Back to GetFilings.com



Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K


   
[ X ] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
  SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
  For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003
  OR
[     ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
  SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                      to

Commission File Number 0-19291

CORVEL CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


     
Delaware   33-0282651
(State or other jurisdiction of   (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)   Identification Number)
     
2010 Main Street, Suite 600, Irvine, California   92614
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (949) 851-1473


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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all report 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. [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes [ X ] No [  ]

The aggregate market value of voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant on May 30, 2003, was approximately $215,000,000. For the purposes of the foregoing calculation only, all directors, executive officers and ten percent stockholders of the registrant have been deemed to be affiliates. On that date, there were approximately 10,627,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $.0001 per share, issued and outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Information required by Items 10 through 13 of Part III of this Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference to portions of the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement for the Registrant’s 2003 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003.

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
ITEM 7a. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
ITEM 14. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
SIGNATURES
EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT 21.1
EXHIBIT 23.1
EXHIBIT 99.1


Table of Contents

CORVEL CORPORATION

2003 FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

         
        Page
       
    PART I    
Item 1.   Business     1
Item 2.   Properties   17
Item 3.   Legal Proceedings   17
Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders   17
    PART II    
Item 5.   Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters   18
Item 6.   Selected Financial Data   18
Item 7.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations   18
Item 7a.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk   18
Item 8.   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data   18
Item 9.   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure   18
    PART III    
Item 10.   Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant   19
Item 11.   Executive Compensation   19
Item 12.   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters   19
Item 13.   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions   19
Item 14.   Controls and Procedures   19
    PART IV    
Item 15.   Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K   20

 


Table of Contents

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

          The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a “safe harbor” for forward-looking statements. This Annual Report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Company’s actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of the factors described below and elsewhere in this Annual Report. Investors in the Company’s securities should consider these factors. This Report includes “forward-looking statements” including, but not limited to, the statements about our plans, strategies and prospects under the heading Item 1. Business, including Risk Factors and Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. Words such as “anticipates”, “expects”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “seeks”, “estimates”, “may”, “will” and variations of these words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations, estimates and projections about our industry, management’s beliefs, and certain assumptions made by us, and we can give no assurance that we will achieve our plans, intentions or expectations. Certain important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements we make in this report. Representative examples of these factors include (without limitation):

         
    - -   general industry and economic conditions;
         
    - -   cost of capital and capital requirements;
         
    - -   competition from other managed care companies;
         
    - -   the Company’s ability to renew and/or maintain contracts with its customers under existing terms or restructure these contracts on terms that would not have a material negative impact on the Company’s results of operations;
         
    - -   the ability to expand certain areas of the Company’s business;
         
    - -   shifts in customer demands; the ability of the Company to produce market-competitive software;
         
    - -   changes in operating expenses including employee wages, benefits and medical inflation;
         
    - -   changes in regulations affecting the workers’ compensation, insurance and healthcare industries in general;
         
    - -   dependence on key personnel;
         
    - -   possible litigation and legal liability in the course of operations;
         
    - -   and the continued availability of financing in the amounts and at the terms necessary to support the Company’s future business.

          These factors and the Risk Factors described in “Business” and the factors described in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and similar discussions in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any of our forward-looking statements. Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could have material adverse effects on our future results. The forward-looking statements included in this annual report on Form 10-K are made only as of the date of this annual report. We expressly disclaim any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS.

     Introduction

          CorVel Corporation (“CorVel” or the “Company”) is an independent nationwide provider of medical cost containment and managed care services designed to address the escalating medical costs of workers’ compensation and other healthcare benefits, primarily coverage under group health and auto policies. The Company’s services include automated medical fee auditing, preferred provider networks, utilization review, medical case management, vocational rehabilitation services, early intervention, and independent medical examinations. Such services are provided to insurance companies, third-party

1


Table of Contents

administrators (“TPAs”), and self-administered employers to assist them in managing the medical costs and monitoring the quality of care associated with health care claims.

          The Company, which is a Delaware corporation, has its principal executive offices located at 2010 Main Street, Suite 600, Irvine, California, 92614. The Company’s telephone number is 949-851-1473.

Fiscal 2003 Developments

          Acquisition of Ancicare

          In May 2002, the Company acquired Miramar, Florida based AnciCare PPO, Inc. AnciCare is a leading national provider of diagnostic imaging services, including MRIs, CAT Scans, and Bone Scans. With a strong network of operations in over 30 states, this acquisition represents a further expansion of CorVel’s CorCare Preferred Provider Organization (PPO).

          AnciCare provides the scheduling, report management and reimbursement coordination for a wide range of diagnostic imaging services. Such services provide a meaningful expansion to the scope of services from traditional PPO’s. CorVel is expanding the scope of all of its PPO activities, capitalizing upon its extensive involvement in the provision of assistance to injured workers. These second generation forms of provider networks provide services whose goal is the acceleration of turnaround times that assist the resolution of claims, and reduce related indemnity expenses. CorVel seeks to assist patients by helping them find convenient providers and by arranging appointments. By coordinating the related reimbursement, the Company is able to streamline the billing and payment process, improving efficiencies for both the provider and the payor in a healthcare episode.

          Amendment of Shareholder Rights Agreement

          In April 2002, the Board of Directors of the Company approved an amendment to the Company’s existing stockholder rights agreement (the “Rights Agreement”) to extend the expiration date of the rights to February 10, 2012, increase the initial exercise price of each right to $118 and enable Fidelity Management & Research Company and its affiliates to purchase up to 18% of the shares of common stock of the Company without triggering the stockholder rights. The limitations under the Rights Agreement remain in effect for all other stockholders of the Company. The Rights Agreement was originally adopted and approved in 1997.

          Company Continues Stock Repurchase Program

          During fiscal 2003, the Company continued to repurchase shares of its common stock under a plan approved by the Company’s Board of Directors. Including an expansion authorized in April 2002, the total number of shares authorized to be repurchased has now been increased to 6,100,000 shares, adjusted for the three-for-two stock split in the form of a dividend in August 2001. Since commencing this program in the fall of 1996, the Company has repurchased approximately 5,231,000 common shares through March 31, 2003, equal to 33% of its outstanding stock at a cost of approximately $84 million. These repurchases were funded from the Company’s operating earnings.

Industry Overview

          Workers’ compensation is a federally mandated, state-legislated, comprehensive insurance program that requires employers to fund medical expenses, lost wages and other costs resulting from work-related injuries and illnesses. Since their introduction in the early 1900’s, these programs have been expanded to all fifty states and the District of Columbia. Each state is responsible for implementing and regulating its own program. Consequently, workers’ compensation benefits and arrangements vary on a state-by-state basis and are often highly complex.

2


Table of Contents

          Workers’ compensation plans generally require employers to fund all of an employee’s costs of medical treatment and a significant portion of lost wages, legal fees and other associated costs. Typically, work-related injuries are broadly defined, and injured or ill employees are entitled to extensive benefits. Employers are required to provide first-dollar coverage with no co-payment or deductible due from the injured or ill employee for medical treatment and, in many states, there is no lifetime limit on expenses. However, in exchange for providing this coverage for employees, employers are not subject to litigation by employees for benefits in excess of those provided by the relevant state statute. In most states, the extensive benefits coverage (for both medical costs and lost wages) is provided through the purchase of commercial insurance from private insurance companies, participation in state-run insurance funds or employer self-insurance.

          Provider reimbursement methods vary on a state-by-state basis. A majority of states have adopted fee schedules pursuant to which all health care providers are uniformly reimbursed. The fee schedules are set by each state and generally prescribe the maximum amounts that may be reimbursed for a designated procedure. In states without fee schedules, health care providers are reimbursed based on usual customary and reasonable fees charged in the particular state in which the services are provided.

          Workers’ compensation is a statutorily defined employee benefit, which varies on a state-by-state basis. Workers’ compensation laws generally require employers to fully pay for employees’ costs of medical treatment, lost wages, legal fees and other costs associated with work-related injuries and disabilities and, in certain jurisdictions, mandatory vocational rehabilitation. Companies provide such coverage to their employees through either the purchase of commercial insurance from private insurance companies, participation in state-run funds or through self-insurance.

          Many states do not permit employers to restrict a claimant’s choice of provider, making it more difficult for employers to utilize managed care approaches such as HMOs and Preferred Provider Organizations (“PPOs”). However, in many states, employers have the right to direct employees to a specific primary health care provider during the onset of a workers’ compensation case, subject to the right of the employee to change physicians after a specific period. In addition, workers’ compensation programs vary from state to state, making it difficult for payors and multi-state employers to adopt uniform policies to administer, manage, and control the costs of benefits. As a result, managing the cost of workers’ compensation requires approaches, which are tailored to the specified regulatory environment(s) in which the employer is operating.

          Managed care techniques are intended to control the cost of health care services and to measure the performance of providers through intervention and on-going review of services proposed and actually provided. Managed care techniques were originally developed to stem the rising costs of group medical care. Historically, employers were slow to apply managed care techniques to workers’ compensation costs primarily because the aggregate costs are relatively small compared to costs associated with group health benefits and because state-by-state regulations related to workers’ compensation are far more complex than those related to group health. However, in recent years, employers and insurance carriers have been increasing their focus on applying managed care techniques to control their workers’ compensation costs.

          Since workers’ compensation benefits are mandated by law and are subject to extensive regulation, payors and employers do not have the same flexibility to alter benefits as they have with other health benefits programs. In addition, workers’ compensation programs vary from state to state, making it difficult for payors and multi-state employers to adopt uniform policies to administer, manage and control the costs of benefits. As a result, managing the cost of workers’ compensation requires approaches that are tailored to the specific state regulatory environment in which the employer operates.

          An increasing number of states have adopted legislation encouraging the use of workers’ compensation managed care organizations (“MCO’s”) in an effort to allow employers to control their worker’s compensation costs. MCO laws generally provide employers an opportunity to channel injured employees into provider networks. In certain states, MCO laws require licensed MCO’s to offer certain specified services, such as utilization management, case management, peer review and provider bill review. Most of the MCO laws adopted to date establish a framework within which a company such as the Company can provide its customers a full range of managed care services for greater cost control.

3


Table of Contents

Business Strategy

          The Company believes that payors and employers impacted by the escalating medical costs of workers’ compensation will increasingly require services and programs to manage such costs. The Company’s business strategy is to offer a range of services through a national network of branch offices, supported by information management systems, to respond to such need on both a local and national level.

Breadth of Service

          A key element of the Company’s strategy is to capitalize on its background and specialization in workers’ compensation, established initially in the area of case management, to offer a range of services, including bill review, PPO’s and independent medical examinations (“IME’s”), to assist insurance carriers, TPA’s and self-administered employers in managing the cost of workers’ compensation and monitoring the quality of care provided. The Company plans to continue to expand its range of services to respond to the needs of its customers.

National Branch Office Network

          An integral part of the Company’s strategy is to offer services at the local or regional level where workers’ compensation claims are administered. Each office has access to centralized services and software developed at the Company’s corporate offices and is capable of responding to the particular regulatory environment in which it operates. The Company adds branch offices by identifying target markets, generally geographically contiguous to an existing market, where it believes it can successfully introduce one or more of its services. The Company may also establish new offices in response to the needs of national customers. In addition to expanding the number of branch office locations, the Company expects to add existing services as well as new services to its branch offices.

Informational Management Capabilities

          The Company’s strategy also includes the continued development of software and its computer system network capable of supporting the review and management of medical information on the internet. Claims and patient data can be entered from field locations, processed by the Company and made available for consolidated reporting or for automated interfacing to customer computer systems.

Business

          The Company offers services in two general categories, Provider Programs and Patient Management services, to assist its customers in managing the increasing medical costs of workers’ compensation, group health and auto insurance, and monitoring the quality of care provided to claimants.

Provider Programs

          The Company’s provider program services are designed to reduce the price paid by its customers for medical services rendered in workers’ compensation cases. The provider programs offered by the Company include automated medical fee auditing, preferred provider services, and retrospective utilization review.

          MedCheck — CorVel’s Proprietary Bill Review System

          Many states have adopted fee schedules, which regulate the maximum allowable fees payable under workers’ compensation for procedures performed by a variety of health treatment providers. Such schedules may also include fees for hospital treatment. The purpose of a fee schedule is to standardize the billing process by using uniform procedure descriptions and to set maximum reimbursement levels for each covered service.

4


Table of Contents

          Certain other states permit payors to pay workers’ compensation medical costs limited to usual and customary charges for the relevant community. The Company provides automated medical fee auditing to assist the Company’s customers in verifying that the fees charged by workers’ compensation health care providers comply with state fee schedules, or are consistent with usual and customary charges.

          The Company offers its fee schedule auditing through a computerized medical bill review service called MedCheck, which combines automated data reporting and transmission capabilities. MedCheck consists of an online computer-based information system comprised of a proprietary software program which stores and accesses state-mandated fee schedules and licensed usual and customary charge information. MedCheck is also being utilized for the review of medical charges under certain non-workers’ compensation insurance coverages. With the MedCheck service, the Company is capable of:

    Checking for provider charges which exceed charges allowable under fee schedules or usual and customary charges, in accordance with the requirements of the relevant jurisdiction
 
    Repricing provider bills to contractual PPO reimbursement levels
 
    Checking for duplicate billing
 
    Checking for billed services or procedures that are excessive, unnecessary or unrelated to treating the particular medical problem
 
    Checking for “unbundled” billings where the medical services performed are billed in components, resulting in higher total charges than would be the case if the services were billed in the aggregate
 
    Engaging in on site processing of claims
 
    Sending claims data directly to carriers’ databases, thereby reducing costs due to repetitive or erroneous data entry
 
    PPO management
 
    Internet based reporting tools
 
    Pharmacy review

          In addition to providing the MedCheck software suite, CorVel also supports insurers and administrators with a full array of outsource capabilities. The Company provides a proprietary national PPO, as well as case managers both on-site and from telephonic hub operations. These systems can be interfaced to insurers through the Company’s wide area network (WAN) as well as through its web site and virtual private networks (VPN’s). When installed at an insurer, the MedCheck suite can accept electronic data interfaces (EDI) from CorVel and other sources. This interface automates the reimbursement of provider reimbursements, allows for the application of all MedCheck fees to the individual claim file and eliminates the need for manual redundant data entry of MedCheck results by the carriers’ claims personnel. In addition, MedCheck can send its own files on to the mainframe claims administration systems of major insurers and other payors. The system is designed for easy access by claims adjusters and includes functionality for such part-time users within the claims payment environment.

          MedCheck includes an artificial intelligence (AI) module (First Review) which allows insurers to incorporate the latest in software intelligence. MedCheck’s “First Review” module can incorporate intelligence unique to specific insurance programs. In addition to these AI features, MedCheck’s development reflects CorVel’s experience as one of the leading managed care companies in the country. An important element of the Company’s business strategy is to introduce MedCheck to additional existing branch offices and increase its use by current customers. The Company plans to continue to invest in the expansion of its MedCheck medical review software to better serve the claims processing needs of customers through automated interfacing with its customers’ computer systems.

          Recent MedCheck Development

          The Company released its most recent version of MedCheck, which adjudicates medical reimbursement for workers’ compensation, automobile, and accident & health claims. Casualty claims are typically managed through many geographically dispersed offices. The current version is web-enabled, allowing claims to be submitted electronically, as well as through traditional paper processes. It includes expanded PPO administration features and browser-based interfaces for both claims processing and reporting. The product had been previously expanded to include features unique to the processing of

5


Table of Contents

automobile claims. The current release is focused on applications in the workers’ compensation market, and is of particular interest to State Funds, municipalities and other large insurance and third party administrator TPA payors.

          CorVel customers can utilize MedCheck’s service bureau capabilities to outsource their bill review processing needs. However, they can also process varying portions of their workload from their own sites, or utilize MedCheck on an ASP basis. In this latter mode the claims administration organization can access the software over the Internet and process all, or a portion of their claims, themselves. The use of ASP processing allows payors to benefit from all of MedCheck’s capabilities without having to invest in computer systems, software support, and maintenance or the administration of the many information databases critical to proper medical reimbursement adjudication.

          MedCheck includes automated processing capabilities. CorVel’s AI module (“First Review”) is designed to evaluate incoming medical bills, apply medical protocols and reimbursement guidelines and complete the reimbursement of the medical professional, all automatically. MedCheck is architected so that customers can seamlessly blend outsourced processing with work performed internally. Claims professionals, as well as various levels of management can easily access real-time reports of claims history.

          Preferred Provider Services

          PPOs are groups of hospitals, physicians and other health care providers that offer services at pre-negotiated rates to employee groups. PPO networks offer the employer an additional means of managing workers’ compensation costs by reducing the per-unit price of medical services provided to employees. The Company provides its customers with access to its PPO network, “CorCare”. Bills submitted from PPOs are identified through the MedCheck review process, and the submitted charges are then audited against the PPO schedule and against any applicable fee schedule or usual and customary charges. The fee approved for payment is the lower of the submitted charges or the lowest allowable fee identified. Some of the features of the Company’s PPO network services include: national networks for all coverages, board certified physicians, automated provider credentialing, patient channeling, online provider look-up and printable directories, and 24 hour, toll free telephonic directory.

          The Company offers online provider look-up on its website (http://www.corvel.com) or the Company’s eCommerce website (http://www.caremc.com) where users can locate providers in their area, see a map, get door to door driving directions or print an entire directory.

          Hospital Inpatient and Outpatient Bill Review Services

          The Company expanded its line of bill review services by adding unique capabilities for reviewing hospital inpatient and outpatient medical reimbursement. CorVel offers cost containment by applying a clinical medical review to hospital claims conducted by registered nurses. Our nurse reviewers use a proprietary nationwide database of usual and customary charges. This database provides usual and customary charges for the detailed charges, which are specified on the itemized hospital bill. Access to more than 370,000 different hospital charge master line items through this database enable CorVel to track billing trends throughout the nation, while streamlining the nurse review process. This service, named MedCheck Select, provides a national database of hospital charges detailed by line item in each hospital’s individual billing system. By converting different hospital billing systems to a common database, the Company can create “usual and customary” expectations for hospital expenses. Revenues for this service expanded throughout the year, and added to the Company’s line of in-patient medical review and PPO activities. Some of the features of this service include: hospital line item bill review, fee negotiation, application of PPO contracts, and usual & customary review.

          Objectives of the service include:

    Assure that billed charges are usual and customary
 
    Confirm services were medically necessary
 
    Reduce claim costs through negotiated agreements

6


Table of Contents

    Substantiate, by report, charges over usual and customary
 
    Support the payor and patient in all appeals

          Check Processing

          CorVel has the capability to provide checkwriting services for its customers. The provider payment check can be added to the bill analysis (EOB, Explanation of Benefit) to produce one combined document, which is mailed to the provider.

          MedCheck/ecs

          The Company continued further development of its medical bill review software and PPO management system, MedCheck, with a web-based initiative, MedCheck/ecs (eCommerce Solutions). As the volume of medical bills increase, this program can help to automate the claims process, while delivering savings on most bills. With MedCheck/ecs, medical bills can be processed and approved from the customer’s desktop. By using automated information processing, Medcheck/ecs eliminates paperwork and many time delays. Additionally, it can reimburse providers for services directly after the bill has been approved for payment in real time.

          MedCheck/ecs automates many of the functions that have traditionally delayed the submission, approval, and reimbursement of bills. Via the password-protected website, caremc.com, providers, and claims professionals enter bills directly onto the website and into the system to expedite claim processing. Using artificial intelligence technology, MedCheck/ecs automatically adjudicates bills, applying usual and customary review, fee schedule analyses, and PPO discounts.

          Utilization Management

          Utilization Management programs preview proposed ambulatory care to determine: appropriateness, frequency, duration, and setting. Utilizing experienced RN’s, proprietary medical treatment protocols, and “expert systems” technology, unnecessary treatments and associated costs are avoided. Processes in Utilization Management include: review injury, diagnosis, and treatment plan; contact and negotiate provider’s treatment requirements, certifying appropriateness of treatment parameters and/or additional treatment requests; and respond to provider requests for additional treatment.

          Precertification of Hospitalization

          The pre-admission certification program is a review service, which verifies the medical necessity of proposed hospital admissions, and determines the appropriate length of stay. The CorVel staff of nurses and reviewers, assisted by an automated medical rules/protocols system and backed up by physician consultants, individually evaluates every hospital admissions request. Pre-certification objectives include the following: determine appropriateness of proposed or emergent hospitalization; determine the medical necessity for hospital admission/inpatient care: explore alternatives to inpatient treatment; if inpatient care is required, determine the appropriate length of stay and monitor the patient’s condition throughout the hospitalization to prevent unnecessary inpatient days; channel the patient to a CorVel PPO provider/facility; and develop and implement a timely discharge plan.

          Inpatient Utilization Review

          The Company offers pre-certification and concurrent utilization review services. The Company’s pre-certification service is designed to be utilized prior to the injured employee’s admission to the hospital. Upon notification by a claims manager or employer, a Company nurse reviews the appropriateness of the proposed plan of care, the need for inpatient hospitalization, and the appropriate length of stay. Under the Company’s concurrent review service the nurse reviewers monitor the medical necessity and appropriateness of the patient’s continued hospitalization through regular contact with the hospital and the patient’s physician and may identify cases that lend themselves to alternate treatment settings or home care.

7


Table of Contents

          Independent Medical Examinations

          The Company arranges for an IME to assist customers in evaluating workers’ compensation and other casualty claims. A medical examination involves the assessment of a person’s condition often for use in determining the extent and nature of an injury. IME’s are focused to answer specific requirements including relationships of diagnosis to specific injury, accident or illness, further treatment recommendations, extent of permanent impairment or disability, and other information as needed. In general, a physician examines the patient and prepares a report that describes the nature and extent of injuries, as well as the future medical requirements. The Company produces preliminary reports within five days, and final reports within ten days of examination. The Company provides IMEs through a network of independent physicians. The IME services include IME’s, Second Opinions, Peer Reviews, Chart Reviews, Legal Testimony, Physical Capacity Exams, Pre-employment Physicials, and Fitness for Duty Exams.

          Durable Medical Equipment Network

          CorCare DME (durable medical equipment) provides, through CorVel’s eCommerce CareMC, a fully automated equipment ordering and status management system. Orders are fulfilled using local, preferred equipment distributors and billing and reimbursement for each transaction is automatically processed. CorCare DME offers: web-based ordering, call center convenience, preferred pricing, status management through CareMC, and automated billing and reimbursement.

Patient Management Services

          In addition to its provider program services, the Company offers a range of patient management services, which involve working on a one-on-one basis with injured employees and their various health care professionals, employers and insurance company adjusters. Patient management services are designed both to assist in maximizing medical improvement and, where appropriate, to expedite return to work. The services designed to monitor the medical necessity and appropriateness of health care services provided to workers’ compensation claimants and to expedite their return to work. The Company offers these services on a stand-alone basis, or as an integrated component of its medical cost containment services.

          During the past year, the Company released its most recent Advocacy suite of case management software. This version of Advocacy is designed to assist employers; insurers, TPA’s and case management companies with the administration of managed care for disability patients. The software is available for licensure and is supported by CorVel’s national network of offices and managed care professionals.

          Advocacy software is CorVel’s line of case management tools for the managed care industry. The Advocacy suite of services includes: first notice of loss, early intervention, utilization management, telephonic case management, on-site case management, independent medical examinations, peer review and vocational rehabilitation.

          The software helps operators determine available indemnity payments from the employer and coordinate case management information and issues. Protocols regarding length of disability are incorporated to guide the management of cases. Management and operations reports, electronic data interchange and billing are additional features of the software.

          Medical Case Management

          The Company offers medical case management services where the injury is catastrophic or complex in nature, or where prolonged recovery is anticipated. The medical management components of CorVel’s program focuses on medical intervention, management and appropriateness. In these cases, the Company’s case managers confer with the attending physician, other providers, the patient and the patient’s family to identify the appropriate rehabilitative treatment and most cost-effective health care alternatives,

8


Table of Contents

including transferring the patient from a hospital to an alternative care facility. The program is geared towards offering the injured party prompt access to appropriate medical providers who will provide quality cost-effective medical care within the guidelines established and accepted within the medical community. Case managers may coordinate the services or care required and may arrange for special pricing of the required services.

          Telephonic Case Management

          Through the claims interface and artificial intelligence process and/or call center, the need for Medical Case Management is defined. Case Management facilitates and promotes patient care, which minimizes fragmentation, facilitates patient progression through the healthcare system, attends to the needs of the patient, and represents a merging of clinical and financial interests, systems, and outcomes. The Case Manager, through contact with the patient and/or family, personalizes an often impersonal healthcare system, transmits the insurer’s concern for the patient, and facilitates communication between the patient, insurer, and healthcare providers.

          Vocational Rehabilitation

          In certain states, vocational rehabilitation is a legislated benefit of workers’ compensation, which assists the employee’s return to former employment or another job function with similar economic value. The Company offers vocational services to reduce workers’ compensation costs and expedite the injured employee’s return to work.

          CorVel offers vocational services to evaluate the claimant’s education, training, and experience. Vocational services include work capacity assessments, job analysis, transferable skill analysis, job modification, vocational testing, job placement assistance, labor market surveys and retraining. After an employee sustains an injury, the Company performs an analysis of the employee’s current job and other potential jobs which could be performed for the employer, meets with the treating physician to determine the diagnosis and prognosis for return to work, presents job analyses to obtain a release to return to work, develops plans for employee training and generally monitors the employee’s return to work. By working with the employer, they can provide job modification or light-duty alternatives until the physician lifts the claimant’s physical limitations. In addition, CorVel can evaluate participial payment claims if the claimant returns to work in a new position, working for less than their pre-injury wage.

          Early Intervention

          The earlier the Company becomes involved in an episode of care, the greater the impact on the healthcare outcome. The Company’s early intervention program begins a series of steps that promote an employee’s timely return-to-work including immediate telephonic assessment to ensure that an appropriate course of treatment is established and adhered to through the entire episode of care. CorVel’s early intervention program features: automated, immediate notification, immediate patient assessment, clinical protocols and guidelines, channeling to preferred providers, private labeling options, and telephonic case management.

          Care MC

          The Company continued the roll out of its CareMC marketsite (http://www.caremc.com). CareMC connects employers, claims professionals, providers and case managers, accelerating the resolution of disability claims and improving outcomes. CareMC tools address: absence management, claim status reporting, case manager updates and medical bill adjudication. By integrating all of the managed care services involved in an episode of care, CareMC extends the value in the automated processing of incident reporting to other components of claims management. CareMC serves the healthcare and claims needs of insurers and employers managing employee absences and disability insurance losses. CareMC includes a website which provides for direct access to CorVel Corporation managed care services and is also designed to function as an application service provider (ASP) through which other managed care providers will supply their services to major employers and insurers nationwide.

9


Table of Contents

          The CareMC website facilitates healthcare transaction processing. Information gathered in CareMC is immediately consolidated and available to benefits management personnel, insurers, patients and treating physicians. Using artificial intelligence techniques, the website provides situation alerts and event triggers, to facilitate prompt and effective decisions. Users of the dashboard can quickly see where event outliers are occurring within the claims management process. If costs exceed pre-determined thresholds or activities fall outside expected timelines, decision-makers can be quickly notified. Large amounts of information are consolidated and summarized to help customers focus on the critical issues. CareMC can be customized to match the unique needs of each user, and be connected with Human Resource and/or payroll systems.

          For instance, when integrated with the employer’s payroll system, users of the site can be assured of having accurate employee identification, including all related demographics. Increasingly, the integration of systems is possible and CareMC is designed to make such connections easy and efficient. The elimination of data errors and the time delays involved with paper processing, are two of the big advantages of moving to web-based processing. Summary reports of injury experience help employers better understand how to improve safety results. By tracking both occupational and non-occupational absences, CareMC enables much improved productivity management.

          CareMC was developed in response to requests from major insurers to open access for their various managed care vendors to CorVel’s line of ASP services. Other features of the website include electronic communications among providers, payors, employers, managed care vendors and patients; service scheduling; purchase transactions; automated provider reimbursement adjudication and vendor billing and collections.

          CareMC offers a suite of online services, and solutions that unite multiple managed care professionals real-time, and on a single website, creates a seamless, unified process for claims. This suite of solutions for managed care professionals includes:

          Referral Basket: Referral Basket provides access to multiple managed care professionals from multiple resources, and instant access to information. With CareMC Bill Review, the claims professionals can record bill and cost data in real time, access bill review status instantly, review and analyze in-patient and out-patient bills, and authorize payments on-line based on fee schedules and PPO agreements. Referrals are sent to the preferred managed care provider and confirmed as received in real-time.

          Claims Center: Claims Center helps claims professionals organize and streamline their files. Using the power of the internet, claims professionals can access comprehensive sets of information on open, closed or pending claims from multiple managed care providers. Through the CareMC Claims Center, the claims professional can interact with multiple managed care providers in real time, access and relay claims progress updates in real time, sort and search comprehensive claims data, and maintain a single, secure, electronic case file throughout the life of a claim.

          Bill Review: CareMC Bill Review assures accuracy, accountability and timeliness by tracking costs from the time a claim begins until it is closed. CareMC bill review is founded on proprietary software, artificial intelligence, the integration of information.

          Reporting Center: Reporting Center adds value by collecting a myriad of critical details from multiple sources, then organizing and delivering that information in real time. CareMC helps claims professionals by sorting, simplifying and formatting comprehensive case data. Reports can be tailored to highlight individual critical cases or summarized to highlight priority trends. Through the CareMC Reporting Center, claims professionals can view timely status reports and cost updates, use artificial intelligence to flag priority issues, tailor reports to highlight urgent cases or summarize important trends, and perform cost and savings analyses using an advanced and integrated database.

          The CareMC suite of solutions for employers includes:

          Absence Manager: Absence Manager offers employers a single worksite for the reporting of all absences. Workers’ compensation, short-term disability and Family Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”) are all integrated in one patient management process. CareMC documents up-to-the-minute employee absences,

10


Table of Contents

expedites compliance with government and insurer reporting requirements, and can individualize case management activities to follow a specified preference.

          Disability Manager: Disability Manager gives employers a comprehensive overview of short-term disability and workers’ compensation exposures, as well as the details of each lost-time case. Through Disability Manager, employers can express their preferences regarding the administration of their benefit program, and track the progress and status of disability claims.

          Employment Services: Employment Services helps administer a wide range of medical evaluation strategic to the employment process for work groups susceptible to higher rates of injury or absence. CareMC expedites requests for service and coordinates the scheduling of appointments using an efficient, easy-to-use website. Employers can monitor the status of scheduled activities online and in real-time, using the services provided. They can reduce the cost and complexity of conducting physicals, fitness for duty testing or other evaluations.

          Reporting Center: The CareMC Reporting Center provides real-time access to the status of the employer’s benefit management program. The employer can be informed daily regarding summarized information, as well as trends and analytic perspectives. Such information is especially useful in understanding the underlying causes of medical issues and unexpected outcomes, so the employer can react to emerging problems immediately.

          During fiscal 2003, the Company announced the launch of the CareMC Dashboard, a graphical tool for employers and claims professionals seeking high level information to manage their benefits programs. CorVel’s dashboard brings a variety of critical reports together in one central screen, which enables risk managers and claims management professionals to act in real time, on information summarized to facilitate decisions. This decision-support tool brings multiple information streams together in a console from which management can quickly see developing trends and make timely decisions. The dashboard is a central feature of CareMC website.

Customers and Marketing

          The Company’s customers are workers’ compensation insurers and, to a lesser extent, TPA’s and self-administered employers. Many claims management decisions in workers’ compensation are the responsibility of the local claims office of national or regional insurers. The Company’s national branch office network has been established to enable the Company to market and offer its services at both a local and national account level. The Company is placing increasing emphasis on national account marketing. The marketing activities of the Company are conducted by account executives located in key geographic areas, and by national account executives from the corporate office. Most of the major workers’ compensation insurance carriers conduct business with the Company. No single customer of the Company represented more than 10% of revenues in fiscal 2001, 2002, or 2003.

Competition and Market Conditions

          The health care cost containment industry is highly fragmented and competitive. The intensity of competition can be expected to increase. The Company’s primary competitors in the workers’ compensation market are several large insurance carriers which offer one or more services similar to those offered by the Company, HMOs and numerous independent companies, typically on a local or regional basis. The Company also competes with national and local firms specializing in utilization review and with major insurance carriers and TPAs which have implemented their own internal utilization review services. Many of the Company’s competitors are significantly larger and have greater financial and marketing resources than the Company. There can be no assurance that the Company will continue to maintain its existing performance, or be successful with any new products or in any new geographical markets it may enter. Moreover, the Company’s customers may establish the in-house capability of performing services offered by the Company.

          Legislative reforms in some states permit employers to designate health plans such as HMOs and PPOs to cover workers’ compensation claimants. Because many health plans have the capacity to manage

11


Table of Contents

health care for workers’ compensation claimants, such legislation may intensify competition in the market served by the Company. Within the past few years, several states have experienced decreases in the number of workers’ compensation claims and the average cost per claim, which have been reflected in workers’ compensation insurance premium rate reductions in those states.

          The Company believes that declines in workers’ compensation costs in these states are due principally to intensified efforts by payors to manage and control claim costs, to improved risk management by employers and to legislative reforms. If declines in workers’ compensation costs occur in many states and persist over the long-term, they may have an adverse impact on the Company’s business and results of operations.

          The Company competes on the basis of its specialization in workers’ compensation, breadth of services, ability to offer local services on a nationwide basis, information management systems and independence from insurance carriers.

Government Regulation

          General

          Managed health care programs for workers’ compensation are subject to various laws and regulations. Both the nature and degree of applicable government regulation vary greatly depending upon the specific activities involved. Generally, parties that actually provide or arrange for the provision of health care services, assume financial risk related to the provision of those services, or undertake direct responsibility for making payment or payment decisions for those services, are subject to a number of complex regulatory schemes that govern many aspects of their conduct and operations.

          In contrast, the management and information services provided by the Company to its customers typically have not been the subject of regulation by the federal government or the states. Since the managed health care field is a rapidly expanding and changing industry and the cost of providing health care continues to increase, it is possible that the applicable state and federal regulatory frameworks will expand to have a greater impact upon the conduct and operation of the Company’s business.

          Under the current workers’ compensation system, employer insurance or self-funded coverage is governed by individual laws in each of the 50 states and by certain federal laws. The management and information services that make up the Company’s managed care program serve markets that have developed largely in response to needs of insurers, employers and large TPAs, and generally have not been mandated by legislation or other government action. On the other hand, the vocational rehabilitation case management marketplace within the workers’ compensation system has been dependent upon the laws and regulations within those states that require the availability of specified rehabilitation services for injured workers. Similarly, the Company’s fee schedule auditing services address market needs created by certain states’ enactment of maximum permissible fee schedules for workers’ compensation services. Changes in individual state regulation of workers’ compensation may create a greater or lesser demand for some or all of the Company’s services, or require the Company to develop new or modified services in order to meet the needs of the marketplace and compete effectively in that marketplace.

          Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996

          The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, commonly referred to as “HIPAA,” requires the adoption of standards for the exchange of health information in an effort to encourage overall administrative simplification and to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the healthcare industry. Pursuant to HIPAA, the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services has issued final rules concerning the privacy and security of health information, the establishment of standard transactions and code sets. The HIPAA requirements only apply to covered entities, which include health plans, healthcare clearinghouses, and healthcare providers that transmit any health information in electronic form. The Company’s provider program services may be subject to HIPAA obligations through business associate agreements with our customers. We are also indirectly regulated by HIPAA as a plan sponsor of a healthcare benefit plan for our own employees.

12


Table of Contents

     Of the HIPAA requirements, the privacy standards and the security standards have the most significant impact on our business operations. The privacy standards require covered entities to implement certain procedures to govern the use and disclosure of protected health information and to safeguard such information from inappropriate access, use or disclosure. Protected health information includes individually identifiable health information, such as an individual’s medical records, transmitted or maintained in any format, including paper and electronic records. The privacy standards establish the different levels of individual permission that are required before a covered entity may use or disclose an individual’s protected health information, and establish new rights for the individual with respect to his or her protected health information.

     The security standards are designed to protect health information against reasonably anticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of the information, and to protect the information against unauthorized use or disclosure. The security standards establish a national standard for protecting the security and integrity of medical records when they are kept in electronic form. Compliance with the security standards is required by April 21, 2005.

          Medical Cost Containment Legislation

          Historically, governmental strategies to contain medical costs in the workers’ compensation field have been generally limited to legislation on a state-by-state basis. For example, many states have implemented fee schedules that list maximum reimbursement levels for health care procedures. In certain states that have not authorized the use of a fee schedule, the Company adjusts bills to the usual and customary levels authorized by the payor. Opportunities for the Company’s services could increase as more states legislate additional cost containment strategies. Conversely, the Company could be adversely affected if states elect to reduce the extent of medical cost containment strategies available to insurance carriers and other payors, or adopt other strategies for cost containment that would not support a demand for the Company’s services.

          Healthcare Reform

          There has been considerable discussion of healthcare reform at both the federal level and in numerous state legislatures in recent years. Due to uncertainties regarding the ultimate features of reform initiatives and the timing of their enactment, the Company cannot predict which, if any, reforms will be adopted, when they may be adopted, or what impact they may have on the Company.

          Vocational Rehabilitation Legislation

          During the early 1970s, the case management marketplace within workers’ compensation was dominated by the provision of medical management services. Such services were purchased at the option of insurance carriers with little or no support from legislative efforts within any of the states. By the mid-1970s, it became popular for states to legislate either supportive programs for vocational rehabilitation or, in some cases, mandatory vocational rehabilitation statutes.

Shareholder Rights Plan

          During fiscal 1997, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the adoption of a Shareholder Rights Plan. The Rights Plan, which is similar to rights plans adopted by numerous other public companies, provides for a dividend distribution to CorVel stockholders of one preferred stock purchase “Right” for each outstanding share of CorVel’s Common Stock. In April, 2002, the Board of Directors of CorVel Corporation approved an amendment to the Company’s existing stockholder rights agreement to extend the expiration date of the rights to February 10, 2012, increase the initial exercise price of each right to $118 and enable Fidelity Management & Research Company and its affiliates to purchase up to 18% of the shares of common stock of the Company without triggering the stockholder rights. The limitations under the Rights Agreement remain in effect for all other stockholders of the Company. The Rights Agreement was originally adopted and approved in 1997. The Rights are designed to assure that all stockholders receive fair and equal treatment in the event of any proposed takeover of the Company and to encourage a potential

13


Table of Contents

acquirer to negotiate with the Board of Directors prior to attempting a takeover. The rights have an exercise price of $118 per right, subject to subsequent adjustment. The Rights trade with the Company’s common stock, and will not be exercisable until the occurrence of certain takeover-related events.

          Generally, the Rights Plan provides that if a person or group acquires 15% or more of the Company’s Common Stock without the approval of the Board, subject to certain exception, the holders of the rights, other than the acquiring person or group, would, under certain circumstances, have the right to purchase additional shares of the Company’s Common Stock having a market value equal to two times the then-current exercise price of the right.

          In addition, if the Company is thereafter merged into another entity, or if 50% or more of the Company’s consolidated assets or earning power are sold, then the Right will entitle its holder to buy common shares of the acquiring entity having a market value equal to two times the then-current exercise price of the Right. The Company’s Board of Directors may exchange or redeem the Rights under certain conditions.

Employees

          As of March 31, 2003, CorVel had approximately 3,375 employees, including nurses, therapists, counselors and other employees. No employees are represented by any collective bargaining unit. Management believes its relationship with its employees to be good.

Available Information

          Copies of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) of 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are available free of charge through our Web site (www.corvel.com) as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file the material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Risk Factors

          Past financial performance is not necessarily a reliable indicator of future performance, and investors in the Company’s Common Stock should not use historical performance to anticipate results or future period trends. The Company’s business and the market price of the Company’s Common Stock are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties. Some of those risks are described below. Other risks are presented elsewhere in this Form 10-K and in the Company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. See, in particular, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”.

          Potential Adverse Impact of Government Regulation. Many states, including a number of those in which the Company transacts business, have licensing and other regulatory requirements applicable to the Company’s business. Approximately half of the states have enacted laws that require licensing of businesses, which provide medical review services, such as the Company. Some of these laws apply to medical review of care covered by workers’ compensation. These laws typically establish minimum standards for qualifications of personnel, confidentiality, internal quality control and dispute resolution procedures. These regulatory programs may result in increased costs of operation for the Company, which may have an adverse impact upon the Company’s ability to compete with other available alternatives for health care cost control. In addition, new laws regulating the operation of managed care provider networks have been adopted by a number of states. These laws may apply to managed care provider networks having contracts with the Company or to provider networks, which the Company may organize. To the extent the Company is governed by these regulations, it may be subject to additional licensing requirements, financial and operational oversight and procedural standards for beneficiaries and providers.

14


Table of Contents

          Regulation in the health care and workers’ compensation fields is constantly evolving. The Company is unable to predict what additional government regulations, if any affecting its business may be promulgated in the future. The Company’s business may be adversely affected by failure to comply with existing laws and regulations, failure to obtain necessary licenses and government approvals or failure to adapt to new or modified regulatory requirements. Proposals for health care legislative reforms are regularly considered at the federal and state levels. To the extent that such proposals affect workers’ compensation, such proposals may adversely affect the Company’s business and results of operations.

          In addition, changes in workers’ compensation laws or regulations may impact demand for the Company’s services, require the Company to develop new or modified services to meet the demands of the marketplace or modify the fees that the Company may charge for its services. One of the proposals which has been considered is 24-hour health coverage, in which the coverage of traditional employer-sponsored health plans is combined with workers’ compensation coverage to provide a single insurance plan for work-related and non-work-related health problems. Incorporating workers’ compensation coverage into conventional health plans may adversely affect the market for the Company’s services.

          Possible Litigation and Legal Liability. The Company, through its utilization management services, makes recommendations concerning the appropriateness of providers’ medical treatment plans of patients throughout the country, and as a result, could be exposed to claims for adverse medical consequences. The Company does not grant or deny claims for payment of benefits and the Company does not believe that it engages in the practice of medicine or the delivery of medical services. There can be no assurance, however, that the Company will not be subject to claims or litigation related to the grant or denial of claims for payment of benefits or allegations that the Company engages in the practice of medicine or the delivery of medical services.

          In addition, there can be no assurance that the Company will not be subject to other litigation that may adversely affect the Company’s business or results of operations. The Company maintains professional liability insurance and such other coverages as the Company believes are reasonable in light of the Company’s experience to date. There can be no assurance, however, that such insurance will be sufficient or available in the future at reasonable cost to protect the Company from liability which might adversely affect the Company’s business or results of operations.

          Competition. The Company faces competition from HMOs, PPOs, TPAs and other managed health care companies. The Company believes that, as managed care techniques continue to gain acceptance in the workers’ compensation marketplace, CorVel’s competitors will increasingly consist of nationally focused workers’ compensation managed care service companies, insurance companies, HMOs and other significant providers of managed care products. Legislative reforms in some states permit employers to designate health plans such as HMOs and PPOs to cover workers’ compensation claimants. Because many health plans have the ability to manage medical costs for workers’ compensation claimants, such legislation may intensify competition in the markets served by the Company. Many of the Company’s current and potential competitors are significantly larger and have greater financial and marketing resources than those of the Company, and there can be no assurance that the Company will continue to maintain its existing clients or its past level of operating performance or be successful with any new products or in any new geographical markets it may enter.

          Changes in Market Dynamics. Within the past few years, several states have experienced decreases in the number of workers’ compensation claims and the average cost per claim which have been reflected in workers’ compensation insurance premium rate reductions in those states. The Company believes that declines in workers’ compensation costs in these states are due principally to intensified efforts by payors to manage and control claim costs, to improved risk management by employers and to legislative reforms. If declines in workers’ compensation costs occur in many states and persist over the long-term, they may have an adverse impact on the Company’s business and results of operations.

15


Table of Contents

           Dependence upon Key Personnel and Professional Staffing. The Company is dependent to a substantial extent upon the continuing efforts and abilities of certain key management personnel. Additionally, the Company competes with other healthcare providers in recruiting qualified management and staff personnel for the day-to-day operations of its business and care enhancement centers, including nurses and other healthcare professionals. In some markets, the scarcity of nurses and other medical support personnel has become a significant operating issue to healthcare providers. This shortage may require the Company to enhance wages and benefits to recruit and retain qualified nurses and other healthcare professionals. Because a significant percentage of the Company’s existing contracts consist of a fixed fee per disease member, the Company’s ability to pass along increased labor costs to existing customers is constrained. The failure of the Company to recruit and retain qualified management, nurses and other healthcare professionals, or to control labor costs could have a material adverse effect on profitability.

          Risks Related to Growth Strategy. The Company’s strategy is to continue its internal growth and, as strategic opportunities arise in the workers’ compensation managed care industry, to consider acquisitions of, or relationships with, other companies in related lines of business. As a result, the Company is subject to certain growth-related risks, including the risk that it will be unable to retain personnel or acquire other resources necessary to service such growth adequately. Expenses arising from the Company’s efforts to increase its market penetration may have a negative impact on operating results. In addition, there can be no assurance that any suitable opportunities for strategic acquisitions or relationships will arise or, if they do arise that the transactions contemplated thereby could be completed. If such a transaction does occur, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to integrate effectively any acquired business into the Company. In addition, any such transaction would be subject to various risks associated with the acquisition of businesses, including the financial impact of expenses associated with the integration of businesses.

          There can be no assurance that any future acquisition or other strategic relationship will not have an adverse impact on the Company’s business or results of operations. If suitable opportunities arise, the Company anticipates that it would finance such transactions, as well as its internal growth, through working capital or, in certain instances, through debt or equity financing. There can be no assurance, however, that such debt or equity financing would be available to the Company on acceptable terms when, and if, suitable strategic opportunities arise.

          During the past fiscal year, the Company has made efforts to increase its presence and revenue in the group health market. Managed care in this market is more mature than managed care in workers’ compensation and has numerous large competitors, primarily HMOs. The Company has limited experience in the group health market. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in this market.

          Computer Systems. Certain aspects of the Company’s business are dependent upon its ability to store, retrieve, process and manage data and to maintain and upgrade its data processing capabilities. Interruption of data processing capabilities for any extended length of time, loss of stored data, programming errors or other computer problems could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business and results of operations. In addition, the company’s results of operations are highly dependent upon the ability of management to expeditiously retrieve and analyze financial information from its nation-wide branch network. The company is currently in the process of installing new company-wide management information software and there can be no assurance that the installation of this new system will proceed according to plan.

          In addition, the Company expects that a considerable amount of its future growth will depend on its ability to process and manage claims data more efficiently and to provide more meaningful healthcare information to customers and payors of healthcare. There can be no assurance that the Company’s current data processing capabilities will be adequate for its future growth, that it will be able to efficiently upgrade its systems to meet future demands, or that the Company will be able to develop, license or otherwise acquire software to address these market demands as well or as timely as its competitors.

16


Table of Contents

           Possible Volatility of Stock Price. The market price of the Company’s Common Stock may be highly volatile. Factors such as variations in the Company’s revenues, earnings and cash flow, general market trends in the workers’ compensation managed care market, and announcements of innovations by the Company or its competitors could cause the market price of the Common Stock to fluctuate substantially. Specifically, the year-to-year percentage growth in operating results for the Company’s four most recently completed fiscal years was lower than the growth rates historically experienced by the Company. The Company’s slower growth rate in those fiscal years was partially attributable to a reduction in the growth rate of health care expenditures nationally, contributing to a reduction in the growth of claims processed by the Company. There can be no assurance that the Company’s growth rate in the future, if any will be at or near historical levels.

          In addition, the stock market has in the past experienced price and volume fluctuations that have particularly affected companies in the health care and managed care markets resulting in changes in the market price of the stock of many companies.

          Importance of Intellectual Property Rights. The Company has made significant investments in the development and maintenance of its proprietary software systems and data. The Company relies largely on its own security systems, confidentiality procedures and employee nondisclosure agreements to maintain the confidentiality and security of its proprietary information. Unauthorized access by third parties to the Company’s information systems, the existence of computer viruses in the Company’s data or software and misappropriation of the Company’s proprietary information may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business and results of operations.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.

          The Company’s principal executive office is located in Irvine, California in approximately 6,600 square feet of leased space. The lease expires in September 2007. The Company leases its branch offices in 49 states, which range in size up to approximately 16,000 square feet. The lease terms for the branch offices range from monthly to seven years. The Company believes that its facilities are adequate for its current needs and that suitable additional space will be available as required.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

          The Company is involved in litigation arising in the normal course of business. The Company believes that resolution of these matters will not result in any payment that, in the aggregate, would be material to the financial position or financial operations of the Company.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

          There were no matters submitted to a vote of stockholders during the quarter ended March 31, 2003.

17


Table of Contents

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

Market Information

          The Company’s Common Stock is traded on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol CRVL. The quarterly high and low sales prices for the Company’s Common Stock for fiscal years 2002 and 2003 as reported by NASDAQ are set forth below for the periods indicated as adjusted for the 2-for-1 stock split in the form of a 100% dividend paid on June 14, 1999, and the 3-for-2 stock split in the form of a 50% dividend paid on September 4, 2001:

                 
    High   Low
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2002:
               
Quarter Ended June 30, 2001:
  $ 25.37     $ 22.00  
Quarter Ended September 30, 2001:
    26.83       21.00  
Quarter Ended December 31, 2001:
    33.71       25.23  
Quarter Ended March 31, 2002:
    33.75       28.00  
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2003:
               
Quarter Ended June 30, 2002:
  $ 35.87     $ 29.50  
Quarter Ended September 30, 2002:
    34.71       27.70  
Quarter Ended December 31, 2002:
    36.60       29.09  
Quarter Ended March 31, 2003:
    36.30       30.30  

          The last sales price for the Company’s Common Stock as reported by NASDAQ on May 30, 2003 was $33.19. As of May 30, 2003, there were 1,030 holders of record of the Company’s Common Stock. The Company has never paid any cash dividends on its Common Stock and has no current plans to do so in the foreseeable future.

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

     The selected consolidated financial data of the Company appears in a separate section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K on page 26 and is incorporated herein by this reference.

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

          Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations appears in a separate section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K beginning on page 27 and is incorporated herein by this reference.

ITEM 7a. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

          Market risk generally represents the risk that losses may occur in the values of financial instruments as a result of movements in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. The Company has no market risks in these areas.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

     The Company’s consolidated financial statements and schedule, as listed under Item 20, appear in a separate section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K beginning on pages 33 and 20, respectively and are incorporated herein by this reference.

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

          None.

18


Table of Contents

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.

          The information in the sections titled “Proposal One: Election of Directors,” “Directors and Executive Officers of the Company,” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” appearing in the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2003 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

          The information in the section titled “Executive Compensation”, “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation”, and “Compensation of Directors” except as stated therein, appearing in the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2003 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

          The information in the section titled “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matter” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information” appearing in the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2003 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.

          The information in the section titled “Certain Transactions” appearing in the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2003 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 14. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

          Within the 90 days prior to the filing date of this report, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in Company reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

          There have been no significant changes in the Company’s internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date the Company carried out this evaluation.

19


Table of Contents

PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

(a)(1) Consolidated Financial Statements:

          The Company’s consolidated financial statements appear in a separate section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K beginning on the pages referenced below:

         
    Page
   
Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants
    33  
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended March 31, 2001, 2002, and 2003
    34  
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2002 and 2003
    35  
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended March 31, 2001, 2002, and 2003
    36  
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended March 31, 2001, 2002, and 2003
    37  
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    38  

(2) Financial Statement Schedule:

          The Company’s consolidated financial statements, as listed under Item 15(a)(1), appear in a separate section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K beginning on page 30. The Company’s financial statement schedule is as follows:

Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

                                 
            Additions                
    Balance at   Charged to           Balance at
    Beginning   Costs and           End of
    of Year   Expenses   Deductions   Year
   
 
 
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts:
                               
Year Ended March 31, 2001:
  $ 3,395,000     $ 2,584,000     $ (2,592,000 )   $ 3,387,000  
Year Ended March 31, 2002:
    3,387,000       1,967,000       (1,719,000 )     3,635,000  
Year Ended March 31, 2003:
    3,635,000       1,352,000       (1,514,000 )     3,473,000  

20


Table of Contents

(3) Exhibits:

EXHIBITS

         
Exhibit        
No.   Title   Method of Filing

 
 
3.1     Certificate of Incorporation of the Company   Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 Registration No. 33-40629.
         
3.2     Bylaws of the Company   Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 Registration No. 33-40629.
         
10.1   Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement between V. Gordon Clemons, the Company and North Star together with all amendments and addendums thereto   Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 Registration No. 33-40629.
         
10.2   Supplementary Agreement between V. Gordon Clemons, the Company and North Star   Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 Registration No. 33-40629.
         
10.3   Amendment to Supplementary Agreement between Mr. Clemons, the Company and North Star   Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 the to Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1992.
         
10.4   Restated 1988 Executive Stock Option Plan, as amended   Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1995.
         
10.5   Form of Notice of Grant of Stock Option Under the Restated 1988 Executive Stock Option   Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1994.
         
10.6   Form of Stock Option Agreement under the Restated 1988 Executive Stock Option Plan   Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1994.
         
10.7   Form of Notice of Exercise under the Restated 1988 Executive Stock Option Plan   Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1994.
         
10.8   Employment Agreement of V. Gordon Clemons   Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 Registration No. 33-40629.
         
10.9   Restated 1991 Employee Stock
Purchase Plan, as amended
  Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.11 in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1995.

21


Table of Contents

EXHIBITS (continued)

         
Exhibit        
No.   Title   Method of Filing

 
 
10.10   Fidelity Master Plan for Savings and Investment, and amendments   Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibits 10.16 and 10.16A to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 Registration No. 33-40629.
         
10.15   Shareholder Rights Plan   Incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on February 28, 1997.
         
10.16   Amended Shareholder Rights Plan   Incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on May 24, 2002.
         
21.1     Subsidiaries of the Company   Attached.
         
23.1     Consent of Independent Certified Public Accountants   Attached.
         
99.1     Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.   Attached.

(b)  Reports on Form 8-K

          None.

22


Table of Contents

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.

         
    CORVEL CORPORATION
         
Date: June 30, 2003   By:   /s/ V. GORDON CLEMONS
     
        V. Gordon Clemons
Chairman, Chief Executive
Officer and President

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

           
Signature   Title   Date

 
 
/s/ V. Gordon Clemons
V. Gordon Clemons
  Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President (Principal Executive Officer)   June 30, 2003
           
/s/ Richard J. Schweppe
Richard J. Schweppe
  Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)   June 30, 2003
           
/s/ Alan Hoops
Alan Hoops
  Director   June 30, 2003
           
/s/ Steven J. Hamerslag
Steven J. Hamerslag
  Director   June 30, 2003
           
/s/ Judd Jessup
Judd Jessup
  Director   June 30, 2003
           
/s/ Jeffrey J. Michael
Jeffrey J. Michael
  Director   June 30, 2003

23


Table of Contents

CERTIFICATIONS OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
UNDER SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, V. Gordon Clemons, certify that:

1.   I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of CorVel Corporation;
 
2.   Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;
 
3.   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;
 
4.   The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

  a)   designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared.
 
  b)   evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report the (the “Evaluation Date”); and
 
  c)   presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

5.   The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

  a)   all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and
 
  b)   any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls; and

6.   The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have indicated in this annual report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

     
          Date: June 30, 2003   /s/ V. Gordon Clemons
   
    V. Gordon Clemons
    Chairman, Chief Executive
    Officer and President

24


Table of Contents

CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
UNDER SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Richard Schweppe, certify that:

1.   I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of CorVel Corporation;
 
2.   Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;
 
3.   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;
 
4.   The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

  a)   designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared.
 
  b)   evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report the (the “Evaluation Date”); and
 
  c)   presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

5.   The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

  a)   all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and
 
  b)   any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls; and

6.   The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have indicated in this annual report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

     
Date: June 30, 2003   /s/ Richard J. Schweppe
   
    Richard J. Schweppe
    Chief Financial Officer

25


Table of Contents

SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

          The following selected financial data for the five years ended March 31, 2003, have been derived from the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements. The following data should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements, the related notes thereto, and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” The following amounts are in thousands, except per share data.

                                           
      Year Ended March 31,
     
      1999   2000   2001   2002   2003
     
 
 
 
 
Statement of Income Data:
                                       
Revenues
  $ 165,457     $ 186,765     $ 209,554     $ 235,912     $ 282,776  
Costs and Expenses:
                                       
 
Cost of revenues
    136,082       152,710       172,010       193,225       230,947  
 
General and administrative
    12,596       14,752       16,389       18,783       25,081  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
 
    148,678       167,462       188,399       212,008       256,028  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Income before income taxes
    16,779       19,303       21,155       23,904       26,748  
Income tax provision
    6,376       7,336       7,933       9,083       10,164  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Net income
  $ 10,403     $ 11,967     $ 13,222     $ 14,821     $ 16,584  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Net income per share:
                                       
Basic
  $ .85     $ .99     $ 1.16     $ 1.34     $ 1.54  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Diluted
  $ .84     $ .98     $ 1.13     $ 1.30     $ 1.50  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Shares used in computing net income per share:
                                       
Basic
    12,233       12,032       11,399       11,043       10,735  
Diluted
    12,392       12,227       11,672       11,367       11,057  
Return on beginning of year equity
    22.7 %     22.5 %     23.9 %     25.2 %     27.2 %
Return on beginning of year assets
    17.2 %     17.4 %     18.6 %     19.1 %     20.7 %
Balance Sheet Data as of March 31,
    1999       2000       2001       2002       2003  
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 9,052     $ 5,643     $ 9,457     $ 12,601     $ 5,913  
Accounts receivable, net
    31,562       35,874       34,316       33,040       45,394  
Working capital
    31,700       34,396       35,130       35,539       37,513  
Total assets
    68,737       71,187       77,565       80,295       93,325  
Retained earnings
    47,286       59,253       72,475       87,296       103,880  
Treasury stock
    26,990       39,956       53,903       69,140       84,127  
Total stockholders’ equity
    53,214       55,293       58,718       60,983       67,220  

26


Table of Contents

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

          This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations may include certain forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including (without limitation) statements with respect to anticipated future operating and financial performance, growth and acquisition opportunities and other similar forecasts and statements of expectation. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates” and “should” and variations of these words and similar expressions, are intended to identify these forward- looking statements. Forward-looking statements made by the Company and its management are based on estimates, projections, beliefs and assumptions of management at the time of such statements and are not guarantees of future performance.

          The Company disclaims any obligations to update or revise any forward-looking statement based on the occurrence of future events, the receipt of new information or otherwise. Actual future performance, outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements made by the Company and its management as a result of a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Representative examples of these factors include (without limitation) general industry and economic conditions; cost of capital and capital requirements; competition from other managed care companies; the ability to expand certain areas of the Company’s business; shifts in customer demands; the ability of the Company to produce market-competitive software; changes in operating expenses including employee wages, benefits and medical inflation; governmental and public policy changes; dependence on key personnel; possible litigation and legal liability in the course of operations; and the continued availability of financing in the amounts and at the terms necessary to support the Company’s future business.

          The Company derives the majority of its revenues from providing patient management and provider program services to payors of workers’ compensation benefits, auto insurance claims and health insurance benefits. Patient management services include early intervention, medical case management, and vocational rehabilitation. Provider program revenues include fee schedule auditing, hospital bill auditing, independent medical examinations, diagnostic imaging review services and preferred provider referral services. The percentages of revenues attributable to patient management and provider program services for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2001, 2002, and 2003 are listed below. In the prior fiscal years, the Company included the revenue from independent medical examinations with the patient management revenue. During fiscal 2003, the Company began including revenue from independent medical examinations with provider program services. The revenue mix for fiscal years 2001 and 2002 have been restated to be consistent with the presentation for fiscal 2003.

                         
    2001   2002   2003
   
 
 
Patient management services
    56.8 %     50.7 %     45.5 %
Provider program services
    43.2 %     49.3 %     54.5 %
 
   
     
     
 
 
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
 
   
     
     
 

27


Table of Contents

Results of Operations

          The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the percentage of revenues represented by certain items reflected in the Company’s consolidated statements of income. The Company’s past operating results are not necessarily indicative of future operating results.

                         
    Year Ended March 31,
   
    2001   2002   2003
   
 
 
Revenues
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
Cost of revenues
    82.1       81.9       81.7  
Gross profit
    17.9       18.1       18.3  
General and administrative
    7.8       8.0       8.9  
Income before income taxes
    10.1       10.1       9.4  
Net income
    6.3       6.3       5.9  

Growth in Revenue

2002 Compared to 2001

          Revenues for fiscal 2002 increased by 13% to $236 million from $210 million in fiscal 2001, an increase of $26 million. The majority of this growth came from provider program services, which grew 28% from $91 million in fiscal year 2001 to $116 million in fiscal 2002, primarily due to an increase in the number of bills reviewed along with an increase in the number of providers included in the Company’s PPO network. Patient management services increased 1%, by $1 million from $119 million in fiscal 2001 to $120 million in fiscal 2002.

Growth in Revenue

2003 Compared to 2002

          Revenues for fiscal 2003 increased by 20% to $283 million from $236 million in fiscal 2002, an increase of $47 million. The majority of this growth came from provider program services, which grew 33% from $116 million in fiscal year 2002 to $154 million in fiscal 2003, primarily due to an increase in the number of bills reviewed along with an increase in the number of providers included in the Company’s PPO network. Approximately 25% of the increase was attributable to the acquisition of Ancicare, a national provider of diagnostic imaging services, in May 2003. Patient management services increased 7%, by $9 million from $120 million in fiscal 2002 to $129 million in fiscal 2003. This increase was due primarily to an increase in pricing along with a nominal increase in the case referral volume.

Cost of Revenue

          The Company’s cost of revenues consists primarily of salaries, salary related taxes and benefits, rent, telephone, and costs related to the Company’s computer operations, including depreciation and amortization. Costs of revenues increased from $172 million in fiscal 2001 and $193 million in fiscal 2002, to $231 million in fiscal 2003, primarily due to the increases in revenues as noted above.

          Cost of revenues as a percentage of revenues was 82.1% during fiscal 2001 and decreased to 81.9% and 81.7% in fiscal 2002 and 2003, respectively. During fiscal 2002 and fiscal 2003, the cost of revenue percentage decreased primarily due to the growth rate in the program services compared to the patient management services. Provider program services, primarily medical bill auditing and provider program services, have a lower cost of services percentage than that of patient management services. There is no guarantee the cost of service percentage will remain constant or decrease, should the Company pursue a strategy of reducing price in order to obtain greater market share or if competition causes pricing pressure in the industry.

28


Table of Contents

General and Administrative

          General and administrative expense increased from $16.4 million in fiscal 2001 and $18.8 million in fiscal 2002 to $25.1 million in fiscal 2003. This increase was primarily due to increased MIS staff to support the Company’s implementation of CareMC and further electronic data interface capabilities as required by customer needs. General and administrative expenses were 7.8%, 8.0%, and 8.9% of revenues for the years ended March 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively.

Income Tax Provision

          The Company’s income tax expense for 2001, 2002, and 2003 was $7.9 million, $9.1 million, and $10.2 million, respectively. The increases in the income tax expense for 2002 and 2003 resulted primarily from an increase in profitability. The effective income tax rate for 2001, 2002, and 2003 was 37.5%, 38.0% and 38.0%, respectively. This rate differed from the statutory federal tax rate of 35.0% primarily due to state income taxes and certain non-deductible expenses.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

          The Company has funded its operations and capital expenditures primarily from cash flow from operations. Net working capital increased from $36 million to $38 million primarily due to the increase in net accounts receivable from $33 million at March 31, 2002 to $45 million at March 31, 2003. This increase was primarily due to an increase in revenues as noted above and an increase in the number of days sales outstanding (DSO) in accounts receivable from 50 days at March 31, 2002 to 56 days at March 31, 2003.

          The Company believes that cash from operations, existing working capital, line of credit, and funds from exercise of stock options granted to employees are adequate to fund existing obligations, repurchase shares of the Company’s common stock, introduce new services, and continue to develop health care related businesses. The Company regularly evaluates cash requirements for current operations and commitments, and for capital acquisitions and other strategic transactions. The Company may elect to raise additional funds for these purposes, either through debt or additional equity, the sale of investment securities or otherwise, as appropriate.

          As of March 31, 2003, the Company had $6 million in cash and cash equivalents, invested primarily in short-term, highly liquid investments with maturities of 90 days or less.

Operating Cash Flows

2003 Compared to 2002

          Net cash provided by operating activities was $22 million in 2003 compared to $27 million in 2002. The decrease in operating cash flows of $5 million was primarily due to the increase in the number of days sales outstanding (DSO) in accounts receivable from 50 days at March 31, 2002 from 56 days at March 31, 2003. Net income increased from $15 million in 2002 to $17 million in 2003.

2002 Compared to 2001

          Net cash provided by operating activities was $27 million in 2002 compared to $24 million in 2001. The increase in operating cash flows of $3 million was primarily due to the increase in net income from $13 million in 2001 to $15 million in 2002 along with a decrease in accounts receivable DSO from 57 days in 2001 to 50 days in 2002.

Investing Activities

2003 Compared to 2002

          Net cash flow used in investing activities was $17 million in 2003 compared to $11 million in 2002. The increase in cash flow used in investing activities was primarily due to the $3 million investment in the acquisition of Ancicare, noted above, and an increase in purchases of property and equipment from $11 million in 2002 to $14 million in 2003.

29


Table of Contents

2002 Compared to 2001

          Net cash flow used in investing activities was $11 million in 2002 compared to $10 million in 2001. The increase in cash flow used in investing activities was due to the increase in the purchases of property and equipment, primarily computer equipment and capitalized software.

Financing Activities

2003 Compared to 2002

          Net cash flow used in financing activities was $12 million in 2003 compared to $13 million in 2002. The decrease in cash flow used in financing activities was primarily due to an increase in the amount of cash generated from the proceeds from the exercise of employee stock options and the employee stock purchase plan from $2 million in 2002 to $3 million in 2003.

          In 1996, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchases of the Company’s common stock. Including an expansion authorized in April 2002, the total number of shares authorized to repurchase has now been increased to 6,100,000 shares, adjusted for the three-for-two stock split in the form of a dividend in August 2001. As of March 31, 2003, the Company had repurchased 5.2 million shares for $84 million. The Company repurchased $15 million of its common stock in both 2002 and 2003.

2002 Compared to 2001

          Net cash flow used in financing activities was $13 million in 2002 compared to $10 million in 2001. The increase in cash flow used in financing activities was primarily due to an increase in the amount of the Company’s common stock repurchased by the Company from $14 million in 2001 to $15 million in 2002 along with a decrease in the amount of cash generated from the proceeds from the exercise of employee stock options and the employee stock purchase plan from $3 million in 2001 to $2 million in 2002.

          In April 2003, the Company entered into a credit agreement with a financial institution to provide borrowing capacity of up to $5 million. This agreement expires in September 2004. Borrowings under this agreement bears interest, at the Company’s option, at a fluctuating LIBOR-based rate 1.25% or at the financial institution’s prime lending rate. There have been no borrowings under this line of credit.

          The Company has historically required substantial capital to fund the growth of its operations, particularly working capital to fund the growth in accounts receivable and capital expenditures. The Company believes, however, that the cash balance at March 31, 2003 along with anticipated internally generated funds and the available line of credit would be sufficient to meet the Company’s expected cash requirements for at least the next twelve months.

Critical Accounting Policies

          The SEC defines critical accounting policies as those that require application of management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain and may change in subsequent periods.

          The following is not intended to be a comprehensive list of our accounting policies. Our significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. In many cases, the accounting treatment of a particular transaction is specifically dictated by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, with no need for management’s judgment in their application. There are also areas in which management’s judgment in selecting an available alternative would not produce a materially different result.

30


Table of Contents

          We have identified the following accounting policies as critical to us: 1) revenue recognition, 2) allowance for uncollectible accounts, 3) valuation of long-lived assets, 4) accrual for self-insured costs, and 5) accounting for income taxes.

          Revenue recognition: The Company’s revenues are recognized primarily as services are rendered based on time and expenses incurred. A certain portion of the Company’s revenues are derived from fee schedule auditing which is based on the number of provider charges audited and, to a lesser extent, on a percentage of savings achieved for the Company’s clients.

          Allowance for uncollectible accounts: The Company determines its allowance by considering a number of factors, including the length of time trade accounts receivable are past due, the Company’s previous loss history, the customers’ current ability to pay its obligation to the Company, and the condition of the general economy and the industry as a whole. The Company writes-off accounts receivable when they become uncollectible, and payments subsequently received on such receivables are credited to the allowance for doubtful accounts.

          Valuation of long-lived assets — We assess the impairment of identifiable intangibles, property, plant and equipment, goodwill and investments whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors we consider important which could trigger an impairment review include the following:

    significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results;
 
    significant changes in the manner of our use of the acquired assets or the strategy for our overall business;
 
    significant negative industry or economic trends;
 
    significant decline in our stock price for a sustained period; and
 
    our market capitalization relative to net book value.

          When we determine that the carrying value of intangibles, long-lived assets and related goodwill may not be recoverable based upon the existence of one or more of the above indicators of impairment, impairments are recognized when the expected future undiscounted cash flows derived from such assets are less than their carrying value, except for investments. We generally measure any impairment based on a projected discounted cash flow method using a discount rate determined by our management to be commensurate with the risk inherent in our current business model. A loss in the value of an investment will be recognized when it is determined that the decline in value is other than temporary.

          Accrual for self-insurance costs — The Company self-insures for the group medical costs and workers’ compensation costs of its employees. The Company purchases stop loss insurance for large claims. Management believes that the self-insurance reserves are appropriate; however, actual claims costs may differ from the original estimates requiring adjustments to the reserves.

          Accounting for income taxes — As part of the process of preparing our consolidated financial statements we are required to estimate our income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. This process involves us estimating our actual current tax expense together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included within our consolidated balance sheet. We must then assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and to the extent we believe that recovery is not likely, we must establish a valuation allowance. If the Company was to establish a valuation allowance or increase this allowance in a period, the Company must include an expense within the tax provision in the consolidated statement of income. Significant management judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes and our deferred tax assets and liabilities.

31


Table of Contents

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

          In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 123.” This Statement amends FASB Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. The Company expects to continue to account for stock options under APB No. 25. In addition, this Statement amends the disclosure requirements of Statement No. 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements. Certain of the disclosure modifications are required for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002 and are included in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

32


Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

Stockholders and Board of Directors
CorVel Corporation

          We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of CorVel Corporation as of March 31, 2002 and 2003, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2003. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

          We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. 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 consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of CorVel Corporation as of March 31, 2002 and 2003, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2003, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

          We have also audited Schedule II of CorVel Corporation for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2003. In our opinion, this schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information therein.

     
    /s/ Grant Thornton LLP
     
Portland, Oregon    
May 8, 2003    

33


Table of Contents

CORVEL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

                         
    Years Ended March 31,
   
    2001   2002   2003
   
 
 
REVENUES
  $ 209,554,000     $ 235,912,000     $ 282,776,000  
COSTS AND EXPENSES
                       
Cost of revenues
    172,010,000       193,225,000       230,947,000  
General and administrative
    16,389,000       18,783,000       25,081,000  
 
   
     
     
 
 
    188,399,000       212,008,000       256,028,000  
 
   
     
     
 
Income before income taxes
    21,155,000       23,904,000       26,748,000  
Income tax provision
    7,933,000       9,083,000       10,164,000  
 
   
     
     
 
NET INCOME
  $ 13,222,000     $ 14,821,000     $ 16,584,000  
 
   
     
     
 
Net income per share:
                       
Basic
  $ 1.16     $ 1.34     $ 1.54  
 
   
     
     
 
Diluted
  $ 1.13     $ 1.30     $ 1.50  
 
   
     
     
 
Shares used in computing net income per share:
                       
Basic
    11,399,000       11,043,000       10,735,000  
Diluted
    11,672,000       11,367,000       11,057,000  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

34


Table of Contents

CORVEL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

                     
        March 31,
       
        2002   2003
       
 
ASSETS
               
Current Assets
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 12,601,000     $ 5,913,000  
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,635,000 in 2002 and $3,473,000 in 2003)
    33,040,000       45,394,000  
Prepaid expenses and taxes
    1,299,000       1,815,000  
Deferred income taxes
    4,236,000       5,029,000  
 
   
     
 
   
Total current assets
    51,176,000       58,151,0000  
 
   
     
 
Property and equipment, net
    22,481,000       25,848,000  
Goodwill
    5,775,000       8,868,000  
Other assets
    863,000       458,000  
 
   
     
 
 
  $ 80,295,000     $ 93,325,000  
 
   
     
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Current Liabilities
               
Accounts and taxes payable
  $ 3,432,000     $ 6,880,000  
Accrued liabilities
    12,205,000       13,758,000  
 
   
     
 
 
Total current liabilities
    15,637,000       20,638,000  
 
   
     
 
Deferred income taxes
    3,675,000       5,467,000  
Commitments and Contingencies (Note H)
           
Stockholders’ Equity
               
Common Stock, $.0001 par value: 20,000,000 shares authorized; 15,617,381 (10,847,601, net of Treasury shares) and 15,857,676 shares (10,626,369, net of the Treasury shares) issued and outstanding in 2002 and 2003, respectively
    2,000       2,000  
Paid-in Capital
    42,825,000       47,465,000  
Treasury Stock, at cost (4,769,780 shares in 2002 and 5,231,307 shares in 2003)
    (69,140,000 )     (84,127,000 )
Retained Earnings
    87,296,000       103,880,000  
 
   
     
 
   
Total stockholders’ equity
    60,983,000       67,220,000  
 
   
     
 
 
  $ 80,295,000     $ 93,325,000  
 
   
     
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

35


Table of Contents

CORVEL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Years Ended March 31, 2001, 2002, and 2003

                                                         
                    Common                                
    Common   Common   stock and                           Total
    Stock -   Stock -   paid in   Treasury   Treasury   Retained   Shareholders’
    shares   amount   capital   shares   shares - cost   Earnings   Equity
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance-March 31, 2000
    15,118,502     $ 2,000     $ 35,994,000       (3,500,010 )   $ (39,956,000 )   $ 59,253,000     $ 55,293,000  
Stock issued under employee stock purchase plan
    45,108               687,000                               687,000  
Stock issued and income tax benefits under stock option plan, net of shares repurchased
    281,094               3,463,000                               3,463,000  
Purchase of common stock
                            (711,900 )     (13,947,000 )             (13,947,000 )
Net income
                                            13,222,000       13,222,000  
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Balance-March 31, 2001
    15,444,704       2,000       40,144,000       (4,211,910 )     (53,903,000 )     72,475,000       58,718,000  
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Stock issued under employee stock purchase plan
    36,951               788,000                               788,000  
Stock issued and income tax benefits under stock option plan, net of shares repurchased
    135,726               1,893,000                               1,893,000  
Purchase of common stock
                            (557,870 )     (15,237,000 )             (15,237,000 )
Net income
                                            14,821,000       14,821,000  
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Balance-March 31, 2002
    15,617,381       2,000       42,825,000       (4,769,780 )     (69,140,000 )     87,296,000       60,983,000  
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Stock issued under employee stock purchase plan
    37,147               952,000                               952,000  
Stock issued and income tax benefits under stock option plan, net of shares repurchased
    203,148               3,688,000                               3,688,000  
Purchase of common stock
                            (461,527 )     (14,987,000 )             (14,987,000 )
Net income
                                            16,584,000       16,584,000  
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Balance-March 31, 2003
    15,857,676     $ 2,000     $ 47,465,000       (5,231,307 )   $ (84,127,000 )   $ 103,880,000     $ 67,220,000  
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
 

     See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

36


Table of Contents

CORVEL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

                               
          Years Ended March 31,
         
          2001   2002   2003
         
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
                       
 
Net income
  $ 13,222,000     $ 14,821,000     $ 16,584,000  
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                       
   
Depreciation
    6,759,000       8,414,000       10,839,000  
   
Deferred income taxes
    303,000       (40,000 )     999,000  
   
Tax benefits from stock options exercised
    673,000       606,000       1,265,000  
   
Loss on write down and (gain) on disposal of property and equipment
    (45,000 )     52,000        
   
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                       
     
Accounts receivable
    1,558,000       1,276,000       (9,778,000 )
     
Prepaid expenses and taxes
    (534,000 )     1,166,000       (516,000 )
     
Accounts and taxes payable
    (2,304,000 )     426,000       (115,000 )
     
Accrued liabilities
    4,657,000       (27,000 )     1,553,000  
     
Goodwill and other assets
    149,000       488,000       1,417,000  
 
 
   
     
     
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
    24,438,000       27,182,000       22,248,000  
 
 
   
     
     
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                       
 
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired
                (3,395,000 )
 
Purchases of property and equipment
    (10,154,000 )     (10,876,000 )     (13,929,000 )
 
 
   
     
     
 
 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (10,154,000 )     (10,876,000 )     (17,324,000 )
 
 
   
     
     
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                       
 
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan
    687,000       788,000       952,000  
 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    2,790,000       1,287,000       2,423,000  
 
Purchase of common stock
    (13,947,000 )     (15,237,000 )     (14,987,000 )
 
 
   
     
     
 
 
Net cash used in financing activities
    (10,470,000 )     (13,162,000 )     (11,612,000 )
 
 
   
     
     
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    3,814,000       3,144,000       (6,688,000 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    5,643,000       9,457,000       12,601,000  
 
 
   
     
     
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR
  $ 9,457,000     $ 12,601,000     $ 5,913,000  
 
 
   
     
     
 

     See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

37


Table of Contents

CorVel Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2003

Note A – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

          Organization: CorVel Corporation (CorVel or the Company) provides services and programs nationwide that are designed to enable insurance carriers, third party administrators and employers with self-insured programs to administer, manage and control the cost of workers’ compensation and other healthcare benefits.

          Basis of Presentation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CorVel and its subsidiaries. Significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

          Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conforming with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the accompanying financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

          Cash and Cash Equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents consists of short-term highly-liquid investments with maturities of 90 days or less when purchased. The carrying amounts of the Company’s financial instruments approximate their fair values at March 31, 2002 and 2003.

          Revenue Recognition: The Company’s revenues are recognized primarily as services are rendered based on time and expenses incurred. A certain portion of the Company’s revenues are derived from fee schedule auditing which is based on the number of provider charges audited and, to a limited extent, on a percentage of savings achieved for the Company’s clients. Accounts receivable includes $3,267,000 and $3,808,000 of unbilled receivables at March 31, 2002 and 2003, respectively. No one customer accounted for more than 10% of consolidated revenues during the years ended March 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003.

          Accounts Receivable: The majority of the Company’s accounts receivable are due from companies in the property and casualty insurance industries. Credit is extended based on evaluation of a customers’ financial condition and, generally, collateral is not required. Accounts receivable are due with 30 days and are stated at amounts due from customers net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Accounts outstanding longer than the contractual payment terms are consider past due. The Company determines its allowance by considering a number of factors, including the length of time trade accounts receivable are past due, the Company’s previous loss history, the customers’ current ability to pay its obligation to the Company, and the condition of the general economy and the industry as a whole. The Company writes-off accounts receivable when they become uncollectible, and payments subsequently received on such receivables are credited to the allowance for doubtful accounts.

          Property and Equipment: Additions to property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation and amortization are provided using the straight-line and accelerated methods over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, which range from three to seven years.

          The Company capitalized software development costs, intended for internal use. The capitalized software was $8,594,000 (net of $8,264,000 in accumulated amortization) as of March 31, 2002, and was $8,505,000, (net of $12,788,000 in accumulated amortization) as of March 31, 2003. These costs are included in computer software in property and equipment and are amortized over a period of five years.

38


Table of Contents

CorVel Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2003

Note A – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

          Long-Lived Assets: The carrying amount of all long-lived assets is evaluated periodically to determine if adjustment to the depreciation and amortization period or to the unamortized balance is warranted. Such evaluation is based principally on the expected utilization of the long-lived assets and the projected, undiscounted cash flows of the operations in which the long-lived assets are deployed.

          Goodwill: In contrast to accounting standards in effect during 2002, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, which became effective beginning in 2003, provides that goodwill, as well as identifiable intangible assets with indefinite lives, should not be amortized. Accordingly, with the adoption of SFAS 142 on April 1, 2002, the Company discontinued the amortization of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles. In addition, useful lives of intangible assets with finite lives were reevaluated on adoption of SFAS 142. The information presented below reflects adjustments to information reported in 2001 and 2002 as if SFAS 142 had been applied in each year. The adjustments include the effects of not amortizing goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets and the modification in the estimated useful lives of intangible assets with finite lives. Goodwill amounted to $5,775,000 (net of accumulated amortization of $2,047,000) at March 31, 2002 and $8,868,000 (net of accumulated amortization of $2,047,000) at March 31, 2003.

          The following table reflects the effect of SFAS 142 on net income and earnings per share as if SFAS 142 had been in effect for fiscal years ending March 31, 2001, 2002, and 2003:

                           
      2001   2002   2003
     
 
 
Net income
  $ 13,222,000     $ 14,821,000     $ 16,584,000  
 
Add back: goodwill amortization
    244,000       244,000        
 
   
     
     
 
Adjusted net income
  $ 13,466,000     $ 15,065,000     $ 16,584,000  
 
   
     
     
 
Basic net income per share:
                       
 
Reported net income
  $ 1.16     $ 1.34     $ 1.54  
 
Goodwill amortization
    .02       .02        
 
   
     
     
 
 
Adjusted net income per share
  $ 1.18     $ 1.36     $ 1.54  
 
   
     
     
 
Diluted net income per share Reported net income
  $ 1.13     $ 1.30     $ 1.50  
 
Goodwill amortization
    .02       .03        
 
   
     
     
 
 
Adjusted net income per share
  $ 1.15     $ 1.33     $ 1.50  
 
   
     
     
 

          Concentrations of Credit Risk: The Company performs periodic credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and does not require collateral. No single customer accounted for more than 10% of accounts receivable in 2002 or 2003. Receivables are generally due within 30 days. Credit losses relating to customers in the workers’ compensation insurance industry consistently have been within management’s expectations.

39


Table of Contents

CorVel Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2003

Note A – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

          Income Taxes: The Company provides for income taxes under the liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities as measured by the enacted tax rates which are expected to be in effect when these differences reverse. Income tax expense is the tax payable for the period and the change during the period in net deferred tax assets and liabilities.

          Earnings Per Share: Earnings per common share-basic is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Earnings per common shares-diluted is based on the weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding during the period. In calculating earnings per share, earnings are the same for the basic and diluted calculations. Weighted average shares outstanding increased for diluted earnings due to the effect of stock options. All common shares outstanding and earnings per shares have been adjusted to reflect the three-for-two stock split in the form of a 50% dividend paid in August 2001.

          Stock Based Compensation Plans: The Company has a stock-based employee compensation plan, which is described more fully in Note E. The Company applies APB Opinion 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related Interpretations in accounting for its plans. The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, using the assumptions described in Note E, to its stock-based employee plans.

                         
    2001   2002   2003
   
 
 
Net income
  $ 13,222,000     $ 14,821,000     $ 16,584,000  
Deduct: Stock-based employee compensation cost, net of taxes
    638,000       805,000       881,000  
 
   
     
     
 
Pro forma net income
  $ 12,584,000     $ 14,016,000     $ 15,703,000  
 
   
     
     
 
Earnings per share – basic
                       
As reported
  $ 1.16     $ 1.34     $ 1.54  
Pro forma
  $ 1.11     $ 1.27     $ 1.46  
Earnings per share – diluted
                       
As reported
  $ 1.13     $ 1.30     $ 1.50  
Pro forma
  $ 1.08     $ 1.23     $ 1.42  

          Reclassifications: Certain amounts in the 2001 and 2002 consolidated financial statements and notes to the consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2003 presentation. The reclassifications have no effect on total revenues, total expenses, net income or stockholders’ equity, as previously reported.

40


Table of Contents

CorVel Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statement
March 31, 2003

Note B – Property and Equipment

          Property and equipment consists of the following at March 31:

                 
    2002   2003
   
 
Office equipment and computers
  $ 31,775,000     $ 36,443,000  
Computer software
    20,019,000       26,655,000  
Leasehold improvements
    2,004,000       2,481,000  
 
   
     
 
 
    53,798,000       65,579,000  
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
    31,317,000       39,731,000  
 
   
     
 
 
  $ 22,481,000     $ 25,848,000  
 
   
     
 

Note C – Accrued Liabilities

          Accrued liabilities consists of the following at March 31:

                 
    2002   2003
   
 
Payroll and related benefits
  $ 8,623,000     $ 9,384,000  
Self-insurance accruals
    3,029,000       3,286,000  
Other
    553,000       1,088,000  
 
   
     
 
 
  $ 12,205,000     $ 13,758,000  
 
   
     
 

Note D – Income Taxes

          The income tax provision consists of the following for the three years ended March 31:

                           
      2001   2002   2003
     
 
 
Current – Federal
  $ 7,010,000     $ 8,226,000     $ 8,255,000  
Current – State
    620,000       897,000       910,000  
 
   
     
     
 
 
Subtotal
    7,630,000       9,123,000       9,165,000  
 
   
     
     
 
Deferred – Federal
    277,000       (36,000 )     900,000  
Deferred – State
    26,000       (4,000 )     99,000  
 
   
     
     
 
 
Subtotal
    303,000       (40,000 )     999,000  
 
   
     
     
 
 
  $ 7,933,000     $ 9,083,000     $ 10,164,000  
 
   
     
     
 

41


Table of Contents

CorVel Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statement
March 31, 2003

Note D - Income Taxes (continued)

          Income tax benefits associated with the exercise of stock options are excluded from the provision, credited directly to equity, and totaled $673,000, $606,000 and $1,265,000 for fiscal 2001, 2002, and 2003, respectively.

          The following is a reconciliation of the income tax provision from the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective rate for the three years ended March 31:

                         
    2001   2002   2003
   
 
 
Income taxes at federal statutory rate
  $ 7,404,000     $ 8,336,000     $ 9,362,000  
State income taxes, net of federal benefit
    646,000       893,000       1,008,000  
Other
    (117,000 )     (146,000 )     (206,000 )
 
   
     
     
 
 
  $ 7,933,000     $ 9,083,000     $ 10,164,000  
 
   
     
     
 

          Income taxes paid totaled $7,570,000, $7,910,000 and $8,812,000 for the years ended March 31, 2001, 2002, and 2003, respectively.

          Deferred taxes at March 31, 2002 and 2003 are:

                 
    2002   2003
   
 
Deferred tax assets:
               
Accrued liabilities not currently deductible
  $ 2,849,000     $ 3,864,000  
Allowance for doubtful accounts
    1,385,000       1,163,000  
Other
    2,000       2,000  
 
   
     
 
Deferred assets
    4,236,000       5,029,000  
Deferred tax liabilities:
               
Excess of book over tax basis of fixed assets
    (3,205,000 )     (4,920,000 )
Other
    (470,000 )     (547,000 )
 
   
     
 
Deferred liability
    (3,675,000 )     (5,467,000 )
 
   
     
 
Net deferred tax asset
  $ 561,000     $ (438,000 )
 
   
     
 

42


Table of Contents

CorVel Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statement
March 31, 2003

Note E - Stock Option Plans

          Under the Company’s Restated 1988 Executive Stock Option Plan, (“the Plan”) as amended, options for up to 5,955,000 shares (adjusted for the two-for-one stock split in the form of a dividend in May 1999 and the three-for-two stock split in the form of the dividend in August 2001) of the Company’s common stock may be granted to key employees, nonemployee directors and consultants at prices not less than 85% of the fair value of the stock at the date of grant as determined by the Board. Options granted under the Plan may be either incentive stock options or non-statutory stock options and are generally exercisable beginning one year from the date of grant and vest monthly thereafter for three years.

          Summarized information for all stock options for the past three fiscal year follows:

                         
    2001   2002   2003
   
 
 
Options outstanding at the beginning of the year
    1,184,014       1,104,994       1,218,088  
Options granted
    290,550       278,702       198,600  
Options exercised
    (281,094 )     (146,988 )     (204,955 )
Options forfeited
    (88,476 )     (18,620 )     (13,986 )
 
   
     
     
 
Options outstanding at the end of the year
    1,104,994       1,218,088       1,197,747  
 
   
     
     
 
During the year, weighted average price of options:
                       
Granted
  $ 19.03     $ 26.82     $ 32.63  
Exercised
  $ 10.05     $ 10.88     $ 12.24  
Forfeited
  $ 13.03     $ 16.23     $ 22.37  
At the end of the year:
                       
Price range of outstanding options
  $ 5.67-23.17     $ 5.67 - $30.55     $ 5.67 - $33.91  
Weighted average price per share
  $ 13.53     $ 16.86     $ 20.20  
Options available for future grants
    501,869       990,317       805,703  
Exercisable options
    482,441       587,803       634,493  

43


Table of Contents

CorVel Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2003

Note E - Stock Option Plans (continued)

          The following table summarizes the status of stock options outstanding and exercisable at March 31, 2003:

                                           
              Weighted   Outstanding   Exercisable   Exercisable
              Average   Options-   Options -   Options -
      Number of   Remaining   Weighted   Number of   Weighted
Range of   Outstanding   Contractual   Average   Exercisable   Average
Exercise Prices   Options   Life   Exercise Price   Options   Exercise Price

 
 
 
 
 
 
$5.67 - $13.00
  339,484     1.77 years   $ 10.76       278,320     $ 11.14  
 
  13.01 - 18.00
    262,876     2.22 years     16.11       192,641       15.96  
 
  18.01 - 25.00
    278,485     3.62 years     22.65       129,014       22.29  
 
  25.01 - 33.91
    316,902     4.49 years     31.55       34,518       29.73  
 
   
   
   
     
     
 
Total
    1,197,747     3.02 years   $ 20.20       634,493     $ 12.87  
 
   
   
   
     
     
 

          The weighted average fair values at date of grant for options granted during fiscal 2001, 2002, and 2003 were $6.39, $6.38, and $7.77, respectively.

          The fair value of each grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The following weighted average assumptions were used for fiscal years ending March 31:

                         
    2001   2002   2003
   
 
 
Expected volatility
    .41       .28       .30  
Risk free interest rate
    4.8 %     4.3 %     2.4 %
Dividend yield
    0.0 %     0.0 %     0.0 %
Weighted average option life
  4.7 years   4.6 years   4.6 years

          The number of shares to be issued, the weighted average exercise price of outstanding options, and the number of securities remaining available for future issuance under all stock option plans, including the 1991 Employee Stock Purchase Plan described in Note F below are as follows:

                         
    Number of securities to   Weighted-average   Number of securities
    be issued upon exercise   exercise price of   remaining available for
    of outstanding options,   outstanding options,   future issuance under
Plan category   warrants, and rights   warrants and rights   equity compensation plans

 
 
 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
    1,197,747     $ 20.20       928,148  
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
                 
 
   
     
     
 
Total
    1,197,747     $ 20.20       928,148  
 
   
     
     
 

44


Table of Contents

CorVel Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2003

Note F — Employee Stock Purchase Plan

          The Company maintains an Employee Stock Purchase Plan which allows employees of the Company and its subsidiaries to purchase shares of common stock on the last day of two six-month purchase periods (i.e. March 31 and September 30) at a purchase price which is 85% of the closing sale price of shares as quoted on NASDAQ on the first or last day of such purchase period, whichever is lower. Employees are allowed to participate up to 20% of their gross pay. A maximum of 750,000 shares has been authorized for issuance under the plan, as amended. As of March 31, 2003, 627,555 shares had been issued pursuant to the plan. Summarized plan information is as follows:

                         
    2001   2002   2003
   
 
 
Employee contributions
  $ 687,000     $ 788,000     $ 952,000  
Shares acquired
    45,108       36,951       37,147  
Average purchase price
  $ 15.23     $ 21.32     $ 25.63  

Note G — Treasury Stock

          The Company’s Board of Directors has approved a plan to repurchase up to 6,100,000 shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock, with an authorization by the Board of Directors in May 2002 to increase the number of shares authorized to repurchase by 1,000,000 shares. Purchases may be made from time to time depending on market conditions and other relevant factors. The share repurchases for fiscal years ending March 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 are as follows:

                                 
    2001   2002   2003   Cumulative
   
 
 
 
Shares repurchased
    711,900       557,870       461,527       5,231,307  
Cost
  $ 13,947,000     $ 15,237,000     $ 14,987,000     $ 84,127,000  
Average price
  $ 19.59     $ 27.31     $ 32.47     $ 16.08  

          The repurchased shares were recorded as treasury stock, at cost, and are available for general corporate purposes. The repurchases were financed from cash generated from operations.

Note H — Commitments and Contingencies

          The Company leases office facilities under noncancelable operating leases. Future minimum rental commitments under operating leases at March 31, 2003 are $8,477,000 in fiscal 2004, $7,513,000 in fiscal 2005, $6,296,000 in fiscal 2006, $4,835,000 in fiscal 2007, $2,708,000 in fiscal 2008, and $442,000 thereafter. Total rental expense of $8,685,000, $9,926,000, and $10,368,000 was charged to operations for the years ended March 31, 2001, 2002, and 2003, respectively.

          The Company is involved in litigation arising in the normal course of business. The Company believes that resolution of these matters will not result in any payment that, in the aggregate, would be material to the financial position and results of the operations of the Company.

45


Table of Contents

CorVel Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2003

Note I — Savings Plan

          The Company maintains a retirement savings plan for its employees, which is a qualified plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Full-time employees that meet certain requirements are eligible to participate in the plan. Contributions are made annually, primarily at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors. Contributions of $224,000, $247,000, and $283,000, were charged to operations for the years ended March 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively.

Note J — Business Combination

          In May 2002, the Company acquired AnciCare, PPO, Inc., a Florida-based national provider of diagnostic imaging services. The Company paid approximately $3.4 million ($2.9 million during fiscal 2003 and $475,000 during fiscal 2004) and recorded approximately $3.3 million for goodwill. If the results of the AnciCare operations attain certain revenue during each of the three years after the date of acquisition, the Company will pay an additional amount for the purchase, which is expected to be funded from future earnings of the Company. Any additional amounts paid will increase the goodwill related to the acquisition.

          The following table summarizes the recorded value of the AnciCare assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:

           
Accounts receivable, net
  $ 3,039,000  
Property and equipment, net
    297,000  
Prepaid expenses
    93,000  
Goodwill
    3,302,000  
 
   
 
 
Subtotal
    6,731,000  
 
   
 
Less: Accounts payable and other current liabilities
    3,243,000  
 
   
 
Net Assets
  $ 3,488,000  
 
   
 

          The following unaudited pro forma summary presents information as if AnciCare had been acquired as of the beginning of the periods presented. The pro forma information does not necessarily reflect the actual results that would have occurred nor is it necessarily indicative of future results of operations of the combined companies.

                 
    2002   2003
   
 
Pro forma revenue
  $ 250,312,000     $ 284,576,000  
Pro forma net income
  $ 14,821,000     $ 16,662,000  

46


Table of Contents

CorVel Corporation
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2003

Note K — Shareholder Rights Plan

          During fiscal 1997, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the adoption of a Shareholder Rights Plan. The Rights Plan, which is similar to rights plans adopted by numerous other public companies, provides for a dividend distribution to CorVel stockholders of one preferred stock purchase “Right” for each outstanding share of CorVel’s common stock. The Rights are designed to assure that all stockholders receive fair and equal treatment in the event of any proposed takeover of the company and to encourage a potential acquirer to negotiate with the Board of Directors prior to attempting a takeover. In April 2002, the Board of Directors of the Company approved an amendment to the Company’s existing stockholder rights agreement to extend the expiration date of the rights to February 10, 2012, increase the initial exercise price of each right to $118, and enable Fidelity Management & Research Company and its affiliates to purchase up to 18% of the shares of common stock of the Company without triggering the stockholder rights. The Rights will not be exercisable until the occurrence of certain takeover-related events. The issuance of the Rights has no dilutive effect on the Company’s earnings per share.

Note L — Subsequent Event

          In April 2003, the Company entered into a credit agreement with a financial institution to provide borrowing capacity of up to $5 million. This agreement expires in September 2004. Borrowings under this agreement bears interest, at the Company’s option, at a fluctuating LIBOR-based rate plus 1.25% or at the financial institution’s prime lending rate. There have been no borrowings under the line of credit.

Note M — Quarterly Results (Unaudited)

          The following is a summary of unaudited results of operations for the two years ended March 31, 2002 and 2003:

                                         
                            Net income        
                            per basic   Net income
                            common   per diluted
    Revenues   Gross Margin   Net Income   share   common share
   
 
 
 
 
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2002:
                                       
First Quarter
  $ 58,001,000     $ 10,364,000     $ 3,593,000     $ .32     $ .31  
Second Quarter
    58,411,000       10,482,000       3,640,000     .33       .32  
Third Quarter
    58,724,000       10,701,000       3,755,000       .34       .33  
Fourth Quarter
    60,776,000       11,140,000       3,833,000       .35       .34  
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2003:
                                       
First Quarter
  $ 66,301,000     $ 12,310,000     $ 4,029,000     $ .37     $ .36  
Second Quarter
    69,353,000       13,332,000       4,091,000       .38       .37  
Third Quarter
    73,135,000       13,023,000       4,193,000       .39       .38  
Fourth Quarter
    73,987,000       13,164,000       4,271,000       .40       .39  

47


Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX

             
Exhibit            
No.   Title — Method of Filing   Page

 
 
3.1   Certificate of Incorporation of the Company Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 Registration No. 33-40629.
     
3.2   Bylaws of the Company — Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 Registration No. 33-40629.
     
10.1   Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement between V. Gordon Clemons, the Company and North Star together with all amendments and addendums thereto — Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 Registration No. 33-40629.
     
10.2   Supplementary Agreement between V. Gordon Clemons, the Company and North Star — Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 Registration No. 33-40629.
     
10.3   Amendment to Supplementary Agreement between Mr. Clemons, the Company and North Star — Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1992.
     
10.4   Restated 1988 Executive Stock Option Plan, as amended — Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1995.
     
10.5   Form of Notice of Grant of Stock Option Under the Restated 1988 Executive Stock Option Plan — Incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1994.
     
10.6   Form of Stock Option Agreement under the Restated 1988 Executive Stock Option Plan — Incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1994.
     
10.7   Form of Notice of Exercise under the Restated 1988 Executive Stock Option Plan — Incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1994.
     
10.8   Employment Agreement of V. Gordon Clemons — Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 Registration No. 33-40629.

48


Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX (continued)

             
Exhibit            
No.   Title — Method of Filing   Page

 
 
10.9   Restated 1991 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended — Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.11 in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1995.
     
10.10   Fidelity Master Plan for Savings and Investments, and amendments — Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.16 and 10.16A to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 Registration No. 33-40629.
     
10.12   Shareholder Rights Plan — Incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s 8-K filed on February 28, 1997.
     
10.16   Amended Shareholder Rights Plan — Incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s 8-K filed on May 24, 2002.
     
21.1   Subsidiaries of the Company — Attached.
     
23.1   Consent of Independent Certified Public Accountants — Attached.
     
99.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. — Attached.

49