assets. On December 1, 1997, as a requirement of the extension of its bank line of credit, the Company raised $250,000. These funds were an equity investment provided by its directors, a former director and executive officers and will be available for general corporate purposes. To address the capital needs of the Company, management is presently in discussions with several financial institutions. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in its efforts to raise additional funds. SERVICES PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYER ORGANIZATION (PEO) The Company's core business, and the area management will continue to promote, is its PEO services. When a client utilizes the Company's PEO services, the client administratively transfers all or some of its employees to DSI which then provides them to the client. DSI thereby becomes the recognized legal co-employer and is responsible for all human resource functions, including payroll, benefits administration, tax reporting and personnel record keeping. The client still manages the employees and determines salary and duties in the same fashion as any employer. However, the client is relieved of reporting and tax filing requirements and other administrative tasks. Moreover, because of economies of scale, DSI is able to negotiate favorable terms on workers' compensation insurance, health benefits, retirement programs, and other valuable services. The client company benefits because it can now offer its employees the same or similar benefits as its larger competitors, and successfully compete in recruiting highly qualified personnel, as well as build the morale and loyalty of its staff. The benefits DSI can offer include: COMPREHENSIVE MAJOR MEDICAL PLANS -- DSI believes that medical insurance costs have forced small employers to reduce coverage provided to its employees and to increase employee contributions. DSI is able to leverage its large employee base and allow their clients to offer a variety of health coverage plans from traditional indemnity plans to Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO) or Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO). DENTAL AND VISION COVERAGE -- Such coverage is generally beyond the reach of most small groups, but it is a cost effective option which can be provided by DSI. LIFE INSURANCE -- Affordable basic coverage is available, plus optional supplemental life. 5 6 SECTION 125 PREMIUM CONVERSION PLAN -- Employees can pay for benefits with pre-tax earnings, reduce their taxable income and FICA payments, and increase their take-home pay. 401(K) RETIREMENT PLANS -- DSI believes that most small groups are not provided with any significant retirement benefits due to the administrative and regulatory requirements associated with the establishment and maintenance of retirement plans. DSI enables small business owners to offer their employees retirement programs comparable to those of major corporations. Such plans can be used to increase morale, productivity and promote employee loyalty. CREDIT UNION -- An opportunity for employees to borrow money at lower interest than offered at most banks. PAYROLL SERVICES -- Although ancillary to the PEO services, clients no longer incur the expense of payroll processing either through in-house staff or outside service. DSI's PEO services include all payroll and payroll tax processing. UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION COST CONTROL -- DSI provides an unemployment compensation cost control program to aggressively manage unemployment claims. HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT SERVICES -- DSI can provide clients with expertise in areas such as personnel policies and procedures, hiring and firing, training, compensation and performance evaluation. WORKERS COMPENSATION PROGRAM -- DSI has a national workers compensation policy which can provide DSI with a significant advantage in marketing its services, particularly in jurisdictions where workers compensation policies are difficult to obtain at reasonable costs. DSI also provides its clients where applicable with independent safety analysis and risk management services to reduce worker's injuries and claims. By relieving client companies of personnel administrative tasks, the client is able to focus on its core business. The client is also able to offer a broader benefits package for its employees, a competitive rate in workers' compensation insurance, and savings in time and paperwork previously required in connection with personnel administration. PAYROLL SERVICES 6 7 DSI was established as a payroll service firm in 1969, and continues to provide basic payroll services to its clients. Historically, DSI provided these services primarily to the construction industry and currently 60% of the Company's approximately 1,000 payroll service clients are in the construction industry. DSI offers most, if not all, of what other payroll services provide, including the preparation of checks, government reports, W-2's (including magnetic tape filings), remote processing (via modem) directly to the clients offices, and service. In addition, DSI offers a wide array of tax reporting services including accrual of tax summaries, timely deposit of taxes, impounding of tax refunds, filing of returns, distribution of quarterly and year-end statements and responding to agency inquiries. CONTRACT STAFFING SERVICES DSI's contract staffing subsidiaries have, in the aggregate, more than 27 years of experience in placing permanent and temporary employees with specialized skills and talents with regional, national and international employers. Contract Staffing enables clients to attain management and productivity goals by matching highly trained professionals and technical personnel to specific project requirements. DSI works in two specific markets where it places people on a temporary long term assignment, or on a permanent basis: (1) technical employees such as engineers, information systems specialists and project managers primarily with Fortune 100 companies for specific projects, and, (2) radiologists, therapists, nurses, doctors with hospitals, clinics and therapy centers throughout the 50 states. Clients whose staff requirements vary depending on the level of current projects or business are able to secure the services of highly qualified individuals on an interim basis. DSI's staffing services provide clients with the ability to "rightsize"; that is, expand or reduce its workforce in response to changing business conditions. DSI provides numerous benefits to the client, such as saving the costs of salary and benefits of a permanent employee whose services are not needed throughout the year. The client also avoids the costs, uncertainty and delays associated with searches for qualified interim employees. The Company also provides insurance bonding where necessary and assumes all responsibility for payroll tax filing and reporting functions, thereby saving the client administrative responsibility for all payroll, workers' compensation, unemployment and medical benefits. DSI also increases the pool of qualified applicants for the client since contract staffing employees have access to a wide array of benefits such as health and life insurance, Section 125 premium conversion plans, and 401(k) retirement plans. These benefits provide interim employees with the motivation of full-time workers without additional benefit costs to the client. A client is also able to temporarily rehire a retired 7 8 employee for short-term or specialized projects without jeopardizing their pension plan. ACQUISITION STRATEGY A key component of the Company's growth strategy has been, and will continue to be, the acquisition of compatible businesses to expand its operations and customer base. Currently, the human resource service industry includes numerous small companies seeking to develop services, operations and customer base similar to those developed by the Company. The Company has actively acquired companies in the human resource industry during the last five years. However, with the business and strategy of the Company further developed, acquisitions in the future will be concentrated in the PEO and outsourcing business. The Company believes that with a limited number of key acquisitions of regional PEO companies who possess a strong customer base and regional reputation, the Company will be able to grow into an industry leader, in not only revenue size, but in scope of services offered. A prospective acquisition candidate may be either a public or private company, but will be required to meet certain financial criteria and growth potential established by the Company. The Company evaluates acquisition candidates by analyzing the company's management, operations and customer base, which must complement or expand the Company's operations; financial stability, including the company's profitability and cash flow. The Company's long term plan is to expand sales and income potential by achieving economies of scale as it expands and regionalizes its revenue base. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to successfully identify, acquire and integrate into the Company operations, compatible PEO companies. Although the Company did not consummate any acquisitions during fiscal 1997, management anticipates its acquisition activities will increase next fiscal year. Any such acquisition activity will be subject to, among other things, general economic conditions and the Company's ability to raise capital or utilize its securities. CUSTOMERS The Company's customer base consists of over 1,438 client companies, representing approximately 33,000 employees (including payroll services) as of September 30, 1997. The Company's client base is broadly distributed throughout a wide variety of industries; however, more than 60% of the customers in the payroll processing area are in the construction industry and substantially all of Staff-RX customers are in the healthcare industry. The Company intends to maintain diversity within its client base to lower its exposure to downturns or volatility in any particular industry and help insulate the Company to some extent from general economic cycles. All prospective customers are 8 9 also evaluated individually on the basis of workers' compensation risk, group medical history, unemployment history and operating stability. SALES AND MARKETING The Company has established sales teams in all of its locations. Sales personnel offer a full array of DSI services, professional employment, payroll and contract staffing, which supports the cross-marketing of DSI's products and enables the sales representative to employ a professional consultative approach to satisfying clients needs rather than forcing a single solution. All sales personnel have quotas and are held accountable on a weekly basis with a sales meeting held in each location where the activity for the week is discussed. The Company has also implemented several focused marketing activities to increase sales opportunities. DSI has been licensed by the various state Boards of Accountancy to hold continuing professional education seminars for CPAs. In addition, the Company has become an active participant in many trade and community associations and chambers of commerce. COMPETITION The PEO industry consists of approximately 2,500 companies, most of which serve a single market or region. The Company believes that there are several PEOs with annual revenue exceeding $500 million. The largest PEO is Staff Leasing of Bradenton, Florida with revenue in excess of $1 billion. While there are several other large PEOs among the approximately 2,500 companies, many are located in Florida and other states in the Sunbelt. The Company considers its primary competition to be these large national and regional PEO providers, as well as the traditional form of employment of employees. The payroll services industry is characterized by intense competition. The principal competitive factors are price and service. Management believes that Automatic Data Processing, Inc., and Paychex, Inc., which each purchased PEOs in Florida, will be major competitors in the future. The Company also competes with manual payroll systems sold by numerous companies, as well as other providers of computerized payroll services including banks, and smaller independent companies. Some companies have in-house computer capability to generate their own payroll documents and reports. The increasing availability of personal computers at low cost may result in additional businesses acquiring such capabilities. In the area of providing temporary technical and medical personnel, the Company competes with companies 9 10 such as Volt Information Services, Butler Arde, Olsten and Tech Aid, Inc., among others. Many of these competitors have longer operating histories and greater financial resources than the Company. The Company competes with these companies by offering customized products, personalized service, competitive prices and specialized personnel to satisfy a client's particular employee requirements. DSI believes that its broad scope of human resource management services and its commitment to quality service will differentiate it from its competition. Many companies compete in the various segments of the human resource and financial services marketplace. However, the Company believes there are none which compete in all of them and offer the broad range of services which the Company offers. DSI believes that its concentration on providing comprehensive services and moving into facilities management or outsourcing of human resource management services will set it apart from its competitors. While many of the PEOs entered the industry as a result of workers' compensation or health insurance problems, DSI is establishing itself as a professional employer organization which will assist companies, small and large, with all of their human resource management challenges. INDUSTRY REGULATION INTRODUCTION The Company's operations are affected by numerous federal and state laws relating to labor, tax and employment matters. By entering into a co-employer relationship with employees who are assigned to work at client company locations (sometimes referred to as "worksite employees"), the Company assumes certain obligations and responsibilities of an employer under these federal and state laws. Many of these federal and state laws were enacted prior to the development of nontraditional employment relationships, such as professional employer organizations, temporary employment, and outsourcing arrangements, and do not specifically address the obligations and responsibilities of nontraditional employers. In addition, the definition of "employer" under these laws is not uniform. Accordingly, the application of these laws to the Company's business cannot be assured. Some governmental agencies that regulate employment and labor laws have developed rules that specifically address labor and employment issues raised by the relationship among clients and PEOs. Existing regulations are relatively new and, therefore, their interpretation and application by administrative agencies and federal and state courts is limited or non-existent. The development of additional regulations and interpretation of existing regulations can be expected to evolve over time. The 10 11 Company cannot predict with certainty the nature or direction of the development of federal, state and local regulations. As an employer, the Company is subject to all federal statutes and regulations governing its employer-employee relationships. FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT TAXES The Company assumes the sole responsibility and liability for the payment of federal and state employment taxes with respect to wages and salaries paid to its employees, including worksite employees. There are essentially three types of federal employment tax obligations: (i) withholding of income tax requirements governed by Code Section 3401, et seq.; (ii) obligations under FICA, governed by Code Section 3401, et seq.; and, (iii) obligations under the Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA), governed by Code Section 3301, et seq. Under these Code sections, employers have the obligation to withhold and remit the employer portion and, where applicable, the employee portion of these taxes. There is still considerable uncertainty as to the status of leased employees in relation to these statutes. While the Company believes that it can assume the client company's withholding obligations, in the event the Company fails to meet these obligations, the client company may be held jointly and severally liable for these payments. These interpretive uncertainties may have an impact on the Company's PEO business. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS The Company offers various employee benefit plans to its employees, including its worksite employees. These plans include a 401(k) Plan (a profit-sharing plan with a cash or deferred arrangement ("CODA") under Code Section 401(k)), a Section 125 plan, a group health plan, a group life insurance plan and a group disability insurance plan. Generally, employee benefit plans are subject to provisions of both the Code and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act ("ERISA"). In order to qualify for favorable tax treatment under the Code, the plans must be established and maintained by an employer for the exclusive benefit of its employees. In addition to the employer/employee threshold, pension and profit-sharing plans, including plans that offer CODAs under Code Section 401(k) and matching contributions under Code Section 401(m), must satisfy certain other requirements under the Code. These other requirements are generally designed to prevent discrimination 11 12 in favor of highly compensated employees to the detriment of non-highly compensated employees with respect to both the availability of, and the benefits, rights and features offered, in qualified employee benefit plans. Employee pension and welfare benefit plans are also governed by ERISA. ERISA defines "employer" as "any person acting directly as an employer, or indirectly in the interest of an employer, in relation to an employee benefit plan." ERISA defines the term "employee" as "any individual employed by an employer." A definitive judicial interpretation of "employer" in the context of a PEO arrangement has not been established. If the Company were found not to be an employer for ERISA purposes, its plans would not comply with ERISA and the level of services the Company could offer may be adversely affected. Further, as a result of such finding, the Company and its plans would not enjoy the preemption of state laws provided by ERISA and could be subject to varying state laws and regulations, as well as to claims based upon state common laws. In addition to ERISA and the Code provisions discussed herein, issues related to the relationship between the Company and its worksite employees may also arise under other federal laws, including other federal income tax laws. STATE REGULATION As an employer, the Company is subject to all statutes and regulations governing the employer-employee relationship. The Staff Leasing Services Licensing Act (the "Act") now regulates PEOs in Texas. The Act, which became effective on September 1, 1993, established a mandatory licensing scheme for PEOs and expressly recognizes a licensee as the employer of the assigned employee for purposes of the Texas Unemployment Compensation Act. The Company possesses a license to offer PEO services in the state of Texas. While many states do not explicitly regulate PEOs, approximately 16 states have passed laws that have licensing or registration requirements for PEOs and other states are considering such regulation. Such laws vary from state to state, but generally provide for monitoring the fiscal responsibility of PEOs. Whether or not a state has licensing, registration or certification requirements, the Company faces a number of other state and local regulations that could impact its operations. The Company is currently licensed in Florida and New Mexico as well as Texas. EMPLOYEES As of January 2, 1998, the Company employed 117 employees, both full-time and part-time, including executive officers, a reduction from 133 during the previous 12 13 fiscal year. The Company also employs approximately 4,500 leased employees and 500 temporary employees on client assignments. The Company believes its relationship with its employees is satisfactory. ITEM 2. PROPERTIES OPERATIONS AND FACILITIES The Company currently has three processing centers in Somerset, New Jersey, Houston, Texas and Clearwater, Florida. The Company also has five sales service centers which are located in New York City, Somerset, New Jersey, Clearwater, Florida, Houston, and El Paso, Texas. A sales service center is an office used primarily for sales efforts and client services. The Company's strategy is to target acquisitions in the current areas of operation, whereby the Company will acquire a business or business accounts and absorb these accounts into the current operations with minimal additional overhead. The Company intends to continue its national expansion efforts in fiscal years 1998-1999, most likely through additional acquisitions. DSI leases its 15,000 square foot corporate headquarters in Somerset, New Jersey, as well as offices in Clearwater, Florida and Houston, Texas. The Company also leases sales offices in New York City and El Paso, Texas. The facilities provide sufficient capacity to meet demands for the foreseeable future. In fiscal year 1997, the Company's total lease expenses were $537,000. Although DSI's offices are equipped with software and computer systems, the Company is currently evaluating all systems including hardware and will upgrade accordingly. At the Company's headquarters in Somerset, New Jersey, two high speed Xerox printers produce 200,000 plus checks monthly for its client base. These machines, which are integrated with the software system, do all of the printing on the checks, including the client name, the employee, dates, as well as the "Micro Encoding". The following is summary information on DSI's facilities: APPROXIMATE EXPIRATION LOCATION SQUARE FEET DATE TERMS - -------- ----------- ---- ----- DSI Staff RX, Inc. (Houston) 5,398 9/30/99 $13,440 per month 2 Northpoint Drive, Suite 110 7,396 2/28/00 13 14 Houston, TX 77060 DSI Staff RX, Inc. (Clearwater) 2,805 5/31/00 $ 3,272 per month 601 Cleveland Sreet Suite 350 Clearwater, FL 34615 Staff ConnXions Southwest (El Paso) 3,126 3/31/02 $ 3,759 per month 4050 Rio Bravo, Suite 151 El Paso, TX 79902 Corporate Office 15,244 9/30/07 $23,819 per month 300 Atrium Drive Somerset, NJ 08873 New York Office 391 4/30/01 $ 3,082 per month 245 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2104 New York, NY 10016 ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS In October 1995, the Company entered into a note and finance agreement with LNB Investment Corporation (LNB) providing for the loan to the Company of up to $3,000,000. The loan was for a term of 15 months and was to be secured by shares of the Company's common stock having a market value of no less than four times the outstanding balance of the loan. LNB agreed not to sell or otherwise liquidate the shares unless the Company were to default under the loan agreement and failed to cure such default after notice. A total of 7,500,000 shares to be pledged as collateral were registered under a registration statement filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Company issued 1,783,334 shares in the name of LNB and delivered the shares to a depository to secure the first portion of the loan of $1,000,000. In January 1996, the Company determined that the shares pledged as collateral had been transferred and sold in violation of the loan and finance agreement. As a result, the financing agreement was terminated and never funded. Through the efforts of the Company, 1,258,334 of these shares were recovered and the Company received proceeds of $229,000 for a partial payment on the 525,000 shares not recovered. In March 1996, the Company commenced action against LNB, Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation and other individuals to recover damages on account of the wrongful sale of the Company's common stock. On July 2, 1997, the Company settled the action. Without admitting or denying the allegations in the complaint, the defendants agreed to pay $676,000 of which $426,000 has been paid with the balance of $250,000 to be paid by LNB 14 15 on or before August 4, 1997. The payment was not made by LNB as of December 16, 1997. The Company has commenced collection proceedings. The subsequent payment is secured by a confession of judgment and a mortgage in the amount of $625,000. The payments under the settlement agreement are in addition to $229,000 previously received from LNB bringing the total recovered to approximately $905,000, assuming LNB complies with the terms of the settlement and remits the last payment of $250,000. The agreement also provides that upon payment of all sums due under the settlement agreement, LNB shall be deemed to have made full restitution to the Company for the claims alleged in the action. The Company is engaged in no other litigation, the effect of which is anticipated to have a material adverse impact on the Company. ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS NOT APPLICABLE PART II ITEM 5. MARKET OF AND DIVIDENDS ON THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS A. Principal Market The Company's Common Stock is traded in the over-the-counter market and included in the SmallCap Market System of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASDAQ") under the symbol "DGSI". B. Market Information The Company's common stock commenced trading in the over-the-counter market on May 15, 1986. The range of high and low bid prices for such securities for the periods indicated below, are: 15 16 Common Stock FISCAL YEAR 1996 HIGH LOW ---------------- ---- --- 1st Quarter 5 15/16 1 15/32 2nd Quarter 6 15/16 4 5/16 3rd Quarter 6 1/8 3 9/16 4th Quarter 6 1/4 3 5/8 FISCAL YEAR 1997 HIGH LOW ---------------- ---- --- 1st Quarter 6 1/4 3 1/8 2nd Quarter 3 15/16 1 13/16 3rd Quarter 2 7/16 1 9/16 4th Quarter 2 5/16 1 9/16 FISCAL YEAR 1998 HIGH LOW ---------------- ---- --- 1st Quarter 2 11/16 1 1/2 The above quotations, reported by NASDAQ, represent prices between dealers and do not include retail mark-ups, mark-downs or commissions. Such quotations do not necessarily represent actual transactions. C. Dividends The payment by the Company of cash dividends, if any, rests within the discretion of its Board of Directors and, among other things, will depend upon the Company's earnings, capital requirements and financial condition, as well as other relevant factors. The Company has not declared any cash dividends on its common stock since inception, and has no present intention of paying any cash dividends on its common stock in the foreseeable future. D. Approximated Number of Equity Security Holders The approximate number of record holders of the Company's common stock as of January 2, 1998 was 329. Such number of record holders was determined from the Company's stockholder records, and does not include beneficial owners of the Company's common stock whose shares are held in the names of various security holders, dealers and clearing agencies. The Company believes there are in excess of 500 beneficial holders of the Company's common stock. 16 17 ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 OPERATING DATA: Operating Revenues $122,695,000 $100,927,000 $73,821,000 $37,998,000 $14,681,000 Direct Costs 113,894,000 92,490,000 68,530,000 34,939,000 12,459,000 Gross Profit 8,801,000 8,437,000 5,291,000 3,059,000 2,222,000 Selling, General & Administrative Expenses (includes Depreciation 11,316,000 8,801,000 7,547,000 2,695,000 1,962,000 and Amortization) Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations (2,515,000) (364,000) (2,256,000) 364,000 260,000 ----------- --------- ----------- ------- ------- Net Income (Loss) $(2,832,000) $(597,000) $(3,316,000) $720,000 $301,000 ============ ========== ============ ======== ======== Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations Per Share of Common Stock ($0.13) ($0.02) ($0.16) $0.03 $0.04 Net Income (Loss) Per Share ($0.15) ($0.04) ($0.24) $0.05 $0.04 Dividends Paid Per Preferred Stock $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $3.30 $4.00 BALANCE SHEET DATA: Assets $14,163,000 $14,800,000 $13,816,000 $7,727,000 $4,264,000 Liabilities 9,291,000 7,632,000 10,967,000 2,671,000 1,079,000 Long Term Debt 89,000 100,000 175,000 107,000 241,000 Working Capital (Deficiency) (1,401,000) 286,000 (4,771,000) 1,146,000 1,920,000 Shareholders' Equity $4,872,000 $7,168,000 $2,849,000 $5,056,000 $3,195,000 17 18 ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Certain statements contained herein constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "1995 Reform Act"). The Company desires to avail itself of certain "safe harbor" provisions of the 1995 Reform Act and is therefore including this special note to enable the Company to do so. Forward-looking statements included in this Report on Form 10-K involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which could cause the Company's actual results, performance (financial or operating) or achievements to differ from the future results, performance (financial or operating) achievements expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Such future results are based upon management's best estimates based upon current conditions and the most recent results of operations. These risks include, but are not limited to, risks associated with the Company's recent losses, the Company's ongoing need for a new credit facility, need for additional capital, risks of recently consummated acquisitions as well as future acquisitions, effects of competition and technological changes and dependence upon key personnel. Fiscal Year 1997 as Compared to Fiscal Year 1996 Operating revenues for the fiscal year 1997 were $122,695,000 as compared to fiscal year 1996 of $100,927,000 which represents an increase of $21,768,000 or 21.6%. This increase is due to the efforts of the internal sales force to continually bring in new business which accounted for all of the increase. PEO services accounted for 83% of the growth, while the balance is attributed to the Company's staffing business. Direct costs for fiscal year 1997 were $113,894,000 as compared to $92,490,000 for fiscal year 1996 which represents an increase of $21,404,000, or 23.1%. The workers' compensation profit for the first four months of fiscal 1996 of $493,000 was recorded as a reduction of selling, general and administrative expenses, whereas subsequent to that the revenue and direct costs for the workers' compensation program were reflected in their respective accounts. In addition, the first nine months of fiscal 1997 included $308,000 in underbilled/excess charges for PEO medical expenses. After adjusting for the treatment of the workers' compensation profit, one-time charges of $678,000 recorded in the second quarter of 1997 (primarily due to increased workers' compensation charges) and medical expenses, direct costs increased $20,911,000 or 22.7%. As a percentage of revenue, and on an adjusted basis, direct costs for fiscal 1997 and fiscal 1996 were 92% and 91.1% respectively. This increase is attributed to the increase in the PEO business as well as the new workers' compensation program, in which the Company is now expensing the maximum workers' compensation exposure on a current basis. 18 19 Gross profits were $8,801,000 and $8,437,000 for fiscal 1997 and 1996, respectively, for an increase of 4.3%. Giving effect to the previously discussed adjustments, gross profits for fiscal 1997 and 1996 would have been $9,787,000 and $8,930,000, respectively. As a percentage of revenue, adjusted gross profits for fiscal 1997 and 1996 would have been 8% and 8.8%, respectively, reflecting the increased PEO business in fiscal 1997 which has lower margins but adds more dollars of gross profit. Selling, general and administrative costs ("SG&A") for fiscal 1997 increased $2,334,000, or 29%, from $7,972,000 in fiscal 1996 to $10,306,000. Of this increase, $1,973,000 pertains to charges recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 1997, $1,000,000 of which was to increase the bad debt reserve with the balance for other miscellaneous items. Giving effect to these adjustments, SG&A increased 4.5%. Depreciation and amortization increased $181,000 in fiscal 1997 due to the write-off of all the intangible assets of Digital Insurance Services ($261,000) recorded in the second fiscal quarter. Net loss for fiscal 1997 was ($2,832,000) versus a net loss of ($597,000) in fiscal 1996. The increased loss is due to $3,100,000 in adjustments recorded in the second quarter of 1997. Fiscal Year 1996 as Compared to Fiscal Year 1995 Operating revenues for the fiscal year 1996 were $100,927,000 as compared to fiscal year 1995 of $73,821,000 which represents an increase of 36.7%. This increase is attributable to the increased sales efforts of the internal sales force as well as the full year impact of the acquisition of Turnkey Services which was acquired in May, 1995. Direct costs as a percentage of revenue for fiscal year 1996 was 91.6% as compared to 92.8% for the prior fiscal year. These changes are attributable to the increased margins in the PEO business due to reduced costs of the Company's workers' compensation programs and the full year effect of the acquisition of Turnkey Services. The Company provides management personnel services to certain clients of Turnkey Services which generate higher than average administrative fees. The reduction in workers' compensation costs were achieved through better managed claims experience. Selling, general and administrative costs ("SG&A") increased $1,270,000. This growth in expenses includes $195,000 in charges for intangibles associated with acquisitions that were not consummated during the year and $309,000 in an increase in allowance for doubtful accounts attributable to accounts that have aged beyond acceptable limits but which the Company continues to pursue. Approximately $500,000 is attributable to the full year impact of Turnkey Services which was acquired May 1, 1995. Additionally, the Company reversed $515,000 in 19 20 previously established reserves for claims which the Company resolved in its favor. As a percentage of gross profit, SG&A expenses are 94.5% in fiscal 1996 as compared to 126.7% in fiscal 1995 and 88.1% in fiscal 1994. Management believes that although there is improvement from 1995, it will continue to improve this margin in the future. Net loss before taxes was ($563,000) in fiscal year 1996 as compared to loss of ($3,453,000) in fiscal year 1995. This decrease in net loss is primarily attributable to the increase in gross profit and the decrease in SG&A as a percentage of gross profit, explained above. Fiscal Year 1995 as Compared to Fiscal Year 1994 Operating revenues for the fiscal year 1995 were $73,821,000 as compared to fiscal year 1994 of $37,998,000. This represents an increase of $35,823,000 or 94%. This increase is attributable to the increased sales efforts of the internal sales force $15,700,000, as well as the acquisition of Staff Rx $8,400,000, Turnkey Services, Inc. $6,200,000 and the full year effect of the other PEO companies which were acquired in the second quarter of fiscal year 1994 $5,500,000. Direct costs as a percentage of revenue for fiscal year 1995 was 92.8% as compared to 92.0% in fiscal year 1994. This increase is due to the continued growth in the PEO business which has a higher direct cost than any other segment, as a percentage of revenues. Selling, general and administrative costs ("SG&A") increased $4,007,000 from fiscal year 1994 and was primarily due to: (i) increased selling and marketing expenses including the cost of direct mail efforts and the addition of 15 senior account managers (sales force); (ii) additions at the corporate level needed to help position and transform the Company into a national firm; (iii) the establishment of a Houston processing center to support client and sales activities in the Southwest and Florida; and, (iv) establishment of certain necessary reserves and balances at year end. Net loss before tax benefit was ($3,453,000) for fiscal year 1995 as compared to a net gain of $720,000 the prior year. In accordance with Statement of Financial Standards 109 (SFAS 109), the Company has recorded an additional tax asset of $160,000 in the current fiscal year of 1994, representing the expected future utilization of existing net operating loss carryforwards against operating income. As of September 30, 1995, the Company has recorded total deferred assets of $760,000, which it believes, based on the current level of sales activity and the positive impacts of recent acquisitions, will more likely than not be realized in accordance with SFAS 109. Liquidity and Capital Resources The Company's working capital for fiscal year 1997 was a deficit of ($1,401,000) versus 20 21 $286,000 in fiscal 1996. At September 30, 1997, the Company had cash of $841,000, restricted cash of $738,000 and net accounts receivable of $5,820,000. In February 1995, the Company entered into a one year revolving credit line facility (the "Line") with a bank which was subsequently extended and amended on seven occasions. Each loan extension has been for limited periods of time. The fifth amendment executed as of December 31, 1996, restricted the Company from borrowing any additional funds available on the Line and required weekly principal payments of $10,000, effective February 24, 1997. Effective October 31, 1997, the Company entered into the seventh amendment to the loan agreement. Under the terms of this agreement, which expires October 31, 1998, the Company was required to grant to the bank 500,000 warrants to purchase the Company's common stock. The warrants will vest in amounts of 200,000 and 300,000 as of April 30, 1998 and October 31, 1998, respectively, if the obligations under the loan agreement are not paid in full by these dates. The warrants have an exercise price of $2.4375 per share, which was the fair market value of the stock at the date of the agreement. The Company is obligated to make monthly payments of interest on the outstanding amounts at the bank's floating base rate plus three percent (11.5% at September 30, 1997). Under the present amendment, the Company can not borrow additional funds and continues to make weekly principal payments of $10,000. The line is collateralized by all of the Company's assets. At September 30, 1997 and December 31, 1997, the total amount outstanding on the Line was $2,697,000 and $2,567,000, respectively. In December 1997, the Company's directors and executive officers, as well as a former director, made an equity investment of $250,000 for general corporate purposes. The raising of these funds was a requirement of the recently negotiated bank line of credit extension. To address the capital needs of the Company, management is presently in discussions with several financial institutions. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in its efforts to raise additional funds. At the present time, the Company does not have funds available to repay the Line. Repayment of the Line is due in full on October 31, 1998. In December 1996, due to the favorable trends in losses in its Workers' Compensation program, the Company's former carrier reduced its letter of credit requirement from $1,610,000 to $1,193,000 which resulted in $417,000 in additional cash available. Of this availability, $344,000 has been added to working capital during the quarter ended December 31, 1996 while the balance of $73,000 was added to working capital during the quarter ended March 31, 1997. Inflation and changing prices have not had a material effect on the Company's net revenues and results of operations in the last three fiscal years, as the Company has been able to modify its prices to respond to inflation and changing prices. ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS See Attached Financial Statements appearing at pages F-1 through F-18. 21 22 ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE Not Applicable. PART III ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS The executive officers and directors of the Company are as follows: NAME AGE OFFICE - ---- --- ------ Karl W. Dieckmann 69 Chairman of the Board of Directors George J. Eklund 54 Director Donald T. Kelly 48 Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary Senator John H. Ewing 77 Director William J. Marino 54 Director Donald W. Kappauf 51 President and Chief Executive Officer Each director is elected for a period of one year at the Company's annual meeting of shareholders and will serve until his successor is duly elected by the shareholders. Karl W. Dieckmann, Director of the Company since April, 1990, has been Chairman of the Board since November, 1991. From 1980 to 1988, Mr. Dieckmann was the Executive Vice President of Science Management Corporation and managed the Engineering, Technology and Management Services Groups. From 1948 to 1980, Mr. Dieckmann was employed by the Allied Corporation (now Allied Signal Corporation) in various capacities including President, Semet Solvay Division; Executive Vice President, Industrial Chemicals Division; Vice President Technical -- Fibers Division; Group General Manager -- Fabricated Products Division; and General Manager --Plastics Division, as well as various positions with the Chemicals Division. George J. Eklund became President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company on September 21, 1994, and President and Chief Executive Officer on March 13, 1996. On December 16, 1997, Mr. Eklund's position changed for health reasons but he remains active with the Company. From 1992 to 1994, Mr. Eklund was President of the 22 23 Human Resource Information Services division of Fiserv, Inc., which provides outsourcing services. From 1977 to 1992, Mr. Eklund was employed by ADP (Automatic Data Processing) in various positions eventually serving as Corporate Vice President and Eastern Division President. His eastern division served the northeast area of the country. Donald T. Kelly, has been Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Finance since he joined DSI on January 20, 1997. He was elected Corporate Secretary in August of 1997. Mr. Kelly was Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Wireless Cable International and its predecessor company, Cross Country Wireless, Inc. from 1993 to 1997. From 1987 to 1993, he was Vice President of Finance and Administration at Potters Industries. Senator John H. Ewing, has been a Director of the Company since April, 1990. Senator Ewing has been a State Senator for the state of New Jersey from 1978 to the present. From 1968 to 1977, Senator Ewing was a New Jersey State Assemblyman. From 1940 to 1968, he was employed by Abercrombie and Fitch Co., New York City, and eventually rose to the position of Chairman of the Board. Senator Ewing is also currently Chairman of the New Jersey Senate Education Committee. William J. Marino, President and Chief Executive Officer of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey, joined the Board of Directors in October, 1995. He joined Blue Cross and Blue Shield in 1992 and was named to his present post in 1994. From 1968 to 1991, Mr. Marino held a variety of sales, marketing and management positions with the Prudential Insurance Company of America. He is Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the United Way of Essex and West Hudson (NJ) and is Chairman of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the Regional Business Partnership, and a Trustee of the New Jersey Network Foundation, St. Peter's College and the Newark Museum. Donald W. Kappauf became President and Chief Executive Officer of Digital Solutions, Inc. on December 16, 1997. Mr. Kappauf joined Digital Solutions, Inc. in 1990 and has held several senior management positions including Division President and Executive Vice President. From 1988 to 1990, Mr Kappauf was President of Perm Staff/Temp Staff in Princeton, New Jersey. He was Assistant Vice President of SMC Engineering and then President of SMC Personnel Support from 1968 to 1988. COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION IN COMPENSATION DECISIONS Karl W. Dieckmann, John H. Ewing and William J. Marino served on the Company's Compensation Committee during the last fiscal year. ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION 23 24 The following provides certain summary information concerning compensation paid or accrued by the Company during the years ended September 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995 to the Company's Chief Executive Officer and each of the executive officers of the Company who received in excess of $100,000 in compensation during the last fiscal year. 24 25 LONG TERM ANNUAL COMPENSATION COMPENSATION NAME AND YEAR SALARY BONUS OTHER OPTIONS/SAR'S PRINCIPAL POSITION Raymond Skiptunis (1) 1997 $0 $0 $210,000 0 1996 $214,061 $0 $0 0 1995 $193,542 $0 $0 0 George J. Eklund, (2) 1997 $210,000 $0 $0 0 Chief Executive Officer 1996 $207,924 $100,000 $0 300,000 1995 $181,866 $50,000 $0 0 Donald T. Kelly, (3) 1997 $90,865 $20,000 $0 30,000 Chief Financial Officer Louis J. Monari, (4) 1997 $106,077 $0 $0 0 Vice President 1996 $91,539 $20,000 $0 30,000 1995 $90,538 $15,000 $0 0 Donald W. Kappauf, (5) 1997 $121,154 $0 $0 0 Executive Vice President 1996 $110,000 $20,000 $0 0 1995 $110,000 $0 $0 0 (1) Mr. Skiptunis was replaced as Chief Executive Officer by Mr. Eklund in March, 1996. The other compensation of $210,000 during 1997 was severance pay. (2) Mr. Eklund's employment with the Company commenced on September 19,1994. He assumed the position of Chief Executive Office in March 1996. (3) Mr. Kelly was granted a sign on bonus of $20,000 at employment, on January 20, 1997. (4) Mr. Monari's employment terminated in July, 1997. (5) This includes Mr. Kappauf's compensation for the executive vice president position he assumed on August 27, 1997. His compensation in 1997, prior to becoming executive 25 26 vice president was $105,288. Compensation for 1996 and 1995 was for his position as Division Vice President. The Corporation provides normal and customary life and health insurance benefits to all of its employees including executive officers. The Corporation has no retirement or pension plan other than a 401(k), which is voluntary. Compensation of Directors Directors who are employees of the Company are not compensated for services in such capacity except under the Director Plan, as defined below. Non-Employee Directors receive $400 per meeting, $50 in travel expenses, and $250 for each committee meeting. Effective October 1, 1997 the meeting and committee meeting fees were increased to $1,000 and $500 respectively. Employment Agreement Effective March 12, 1996, the Company entered into a new employment agreement with Mr. Eklund for a three year term. The employment agreement provided for (i) annual compensation of $210,000 for the first year of the agreement increasing at the discretion of the Company; (ii) a bonus in accordance with a plan to be established by the Company; (iii) the award of stock options to purchase 300,000 shares of the Company's common stock, subject to vesting requirements; (iv) certain insurance and severance benefits; and (v) a $700 per month automobile allowance. Effective December 16, 1997, Mr. Eklund's position was changed for health reasons. The Company and Mr. Eklund have entered into an agreement regarding the change in his position. Pursuant to this agreement, Mr. Eklund no longer serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. Eklund remains a Director. Mr. Eklund will continue to receive his salary and certain other benefits as provided in his original employment agreement. Effective December 16, 1997, the Company entered into a verbal agreement with Mr. Donald Kappauf wherein Mr. Kappauf assumed the duties of President and Chief Executive Officer. The agreement provides for (i) annual compensation of $165,000 for the first year of the agreement increasing at the discretion of the Company; (ii) a bonus equivalent to 6% of the Company's pre-tax profit for fiscal 1998 (8% of the amount over $2,500,000) provided the Company's earnings before taxes are at least $1,500,000; (iii) the award of stock options to purchase 100,000 shares of the Company's common stock, 50,000 of which will vest in one year while the remainder will vest in two years; (iv) a two year term. 26 27 OPTION/SAR GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR OPTION/SAR GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR (INDIVIDUAL GRANTS) NO. OF PERCENTAGE SECURITIES OF TOTAL UNDERLYING OPTIONS/ EXERCISE OF OPTIONS GRANTED IN BASE PRICE EXPIRATION GRANTED FISCAL YEAR PER SHARE DATE NAME Donald T. Kelly 30,000 29% $1.875 01/20/02 AGGREGATED OPTION/SAR EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FY-END OPTION/SAR VALUES The following table sets forth information with respect to the named executive officers concerning exercise of stock options and SARs during the last fiscal year and the value of unexercised options and SARs held as of the year ended September 30, 1997. NUMBER OF SECURITIES UNDERLYING VALUE OF UNEXERCISED UNEXERCISED IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS SHARES OPTIONS/SARS AS OF AT SEPTEMBER 30, ACQUIRED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 1997 ON VALUE EXERCISABLE/ EXERCISABLE/ NAME EXERCISE REALIZED UNEXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE(1) - ---- -------- -------- ------------- ---------------- George J. Eklund 0 0 300,000/200,000 $0/$0 Louis Monari 0 0 30,000/20,000 $63,900/$0 Donald W. Kappauf 0 0 100,000/0 $213,000/$0 Donald T. Kelly 0 0 10,000/20,000 $21,300/$42,600 (1) Based upon a closing bid price of the Common Stock at $2.1300 per share on September 30, 1997. 1990 STOCK OPTION PLANS In April, 1990, the Board of Directors adopted the 1990 Employees Stock Option Plan (the "1990 Plan") which was approved by shareholders in August, 1990. The 27 28 1990 Plan provides for the grant of options to purchase up to 1,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock. Under the terms of the 1990 Plan, options granted thereunder may be designated as options which qualify for incentive stock option treatment ("ISOs") under Section 422A of the Code, or options which do not so qualify ("Non-ISO's"). The 1990 Plan is administered by a Stock Option Committee designated by the Board of Directors. The Stock Option Committee has the discretion to determine the eligible employees to whom, and the times and the price at which, options will be granted; whether such options shall be ISOs or Non-ISOs; the periods during which each option will be exercisable; and the number of shares subject to each option. The Committee has full authority to interpret the 1990 Plan and to establish and amend rules and regulations relating thereto. Under the 1990 Plan, the exercise price of an option designated as an ISO shall not be less than the fair market value of the common stock on the date the option is granted. However, in the event an option designated as an ISO is granted to a ten percent (10%) shareholder (as defined in the 1988 Plan), such exercise price shall be at least 110% of such fair market value. Exercise prices of Non-ISO options may be less than such fair market value. The aggregate fair market value of shares subject to options granted to a participant, which are designated as ISOs and which become exercisable in any calendar year, shall not exceed $100,000. The Stock Option Committee may, in its sole discretion, grant bonuses or authorize loans to or guarantee loans obtained by an optionee to enable such optionee to pay any taxes that may arise in connection with the exercise or cancellation of an option. Unless sooner terminated, the 1990 Plan will expire in April 2000. In April 1990, the Board of Directors adopted the Non-Executive Director Stock Option Plan (the "Director Plan") which was approved by shareholders in August, 1991 and amended in March 1996. The Director Plan provides for issuance of a maximum of 500,000 shares of common stock upon the exercise of stock options arising under the Director Plan. Options may be granted under the Director Plan until April, 2000 to: (i) non-executive directors as defined and, (ii) members of any advisory board established by the Company who are not full-time employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries. The Director Plan provides that each non-executive director is automatically granted an option to purchase 5,000 shares upon joining the Board and each September lst, pro rata, based on the time the director has served in such 28 29 capacity during the previously year. Similarly, each eligible director of an advisory board will receive on each September lst an option to purchase 5,000 shares of the Company's common stock each September lst. The Directors' Plan also provides that directors, upon joining the Board, and for one (1) year thereafter, will be entitled to purchase restricted stock from the Company at a price equal to 80% of the closing bid price on the date of purchase up to an aggregate purchase price of $50,000. The exercise price for options granted under the Director Plan shall be 100% of the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant. Until otherwise provided in the Stock Option Plan, the exercise price of options granted under the Director Plan must be paid at the time of exercise, either in cash, by delivery of shares of common stock of the Company or by a combination of each. The term of each option commences on the date it is granted and unless terminated sooner as provided in the Director Plan, expires five (5) years from the date of grant. The Director Plan shall be administered by a committee of the board of directors composed of not fewer than three persons who are officers of the Company (the "Committee"). The Committee has no discretion to determine which non-executive director or advisory board member will receive options or the number of shares subject to the option, the term of the option or the exercisability of the option. However, the Committee will make all determinations of the interpretation of the Director Plan. Options granted under the Director Plan are not qualified for incentive stock option treatment. In April 1990, the Board of Directors adopted and in August, 1990, the Company's shareholders approved the Senior Management Incentive Plan (the "Management Plan") for use in connection with the issuance of stock, options and other stock purchase rights to executive officers and other key employees and consultants who render significant services to the Company and its subsidiaries. It is contemplated that only those executive management employees (generally the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President and Vice Presidents of the Company or Presidents of the Company's subsidiaries) who perform services of special importance to the Company will be eligible to participate under the Management Plan. A total of 5,000,000 shares of common stock will be reserved for issuance under the Management Plan. Awards made under the Management Plan will be subject to three-(3) year vesting periods, although the vesting periods are subject to the discretion of the Administrator. Unless otherwise indicated, the Management Plan is to be administered by the Board of Directors or a committee of the Board, if one is appointed for this purpose (the Board or such committee, as the case may be, shall be referred to in the following description as the "Administrator"). The Management Plan generally provides that, unless the Administrator determines otherwise, each option or right granted under a plan shall become exercisable in full upon certain "change of control" events as 29 30 described in the Management Plan. If any change is made in the stock subject to the Management Plan, or subject to any right or option granted under the Management Plan (through merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, stock dividend, dividend in property other than cash, stock split, liquidating dividend, combination of shares, exchange of shares, change in corporate structure or otherwise), the Administrator will make appropriate adjustments to such plans and the classes, number of shares and price per share of stock subject to outstanding rights or options. The Management Plan permits awards until April, 2000. Directors who are not otherwise employed by the Company will not be eligible for participation in the Management Plan. The Management Plan provides four types of awards: stock options, incentive stock rights, stock appreciation rights (including limited stock appreciation rights) and restricted stock purchase agreements, as described below. Options granted under the Management Plan may be either incentive stock options ("ISOs") or options which do not qualify as ISOs ("non-ISOs") similar to the options granted under the 1990 Plan. Incentive stock rights consist of incentive stock units equivalent to one share of common stock in consideration for services performed for the Company. If the employment or consulting services of the holder with the Company terminate prior to the end of the incentive period relating to the units awarded, the rights shall thereupon be null and void, except that if termination is caused by death or permanent disability, the holder or his heirs, as the case may be, shall be entitled to receive a pro-rata portion of the shares represented by the units, based upon that portion of the incentive period which shall have elapsed prior to the death or disability. Restricted stock purchase agreements provide for the sale by the Company of shares of common stock at a price to be determined by the Board of Directors, which shares shall be subject to restrictions on disposition for a stated period during which the purchaser must continue employment with the Company in order to retain the shares. Payment can be made in cash, a promissory note or a combination of both. If termination of employment occurs for any reason within six months after the date of purchase, or for any reason other than death or by retirement with the consent of the Company after the six month period, but prior to the time that the restrictions on disposition lapse, the Company shall have the option to reacquire the shares at the original purchase price. Restricted shares awarded under the Management Plan will be subject to a period of time designated by the Administrator (the "restricted period") during which the 30 31 recipient must continue to render services to the Company before the restricted shares will become vested. The Administrator may also impose other restrictions, terms and conditions that must be fulfilled before the restricted shares may vest. ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT The following table sets forth certain information as of January 2, 1998 with respect to each director, each of the named executive officers as defined in Item 402(a)(3), and directors and executive officers of the Company as a group, and to the persons known by the Company to be the beneficial owner of more than five percent of any class of the Company's voting securities. Number of Shares Percent of Company's Name of Shareholder Presently Owned(1) Outstanding Stock - ------------------- ------------------ ----------------- Karl W. Dieckmann(2) 310,743 1.6% c/o Digital Solutions, Inc. 300 Atrium Drive Somerset, NJ 08873 George J. Eklund(3) 379,545 2.0% c/o Digital Solutions, Inc. 300 Atrium Drive Somerset, NJ 08873 Senator John H. Ewing(4) 120,625 * 76 Claremont Road Barnardsville, NJ 07924 William J. Marino(5) 88,617 * c/o Blue Cross/Blue Shield of New Jersey 3 Penn Plaza East Newark, NJ 07105 Donald W. Kappauf(6) 526,248 2.75% c/o Digital Solutions, Inc. 300 Atrium Drive Somerset, NJ 08873 31 32 Donald T. Kelly(7) 18,850 * c/o Digital Solutions, Inc. 300 Atrium Drive Somerset, NJ 08873 All officers and directors as a group 1,444,628 7.55% (6) persons (2,3,4,5,6,7) * Less than 1 percent. (1) Ownership consists of sole voting and investment power except as otherwise noted. (2) Includes options to purchase 10,000 shares of the Company's common stock, and warrants to purchase 10,000 shares of common stock, and excludes unvested options to purchase 5,000 shares of common stock. (3) Includes options to purchase 300,000 shares of the Company's common stock, and excludes unvested options to purchase 200,000 shares of common stock. (4) Includes options to purchase 35,000 shares of common stock, and excludes unvested options to purchase 5,000 shares of common stock. (5) Includes options to purchase 10,000 shares of the Company's common stock, and excludes unvested options to purchase 5,000 shares of common stock. (6) Includes options to purchase 150,000 shares of the Company's common stock, and excludes unvested options to purchase 150,000 shares of common stock. (7) Includes options to purchase 10,000 shares of common stock, and excludes unvested options to purchase 70,000 shares of common stock. ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS For information concerning employment agreements with and compensation of the Corporation's executive officers and directors, see "Executive Compensation". 32 33 ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K (a) 1. Financial Statements The financial statements and schedules of the Company are included in Part II, Item 8 of this report and appear as pages F-1 through F-18 and includes page S-1. 2. All other schedules have been 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 the notes thereto. 3. Exhibit List The exhibits designated with an asterisk (*) are filed herewith. All other exhibits have been previously filed with the Commission and, pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Secs. 20l.24 and 240.12b-32, are incorporated by reference to the document referenced in brackets following the descriptions of such exhibits. EXHIBIT EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION 3.1 -- Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant (Exhibit A to Definitive Proxy Material dated July 20, 1990) 3 (c) -- By-Laws of Registrant (Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K dated March 2l, 1990) 10.6.1 *-- Lease dated May 30, 1997 for office space at 300 Atrium, Somerset, New Jersey 10.15.1 - Employment agreement between George J. Eklund and the Company dated March 12, 1996 10.15.2 *-- Amended employment agreement between George J. Eklund and the Company dated December 16, 1997 10.16.1 *-- Seventh Amended Loan Agreement between Registrant and Summit Bank and sixth amended Promissory Note 33 34 21.0 -- Subsidiaries (Exhibit 21 to Form 10-K for fiscal 1996) 23.1 *-- Consent of Arthur Andersen, LLP to the incorporation of its report on the Company's financial statements for the fiscal year ended 1997 into the Company's registration Statement on form S-3 file number 33-85526. 23.2 *-- Consent of Arthur Andersen, LLP to the incorporation of its report on the Company's financial statements for the fiscal year ended 1997 into the Company's registration Statement on form S-3 file number 33-70928. 23.3 *-- Consent of Arthur Andersen, LLP to the incorporation of its report on the Company's financial statements for the fiscal year ended 1997 into the Company's registration Statement on form S-3 file number 33-91700. 23.4 *-- Consent of Arthur Andersen, LLP to the incorporation of its report on the Company's financial statements for the fiscal year ended 1997 into the Company's registration Statement on form S-3 file number 33-09313. 27. *-- Financial Data Schedule. (b) Reports on Form 8-K. No 8-K reports were filed in the last fiscal quarter. (c) See Item (a)(3) above. (d) See Schedule II annexed hereto and appearing at page S-1. 34 35 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. DIGITAL SOLUTIONS, INC. /s/Donald W. Kappauf ------------------------------------- Donald W. Kappauf President and Chief Executive Officer Dated: January 13, 1998 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. /s/George J. Eklund Director January 13, 1998 - ---------------------------- George J. Eklund /s/Karl W. Dieckmann Chairman of the Board January 13, 1998 - ---------------------------- Karl W. Dieckmann /s/John H. Ewing Director January 13, 1998 - ---------------------------- Senator John H. Ewing /s/William J. Marino Director January 13, 1998 - ---------------------------- William J. Marino /s/Donald W. Kappauf President & Chief January 13, 1998 - ---------------------------- Executive Officer Donald W. Kappauf /s/Donald T. Kelly Chief Financial Officer January 13, 1998 - ---------------------------- & Corporate Secretary Donald T. Kelly 35 36 DIGITAL SOLUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Page ---- Report Of Independent Public Accountants F-2 Consolidated Balance Sheets As Of September 30, 1997 And 1996 F-3 Consolidated Statements Of Operations For The Years Ended September 30, 1997, 1996 And 1995 F-5 Consolidated Statements Of Shareholders' Equity For The Years Ended September 30, 1997, 1996 And 1995 F-6 Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows For The Years Ended September 30, 1997, 1996 And 1995 F-7 Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements F-9 Schedule I -- Valuation And Qualifying Accounts For The Years Ended September 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995 S-1 Schedules other than those listed above have been omitted as they are either not required or because the related information has been included in the notes to consolidated financial statements F-1 37 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Digital Solutions, Inc.: We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Digital Solutions, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of September 30, 1997 and 1996, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 1997. These consolidated financial statements and the schedule referred to below are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Digital Solutions, Inc. and subsidiaries as of September 30, 1997 and 1996, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 1997 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Our audits were made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole. The schedule listed in the index to the financial statements is presented for purposes of complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and regulations and is not part of the basic consolidated financial statements. This schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in our audit of the basic consolidated financial statements and, in our opinion, fairly states in all material respects the financial data required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole. ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP Roseland, New Jersey December 23, 1997 F-2 38 DIGITAL SOLUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 AND 1996 ASSETS 1997 1996 ------ ---- ---- CURRENT ASSETS: Cash $841,000 $0 Restricted cash (Note 8) 738,000 1,155,000 Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $862,000 at September 30, 1997 and $339,000 at September 30, 1996 5,820,000 6,338,000 Notes due from officers 0 136,000 Other current assets 402,000 189,000 ----------------- ---------------- Total current assets 7,801,000 7,818,000 ----------------- ---------------- EQUIPMENT AND IMPROVEMENTS: Equipment 3,170,000 2,883,000 Leasehold improvements 47,000 180,000 ----------------- ---------------- 3,217,000 3,063,000 Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization 2,310,000 2,226,000 ----------------- ---------------- 907,000 837,000 DEFERRED TAX ASSET (Note 4) 760,000 760,000 GOODWILL, net of accumulated amortization of $835,000 in 1997 and $713,000 in 1996 (Notes 2 and 3) 4,344,000 4,780,000 OTHER ASSETS 351,000 605,000 ----------------- ---------------- $14,163,000 $14,800,000 ================= ================ The accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these consolidated balance sheets. F-3 39 DIGITAL SOLUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 AND 1996 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 1997 1996 ------------------------------------ ---- ---- CURRENT LIABILITIES: Short-term borrowings (Notes 5 and 8) $2,697,000 $2,907,000 Current portion of long-term debt (Note 7) 113,000 88,000 Accounts payable 2,254,000 1,620,000 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (Note 6) 4,138,000 2,917,000 ----------------- ---------------- Total current liabilities 9,202,000 7,532,000 LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current portion (Note 7) 89,000 100,000 ----------------- ---------------- Total liabilities 9,291,000 7,632,000 ----------------- ---------------- COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 8) SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Notes 8 and 9): Common stock, $.001 par value; authorized 40,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 19,141,760 in 1997 and 18,786,609 in 1996 19,000 19,000 Additional paid-in capital 13,393,000 12,857,000 Accumulated deficit (8,540,000) (5,708,000) ----------------- ---------------- 4,872,000 7,168,000 ----------------- ---------------- $14,163,000 $14,800,000 ================= ================ The accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these consolidated balance sheets. F-4 40 DIGITAL SOLUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS For the Years Ended September 30 ----------------------------------------------------------- 1997 1996 1995 ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- OPERATING REVENUES $122,695,000 $100,927,000 $73,821,000 DIRECT OPERATING COSTS 113,894,000 92,490,000 68,530,000 ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Gross profit 8,801,000 8,437,000 5,291,000 SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES (Note 8) 10,306,000 7,972,000 6,702,000 DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION 1,010,000 829,000 845,000 ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Loss from operations (2,515,000) (364,000) (2,256,000) ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- OTHER CREDITS (CHARGES): Interest income 60,000 173,000 124,000 Interest expense (Notes 5 and 7) (377,000) (422,000) (935,000) Other income (expense) 0 50,000 (386,000) ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- (317,000) (199,000) (1,197,000) ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Loss before income taxes (2,832,000) (563,000) (3,453,000) INCOME TAX (EXPENSE) BENEFIT (Note 4) 0 (34,000) 137,000 ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- Net loss ($2,832,000) ($597,000) ($3,316,000) ================= ================= ================= NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE ($0.15) ($0.04) ($0.24) ================= ================= ================= WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING 19,070,349 16,840,371 13,595,382 ================= ================= ================= The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these consolidated statements. F-5 41 DIGITAL SOLUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997, 1996 AND 1995 Common Stock Additional Shares Issued Paid-In (Retired) Amount Capital Deficit ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- BALANCE, September 30, 1994 12,125,753 $ 12,000 $ 6,492,000 $ (1,795,000) Exercise of stock options 1,605,426 2,000 853,000 Exercise of stock warrants 206,500 - 110,000 Retirement of common stock in connection with exercise of stock options and warrants (249,255) - - Common stock issued in connection with the acquisition of Staff Rx 360,000 - 743,000 Expenses related to private placement of common stock - - (164,000) Common stock issued in connection with the acquisition of Turnkey Services, Inc. 68,205 - 166,000 Common stock retired related to the acquisition of The Alternative Source, Inc., Ram Technical Corp. and MLB Medical Staffing, Inc. (112,714) - (254,000) Net loss - - - (3,316,000) ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- BALANCE, September 30, 1995 14,003,915 14,000 7,946,000 (5,111,000) Common stock issued in connection with private placements, net of expenses 2,304,200 2,000 4,526,000 - Common stock received and retired in satisfaction of officer loans (107,130) - (679,000) - Common stock issued 525,000 1,000 228,000 - Exercise of stock options 794,157 1,000 48,000 - Exercise of stock warrants 1,209,799 1,000 703,000 - Stock issued for services rendered 56,668 - 85,000 - Net loss - - - (597,000) ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- BALANCE, September 30, 1996 18,786,609 19,000 12,857,000 (5,708,000) Exercise of stock options 204,471 - 53,000 Exercise of stock warrants 117,347 - 181,000 Stock issued for employee bonus 33,333 - 100,000 Proceeds related to LNB settlement, net of expenses - - 202,000 Net loss - - - (2,832,000) ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- BALANCE, September 30, 1997 19,141,760 $ 19,000 $ 13,393,000 $ (8,540,000) ================= ================= ================= ================= The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these consolidated statements. F-6 42 DIGITAL SOLUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS For the Years Ended September 30 --------------------------------------------------------- 1997 1996 1995 ----------------- ---------------- ---------------- CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net loss ($2,832,000) ($597,000) ($3,316,000) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities- Deferred income taxes 0 0 (160,000) Depreciation and amortization 1,010,000 829,000 845,000 Provision for doubtful accounts 1,120,000 462,000 153,000 Amortization of rent deferral 0 0 28,000 Stock issued employee bonus 100,000 85,000 0 Changes in operating assets and liabilities- Increase in accounts receivable (602,000) (1,871,000) (2,490,000) Decrease (increase) in other assets (106,000) 239,000 (909,000) Increase (decrease) in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities 1,855,000 (278,000) 2,806,000 Decrease in other liabilities 0 (75,000) (55,000) Decrease (increase) in restricted cash 417,000 (1,155,000) 0 ----------------- ---------------- ---------------- Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 962,000 (2,361,000) (3,098,000) ----------------- ---------------- ---------------- CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Purchases of equipment and improvements (361,000) (187,000) (355,000) Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired 0 0 (1,351,000) ----------------- ---------------- ---------------- Net cash used in investing activities (361,000) (187,000) (1,706,000) ----------------- ---------------- ---------------- The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these consolidated statements. F-7 43 For the Years Ended September 30 ---------------------------------------------------------- 1997 1996 1995 ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: (Repayments) proceeds from borrowings on revolving line of credit ($210,000) ($225,000) $2,122,000 Principal payments on long-term debt 0 (941,000) (443,000) (Principal payments) proceeds on subordinated bridge loan 0 (1,887,000) 1,887,000 Proceeds from other borrowings, net of repayments 14,000 71,000 837,000 Net proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of expenses 0 4,528,000 245,000 Net proceeds from the exercise of stock options and warrants 234,000 753,000 0 Net proceeds from common stock issued 0 229,000 0 Proceeds from LNB settlement, net of expenses 202,000 0 0 Other 0 0 (2,000) ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Net cash provided by financing activities 240,000 2,528,000 4,646,000 ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- Net increase (decrease) in cash 841,000 (20,000) (158,000) CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD 0 20,000 178,000 ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- CASH AT END OF PERIOD $841,000 $0 $20,000 ================= ================ ================= SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: Cash paid during the period for- Interest $363,000 $412,000 $705,000 ================= ================ ================= SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NONCASH TRANSACTIONS: Value of common stock issued in a business acquisition $0 $0 $909,000 ================= ================ ================= Value of common stock retired in satisfaction of shareholder loans $0 $679,000 $0 ================= ================ ================= The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these consolidated statements. F-8 44 DIGITAL SOLUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (1) ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS: Digital Solutions, Inc. (the Company) was incorporated under the laws of the State of New Jersey on November 25, 1969. The Company, with its subsidiaries, provides a broad spectrum of human resource services including professional employer services, payroll processing, human resource administration and placement of temporary and permanent employees. (2) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: Basis of Presentation- The accompanying consolidated financial statements include those of DSI, a New Jersey Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries; DSI Contract Staffing, DSI Staff ConnXions-Northeast, DSI Staff ConnXions Southwest, and DSI Staff Rx, Inc. The results of operations of acquired companies (see Note 3) have been included in the consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements. As more fully explained in Note 5, the Company has recently extended its line of credit and is currently in discussion with several financial institutions to receive additional financing for its capital needs. In addition, management has instituted several cost reduction programs in an effort to address its recurring operating losses. These management initiatives have resulted in return to profitability of the Company in the 4th quarter of fiscal 1997. Based upon the actions instituted and forecast operating cash flows, management of the Company believes it can sustain operations for at least twelve months from September 30, 1997. Use of Estimates- The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Revenue Policy- The Company recognizes revenue in connection with its professional employer organization program (PEO) and its temporary placement service program when the services have been provided. Revenues represent the Company's billings to customers, with the corresponding cost of providing those services reflected as direct operating expenses. Payroll services, commissions and other fees for administrative services are recognized as revenue as the related service is provided. F-9 45 Equipment and Improvements- Equipment and improvements are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are provided using straight-line and accelerated methods over the estimated useful asset lives (3 to 5 years) and the shorter of the lease term or estimated useful life for leasehold improvements. Goodwill- Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of companies acquired over the fair value of their net assets at the acquisition date and is being amortized on a straight line basis over 20 years for substantially all of the Company's acquisitions (see Note 3). Goodwill amortization expense charged to operations was approximately $434,000 for 1997, $415,000 for 1996 and $327,000 for 1995. Amortization expense for 1997 and 1996 includes a provision for goodwill impairment as described below. During 1995, the Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets" ("SFAS 121"). SFAS 121 requires, among other things, that an entity review its long-lived assets and certain related intangibles for impairment whenever changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be fully recoverable. As a result of certain of the acquisitions described in Note 3 experiencing operating cash flow losses, the Company, utilizing the present value of estimated future cash flows from these operations discounted at a rate of return (15%), determined that some impairment had occurred in certain of these acquisitions. As a result, the Company charged approximately $195,000 and $180,000 of additional amortization to depreciation and amortization for the year ended September 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively. In 1997, the Company decided not to remain in the insurance business and elected to write off $261,000 in intangible assets of Digital Insurance, Inc. Insurance Programs- The Company previously maintained a large deductible workers' compensation insurance program which was replaced on April 1, 1997 with a new program. Under the old program the Company still maintains a reserve for claims that are outstanding as of the balance sheet date. However the new program requires the funding of anticipated loss reserves on a current basis. To be conservative the Company expenses the maximum loss it can be held accountable for under this program which is greater than the current funding requirement. Net Loss Per Common Share- Net loss per common share is based upon the weighted average number of shares outstanding. Outstanding stock options and warrants have not been considered in the computations of net loss per common share in 1997, 1996 and 1995 since their effect was antidilutive. In March, 1997 the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement on Financial Accounting Standards Number 128, (Earnings Per Share) [(SFAS No. 128)]. SFAS No. 128 is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 1997, and when adopted, it will require restatement of prior year earnings per share. If the Company had adopted SFAS No. 128 for the year ended September, 1997 there would have been no effect on earnings per share. Statement of Cash Flows- For purposes of the statements of cash flows, the Company considers all liquid investments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. F-10 46 (3) ACQUISITIONS: The following acquisitions have been accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. Accordingly, the results of operations of these entities have been included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company since the date of acquisition. Turnkey Services, Inc.- In May 1995, the Company, through its subsidiary, DSI Staff ConnXions-Southwest, purchased certain assets of a PEO company located in El Paso, Texas, Turnkey Services, Inc. The assets acquired included the customer lists and all owned and leased assets utilized by Turnkey in its business operations, subject to interest of equipment lessors. In consideration for the assets, the Company paid to Turnkey $784,000 in cash and a note payable and issued common stock in the amount of $166,000. In addition, the Company incurred approximately $200,000 in transaction costs and recorded goodwill of approximately $989,000 associated with this acquisition. If this acquisition had been included in the consolidated financial statements for the entire year ended September 30, 1995, the effect would not have been significant. Staff Rx, Inc.- In November 1994, the Company acquired certain assets of several affiliated contract staffing firms through the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary DSI-Staff Rx, Inc. in exchange for $200,000 in cash and a promissory note for $1,300,000. In addition, the Company incurred approximately $266,000 in transaction costs and recorded goodwill of approximately $1,766,000, associated with this acquisition. In March 1995, the Company issued 360,000 shares of its common stock, valued at $743,000, to satisfy part of the aforementioned promissory note. The balance was paid in cash. If this acquisition had been included in the consolidated financial statements for the entire year ended September 30, 1995, the effect would not have been significant (4) INCOME TAXES: At September 30, 1997, the Company had available operating loss carryforwards of approximately $6,945,000 to reduce future periods' taxable income. The carryforwards expire in various years beginning in 2004 and extending through 2012. The Company has recorded a $760,000 deferred tax asset at September 30, 1997 and 1996. This represents management's estimate of the income tax benefits to be realized upon utilization of a portion of its net operating losses for which management believes utilization to be more likely than not. In order for the Company to realize a $760,000 tax benefit, the Company would have to generate approximately $2,000,000 in future taxable income. Management believes the Company's operations can generate sufficient taxable income to realize this tax asset as a result of recent business developments, its ability to meet its operating plan as well as the resolution of significant past problems which had adversely affected the Company in prior years. F-11 47 The income tax benefit reflected in the consolidated statement of operations for 1995 represents a portion of the recorded deferred tax asset described above. An analysis of the Company's deferred income tax asset is as follows- 1997 1996 -------------------- -------------------- Net operating loss carryforwards $2,500,000 $1,985,000 Accrued workers' compensation 476,000 278,000 Allowance for doubtful accounts 310,000 122,000 Other items, net 154,000 0 -------------------- -------------------- Gross deferred income tax asset 3,440,000 2,335,000 Valuation allowance (2,680,000) (1,575,000) -------------------- -------------------- Deferred income tax asset $760,000 $760,000 ==================== ==================== (5) SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS: In February 1995, the Company entered into a one year revolving credit line facility (the "Line") with a bank which was subsequently extended and amended on seven occasions. Each loan extension has been for limited periods of time. The fifth amendment executed as of December 31, 1996, restricted the Company from borrowing any additional funds available on the Line and required weekly principal payments of $10,000, effective February 24, 1997. Effective October 31, 1997, the Company entered into the seventh amendment to the loan agreement. Under the terms of this agreement, which expires October 31, 1998, the Company was required to grant to the bank 500,000 warrants to purchase the Company's common stock. The warrants will vest in amounts of 200,000 and 300,000 as of April 30, 1998 and October 31, 1998, respectively, if the obligations under the loan agreement are not paid in full by these dates. The warrants have an exercise price of $2.4375 per share which was the fair market value of the stock at the date of the agreement. The Company is obligated to make monthly payments of interest on the outstanding amounts at the bank's floating base rate plus three percent (11.5% at September 30, 1997). The Line is collateralized by all of the Company's assets. On December 1, 1997, as a requirement of the Line, the Company raised $250,000. These funds were an equity investment provided by its directors, a former director and executive officers and will be available for general corporate purposes. To address the capital needs of the Company, management is presently in discussions with several financial institutions. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in its efforts to raise additional funds. During 1995, the Company issued approximately $1,975,000 of Subordinated Bridge Notes to various investors. The notes bore interest at a rate of 12% per annum (which was increased to 16% in November, 1995 in consideration for extending the maturity date) and were repaid in full in 1996. In connection with the issuance of these notes, the Company also granted these investors warrants to purchase the Company's common stock (see Note 9). Other information with respect to short term borrowings for 1997 and 1996 is as follows- 1997 1996 ----------------- ---------------- Balance at end of period $2,697,000 $2,907,000 Maximum amount outstanding during period 3,017,000 5,019,000 Weighted average balance outstanding during the period 2,916,000 3,382,000 Weighted average interest rate during the period 11.16% 12.31% F-12 48 (6) ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES: Accrued expenses and other current liabilities at September 30, 1997 and 1996 consist of the following- 1997 1996 --------------- --------------- Payroll and payroll taxes $2,271,000 $1,888,000 Worker's compensation insurance reserves 1,321,000 631,000 Legal 134,000 100,000 Other 412,000 298,000 --------------- --------------- $4,138,000 $2,917,000 =============== =============== (7) LONG-TERM DEBT: Long-term debt at September 30, 1997 and 1996 consists of the following- 1997 1996 ------------- ------------- Leases $202,000 $188,000 Less- Current portion (113,000) (88,000) ------------- ------------- $89,000 $100,000 ============= ============= Maturities of long-term debt as of September 30, 1997 are as follows- Year Ending September 30 ------------------ 1998 $113,000 1999 48,000 2000 34,000 2001 7,000 --------------- $202,000 =============== (8) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES: Leases- In November 1991, the Company entered into a lease for its corporate headquarters facility. The lease term extended 69 months with fixed monthly payments of $18,000. The Company recognized rent expense of $253,000 under this lease in 1997, 1996 and 1995. Commencing September, 1997, the Company relocated its corporate headquarters to a new facility. The lease for this facility extends through September, 2007 and provides for minimum annual payments of $286,000. The old lease was a triple net lease resulting in actual total payments approximating the lease payments in the new building. Rent expense under all operating leases was $537,000 in 1997, $627,000 in 1996 and $384,000 in 1995. F-13 49 Minimum payments under noncancellable lease obligations at September 30, 1997 are as follows- Year Ending September 30 ------------------ 1998 $ 567,000 1999 572,000 2000 434,000 2001 353,000 2002 308,000 Thereafter 1,601,000 ----------------------- $ 3,835,000 ======================= Workers' Compensation Policy- In connection with the Company's former workers' compensation insurance policy which expired on April 1, 1997, the insurance company developed reserve factors on each claim that may or may not materialize after the claim is fully investigated. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles require that all incurred, but not paid claims, as well as an estimate for claims incurred, but not reported (IBNR), be accrued on the balance sheet as a current liability, although a portion of the claims may not be paid in the following 12 months. As of September 30, 1997 and September 30, 1996, this accrual amounted to $818,000 and $631,000, respectively. On April 1, 1997, the Company entered into a workers' compensation policy with a new carrier. Under the terms of the new workers' compensation insurance program the Company fully accrues the maximum loss on a monthly basis. During the twelve months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996, the Company recognized approximately $868,000 and $1,332,000, respectively, as its share of premiums collected from customers covered by these policies in excess of claims and fees paid. The decrease in reported workers' compensation profit is due to the revised methodology in evaluating the Company's exposure as reported in the Company's second fiscal quarter 10-Q and the new insurance program. The Company has outstanding letters of credit amounting to $1,193,000 as of September 30, 1997. The letters of credit are required to collateralize unpaid claims in connection with the Company's former workers' compensation insurance policy and can only be drawn upon by the beneficiary if the Company does not perform according to the terms of the related agreement. The Company has collateralized these letters of credit by maintaining compensating restricted cash balances of $738,000 and utilizing $455,000 of amounts available under its line of credit. The Company's current policy does not require a letter of credit because the Company funds the estimated loss reserves on a monthly basis. Legal Proceedings- In October 1995, the Company entered into a note and finance agreement with LNB Investment Corporation (LNB) providing for the loan to the Company of up to $3,000,000. The loan was for a term of 15 months and was to be secured by shares of the Company's common stock having a market value of no less than four times the outstanding balance of the loan. LNB agreed not to sell or otherwise liquidate the shares unless the Company were to default under the loan agreement and failed to cure such default after notice. A total of 7,500,000 shares to be pledged as collateral were registered under a registration statement filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Company issued 1,783,334 shares in the name of LNB and delivered the shares to a depository to secure the first portion of the loan of $1,000,000. In January 1996, the Company determined F-14 50 that the shares pledged as collateral had been transferred and sold in violation of the loan and finance agreement. As a result, the financing agreement was terminated and never funded. Through the efforts of the Company, 1,258,334 of these shares were recovered and the Company received proceeds of $229,000 for a partial payment on the 525,000 shares not recovered. In March 1996, the Company commenced action against LNB, Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation and other individuals to recover damages on account of the wrongful sale of the Company's common stock. On July 2, 1997, the Company settled the action. Without admitting or denying the allegations in the complaint, the defendants agreed to pay $676,000 of which $426,000 ($202,000, net of expenses) has been paid with the balance of $250,000 to be paid by LNB on or before August 4, 1997. The payment was not made by LNB as of December 16, 1997 and as a result, the Company has commenced collection proceedings. The subsequent payment is secured by a confession of judgment and a mortgage in the amount of $625,000. The payments under the settlement agreement are in addition to $229,000 previously received from LNB bringing the total recovered to approximately $905,000, assuming LNB complies with the terms of the settlement and remits the last payment of $250,000. The agreement also provides that upon payment of all sums due under the settlement agreement, LNB shall be deemed to have made full restitution to the Company for the claims alleged in the action. At September 30, 1997 the Company is involved in various other legal proceedings incurred in the normal course of business. In the opinion of management and its counsel, none of these proceedings would have a material effect, if adversely decided, on the consolidated financial position or results of operations of the Company. (9) SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Private Placements- In November, 1995, the Company issued in a private placement 500 Shares of $.10 par value Series B Convertible Preferred Stock. Holders of the preferred stock were entitled to dividends of $60 per annum, payable semiannually and had the right to convert up to 50% of their shares at any time after 41 days from the date of issuance of the Series B Preferred Stock and 100% after 60 days after issuance into the Company's common stock at a conversion price equaled to 75% of the average closing price at the date of conversion. In January 1996, holders of the Company's preferred stock exercised their conversion privilege and received 421,792 shares of the Company's common stock. The Company realized net proceeds of $437,000 from the proceeds of this offering. Additionally, during 1996 the Company raised an additional $4,091,000, net of expenses through a private placement of 1,882,408 shares of its common stock. The proceeds from these offerings were used in part to pay down the balance on the Subordinated Bridge Notes, collateralize letters of credit issued to secure the Company's workers' compensation program (see Note 8) and for working capital needs. On December 1, 1997, as a requirement of the extension of its bank line of credit, the Company raised $250,000. These funds were an equity investment provided by its directors, a former director and executive officers and will be available for general corporate purposes. F-15 51 Stock Warrants - The following is a summary of the outstanding warrants to purchase the Company's common stock at September 30, 1997 as a result of various debt and equity offerings that have occurred since the Company's inception: Exercise Price Per Number of Shares of Exercise Period From Exercise Period Common Share Common Stock Reserved To ---------------------- ---------------------- --------------------- ------------------------- October 1991 October 2001 0.75 100,000 June 1993 June 1998 0.75 25,000 August 1993 August 1998 0.75 300 September 1993 September 1998 1.06 50,000 January 1995 January 2000 1.90 64,350 April 1995 April 2000 2.50 5,000 October 1995 October 2000 2.25 24,000 December 1995 December 2000 1.56 5,000 June 1996 June 2001 2.70 112,979 ------------- 386,629 ============= Stock Option Plans - In April 1990 the Company adopted three stock option plans, the 1990 Employees Stock Option Plan, the Non-Executive Director Stock Option Plan, and the Senior Management Incentive Plan (collectively the "1990 Plans"). The 1990 Plans will remain in effect until April 2000 or unless terminated sooner by the Board of Directors. The 1990 Employees Stock Option Plan (the "Employee Plan") provides for options to be granted to employees, including certain officers of the Company, for the purchase of up to 1,000,000 shares of common stock. Some of the options granted under the 1990 Plan are intended to qualify as incentive stock options under the Internal Revenue Code. The exercise price of incentive stock options granted may not be less than the fair market value of the shares on the date of grant, or in certain circumstances, an option price at least equal to 110% of the fair market value of the stock at the time the option is granted. Options granted under the plan may not be exercised more than ten years from the date of the grant (or in certain circumstances, five years from the date of grant). The Non-Executive Director Stock Option Plan (the "Director Plan"), provides for the issuance of options for the purchase of up to 500,000 shares of common stock. Eligible participants are directors of the Company who are also not employees of the Company and nonemployee directors of any advisory board established by the Company. Under the terms of the Director Plan, the exercise price of options granted will equal 100% of the fair market value of the common stock at the date the options are granted. Options will be granted to eligible participants as follows: 5,000 upon becoming nonexecutive directors and 5,000 each September 1, commencing September 1, 1990 provided such person had been eligible for the preceding 12 months. Directors of advisory boards will receive on each September 1 an option to purchase 10,000 shares of common stock, providing such director has served as a director of the advisory board for the previous 12 month period. The term of each option commences on the date it is granted and expires five years from grant date unless terminated sooner as provided in the Director Plan. F-16 52 The Senior Management Incentive Plan (the "Management Plan") provides for the issuance of stock, options and other stock rights to executive officers and other key employees who render significant services to the Company. Under the terms of the Management Plan, the exercise price of options granted will equal 100% of the fair market value of the common stock at the date the options are granted. A total of 5,000,000 shares of common stock have been reserved for issuance under the Management Plan. Awards made under the Management Plan are generally subject to three-year vesting periods (subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors), but may become exercisable in full upon certain "change of control" events as defined in the Management Plan. The following tables summarizes the activity in the Company's stock option plans for the year ended September 30, 1997 and 1996. Options Options Outstanding Outstanding September 30, September 30, Plan 1996 Granted (1) Canceled Exercised 1997 ------------------- ----------------- -------------- --------------- --------------- ----------------- Employee Plan 248,558 60,000 135,751 79,682 93,125 Director Plan 71,250 15,000 10,000 0 76,250 Management Plan 977,540 30,000 207,751 124,789 675,000 ----------------- -------------- --------------- --------------- ----------------- 1,297,348 105,000 353,502 204,471 844,375 ================= ============== =============== =============== ================= (1) Options granted during 1997 have a weighted average exercise price and weighted average fair value of $1.875 and $1.12, respectively. Options Options Outstanding Outstanding September 30, September 30, Plan 1995 Granted(2) Canceled Exercised 1996 ------------------- ----------------- -------------- --------------- --------------- ----------------- Employee Plan 186,964 131,500 6,655 63,251 248,558 Director Plan 70,000 31,250 0 30,000 71,250 Management Plan 1,451,500 350,000 123,054 700,906 977,540 ----------------- -------------- --------------- --------------- ----------------- 1,708,464 512,750 129,709 794,157 1,297,348 ================= ============== =============== =============== ================= (2) Options granted during 1996 have a weighted average exercise price and weighted average fair value of $4.63 and $2.40, respectively. During 1997, certain individuals exercised options by delivering to the Company shares previously purchased in consideration for the option price. The amounts reflected in additional paid in capital are net of the fair market value of the shares redeemed by the Company. F-17 53 Options outstanding as of September 30, 1997 become exercisable as follows- Exercise Plan Price Total 1997 1998 1999 Thereafter ----------------- ------------- ------------- -------------- ----------- ------------ --------------- Employee $0.75- 93,125 41,178 24,614 15,833 11,500 Plan $6.50 Director $0.81- 76,250 61,250 15,000 0 0 Plan $4.4375 Management $.875- 675,000 438,999 124,000 112,001 0 Plan $5.8125 ------------- -------------- ----------- ------------ --------------- 844,375 541,427 163,614 127,834 11,500 ============= ============== =========== ============ =============== In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" ("FAS 123"), which was effective October 1, 1996, the fair value of option grants is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model for proforma footnote purposes with the following assumptions used for options granted subsequent to October 1, 1996; dividend yield of 0%, risk-free interest rate of 6.31% and 6.64% in 1997 and 1996, and expected option life of 4 years. Expected volatility was assumed to be 73.5% and 78% in 1997 and 1996, respectively. As permitted by FAS 123, the Company has chosen to continue to account for its employee stock-based compensation at their intrinsic value in accordance with Accounting Principle Board Opinion No. 25. Accordingly no compensation expense has been recognized for its stock option compensation plans. Had the fair value method of accounting been applied to the company's stock option plans, the tax-effected impact would be as follows: ------------------ ------------------- (Thousands of dollars except per share amounts) 1997 1996 ------------------ ------------------- Net loss as reported $2,832 $597 Estimated fair value of the year's option grants, net of tax 76 788 ------------------ ------------------- Net loss adjusted $2,908 $1,385 ------------------ ------------------- Adjusted net loss per share $.15 $.08 ================== =================== F-18 54 SCHEDULE I DIGITAL SOLUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997, 1996 AND 1995 (c) Additions (d) (b) Balance Charged to Deductions - at Beginning Costs and Net (e) Other (f) Balance (a) Description of Year Expenses Write-Offs Adjustment at End of Year - ------------------------------ --------------- --------------- -------------- --------------- --------------- Allowance for doubtful accounts, year ended- September 30, 1997 $339,000 $1,120,000 ($597,000) $0 $862,000 ============= ============== ============== =============== ============= September 30, 1996 $150,000 $462,000 ($273,000) $0 $339,000 ============= ============== ============== =============== ============= September 30, 1995 $99,000 $153,000 ($102,000) $0 $150,000 ============= ============== ============== =============== ============= S-20 55 Exhibit Index The exhibits designated with an asterisk (*) are filed herewith. All other exhibits have been previously filed with the Commission and, pursuant to 17 C.F.R. Secs. 20l.24 and 240.12b-32, are incorporated by reference to the document referenced in brackets following the descriptions of such exhibits. EXHIBIT EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION 3.1 -- Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant (Exhibit A to Definitive Proxy Material dated July 20, 1990) 3 (c) -- By-Laws of Registrant (Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K dated March 2l, 1990) 10.6.1 *-- Lease dated May 30, 1997 for office space at 300 Atrium, Somerset, New Jersey 10.15.1 - Employment agreement between George J. Eklund and the Company dated March 12, 1996 10.15.2 *-- Amended employment agreement between George J. Eklund and the Company dated December 16, 1997 10.16.1 *-- Seventh amended Loan Agreement between Registrant and Summit Bank and sixth amended Promissory Note 21.0 -- Subsidiaries (Exhibit 21 to Form 10-K for fiscal 1996) 23.1 *-- Consent of Arthur Andersen, LLP to the incorporation of its report on the Company's financial statements for the fiscal year ended 1997 into the Company's registration Statement on form S-3 file number 33-85526. 23.2 *-- Consent of Arthur Andersen, LLP to the incorporation of its report on the Company's financial statements for the fiscal year ended 1997 into the Company's registration Statement on form S-3 file number 33-70928. 23.3 *-- Consent of Arthur Andersen, LLP to the incorporation of its report on the Company's financial statements for the fiscal year ended 1997 into the Company's registration Statement on form S-3 file number 33-91700. 23.4 *-- Consent of Arthur Andersen, LLP to the incorporation of its report on the Company's financial statements for the fiscal year ended 1997 into the Company's registration Statement on form S-3 file number 33-09313. 27. *-- Financial Data Schedule.