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1
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended DECEMBER 31, 1998
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 0-22195
AHL SERVICES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in governing instrument)
Georgia 58-2277249
(State of organization) (IRS Employer Identification No.)
3353 Peachtree Road, NE, Atlanta, Georgia, 30326
(Address of Principal Executive Offices -- Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (404) 267-2222
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class Name of each exchange on which registered
------------------- -----------------------------------------
Common Stock, $.01 per share Nasdaq Stock Market
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No
--- ---
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [ ]
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the
Registrant (based upon the closing sale price on the Nasdaq Stock Market) on
March 26, 1999 was approximately $171,110,662. As of March 26, 1999, there were
17,381,692 shares of common stock, $.01 par value, outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Registrant's Proxy Statement in connection with its Annual
Meeting of Shareholders to be held May 13, 1999 are incorporated by reference in
Part III.
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AHL SERVICES, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ITEM NO. PAGE NO.
- -------- --------
PART I............................................................................................................1
ITEM 1. BUSINESS............................................................................................1
Industry Overview...................................................................................2
Strategy............................................................................................3
Services Provided...................................................................................5
Aviation Services...................................................................................5
Facility Support Services...........................................................................6
Operational Support Staffing Services...............................................................6
Marketing Execution and Fulfillment Services........................................................7
Acquisitions........................................................................................8
Contract Terms......................................................................................8
Sales and Marketing.................................................................................9
Workforce Management................................................................................9
Management Information Systems.....................................................................10
Competition........................................................................................11
Government Regulation..............................................................................11
Risk Management and Safety.........................................................................14
Litigation.........................................................................................14
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.........................................................................................15
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS..................................................................................15
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS................................................15
ITEM X. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT...............................................................15
PART II .........................................................................................................18
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS.......................................................................................18
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA............................................................................19
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS...........................................................20
Overview...........................................................................................20
Results of Operations..............................................................................21
Fiscal 1998 Compared to Fiscal 1997................................................................21
Fiscal 1997 Compared to Fiscal 1996................................................................22
Quarterly Results and Seasonality..................................................................23
Liquidity and Capital Resources....................................................................24
Forward-Looking Statements.........................................................................25
Inflation..........................................................................................26
Year 2000 Issues...................................................................................26
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.........................................27
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA........................................................28
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING
AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE......................................................................28
PART III.........................................................................................................29
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.................................................29
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.............................................................................29
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.....................................29
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.....................................................29
PART IV..........................................................................................................30
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.................................30
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
AHL Services, Inc. ("AHL" or the "Company") is a leading provider of
contract staffing and outsourcing solutions. The Company professionally manages
a large workforce that performs tasks that its clients frequently regard as
outside their core businesses. By assuming responsibility for these tasks, the
Company seeks to improve the quality of the non-core operations of its clients
and to reduce their costs. The Company's services are generally performed under
long-term contracts, which have provided a significant source of predictable and
recurring revenues.
The Company services the multinational needs of its primarily Fortune
1000 clients through its 103 offices in North America and 66 offices in Europe.
The Company's ten largest clients based on 1998 pro forma revenues are America
OnLine, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, Federal Express, Ford, Mattel,
Northwest Airlines, Publishers Clearing House, Reader's Digest and United
Airlines. The Company focuses on developing and maintaining long-term client
relationships. The Company's top ten clients have utilized the services of the
Company or its predecessors for an average of ten years. In addition, the
Company has achieved an average annual retention rate of approximately 93% of
contract billable hours over the last three fiscal years (excluding two
operations the Company terminated in 1996).
The Company has achieved significant growth in recent years, with its
revenues achieving a compound annual growth rate of 40% from 1994 to 1998. The
compound annual growth rate for the Company's internal growth during the same
period was 27%. While the Company is focused on strong internal growth, it has
also made accretive acquisitions to provide complementary higher margin services
to its clients. These acquisitions have substantially changed the Company's
business mix, reducing its historical dependence on the aviation industry, and
improved its operating margins. Operating income for fiscal 1998 increased 137%
from fiscal 1997.
The Company's contract staffing and outsourcing solutions are divided
into four lines of business:
- - AVIATION SERVICES - MARKETING EXECUTION AND FULFILLMENT SERVICES
-- pre-departure screening -- consumer and trade fulfillment
-- passenger profiling -- trade support services
-- baggage claim and check -- e-commerce fulfillment
-- sky cap and wheelchair assistance -- customer service support
-- cargo handling
-- into-plane fueling
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- - FACILITY SUPPORT SERVICES - OPERATIONAL SUPPORT STAFFING SERVICES
-- access control personnel -- assembly
-- uniformed security officers -- warehousing
-- fixed route dedicated shuttle bus services -- shipping
-- electrical
-- mechanical
The Company began providing marketing execution and fulfillment
services in October 1997 through its acquisition of RightSide Up and further
expanded this business line through its acquisition of Gage Marketing Support
Services in July 1998. This line of business represents a natural extension of
the Company's contract staffing operations, enabling the Company to capitalize
on its labor management expertise by providing higher margin services, such as
program management and administration, advanced information systems and
facilities for the storage and distribution of materials. The Company provides
these services through a network of 18 facilities in North America to clients
principally in the automotive, consumer, publishing and entertainment
industries. The Company's marketing execution and fulfillment services clients
include The Coca-Cola Company, Disney, Ford, Fox, General Motors, Kraft, Mattel,
ONSALE, Proctor & Gamble, Publishers Clearing House and Reader's Digest.
INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
Many corporations and other institutions need to recruit, hire, train,
motivate and manage large numbers of personnel to handle non-core functions in
labor environments often characterized by relatively low pay and high turnover
rates. Enterprises incur considerable expense and invest substantial amounts of
management time in managing this process. These enterprises are increasingly
contracting with specialized third party providers to better ensure long-term
labor availability for support functions. Contract staffing and outsourcing
service providers often are able to provide higher quality services at a lower
cost than these enterprises are able to provide themselves. Outsourcing these
functions shifts employment costs and responsibilities, such as workers'
compensation, recruitment and turnover costs and changes in labor regulations,
to outside vendors and allows enterprises to reduce the administrative overhead
and time necessary to properly manage non-core functions.
The market for contract staffing and outsourcing services has evolved
as companies increasingly outsource non-core functions. The outsourcing company
provides on-site management of staff, assumes responsibility for a particular
function (including designing and implementing a solution for its client) and
shares in the economic benefits derived from improved execution of the function.
As enterprises centralize purchasing decisions and seek to reduce the number of
vendors with whom they do business, the ability of providers to offer national
account capability and national and international coverage is growing in
importance. These trends, as well as the increasing need for capital and
management depth for growth, are creating consolidation opportunities in the
highly fragmented contract staffing and outsourcing services industry.
Aviation Services. While airlines have historically outsourced certain
functions, such as food service and pre-departure screening, they are
increasingly outsourcing other functions not directly related to flight
operations. Aviation service functions that are increasingly being outsourced
include passenger profiling, baggage claim and check, sky cap, aircraft clean
and search, wheelchair assistance, inter-gate cart, escorting of unaccompanied
minors, ticketing and check-in, cargo handling and into-plane fueling. While the
trend toward outsourcing labor management in Europe is not as developed as it is
in the United States, the Company expects two trends to increase demand for
contract staffing of aviation services in Europe: (i) the privatization of major
airlines, which should increase their focus on improving operating performance,
and (ii) the liberalization of airport authority licensing, which currently
restricts the number of vendors that may provide services at a particular
location. The European Union has opened European airports to increased
competition by granting additional licenses to provide various ground and
passenger services in January 1999.
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Facility Support Services. In addition to the general trends that have
contributed to the growth of contract staffing and outsourcing services, several
developments have contributed to the increased demand for facility support
services in recent years. Increases in crime, the greater value of both business
equipment and various types of inventory, and growth in the size of many
facilities have contributed to greater demand for access control and commercial
security services. Businesses, educational institutions and governmental
authorities are also adding fixed route, dedicated shuttle bus services as the
scale of their physical facilities grows larger, the numbers of employees and
students increase, and urban congestion and sprawl increase the need for
transportation solutions.
Marketing Execution and Fulfillment Services. Recent trends in the way
marketers deliver their marketing messages and sell and deliver their goods have
resulted in growth in the outsourcing of marketing execution and fulfillment
services. Marketing messages are delivered to more focused groups of customers
through specialized point of purchase, direct marketing and telemarketing
programs. In addition, product sales through the Internet and from catalogues
are growing. Customers expect reliable, rapid delivery of their purchases with
minimal delivery costs. Marketing execution and fulfillment companies specialize
in managing the complexities of implementing these sales and marketing programs,
including the receipt of orders, picking, packing and shipping of kits to
retailers and product orders to customers, customer service, credit card
processing, inventory management and database development. Due to the growing
complexity of efficiently performing these tasks, clients are increasingly
seeking larger, national vendors with capabilities to handle unique marketing
programs, multiple types of order taking and delivery methods, and both large
and small distribution volumes.
Operational Support Staffing Services. The trends toward outsourcing,
increased specialization and an emphasis on productivity have led many
enterprises to outsource task repetitive, labor intensive functions such as
light assembly and manufacturing, warehousing and shipping. Each of these
functions involves certain repetitive tasks, such as sorting, selecting, moving,
packing and labeling various items. Third party providers are increasingly
developing "best practices" for each of these functions in order to improve
productivity and efficiency. Additionally, enterprises are increasingly
utilizing contract staffing in order to manage their cost structures when faced
with seasonality or other factors causing fluctuations in their volume of
production. German companies have a tendency to outsource semi-skilled laborers,
including mechanics, plumbers and electricians. The Company's outsourcing
businesses are able to charge higher billing rates for their semi-skilled
workforce than for unskilled laborers, and the assignments in Germany generally
have longer terms than in the United States and are contractual in nature.
STRATEGY
AHL believes that there are significant opportunities to expand its
business as existing clients and other large corporations and institutions
utilize contract staffing and outsourcing solutions that will enable them to
focus on their core competencies. Key elements of the Company's strategy
include:
Continue to Focus on Core Competency. The Company's core
competency is its ability to recruit, hire, train, motivate and manage
a large workforce to provide the non-core support services needed by
its clients. The Company believes that it has achieved lower employee
turnover rates than are typical in its lines of business, enabling the
Company to provide higher levels of service while expanding its
business. The Company believes its core labor management competencies
can be leveraged across a wide range of contract staffing and
outsourcing functions.
Cross-Sell Services and Pursue New Opportunities. Throughout its
history, the Company has focused on internal growth by offering high
quality, value-added services, introducing and cross-selling new
services to existing clients and expanding into new geographic markets.
The Company's revenues (excluding revenues derived from acquired
companies) increased from $123.2 million in 1994 to $319.7 million in
1998, representing a compound annual growth rate of 27%. The Company
believes that its reputation for quality service has been critical in
attracting new clients and retaining existing clients, as well as in
securing contract renewals. Once the Company begins to provide a client
with a particular
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service in a local market, the Company seeks to capitalize on its
ability to provide that service in additional markets and to provide
new services to the client. The Company believes there are substantial
opportunities to expand relationships with existing clients by
cross-selling the full range of its services. In addition, the Company
believes its multinational capabilities and breadth of services allow
it to compete effectively against companies that provide a more limited
range of services. The Company has 75 sales representatives in the
United States and Europe, and it is currently implementing a new
marketing program that will increase its emphasis on national account
selling.
Develop Long-Term Client Relationships. AHL targets large
corporations and institutions that have significant needs for contract
staffing and outsourcing solutions. The Company has established
long-term relationships with most of its large clients through
preferred outsourcing vendor relationships. The Company's top ten
clients (based on pro forma revenues for 1998) have utilized the
Company or its predecessors' services for an average of ten years. In
addition, the Company has achieved an average annual retention rate of
approximately 93% of contract billable hours over the last three fiscal
years. These long-term relationships have provided the Company with a
significant source of predictable and recurring revenues. Building and
maintaining relationships with its clients' senior executives and local
operating personnel is an important operating philosophy of the
Company.
Capitalize on Multinational Capabilities. Companies are
centralizing purchasing decisions and seeking to reduce the number of
vendors with whom they do business. As a result, the ability of
contract staffing and outsourcing providers to offer national and
international coverage is growing in importance. Through its operations
in 103 offices in North America and 66 offices in three European
countries, AHL is able to service the multinational needs of its
clients. The Company's multinational presence also reduces its reliance
on the economic conditions in any single country. For example, the
Company's three largest clients utilize AHL's services in both their
North American and European operations. The Company believes its
ability to provide a consistently high level of service at numerous
locations worldwide provides it with a significant competitive
advantage while strengthening and diversifying its economic base.
Expand Margins by Changing its Business Mix and Leveraging its
Density. Since its March 1997 initial public offering, the Company has
added two lines of business -- operational support staffing and
marketing execution and fulfillment services. These higher margin
businesses utilize the Company's core competency of workforce retention
and management, and also include "value-added" elements such as program
management and administration, advanced information systems and
facilities for the storage and distribution of materials. By offering
these value added services, the Company believes it can better serve
the needs of its clients and expand its operating margins. The Company
has also expanded its operating margins by increasing the "density" in
its existing lines of business in order to achieve economies of scale
and leverage its corporate and field operating infrastructure. For
fiscal 1998, the Company's operating margin was 5.3% compared with 3.9%
for fiscal 1997.
Continue to Seek Strategic Acquisitions. AHL actively seeks
accretive acquisitions in an effort to further develop its service
offerings and geographic coverage. Since May 1997, the Company has
completed twelve acquisitions aggregating approximately $288 million in
revenues (for the calendar year prior to their acquisition), including
seven acquisitions in 1998. Specifically, the Company has pursued
acquisitions in the operational support staffing and marketing
execution and fulfillment businesses, which represent a natural
extension of the Company's previous lines of business and an
opportunity to achieve higher operating margins. The Company expects to
focus on completing additional acquisitions in these lines of business,
while continuing to acquire aviation services or facility support
services businesses on an opportunistic basis. The Company believes
that a disciplined acquisition program and an effective integration
process allow the Company to leverage its existing infrastructure and
capitalize on the fragmented nature of the contract staffing and
outsourcing industry.
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SERVICES PROVIDED
The following table presents information with respect to the percentage
of the Company's revenues by business line for the periods shown:
TWELVE MONTHS ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
------------------------------------
SUPPORT SERVICES 1996 1997 1998(1)
---------------- --------- -------- --------
Aviation services ................... 59% 58% 33%
Facility support services ........... 41 39 25
Operational support staffing services -- 3 23
Marketing execution and fulfillment
services .......................... -- * 19
--- --- ---
Total ...................... 100% 100% 100%
=== === ===
* Less than 1%.
(1) Includes revenues of Gage and EMD as if the acquisitions of Gage and
EMD had occurred on January 1, 1998. Does not include revenues of five
other companies acquired by the Company during 1998 for the period
prior to their acquisition. See "-- Acquisitions."
AVIATION SERVICES
The Company is one of the largest providers of pre-departure screening
and passenger profiling services in the United States and Europe, currently
providing services at 44 airports in the United States and 28 airports in
Europe. Pre-departure screening is a security procedure performed at all
commercial airports in the United States and the United Kingdom under mandates
of the Federal Aviation Administration ("FAA") and the United Kingdom Department
of Transport and at many other airports throughout the world under similar
mandates of other regulatory authorities. At pre-departure screening
checkpoints, all passengers and other airport patrons must physically pass
through a device called a magnetometer, designed to reveal the presence of metal
objects, and all carry-on baggage and other items carried into the concourse or
gate area must pass through an X-ray device to determine whether certain
suspicious materials are present. Major airports at which the Company provides
pre-departure screening services in the United States include Los Angeles
International, New York - Kennedy and LaGuardia, Washington - National and
Dulles, Denver International, Chicago - O'Hare, San Francisco, Orlando, Boston
and Dallas.
In 1994 the FAA mandated passenger profiling for U.S. airlines'
international flights. Passenger profiling seeks to identify a potential threat
before it materializes by means of interviewing, document verification and
behavioral analysis. This procedure results in the classification of the vast
majority of passengers as low risk, thereby enabling more scrutiny to be focused
on higher risk passengers. The Company has been providing profiling services in
Europe since 1992 and management believes that if the FAA were to mandate
profiling in the United States, the Company would be well-positioned to quickly
implement profiling procedures for its U.S. clients.
The Company prepares cargo and mail for flight by sorting, packaging
and transporting the cargo and mail to and from airplanes. In some cases, the
Company provides the actual staffing of customer counters and data input into
the airline's cargo computer system, in addition to handling the cargo. Cargo
services are provided in certain
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markets pursuant to outsourcing arrangements, under which the Company manages
the entire process for its clients. The Company processes air cargo for several
of its major aviation clients, including Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and
Lufthansa Airlines. The Company also provides cargo services to Air China and
SwissAir in New York and Cathay Pacific and Vanguard in Seattle pursuant to
subcontracts from Delta Air Lines. In addition to cargo handling, the Company
provides U.S. Postal Service mail handling for Delta Air Lines in selected
locations.
The Company provides guarding and control of airport entrances,
checking of employee identification cards and baggage, guarding and control of
employee parking lots and under-the-wing guarding of parked aircraft in Europe.
Furthermore, the Company provides a variety of other aviation services to its
airline clients, including baggage claim and check, aircraft clean and search,
lost baggage delivery or replacement services, sky cap, wheelchair assistance,
escorting of unaccompanied minors, inter-gate cart services and into-plane
fueling.
FACILITY SUPPORT SERVICES
The Company provides business and facility access control, special
event security and uniformed security officer services to a broad range of
commercial and governmental clients. The Company's access control personnel are
used at office and government buildings, airports, hospitals, distribution
centers, sports arenas, museums and other facilities.
Depending on the needs of the client, security officers are on
premises, often around-the-clock, to provide facility security, access control,
personnel security checks and traffic and parking control and to guard against
fire, theft, sabotage and safety hazards. The Company's security officers are
trained to respond appropriately to emergency situations and report fires,
intrusions, natural disasters, work accidents and medical crises to appropriate
authorities. Fewer than one percent of the Company's security personnel are
armed.
The Company provides fixed route, dedicated shuttle bus services in 19
locations within the United States and two locations in the United Kingdom
through its fleet of approximately 295 shuttle bus vehicles. The vehicles
generally seat between 15 and 50 passengers. Under its shuttle bus contracts,
the Company provides the shuttle bus and the driver. During fiscal 1998, AHL
vehicles traveled more than 7,000,000 miles and operated for more than 700,000
hours. AHL currently provides (1) campus shuttle services at The Georgia
Institute of Technology, Emory University, S.W. Texas State University and The
American School in London, (2) corporate shuttle services between various
facilities of The Coca-Cola Company, Georgia Power and Federal Express, (3)
public parking shuttle services for Port of New York, the Memphis/Shelby County
Airport Authority and the Nashville Airport Authority, (4) employee
transportation services from employee parking lots for Port of New York, Federal
Express and Delta Air Lines and (5) airside crew and passenger transport at
Heathrow Airport.
OPERATIONAL SUPPORT STAFFING SERVICES
The Company provides staffing for operational support services, which
includes providing staffing for assembly, warehousing, shipping, electrical and
mechanical functions. The Company began providing operational support staffing
services with the acquisition of Lloyd and further expanded its operations in
this area through the acquisitions of Midwest Staffing and SES in the United
States, TUJA, EMD and Verfurth in Germany and Right Associates in the United
Kingdom. The Company's operational support staffing services are provided
through 16 branch offices located in the Chicago and Baltimore metropolitan
areas, through 38 offices located throughout the Hamburg, Munich and Frankfurt
metropolitan areas and through three branch offices located south of London.
MARKETING EXECUTION AND FULFILLMENT SERVICES
The Company began providing marketing execution and fulfillment
services with the acquisition of RightSide Up in October 1997 and further
expanded its operations in this area through the acquisition of Gage in July
1998. The Company provides marketing execution and fulfillment services
primarily for clients in the automotive, consumer, travel and entertainment
industries, including The Coca-Cola Company, Disney, Ford, Fox,
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General Motors, Kraft, Mattel, ONSALE, Proctor & Gamble, Publishers Clearing
House and Reader's Digest. The Company provides a comprehensive array of
marketing support services, enabling it to execute and administer complex,
multifaceted marketing programs for its clients. These programs include consumer
and trade fulfillment, trade support services, e-commerce fulfillment and
customer support services.
Consumer and Trade Fulfillment Programs. The Company's execution and
administration of consumer promotion programs and direct response fulfillment
services typically involves (1) receiving consumer orders (via mail, telephone
or the Internet), (2) processing the order to check for compliance and validate
materials submitted, (3) fulfilling the order by developing or selecting from
inventory the refund, coupon, premium, sample or merchandise and packing,
labeling and shipping it to the consumer, (4) reporting program results to the
client, either by mail or electronically, (5) providing customer service
regarding the product, promotion or order status, and (6) providing related data
entry services, including information from warranty cards, credit cards and
promotion media.
Similarly, corporations use the Company's fulfillment services to
distribute point-of-purchase displays, new product introduction literature,
posters, banners, demonstration kits, signs, samples and other sales and
marketing materials to distributors, retailers and other trade channels. In
providing these services, the Company (1) receives, stores, controls and manages
inventory owned by the client, (2) prints and personalizes trade materials, (3)
manages and coordinates shipment of materials, (4) provides database management
and information processing services and (5) operates call centers to process
requests for information. In providing trade materials and trade promotion
fulfillment, the Company provides many of the same services it provides to
clients utilizing its consumer promotion or direct response fulfillment
services, including order receipt, processing, fulfillment, reporting and
customer services.
Trade Support Services. The Company executes trade support services for
its clients that have extensive distribution or franchise networks. Services
include (1) the collection and sorting of memoranda and informational mailings,
training and support materials, and other communications, (2) packaging and
shipping the information, and (3) in-bound teleservices support to answer
questions and solve problems for the client's trade channels.
E-Commerce Fulfillment. The Company executes fulfillment services for
clients who sell products over the Internet's World Wide Web. The services
include (1) receipt and tracking of client inventory, (2) storage of inventory
in secured areas, (3) receipt of customer orders via the Internet, (4)
fulfillment of orders by selecting from inventory the merchandise ordered and
packing, labeling and shipping the merchandise to the consumer within 24 hours,
and (5) production of reports, files, and transaction records transmitted to the
client via the Internet. Products fulfilled by the Company include personal
computers, consumer electronics, housewares, sports and fitness equipment,
vacation packages and specialty foods.
Customer Support Services. The Company receives orders from consumers
and also provides inbound customer service focusing on business-to-consumer
applications, with increasing activity in business-to-business applications. The
Company receives and processes orders from consumers and handles inquiries
relating to billing, product information, product uses, product problems or
concerns, and client services. The Company has particular expertise in
utilities, housewares, electronics, publishing and packaged goods.
ACQUISITIONS
The Company's management has extensive experience in identifying
acquisition candidates, completing acquisitions and integrating acquired
companies into the Company's operating infrastructure. Since the completion of
its initial public offering in March 1997, the Company has completed twelve
acquisitions. Each acquired company had operating margins in excess of the
Company's operating margin at the time of acquisition and was immediately
accretive to earnings. Together these acquisitions have significantly increased
the Company's presence in Europe, added new lines of business to the Company's
operations and increased density in the Company's existing lines of business.
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The table below provides certain information with respect to the
acquisitions that the Company has completed since its initial public offering in
March 1997:
REVENUES FOR THE
CALENDAR YEAR
DATE COMPANY PRIOR TO ACQUISITION HEADQUARTERS SERVICES PROVIDED
- -------- ------------- -------------------- ------------ -----------------
(IN MILLIONS)
Dec 1998 UNICCO..................... $50.0(1) Boston, MA Facility Support Services
Dec 1998 Verfurth................... 20.0 Munster, Germany Operational Support
Aug 1998 Right Associates........... 17.0 Portsmouth, England Operational Support
July 1998 EMD........................ 50.0 Frankfurt, Germany Operational Support
July 1998 Gage Marketing Support
Services 80.0 Minneapolis, MN Marketing Execution/Fulfillment
Apr 1998 TUJA....................... 16.0 Munich, Germany Operational Support
Feb 1998 SES Staffing Solutions..... 16.0 Baltimore, MD Operational Support
Dec 1997 Midwest Staffing........... 8.0 Chicago, IL Operational Support
Oct 1997 RightSide Up(2)............ 6.4 Los Angeles, CA Marketing Execution/Fulfillment
Sept 1997 Lloyd Creative Staffing.... 14.0 Chicago, IL Operational Support
May 1997 USA Security............... 8.6 Hackensack, NJ Facility Support Services
May 1997 Executive Aircraft
Services 2.4 London, England Aviation Services
- ------------
(1) The UNICCO acquisition was completed on December 28, 1998, subsequent
to the year end of AHL's United States operations. As such, the
acquisition has been excluded from all fiscal 1998 financial statement
information.
(2) For the twelve months ended August 31, 1997.
CONTRACT TERMS
Substantially all the Company's services are provided under long-term
contracts, typically having terms of one to five years, which have provided the
Company with a significant source of predictable recurring revenues. Although
the terms of the Company's contracts vary significantly, the Company's aviation
services, facility support services and operational support services businesses
generally agree to provide a stated service level and clients generally agree to
pay the Company an hourly rate for services provided. Certain of the Company's
clients, especially in the cargo services area, are billed a fixed dollar amount
per month for services performed. Under some contracts, the Company is entitled
to rate increases when there are increases in the Federal minimum wage,
notwithstanding that most of the Company's employees are paid at rates in excess
of the Federal minimum wage. In the marketing execution and fulfillment services
business, the Company generally enters into three year contracts with its
clients, pursuant to which it agrees to provide services for a fixed number of
programs per year. The scope and magnitude of the programs are determined by the
client.
Most contracts have multi-year terms and they are generally terminable
by either party upon 30 to 90 days written notice. The Company's contracts have
rarely been terminated. Most of the contracts entered into by the Company have
been renewed or extended upon the expiration of their original terms. The
Company has experienced an average annual retention rate of approximately 93% of
its contracts over the last three fiscal years (excluding two operations the
Company terminated in 1996).
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SALES AND MARKETING
AHL targets large corporations and institutions that have significant
contract staffing and outsourcing needs, marketing its services to potential
clients through senior management, regional and district managers and a local
sales force. As part of its operating philosophy, the Company emphasizes
building and maintaining relationships with personnel at various levels of its
clients' organizations, including relationships with both senior executives and
local operating personnel.
The Company is currently implementing a national sales and marketing
strategy, under which the Company focuses on cross-selling its services to its
primarily Fortune 1000 clients. Furthermore, the Company has designated certain
senior managers as responsible for specific national account relationships and
is in the process of adding national account sales representatives.
The Company's facility support services businesses have a local sales
force in the United States of 39 representatives located in AHL's regional and
district offices and four sales representatives in Europe. The Company's
operational support staffing services business has 14 sales representatives in
the United States and Europe. The Company's marketing execution and fulfillment
services business has 18 sales representatives in the United States and is
planning to add a national account sales structure during 1999. Many of AHL's
managers also have sales responsibilities and a portion of their incentive
compensation is dependent on meeting sales goals. The sales and marketing
function for the Company's aviation services business is handled primarily by
corporate management.
WORKFORCE MANAGEMENT
The Company's core competency includes recruiting, hiring, training,
motivating and managing the large numbers of personnel required to provide many
of the support services needed by its clients. The Company's district managers
and their human resources staff have ongoing responsibility for hiring,
recruiting and training the Company's local workforce.
Recruiting. The Company has developed innovative recruiting methods
that have been particularly effective in reaching targeted pools of prospective
employees, in addition to utilizing traditional recruiting methods such as job
fairs, trade journals, local advertising, and interviewing at vocational
schools. After analyzing the demographics of each market, the Company seeks to
establish relationships with community groups and leaders. For example, in a
number of markets, the Company has found that senior citizens are an excellent
source of potential employees for its pre-departure screening services and
recruiters frequently visit senior citizen centers. The Company leverages these
community relationships to provide a feeder into the Company's employment pool
and believes that current Company employees serve as effective recruiters for
the Company. The Company believes these methods are more effective than more
traditional recruiting methods.
Hiring. Within the United States, every employee hired by the Company
must complete a written application and provide proof of citizenship or resident
alien status. Further, most employees are subject to a 10-year employment and
criminal background check, which is conducted internally by the Company. Unlike
many of its competitors, the Company requires mandatory pre-employment drug
testing for all aviation and commercial security services employees.
In Europe, the Company screens potential applicants through a telephone
interview, and each potential employee must complete a written application and
undergo an interview that includes vision, hearing and psychological testing. An
initial one-year background check is required for every new employee. Each
European employee is hired subject to a three-month probationary period and
continuity of employment is subject to a 20-year background check. Where legally
permitted, employees in certain European countries are also subject to random
drug testing.
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Training. The Company provides in-house classroom and on-the-job
training programs for its hourly personnel through videos, guest lecturers and
full-time trainers who are employed at the Company's major district locations.
The Company is ISO 9002-certified in its commercial security operation in the
United Kingdom and certain of its marketing execution and fulfillment services
operations in the United States. The Company is in the process of establishing
performance measures to improve job focus and accountability, create a quality
audit process and implement "best practices and procedures" in the Company's
field operations. The Company is the only organization approved by the United
Kingdom Department of Transport (the "U.K. DOT") to provide aviation security
training to personnel of the U.K. DOT, the agency that regulates aviation
security matters in the United Kingdom.
Retention. The Company believes that employee retention is critical to
lowering operating costs and providing high quality service to its clients.
Accordingly, the Company places significant emphasis on programs to motivate its
employees and reduce employee turnover. Since inception, the Company has been
able to provide quality service and expand its business despite the high
employee turnover that is inherent in low wage, task-repetitive positions. The
Company's "110% Club" recognizes employees for superior attendance, attitude,
appearance and performance. Members receive quarterly bonuses and other rewards,
and are recognized throughout the Company. The Company has also enhanced
employee benefits through its employee stock purchase plan, which is available
to all employees with three months of active service. The Company believes its
historical retention rates are significantly higher than industry averages.
Field Management. The Company has developed a management structure
under which significant workforce decisions are made at the local level, thereby
requiring field managers to assume responsibility for recruiting, hiring and
retention. The Company's bonus system for regional and district managers is
based upon achievement of specific performance objectives, including revenue,
profitability, new business and client retention. Regional and district managers
can earn bonuses of up to 35% of their base compensation by achieving all their
objectives established annually by the Company. The Company has a stock option
plan for key corporate and field management.
Employees. As of December 31, 1998, the Company had 27,132 employees.
Approximately 1,925 of the Company's employees are covered by collective
bargaining agreements. Each of these agreements was assumed by the Company in
connection with an acquisition or an outsourcing contract previously held by
another vendor. Over the last three years, unions initiated five efforts to
organize certain Company employees, each of which failed to receive sufficient
support to require a vote. The Company considers its relations with its
employees to be good.
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS
The Company's management information systems contribute significantly
to its daily operations, financial performance and customer service. The Company
has invested, and will continue to invest, resources in the development of
systems to grow and support the business needs of its clients.
In aviation services, the Company has developed and is implementing an
application to help manage its large workforce effectively through integrated
employee tracking, scheduling, time recording and reporting. In facility support
services, the Company has implemented at certain locations an automated,
integrated scheduling and time capture application which confirms an employee is
serving the customer as required. The Company will continue to integrate these
systems into the contract management, billing and payroll processes during 1999.
In operational support staffing services, the Company acquired several
integrated scheduling and accounting systems through its acquisitions. In
marketing execution and fulfillment services, the Company uses technology
extensively. The state-of-the-art marketing and sales support applications and
related infrastructure provide the business with order entry and inventory
control automation, organized distribution facilities, efficient out-bound
logistics, and valuable management database and reporting systems. Across all
its business lines, the Company has utilized technology to simplify, automate
and integrate the administrative and management reporting processes that serve
its business units.
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COMPETITION
The contract staffing and outsourcing industry is extremely competitive
and highly fragmented, with limited barriers to entry. Companies within the
contract staffing and outsourcing industry compete on the basis of the quality
of service provided, their ability to provide national and international
services, the range of services offered, and price. The Company believes its
competitive advantages include its reputation for providing high quality service
and its ability to serve large clients in the United States and Europe. Most of
the Company's competitors offer a more limited range of services and focus on a
few specific industries.
The Company competes in international, national, regional and local
markets with outsourcing companies, specialized contract service providers and
in-house organizations that provide services to potential clients and third
parties. AHL's principal national competitors include:
- Aviation services -- ICTS International N.V., Globe Aviation
Securities Corporation and International Total Services, Inc.;
- Facility support services -- Borg-Warner Security Corporation,
Guardsmark, Inc. and The Wackenhut Corporation;
- Operational support staffing services -- Manpower, Inc., Kelly
Services, Inc. and Olsten Corporation; and
- Marketing execution and fulfillment services -- Young America
Corporation, StarTek, Inc. and LCS Industries.
The Company also competes with numerous local and regional companies as
well as divisions of several major staffing companies. Certain of the Company's
competitors and potential competitors have significantly greater financial
resources and larger operations than the Company.
GOVERNMENT REGULATION
Current Regulations Relating to Aviation Security. The Company's
business, particularly its aviation services line of business, is significantly
affected by government regulation. The aviation security services provided by
the Company are subject to extensive regulation by the Federal Aviation
Administration (the "FAA") in the United States and comparable regulatory
authorities in Europe. Aviation security in the United States is subject to
regulations and directives issued by the FAA and to legislation enacted by the
United States Congress. Under current regulations, responsibility for aviation
security is shared between the FAA and various other federal, state and local
agencies and industry participants (which include air carriers and airport
authorities as well as independent contractors that perform services for or on
behalf of these industry participants). The FAA conducts threat and
vulnerability assessments and, through its regulatory authority, directs the
aviation industry to implement measures that address existing and anticipated
threat situations. The FAA also tests security measures at airports to assess
vulnerabilities in current airport security systems. Any change in the FAA's
directives relating to aviation security could affect the Company's operations
in the aviation services business.
Under FAA regulations, which the FAA has proposed to revise through
rulemaking proceedings, each air carrier and airport authority must adopt and
carry out an FAA-approved security program that provides for the safety of
persons and property traveling in air transportation against acts of criminal
violence and aircraft piracy. Air carriers are responsible for providing
security measures for all people and items connected with their aircraft,
including passengers, baggage, and maintenance and flight crews. Airport
authorities are responsible for maintaining a secure environment on airport
grounds and for providing law enforcement support and training.
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Each security program adopted by an airline must include: (1) the
screening of passengers and their carry-on baggage, and other persons having
access to controlled areas, to prevent the carriage aboard aircraft of weapons
or explosive devices, (2) controlling access to aircraft, checked baggage and
cargo, (3) appropriate controls on shipping of cargo and (4) security inspection
of any aircraft left unattended.
Airlines may utilize either their own employees or third-party
contractors to carry out their security programs. Screeners operating X-ray
systems must receive initial and recurrent training in the detection of weapons
and other dangerous articles. Certain of these requirements are currently the
subject of an FAA rulemaking proceeding, which has been delayed until more data
becomes available, and may be modified upon adoption of final rules.
From time to time, the FAA issues directives requiring the
implementation of specific actions by air carriers and airport authorities. For
example, following the destruction of TWA flight 800 in July 1996, the FAA began
to require additional passenger profiling for specified types of flights,
matching of passengers and checked baggage, additional searching of aircraft
cabins and cargo areas, additional physical searches of carry-on items and other
enhanced security measures. The Company's business can be negatively or
positively affected by any such directives.
Generally, European standards for aviation security are more stringent
than those currently in effect in the United States. Passengers are subject to
more comprehensive "profiling" and review of documents; parked aircraft must be
guarded, searched and cleaned in accordance with applicable regulations;
passenger baggage is subject to match procedures as well as random X-ray and
hand searches; commercial cargo is guarded and subject to random X-ray searches;
and airline employees and other crews are subject to additional security
measures. The FAA requires that U.S. airlines utilize similar passenger
profiling programs in their European operations.
The Company is subject to random periodic testing by the FAA with
regard to adherence to regulations relating to pre-departure screening and
passenger profiling, hiring practices (including background checks, drug
testing, training and individual employee file maintenance) and baggage
handling. In the United Kingdom, the U.K. DOT also conducts testing relating to
passenger and baggage handling, aircraft security, document verification and
employee background checks. Any failure to meet these performance standards or
to pass these tests may result in the loss of a contract or the Company's
license to perform services, either of which is likely to have a material
adverse effect on the Company's reputation, business, results of operations and
financial condition.
Recent Developments Relating to Aviation Security. Several initiatives
by United States governmental authorities and industry participants have
resulted in recommended changes in regulatory requirements relating to aviation
security. These initiatives have been undertaken by the United States Congress,
through provisions of the Federal Aviation Reauthorization Act of 1996 (the
"1996 Act"); the White House Commission on Aviation Safety and Security (the
"Gore Commission"), which published its final report in February 1997; and the
Aviation Security Advisory Committee ("ASAC"), a committee of government,
industry, and consumer advocacy representatives that issued its recommendations
in December 1996. Each of these groups has considered issues that have ranged
from the fundamental structure of, and sharing of responsibilities relating to,
aviation security to specific near-term measures that could be implemented to
improve aviation security.
The Gore Commission, included the heads of various federal agencies and
was charged with making recommendations as to how the partnership between the
U.S. government and industry participants can achieve improved aviation
security. The Gore Commission issued its final report in February 1997 and
included among its recommendations:
(1) development of uniform performance standards for the
selection, training and certification of pre-departure screening
companies;
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(2) implementation of procedures for matching of passengers
and checked baggage on a nationwide basis no later than December 31,
1997;
(3) the continued development and implementation of an
automated passenger profiling system; and
(4) utilization of U.S. Customs Service personnel and computer
systems to complement the efforts of the FAA and other federal
agencies.
On February 12, 1998, Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater presented
Vice President Gore with a one year status report on the progress of the
implementation of the recommendations of the Gore Commission. With regard to
development of uniform standards for the selection, training, and certification
of pre-departure screening companies, the FAA issued an Advance Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking ("ANPRM") on March 17, 1997 to solicit comments on
certification of screening companies. The FAA announced the withdrawal of this
ANPRM in the May 13, 1998 Federal Register. The FAA noted that uniform screener
performance standards will be a key component of the rule regarding
certification of screener companies and that an automated screener testing
system is currently in the development and testing process. The FAA decided to
withdraw the ANPRM before proceeding with any rulemaking until the automated
system has been adequately field tested and evaluated. This automated system,
called Threat Image Projection ("TIP"), is installed onto existing X-ray
machines and is used to project artificial threat images onto X-ray screens.
Screeners' ability to detect these images is then used to evaluate individual
performance and identify areas for additional training. The TIP system is a
component of the Screener Proficiency Evaluation and Reporting System, a system
that the FAA has been working with airlines to deploy, which aims to improve the
training and monitoring of skills of screeners through computer-based training
aids. Regarding implementation of bag match and automated profiling systems, the
FAA has developed an automated passenger profiling system referred to as
Computer Assisted Passenger Screening ("CAPS"). By September 1998, five major
airlines and many regional carriers had voluntarily implemented the CAPS system.
Both CAPS and manual passenger screening systems are being used in the passenger
bag match system, to select passengers' luggage which will either be examined by
explosives detection systems or will not be allowed to be transported unless a
passenger is on the flight. As the airlines voluntarily implement the CAPS
program, the FAA is expected to initiate rulemaking proceedings to require the
use of the automated screening program. The FAA expects to issue a notice of
proposed rulemaking in the near future, dealing with the requirements for the
use of CAPS in conjunction with bag matching and screening by explosive
detection systems. Lastly, the U.S. Customs Service is deploying personnel to
assist aviation security efforts and is working to evaluate, select and deploy
high technology cargo and baggage screening equipment.
FAA regulations require pre-departure screeners and their supervisors
to undergo a 10-year criminal and employment background check and a five-year
employment verification, and a fingerprint based criminal record background
check if warranted, with the employer required to maintain records of these
investigations throughout the term of employment. Airport operations and air
carriers are required to audit employment history investigations.
The Company believes that it complies with these standards.
The 1996 Act required that the FAA conduct a study and report to
Congress on whether to transfer certain responsibilities of air carriers to
either airport authorities or to the federal government or whether to provide
for some other sharing of current responsibilities. This report has not yet been
issued by the FAA. However, the Company believes that the FAA is likely to
follow the final recommendation released by the Gore Commission, as described
above. The 1996 Act directed the FAA to "certify" companies that provide
pre-departure screening, continue to assist air carriers in developing
computer-assisted passenger profiling programs, assess programs for matching of
passengers and checked baggage that are currently being utilized in the industry
on a test basis, and report on changes to enhance and supplement the screening
and inspection of cargo and mail shipments.
The Company cannot accurately predict the outcome of these or any
future aviation security initiatives. However, any such initiatives could have a
positive or an adverse effect on the Company.
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Other Applicable Regulations. In many European airports in which the
Company operates, a license is required from the airport authority in order to
perform services at the airport. Some airport authorities limit the number of
licenses they issue. The Company is also required to maintain various licenses
and permits from state and local government authorities in order to provide
commercial security, shuttle bus and certain other services.
RISK MANAGEMENT AND SAFETY
Because the Company's business is labor intensive, workers'
compensation is a significant operating expense for the Company in the United
States. In addition, the Company is exposed to possible claims by its clients'
customers or employees, alleging discrimination or harassment by the Company's
employees. The Company is also exposed to liability for the acts or negligence
of its employees who cause personal injury or damage while on assignment, as
well as claims of misuse of client proprietary information or theft of client
property. The Company has adopted policies and procedures intended to reduce its
exposure to these risks.
The Company maintains insurance against these risks with policy limits
it considers sufficient, subject to self insurance of $250,000 per incident and
an aggregate stop-loss. In addition, the Company maintains aviation liability
insurance of $500 million per incident. The Company establishes reserves in its
financial statements for the estimated costs of pending claims as well as the
estimated costs of incurred but not yet reported claims. The reserve for these
unreported claims is based on prior experience. The Company's reserves are
periodically revised, as necessary, based on developments related to pending
claims. The Company's reserve for workers' compensation and automobile claims
was $4.9 million as of December 31, 1998.
The Company's risk management specialist, with the assistance of the
Company's regional managers, is responsible for claims management and the
establishment of appropriate reserves for the portion of claims not covered by
insurance. The Company has a risk allocation program which provides local
managers with financial incentives to improve safety performance by decreasing
the number of workplace accidents. The Company has quarterly safety committee
meetings with its local managers and field employees, conducts defensive driving
training sessions for its transportation employees, conducts routine safety
inspections of local work sites and instructs personnel in proper lifting
techniques in an effort to reduce the number of preventable accidents.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The Company maintains 169 offices in various metropolitan areas in the
United States and Europe. The Company's executive headquarters (9,700 square
feet) and corporate operations (15,200 square feet) are located in Atlanta,
Georgia in leased facilities. The initial term of the executive headquarters
lease expires in November 2001. In addition, the Company's regional offices each
consist of between 150 and 6,350 square feet. The Company believes its
facilities are adequate to meet its needs for the foreseeable future.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
From time to time, the Company is involved in routine legal proceedings
incidental to the conduct of its business. In the opinion of management, the
litigation, individually or in the aggregate, to which the Company is currently
a party, is not likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company's
results of operations or financial condition.
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ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None.
ITEM X. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The Company's executive officers and key employees are as follows:
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS: AGE POSITION
- ------------------ --- --------
Frank A. Argenbright, Jr......................... 51 Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer
Edwin R. Mellett................................. 60 Vice Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer
Thomas J. Marano................................. 48 President and Chief Operating Officer - U.S.
Ernest Patterson................................. 51 Chief Executive - Europe
David L. Gamsey.................................. 41 Chief Financial Officer
KEY EMPLOYEES:
- -------------
Henry F. Anthony................................. 47 Vice President of Human Resources - U.S.
Nicholas G. Bailey............................... 48 Finance Director - Europe
L. Celeste Bottorff.............................. 45 Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Planning -
U.S.
Nigel D.J. Cotton................................ 46 Human Resources Director - Europe
Daniel E. DiGiusto............................... 47 Senior Vice President of Field Operations - U.S.
Barry J. Jenkins................................. 36 Vice President of Finance - U.S.
Lawrence G. Parrotte............................. 39 Senior Vice President of Field Operations - U.S.
John Rollo....................................... 54 Managing Director--Germany
Mark T. Ryall.................................... 39 Vice President and Chief Information Officer - U.S.
Mr. Argenbright founded the Company in 1979 and has been its Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer since that time. Mr. Argenbright graduated from the
Owner/President Management Program at Harvard Business School in 1991.
Mr. Mellett has been Vice Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer of
the Company since December 1994 and served on the Company's Advisory Board
during 1994. From 1993 to 1994, he was a consultant and private investor. From
1984 to 1992, Mr. Mellett was Senior Vice President of The Coca-Cola Company,
serving also as President of Coca-Cola Northern Europe from 1990 to 1992 and
President of Coca-Cola USA from 1986 to 1988. From 1972 to 1984, Mr. Mellett was
President of the Food Services Division of PepsiCo.
Mr. Marano has been President and Chief Operating Officer - U.S. since
July 1995. From 1990 to June 1995, Mr. Marano was Vice President and a Global
Customer Director for The Coca-Cola Company, and from 1986 to 1990, he was Vice
President of U.S. Sales, Fountain Division, of The Coca-Cola Company. From 1985
to 1986, Mr. Marano was Vice President of U.S. Sales of Apple Computer.
Mr. Patterson has been Chief Executive - Europe since June 1997. From
1996 to 1997, Mr. Patterson was the Group Chief Executive Officer for National
Express Group PLC. From 1990 to 1996, he was the Chief Executive Officer,
Worldwide Distribution Services for B.E.T. PLC, and from 1985 to 1990, he was
the Managing Director of a foreign subsidiary of B.E.T. PLC.
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Mr. Gamsey has been Chief Financial Officer of the Company since
September 1995. From 1988 to September 1995, Mr. Gamsey was a Managing Director
of Investment Banking of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (formerly Price Waterhouse
LLP). From 1987 to 1988, Mr. Gamsey was Chief Financial Officer of Visiontech,
Inc., and from 1979 to 1987, Mr. Gamsey was a Senior Audit Manager for Arthur
Andersen LLP. Mr. Gamsey is a Certified Public Accountant.
Mr. Anthony has been Vice President of Human Resources - U.S. since
January 1996. From 1993 to 1996, Mr. Anthony was Vice President of Human
Resources of National Linen Service. From 1989 to 1993, Mr. Anthony was Vice
President of Human Resources for BET Plant Services, Inc.
Mr. Bailey has been Finance Director - Europe since May 1995. From
January 1994 to April 1995, he worked in Kazakhstan establishing the financial
operations for Tengizchevroil, a joint venture between the Government of
Kazakhstan and Chevron Petroleum. From 1992 to 1993, Mr. Bailey was an
independent consultant to the airline industry. Prior thereto, Mr. Bailey held a
number of positions in the airline industry. Mr. Bailey is a Chartered
Accountant.
Ms. Bottorff has been Vice President of Marketing and Strategic
Planning - U.S. since September 1996. From 1994 to 1996, Ms. Bottorff was
Marketing Director of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. From 1990 to 1994, Ms.
Bottorff was Director of Strategic Planning of Holiday Inn Worldwide. From 1987
to 1990, she was Manager of Field Planning for The Coca-Cola Company and, from
1983 to 1987, she was an Engagement Manager for McKinsey Co., Inc.
Mr. Cotton has been Human Resources Director - Europe since August
1993. From 1989 to 1993, he was Head of Human Resources - United Kingdom for
Ericsson plc and, during 1988, he was a Personnel Manager with British Airways.
Prior thereto, he was employed by British Caledonian Airways.
Mr. DiGiusto has been Senior Vice President of Field Operations - U.S.
since 1989. From 1974 to 1989, Mr. DiGiusto was employed by Burns International
Security, most recently as its Northeast Division Vice President.
Mr. Jenkins has been Vice President of Finance - U.S. since May 1997.
From 1984 to May 1997, he was a Senior Audit Manager with PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP (formerly Price Waterhouse LLP).
Mr. Parrotte has been Senior Vice President of Field Operations - U.S.
since 1997. From 1992 to 1997, he was Regional Vice President of the Company's
Washington, D.C. area operations. Prior thereto, he was a regional manager with
Burns Industrial Security.
Mr. Rollo has been Managing Director - Germany since December 1998.
From 1996 to November 1998, he was general manager of Blockbuster - Germany.
From 1980 to 1996, he held various positions with Grand Metropolitan, PLC's
Burger King division in Europe.
Mr. Ryall has been Vice President and Chief Information Officer - U.S.
since April 1997. From 1990 to 1997, he was Group Manager of Ryder Systems, Inc.
From 1983 to 1990, he was a manager for Andersen Consulting.
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PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS
The Company completed its initial public offering on March 27, 1997 at
$10.00 per share and, since that date, the Company's common stock has traded on
the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol "AHLS." The following table sets
forth the high and low closing sales prices per share for the common stock, for
the periods indicated, as reported by the Nasdaq National Market.
HIGH LOW
------ -------
1997:
First Quarter (from March 27, 1997)......................... $10.750 $10.000
Second Quarter.............................................. 15.500 9.500
Third Quarter............................................... 19.500 15.125
Fourth Quarter.............................................. 24.625 15.250
1998:
First Quarter .............................................. 32.625 $21.000
Second Quarter.............................................. 39.375 29.969
Third Quarter............................................... 42.125 27.438
Fourth Quarter.............................................. 33.750 21.750
On March 26, 1999, the last sale price of the common stock as reported
on the Nasdaq National Market was $18.50 per share and there were 24 holders of
record of the common stock.
The Company has never paid any cash dividends on its common stock, and
the board of directors currently intends to retain all earnings for use in the
Company's business for the foreseeable future. The Company's credit facility
prohibits the payment of dividends. Any future payment of dividends will depend
upon the Company's results of operations, financial condition, cash requirements
and other factors deemed relevant by the board of directors.
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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following selected financial data of the Company are qualified by
reference to and should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the Company's
Combined Financial Statements and Notes thereto included elsewhere in this
Annual Report. The selected financial data presented below as of and for each of
the fiscal years in the five year period ended December 31, 1998 have been
derived from the Company's financial statements which have been audited by
Arthur Andersen LLP, independent accountants.
FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,(1)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Revenues ......................... $ 123,234 $ 168,601 $ 210,153 $ 276,013 $ 476,357
Operating expenses:
Cost of services ............ 91,873 124,491 155,926 204,512 340,341
Field operating ............. 20,931 30,328 37,492 45,956 91,061
Corporate general and
administrative ......... 8,797 10,938 11,692 14,840 19,590
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Operating income .......... 1,633 2,844 5,043 10,705 25,365
Interest expense ................. 904 1,309 1,726 1,159 3,837
Other income, net ................ (26) (820) (301) (723) (304)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Income before income taxes
and extraordinary charges 755 2,355 3,618 10,269 21,832
Income tax provision(2) .......... 627 917 1,447 3,850 8,709
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Income before extraordinary
charges ................ 128 1,438 2,171 6,419 13,123
Extraordinary charges, net of
taxes(3) .................... -- -- -- (385) --
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net income ................ $ 128 $ 1,438 $ 2,171 $ 6,034 $ 13,123
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Net income per share - diluted ... $ 0.01 $ 0.17(4) $ 0.26(4) $ 0.55(5) $ 0.91
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Weighted average common and
common equivalent shares -
diluted ..................... 8,353(4) 8,353(4) 8,433(4) 10,960 14,419
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------------------------------------------
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
-------- ------- ------ -------- --------
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital .............. $ (763) $13,216 $17,353 $ 42,823 $ 60,583
Total assets ................. 29,094 40,687 51,953 109,794 365,833
Long-term debt, net of current
portion(6) .............. 1,437 14,609 19,706 3,495 169,338
Shareholders' equity ......... 2,252 3,577 5,409 74,531 105,688
- -----------
(1) The Company's U.S. operations fiscal year ends on the last Friday in
December. Each of the fiscal years presented consists of 52 weeks.
(2) The income tax provision for 1994 was negatively impacted by the
significance of non-deductible expenses relative to income before
income taxes.
(3) In the second quarter of 1997, the Company recorded extraordinary
charges resulting from the early extinguishment of debt associated
with its initial public offering.
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(4) Pro forma to give effect to the reorganization completed in February
1997. The reorganization included the contribution by Mr. Frank A.
Argenbright to AHL of all of the outstanding shares of common stock of
Argenbright Holdings Limited, a holding company for AHL's U.S.
operations, and The ADI Group Limited, a holding company for AHL's
European operations.
(5) Excluding the extraordinary charges, net income would have been $0.59
per share.
(6) Includes a note payable to shareholder in the amount of $650,000 and
$528,000 at December 31, 1995 and 1996, respectively.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
OVERVIEW
AHL Services, Inc. ("AHL" or the "Company") is a leading provider of
contract staffing and outsourcing solutions, through which it professionally
manages a large workforce that performs tasks that its clients frequently regard
as outside their core businesses. Through its 103 offices in North America and
66 offices in Europe, AHL services the multinational needs of its primarily
Fortune 1000 client base. The Company's services are generally performed under
long-term contracts, which have provided the Company with a significant source
of predictable recurring revenues. As of December 31, 1998, the Company had
approximately 1,200 contracts to provide services. Revenues have grown from
$123.2 million in 1994 to $476.4 million in 1998, representing a compound annual
growth rate of 40%. The compound annual growth rate for the Company's internal
growth during the same period was 27%.
Since its initial public offering in March 1997, the Company has
experienced significant growth. The Company has focused on internal growth and
made acquisitions of companies that have operating margins in excess of the
Company's operating margin at the time of acquisition and that were immediately
accretive to earnings. These acquisitions have substantially changed the
Company's product mix, reducing its dependence on the aviation industry and
adding new lines of business. The Company intends to continue to seek accretive
acquisitions in an effort to further develop its service offerings within its
current lines of business, to add density within these lines of business, and to
expand its geographic coverage. Specifically, the Company intends to further
expand its operational support staffing and marketing execution and fulfillment
businesses, which represent a natural extension of the Company's existing core
lines of business and an opportunity to achieve higher operating margins.
Since its initial public offering, the Company has completed twelve
acquisitions, which are described in Item 1 under the heading "Business --
Acquisitions." These acquisitions were financed with borrowings under the
Company's five year bank revolving credit facility (the "Credit Facility") and
proceeds from the Company's public offerings in March 1997 and October 1997.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth Statement of Operations data as a
percentage of revenues for the periods indicated:
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,(1)
------------------------------
1996 1997 1998
------ ----- ------
Revenues .............................. 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
Operating expenses:
Cost of services ................... 74.2 74.1 71.5
Field operating .................... 17.8 16.6 19.1
Corporate general and administrative 5.6 5.4 4.1
----- ----- -----
Operating income ............... 2.4 3.9 5.3
Interest expense ...................... 0.8 0.4 0.8
Other income, net ..................... (0.1) (0.2) (0.1)
----- ----- -----
Income before income taxes and
extraordinary charges ..... 1.7 3.7 4.6
Income tax provision .................. 0.7 1.4 1.8
----- ----- -----
Income before extraordinary charges 1.0 2.3 2.8
Extraordinary charges, net of taxes ... -- (0.1) --
----- ----- -----
Net income ..................... 1.0% 2.2% 2.8%
===== ===== =====
(1) The Company's U.S. operations fiscal year ends on the last Friday in
December. Each of the fiscal years presented consists of 52 weeks.
FISCAL 1998 COMPARED TO FISCAL 1997
Revenues. Revenues increased $200.4 million, or 73%, to $476.4 million
in fiscal 1998 from $276.0 million in fiscal 1997. Of this increase,
approximately $156.7 million was attributable to the acquisitions completed
within one year. The remaining increase was a result of providing additional
services to existing clients, entering into contracts to provide services to new
clients and rate increases on existing contracts.
Cost of Services. Cost of services represents the direct costs
attributable to a specific contract, predominantly wages and related benefits,
as well as certain related expenses such as workers' compensation and other
direct labor related expenses. Cost of services increased $135.8 million, or
66%, to $340.3 million in fiscal 1998 from $204.5 million in fiscal 1997. As a
percentage of revenues, cost of services decreased to 71.5% in fiscal 1998 from
74.1% in fiscal 1997. This decrease was primarily due to the effect of the
growth in revenues of the Company's higher margin marketing execution and
fulfillment and operational support services businesses.
Field Operating Expenses. Field operating expenses represent expenses
which directly support field operations, such as each district's management,
facilities expenses (such as rent, communication costs and taxes), employee
uniforms, equipment leasing, depreciation and maintenance, local sales and
marketing activities and acquisition related goodwill. Field operating expenses
increased $45.1 million, or 98%, to $91.1 million in fiscal 1998 from $46.0
million in fiscal 1997. As a percentage of revenues, field operating expenses
increased to 19.1% in fiscal 1998 from 16.6% in fiscal 1997. This percentage
increase was primarily attributable to the facility expenses of Gage, the
marketing execution and fulfillment services business acquired in July 1998, and
the amortization of acquisition related goodwill in 1998.
Corporate General and Administrative Expenses. Corporate general and
administrative expenses include the cost of services the Company provides to
support and manage its field activities. These expenses, which include corporate
management, accounting and payroll, general administration, human resources
management, professional fees, headquarters occupancy, marketing and management
information services, increased $4.8 million, or 32%, to
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$19.6 million in fiscal 1998 from $14.8 million in fiscal 1997. As a percentage
of revenues, these expenses decreased to 4.1% in fiscal 1998 from 5.4% in fiscal
1997. This percentage decrease was primarily due to the better leveraging of
corporate personnel.
Operating Income. Operating income increased $14.7 million, or 137%, to
$25.4 million in fiscal 1998 from $10.7 million in fiscal 1997. As a percentage
of revenues, operating income improved to 5.3% in fiscal 1998 from 3.9% in
fiscal 1997.
Interest Expense. Interest expense, net, increased $2.6 million, or
231%, to $3.8 million in fiscal 1998 from $1.2 million in fiscal 1997. Interest
expense increased in 1998 due to the use of the Company's Credit Facility to
fund acquisitions made in 1998, the most significant being the Gage and EMD
acquisitions in July 1998.
Income Tax Provision. Income tax provision increased $4.8 million, or
126%, to $8.7 million in fiscal 1998 from $3.9 million in fiscal 1997. The
Company provided income taxes at a rate of 39.9% in fiscal 1998 and 37.5% in
fiscal 1997. The increase in 1998 is due to the EMD and TUJA acquisitions in
Germany, which has a higher corporate income tax rate.
Income Before Extraordinary Charges. The Company expensed extraordinary
charges associated with its initial public offering during the second quarter of
1997 of $642,000, before income tax benefit of $257,000. The extraordinary
charges consisted of the write-off of unamortized loan origination costs and
debt discount.
Net Income. Net income increased $7.1 million, or 118%, to $13.1
million, or 2.8% of revenues, in fiscal 1998 from net income of $6.0 million, or
2.2% of revenues, in fiscal 1997.
FISCAL 1997 COMPARED TO FISCAL 1996
Revenues. Revenues increased $65.8 million, or 31%, to $276.0 million
in fiscal 1997 from $210.2 million in fiscal 1996. Of this increase,
approximately $21.5 million was attributable to acquisitions completed within
one year. The remaining increase was a result of entering into contracts to
provide services to new clients and as a result of providing additional services
and expanding into new markets with existing clients.
Cost of Services. Cost of services increased $48.6 million, or 31%, to
$204.5 million in fiscal 1997 from $155.9 million in fiscal 1996. As a
percentage of revenues, cost of services improved slightly at 74.1% in fiscal
1997 from 74.2% in fiscal 1996.
Field Operating Expenses. Field operating expenses increased $8.5
million, or 23%, to $46.0 million in fiscal 1997 from $37.5 million in fiscal
1996. As a percentage of revenues, field operating expenses decreased to 16.6%
in fiscal 1997 from 17.8% in fiscal 1996. This percentage decrease was primarily
attributable to the better leveraging of existing field operations and
termination of the Company's Florida transportation operations which had
significant field operating expenses.
Corporate General and Administrative Expenses. Corporate general and
administrative expenses increased $3.1 million, or 27%, to $14.8 million in
fiscal 1997 from $11.7 million in fiscal 1996. As a percentage of revenues,
these expenses decreased to 5.4% in fiscal 1997 as compared to 5.6% in fiscal
1996. This percentage decrease was primarily due to the Company's ability to
increase revenues without a commensurate increase in corporate expenses.
Operating Income. Operating income increased $5.7 million, or 112%, to
$10.7 million in fiscal 1997 from $5.0 million in fiscal 1996. As a percentage
of revenues, operating income improved to 3.9% in fiscal 1997 from 2.4% in
fiscal 1996.
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Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased $567,000, or 33%, to $1.2
million in fiscal 1997 from $1.7 million in fiscal 1996. Interest expense for
fiscal 1997 decreased due to the application of the proceeds from the Company's
initial public offering to repay the Company's outstanding debt in 1997.
Income Tax Provision. Income tax provision increased $2.4 million, or
166%, to $3.9 million in fiscal 1997 from $1.5 million in fiscal 1996. The
Company provided income taxes at a rate of 37.5% in fiscal 1997 and 40.0% in
fiscal 1996. The reduction in the effective rate was primarily due to a
reduction in the United Kingdom corporate tax rate in 1997.
Income Before Extraordinary Charges. Income before extraordinary
charges for fiscal 1997 increased $4.2 million, or 196%, to $6.4 million, or
2.3% of revenues, from $2.2 million, or 1.0% of revenues, for fiscal 1996.
Net Income. Net income increased $3.8 million, or 178%, to $6.0
million, or 2.2% of revenues, in fiscal 1997 from $2.2 million, or 1.0% of
revenues, in fiscal 1996.
QUARTERLY RESULTS AND SEASONALITY
The following table sets forth statement of operations data for the
four quarters of fiscal 1998 and 1997. This quarterly information is unaudited
but has been prepared on a basis consistent with the Company's audited financial
statements presented elsewhere herein and, in the Company's opinion, includes
all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for
a fair presentation of the information for the quarters presented. The operating
results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of results for any future
period.
QUARTER ENDED
--------------------------------------------------
MARCH 31, JUNE 30, SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31,
1998 1998 1998 1998
--------------------------------------------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
Revenues ............................... $ 84,500 $ 98,871 $135,813 $ 157,173
Operating expenses:
Cost of services ................... 62,842 72,755 94,505 110,239
Field operating .................... 14,420 17,074 27,560 32,007
Corporate general and administrative 4,449 4,598 4,858 5,685
-------- -------- -------- ---------
Operating income ............... 2,789 4,444 8,890 9,242
Interest expense ....................... 37 177 1,472 2,151
Other (income) expense, ................ (282) (17) 7 (12)
-------- -------- -------- ---------
Income before income taxes ..... 3,034 4,284 7,411 7,103
Income tax provision ................... 1,210 1,717 3,043 2,739
-------- -------- -------- ---------
Net income ..................... $ 1,824 $ 2,567 $ 4,368 $ 4,364
======== ======== ======== =========
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QUARTER ENDED
-----------------------------------------------------
MARCH 31, JUNE 30, SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31,
1997 1997 1997 1997
-----------------------------------------------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
Revenues .................................. $ 60,424 $ 63,770 $ 72,369 $ 79,450
Operating expenses:
Cost of services ...................... 45,428 47,341 53,242 58,501
Field operating ....................... 9,923 10,343 11,880 13,810
Corporate general and administrative .. 3,435 3,668 4,041 3,696
-------- -------- -------- --------
Operating income .................. 1,638 2,418 3,206 3,443
Interest expense, net ..................... 648 170 177 164
Other income, net ......................... (88) (154) (201) (280)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Income before income taxes
and extraordinary charges ......... 1,078 2,402 3,230 3,559
Income tax provision ...................... 427 948 1,210 1,265
-------- -------- -------- --------
Income before extraordinary charges 651 1,454 2,020 2,294
Extraordinary charges, net of taxes ....... -- (385) -- --
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net income ........................ $ 651 $ 1,069 $ 2,020 $ 2,294
======== ======== ======== ========
While the effects of seasonality on AHL's business often are less
apparent due to the timing of the addition of new clients, the performance of
new services for existing clients or the completion of acquisitions, the
Company's revenues and operating margins tend to be lower in the first and
fourth quarters of the fiscal year and highest in the third quarter of the
fiscal year.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
To support its rapid growth, AHL has historically relied on borrowings
under its Credit Facility. In November 1998, the Company amended its Credit
Facility to provide for an increase from $150 million to $210 million in
aggregate commitments from its lenders. Of the $210 million in aggregate
commitments, the U.S. dollar equivalent of $100 million is available in foreign
currencies. The interest rate under the Credit Facility is based, at the
Company's option, upon LIBOR plus an applicable margin or the domestic base rate
(in the case of U.S. dollar borrowings) or the foreign base rate (in the case of
borrowings denominated in pounds sterling). The domestic base rate is the
greater of the rate publicly announced by First Union National Bank as its prime
rate or the Federal funds rate plus 50 basis points. The foreign base rate is
the publicly announced base rate of Midland Bank plc plus 200 basis points. The
applicable margin for LIBOR borrowings is based upon a matrix ranging from 87.5
basis points to 175 basis points, based upon the ratio of the Company's most
recently reported total indebtedness to pro forma adjusted EBITDA. The Credit
Facility is secured by substantially all the assets of the Company and its
domestic subsidiaries, and borrowings under the Credit Facility made by foreign
subsidiaries of the Company are secured by the assets of the foreign
subsidiaries. The Credit Facility is subject to certain restrictive covenants.
There was approximately $45.0 million of availability remaining under the Credit
Facility as of December 31, 1998. The Company repaid approximately $86.1 million
of the amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility from the proceeds of the
January 1999 equity offering.
Cash provided by operating activities was $7.3 million in fiscal 1998
compared to cash used in operating activities of $2.6 million in fiscal 1997.
This increase in cash from operating activities was primarily the result of an
increase of $11.5 million in net income before depreciation and amortization
offset by $1.0 million of changes in working capital due to increases in
accounts receivable as a result of the Company's growth in revenues and the
timing of payments of accounts payable and accrued expenses. Cash used in
investing activities in fiscal 1998 was $160.0 million compared to $26.8 million
in fiscal 1997. The increased use of cash was principally a result of the
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acquisitions made in 1998, which were larger than the acquisitions in 1997, and
additional purchases of equipment for the Company's new marketing execution and
fulfillment businesses. Cash provided by financing activities in fiscal 1998 was
$155.2 million compared to $43.1 million in fiscal 1997. The increase in cash
provided by financing activities for 1998 was principally the result of
additional borrowings under the Credit Facility in 1998 to fund the
acquisitions.
Cash used in operating activities was $2.6 million in fiscal 1997
compared to cash provided by operating activities of $1.2 million for fiscal
1996. This decrease was the result of the increase of $5.3 million in net income
before depreciation and amortization and extraordinary charges offset by $9.1
million of changes in working capital due to increases in accounts receivable as
a result of the increase in revenues and the timing of payments of accounts
payable and accrued expenses. Cash used in investing activities for fiscal 1997
was $26.8 million compared to $4.0 million for fiscal 1996. This was principally
the result of the five acquisitions completed in 1997 as compared to only one in
1996 as well as increased expenditures on capital assets, primarily
transportation and computer equipment. Cash provided by financing activities for
fiscal 1997 was $43.1 million compared to $3.4 million for fiscal 1996. The
increase was principally the result of proceeds from the public offerings of
common stock in 1997, net of expenses, of $63.4 million offset by an increase in
net payments of debt of $24.7 million, as compared to 1996.
Capital expenditures were $10.2 million, $4.7 million and $2.0 million
in fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Historically, capital expenditures
have been, and future expenditures are anticipated to be, primarily to support
expansion of the Company's operations and management information systems. The
Company's capital expenditures over the next several years, as a percentage of
its revenues, are expected to be generally consistent with those of the most
recent fiscal year.
In connection with certain acquisitions, the Company has agreed to pay
additional consideration based on operating results of the acquired entity. The
payment of any such earnouts could result in an increase in the purchase prices
for such acquisitions and, as a result, additional goodwill.
The Company completed its initial public offering of common stock in
March 1997, raising net proceeds of approximately $22 million. These proceeds
were used to repay all outstanding amounts under the Company's Credit Facility,
to repurchase an outstanding warrant, and to retire other outstanding
acquisition-related debt. The Company completed a follow-on offering in October
1997, raising net proceeds of approximately $41 million. These proceeds were
used to repay outstanding debt used to fund acquisitions of approximately $16
million, with the balance used for general corporate purposes, including working
capital to support the Company's growth and acquisitions. The Company completed
another follow-on offering in January 1999, raising net proceeds of
approximately $96 million. These proceeds were used to repay outstanding
indebtedness.
The Company believes that funds generated from operations, together
with existing cash and borrowings under the Credit Facility, will be sufficient
to finance its current operations, planned capital expenditure requirements and
internal growth for at least the next several years. If the Company were to make
a significant acquisition for cash, it may be necessary for the Company to
obtain additional debt or equity financing.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements made in this report, and other written or oral
statements made by or on behalf of the Company, may constitute "forward-looking
statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. When used in this
report, the words "believes," "expects," "estimates" and similar expressions are
intended to identify forward-looking statements. Statements regarding future
events and developments and the Company's future performance, as well as its
expectations, beliefs, plans, estimates or projections relating to the future,
are forward- looking statements within the meaning of these laws. Examples of
such statements in this report include descriptions of its plans with respect to
developing our business lines, its plans to continue to change its business mix,
expectations relating to future acquisitions and its continuing growth and its
ability to address Year 2000
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issues. All forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and
uncertainties that could cause actual events to differ materially from those
projected. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, conditions
affecting the Company's reliance on major clients; its ability to manage a
growing business; the availability of labor; conditions affecting its
international operations; the impact of competition; general economic
conditions; the Year 2000 issue and changes in foreign currency and interest
rates. Management believes that these forward-looking statements are reasonable;
however, you should not place undue reliance on such statements. These
statements are based on current expectations and speak only as of the date of
such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or
revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of future events, new
information or otherwise.
The following are some of the factors that could cause the Company's
actual results to differ materially from the expected results described in the
Company's forward-looking statements:
- - the Company's historical reliance on certain major clients and the
aviation industry, and the consolidation, financial difficulties, and
cyclicality of the airline industry.
- - the Company's ability to manage a business that has been growing both
internally and through acquisitions, and management's ability to
identify acceptable acquisition candidates, finance or complete
acquisitions on favorable terms and integrate acquired businesses.
- - the high rates of personnel turnover and periodic shortages of
personnel that affect the contract staffing and outsourcing industry.
The Company may be required to increase the wages that it pays and the
benefits that it provides in order to attract and retain a sufficient
number of qualified employees.
- - the exposure of the Company's international operations to special
risks, including trade barriers; risks of increases in duties, taxes
and governmental royalties; social and severance costs; exchange
controls; changes in laws and policies governing operations of
foreign-based companies; national and regional labor strikes; political
risks and risks of the new single European currency.
- - the impact of competition, including competition for labor and in other
important aspects of the Company's business. The Company's primary
competitors include outsourcing companies, specialized contract service
providers and in-house organizations that provide services to potential
clients and third parties. The Company's business is extremely
competitive and highly fragmented.
- - the Company's exposure to increasing unemployment insurance premiums
and workers' compensation costs.
- - general economic conditions which affect the overall level of economic
activity, outsourcing and the availability of labor.
INFLATION
The Company does not believe that inflation has had a material effect
on its results of operations in recent years. However, there can be no assurance
that the Company's business will not be affected by inflation in the future.
YEAR 2000 ISSUES
The Company is currently in the process of addressing the Year 2000
issue, which is the result of computer programs being written using two digits
rather than four to define the applicable year. As a result, computer
applications and software may recognize an input of two zeros (00) as the year
1900. This incorrect date recognition could cause systems and software
malfunctions that may have a material adverse effect on business
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28
operations. This potential problem could affect not only the Company's internal
information systems but also those of third parties, such as clients and vendors
using information systems that may interact with or affect the Company's
operations.
Company's Readiness. To ensure minimal business interruption due to
computer failures, the Company has performed a review of various software
applications and computer infrastructure that are likely to be affected by the
Year 2000 issue. Both "IT systems" and "non-IT systems" were reviewed. IT
systems refer to all pre-packaged and internally developed software applications
and programs and related computer hardware. Non-IT systems refer to various
equipment and devices that have "embedded" computer language, examples of which
are computer integrated circuits ("chips") and telephone switches. The review
was completed using the Company's employees and various computer consulting
vendors.
The Company's response is being conducted in phases. First, all
relevant computer systems were assessed as to functionality and to determine
Year 2000 compliance. Second, for those systems and software found to be
non-compliant or in need of upgrading, corrective steps are being and will be
taken. Corrective steps primarily relate to development and purchasing of system
software and hardware. Finally, all systems will be tested and then implemented
at necessary levels. The Company has substantially completed the corrective
phase and is transitioning into the testing and implementation phase. The
Company's objectives are to complete substantially all remediation and
replacement of internal information systems by June 1999, and to complete final
testing and certification for Year 2000 readiness by September 1999.
The Company presently believes that, with planned conversions to new
software, the Year 2000 issue will not pose significant operational problems for
its computer systems.
The Company has identified its significant clients and vendors that it
believes, at this time, to be critical to the Company's business operations.
Steps are underway to ascertain their respective stages of readiness through the
use of questionnaires, interviews, and other available means to determine the
progress that those clients and vendors are making in remediating their own Year
2000 issues. The Company is requiring that significant clients and vendors
certify those products and services to be Year 2000 compliant. However, there
can be no assurance that the information systems provided by or utilized by
other companies which affect the Company's operations will be timely revised in
such a way as to allow them to continue normal business operations or furnish
products, services or data to the Company without disruption.
Cost of Compliance. The Company is replacing its non-compliant systems.
Preliminary estimates for these new systems are in the range of $2.0 to $3.0
million. To date, the Company has incurred approximately $1.0 million of this
estimated cost. The Company expects the majority of the remaining capital
expenditures to be incurred by the third quarter of 1999. The Company's Year
2000 project costs are not expected to have a material impact on its results of
operation or financial condition.
Company Risk and Contingency Plans. The Company's systems identified as
non-compliant or in need of replacement are being replaced. The Company expects
these replacements to be substantially completed by year-end 1999. If needed
conversions to the Company's information systems are not made on a timely basis
or the Company's significant clients or vendors fail to make such remediations
and conversions on a timely basis, it could have a material adverse effect on
the Company's results of operation or financial condition.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Foreign Currency Risk. A substantial amount of the Company's revenues
are received, and operating costs are incurred, in foreign currencies (primarily
the British pound and the German deutsche mark), with a significant amount of
operating income being derived from operations in the United Kingdom and
Germany. The denomination of foreign subsidiaries' account balances in their
local currency exposes the Company to certain
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29
foreign exchange rate risks. The Company addresses the exposure by financing
most working capital needs in the applicable foreign currencies. The Company
does not engage in hedging transactions to reduce exposure to fluctuations in
foreign currency exchange rates. Historically, the impact of foreign currency
fluctuations on the Company has been insignificant.
Interest Rate Risk. The Company maintains a Credit Facility and it has
a subordinated convertible debenture, an interest rate swap agreement and other
long-term debt which subjects the Company to the risk of loss associated with
movements in market interest rates. The Company's five-year Credit Facility had
a balance outstanding at December 31, 1998 of $158.2 million, which was at a
variable rate of interest. In order to hedge against increasing interest rates,
effective October 6, 1998, the Company entered into a four-year interest rate
swap agreement in the notional amount of approximately $30.0 million to offset a
portion of the floating interest rate risk. The fair value of the swap agreement
at December 31, 1998 approximates the value when entered into in October 1998.
Thus, if the Company were to unwind the swap agreement, no material gain or loss
would be recognized. A change in the prevailing interest rates of 10% would
result in a change in the total fair value of long-term debt of approximately
$3.0 million. Fair values were determined from discounted cash flows. The
carrying amount of the $10.0 million subordinated convertible debenture is
considered to be at fair value as of December 31, 1998, as it was repaid at the
face amount with a portion of the January 1999 equity offering proceeds.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The Company's financial statements are listed under Item 14(a) of this
annual report and are filed as part of this report on the pages indicated. The
supplementary data are included under Item 7 of this annual report.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
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PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The sections under the headings "Election of Directors" entitled
"Nominees for Election -- Term Expiring 1999," "Incumbent Directors -- Term
Expiring 2000," and "Incumbent Directors -- Term Expiring 2001" of the Proxy
Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held May 13, 1999 (the
"Proxy Statement") are incorporated herein by reference. See Item X in Part I
hereof for information regarding executive officers of the Registrant. The
section under the heading "Other Matters" entitled "Section 16(a) Beneficial
Ownership Reporting Compliance" of the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by
reference.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The section under the heading "Election of Directors" entitled
"Compensation of Directors" of the Proxy Statement and the sections under the
heading titled "Executive Compensation" entitled "Summary Compensation Table",
"Fiscal Year-End Option Value Table", "Employment Agreements" and "Compensation
Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation" of the Proxy Statement are
incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The section under the heading "Common Stock Ownership by Management and
Principal Shareholders" of the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by
reference.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The section under the heading "Certain Transactions" of the Proxy
Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
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PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) Financial Statements and Schedules
1. The following financial statements are filed with this report on the
pages indicated:
PAGE
----
AHL SERVICES, INC.:
Report of Independent Public Accountants............................................................... 31
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 1997 and 1998.............................................. 32
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1997
and 1998............................................................................................... 33
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 1996,
1997 and 1998.......................................................................................... 34
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1997
and 1998............................................................................................... 35
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements............................................................. 37
2. Exhibits
See Item 14(c) below.
(b) The Company filed Current Reports on Form 8-K/A on October 6, 1998 and
October 14, 1998 to report its acquisitions of Gage and EMD,
respectively.
(c) Exhibits.
EXHIBIT
NUMBER NUMBER DESCRIPTION
------- ------------------
3.1 -- Restated and Amended Articles of Incorporation of the
Company (incorporated by reference to the
Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated March 25,
1997)
3.2 -- Bylaws of the Company (incorporated by reference to
the Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated March
25, 1997)
4.1 -- Specimen Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by
reference to the Company's Registration Statement on
Form S-1 (File No. 333-20315))
4.2 -- 1997 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference
to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1
(File No. 333-20315))
4.3 -- AHL Services, Inc. 1997 Non-Qualified Employee Stock
Purchase Plan USA (incorporated by reference to the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 1997)
10.1 -- Restated Employment Agreement between the Company and
Edwin R. Mellett dated as of February 1, 1997, as
amended on February 28, 1997 (incorporated by
reference to the Company's Registration Statement on
Form S-1 (File No. 333-20315))
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32
10.2 -- Restated Employment Agreement between the Company and
Thomas J. Marano dated as of February 1, 1997, as
amended on February 28, 1997 (incorporated by
reference to the Company's Registration Statement on
Form S-1 (File No. 333-20315))
10.3 -- Restated Employment Agreement between the Company and
David L. Gamsey dated as of February 1, 1997, as
amended on February 28, 1997 (incorporated by
reference to the Company's Registration Statement on
Form S-1 (File No. 333-20315))
10.4 -- Letter Agreement between the Company and Ernest
Patterson dated as of May 23, 1997 (incorporated by
reference to the Company's Registration Statement on
Form S-1 (File No. 333-37327))
10.5 -- Credit Agreement dated as of February 10, 1998 by and
among AHL Services, Inc., Argenbright Security, Inc.,
Argenbright, Inc., ADI U.K. Limited, Aviation Defense
International Germany Limited, Argenbright Holdings
Limited and The ADI Group Limited, as borrowers, the
Lenders referred to therein, First Union National
Bank (London Branch), as European Facility Lender and
First Union National Bank of Georgia, as
Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to
the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 1997)
10.6 -- First Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit
Agreement dated as of July 9, 1998 by and among AHL
Services, Inc., Argenbright Security, Inc.,
Argenbright, Inc., Intersec, Inc., ADI U.K. Limited,
Aviation Defense International Germany Limited,
Argenbright Holdings Limited and The ADI Group
Limited, as borrowers, the Lenders referred to
therein, First Union National Bank (London Branch),
as European Facility Lender and First Union National
Bank of Georgia, as Administrative Agent
(incorporated by reference to the Company's
Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-
69683))
10.7 -- Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit
Agreement dated as of November 18, 1998 by and among
AHL Services, Inc., Argenbright Security, Inc.,
Argenbright, Inc., Intersec, Inc., ADI U.K. Limited,
Aviation Defense International Germany Limited,
Argenbright Holdings Limited and The ADI Group
Limited, as borrowers, the Lenders referred to
therein, First Union National Bank (London Branch),
as European Facility Lender and First Union National
Bank of Georgia, as Administrative Agent
(incorporated by reference to the Company's
Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-
69683))
10.8 -- Registration Rights Agreement, dated July 24, 1998,
by and between AHL Services, Inc. and Gage Marketing
Group, LLC (incorporated by reference to the
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 24,
1998).
10.9 -- Consulting Agreement, dated July 24, 1998, by and
between AHL Services, Inc. and Edwin C. Gage
(incorporated by reference to the Company's Current
Report on Form 8-K dated July 24, 1998).
11.1* -- Statement of Computation of Earnings Per Share
21.1* -- List of subsidiaries
23.1* -- Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP
27.1* -- 1998 Financial data schedule (for SEC filing purposes
only)
- ------------
* Included herewith
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33
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To the Shareholders of
AHL Services, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of AHL SERVICES,
INC. (a Georgia corporation) AND SUBSIDIARIES as of December 31, 1998 and 1997
and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity, and
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1998.
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 generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of AHL Services, Inc. and
subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1998 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
Arthur Andersen LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
February 17, 1999
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34
AHL SERVICES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)
ASSETS
DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------
1998 1997
======== =========
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 18,239 $ 15,456
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,952 and $532 in
1998 and 1997 108,857 51,247
Reimbursable customer expenses 4,184 -
Work in process 4,711 -
Uniforms in service, net 2,457 2,087
Prepaid expenses and other 6,086 2,761
Deferred income taxes 563 -
-------- ---------
Total current assets 145,097 71,551
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET 24,572 10,885
INTANGIBLES, NET 195,113 25,665
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES - 980
OTHER ASSETS 1,051 713
-------- ---------
$365,833 $ 109,794
======== =========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable $ 16,159 $ 3,298
Accrued payroll and other current liabilities 58,654 22,561
Current portion of self-insurance reserves 980 760
Income taxes payable 3,046 1,281
Current portion of long-term debt 388 496
Customer deposits 5,287 -
Deferred income taxes - 332
-------- ---------
Total current liabilities 84,514 28,728
-------- ---------
LONG-TERM DEBT, LESS CURRENT PORTION 169,338 3,495
-------- ---------
SELF-INSURANCE RESERVES, LESS CURRENT PORTION 3,920 3,040
-------- ---------
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES 1,139 -
-------- ---------
OTHER NONCURRENT LIABILITIES 1,234 -
-------- ---------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (NOTES 3, 5, AND 8) - -
-------- ---------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common stock of AHL Services, Inc., $.01 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized,
14,119,922 and 13,605,000 shares issued and outstanding 142 136
Preferred stock of AHL Services, Inc., no par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized,
no shares outstanding - -
Foreign currency translation adjustment 26 (83)
Paid-in capital 80,827 62,908
Retained earnings 24,693 11,570
-------- ---------
Shareholders' equity, net 105,688 74,531
-------- ---------
$365,833 $ 109,794
======== =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
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35
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AHL SERVICES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
========= ========= =========
REVENUES $ 476,357 $ 276,013 $ 210,153
--------- --------- ---------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Cost of services 340,341 204,512 155,926
Field operating 91,061 45,956 37,492
Corporate, general, and administrative 19,590 14,840 11,692
--------- --------- ---------
Total operating expenses 450,992 265,308 205,110
--------- --------- ---------
OPERATING INCOME 25,365 10,705 5,043
INTEREST EXPENSE 3,837 1,159 1,726
OTHER INCOME, NET (304) (723) (301)
--------- --------- ---------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EXTRAORDINARY CHARGES 21,832 10,269 3,618
INCOME TAX PROVISION 8,709 3,850 1,447
--------- --------- ---------
INCOME BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY CHARGES 13,123 6,419 2,171
EXTRAORDINARY CHARGES--LOSS ON EARLY EXTINGUISHMENT OF DEBT, NET OF TAX
BENEFIT OF $257 - (385) -
--------- --------- ---------
NET INCOME $ 13,123 $ 6,034 $ 2,171
========= ========= =========
EARNINGS PER SHARE:
Basic:
Income before extraordinary charges per common and common
equivalent share $ 0.95 $ 0.60 $ 0.26
Extraordinary charges per common and common equivalent share - (0.04) -
--------- --------- ---------
Net income per common and common equivalent share $ 0.95 $ 0.56 $ 0.26
========= ========= =========
Diluted:
Income before extraordinary charges per common and common
equivalent share $ 0.91 $ 0.59 $ 0.26
Extraordinary charges per common and common equivalent share - (0.04) -
--------- --------- ---------
Net income per common and common equivalent share $ 0.91 $ 0.55 $ 0.26
========= ========= =========
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares:
Basic 13,820 10,707 8,353
========= ========= =========
Diluted 14,419 10,960 8,433
========= ========= =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
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36
AHL SERVICES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
AHL SERVICES, INC. ARGENBRIGHT ADI
COMMON STOCK COMMON STOCK COMMON STOCK
-------------------- --------------- ------------------ PAID-IN DUE FROM
SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT CAPITAL SHAREHOLDER
---------- ------ ------ ------ ------- ------ --------- -----------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1995 - $ - 500 $ 1 296,868 $- $ $(295)
Accretion of redeemable warrant - - - - - - - -
Increase in due from shareholder - - - - - - - (323)
Foreign currency translation
adjustment, net of tax of $48 - - - - - - - -
Net income - - - - - - - -
---------- ---- ---- --- -------- -- ------- -----
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1996 - - 500 1 296,868 - - (618)
Reorganization (Note 1) 8,353,430 84 (500) (1) (296,868) - - -
Issuance of common stock, net 5,251,570 52 - - - - 62,908 -
Accretion of redeemable warrant - - - - - - - -
Decrease in due from shareholder - - - - - - - 618
Foreign currency translation
adjustment, net of tax of $100 - - - - - - - -
Net income - - - - - - - -
---------- ---- ---- --- -------- -- ------- -----
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1997 13,605,000 136 - - - - 62,908 -
Issuance of common stock--Gage
acquisition 461,172 5 - - - - 16,995 -
Exercise of stock options 53,750 1 - - - - 924 -
Foreign currency translation
adjustment, net of tax of $73 - - - - - - - -
Net income - - - - - - - -
---------- ---- ---- --- -------- -- ------- -----
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1998 14,119,922 $142 - $ - - $- $80,827 $ -
========== ==== ==== === ======== == ======= =====
ACCUMULATED OTHER
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
---------------------------
FOREIGN
CURRENCY
RETAINED TRANSLATION COMPREHENSIVE
EARNINGS ADJUSTMENT INCOME
-------- ---------- -------------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1995 $ 3,869 $ 2 $ -
Accretion of redeemable warrant (88) - -
Increase in due from shareholder - - -
Foreign currency translation
adjustment, net of tax of $48 - 72 72
Net income 2,171 - 2,171
-------- ----- --------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1996 5,952 74 $ 2,243
========
Reorganization (Note 1) (372) - $ -
Issuance of common stock, net - - -
Accretion of redeemable warrant (44) - -
Decrease in due from shareholder - - -
Foreign currency translation
adjustment, net of tax of $100 - (157) (157)
Net income 6,034 - 6,034
-------- ----- --------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1997 11,570 (83) $ 5,877
========
Issuance of common stock--Gage
acquisition - - $ -
Exercise of stock options - - -
Foreign currency translation
adjustment, net of tax of $73 - 109 109
Net income 13,123 - 13,123
-------- ----- --------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1998 $ 24,693 $ 26 $ 13,232
======== ===== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
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Page 1 of 2
AHL SERVICES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN THOUSANDS)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
--------- --------- ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income $ 13,123 $ 6,034 $ 2,171
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities:
Extraordinary charges - 385 -
Depreciation and amortization 9,665 5,234 4,158
Gain on sale of subsidiary - - (325)
(Gain) loss on sales of property and equipment (297) (119) 133
Amortization of debt discount - 93 180
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of assets of acquired
businesses:
Accounts receivable, net (28,207) (16,859) (7,860)
Reimbursable customer expenses (684) - -
Work in process 560 - -
Uniforms in service, net (3,213) (2,582) (2,575)
Prepaid expenses and other (1,407) (1,422) 3,304
Accounts payable 6,252 (1,334) 141
Accrued payroll and other current liabilities 9,465 6,856 4,068
Self-insurance reserves 1,100 600 1,000
Income taxes payable 2,207 413 (2,634)
Customer deposits (2,153) - -
Deferred income taxes 1,224 (157) (42)
Other current assets and liabilities, net (288) 242 (538)
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 7,347 (2,616) 1,181
--------- --------- ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property and equipment, net of assets of acquired
businesses 10,185) (4,653) (1,974)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment 1,654 440 245
Purchase of businesses (147,855) (22,420) (2,500)
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary - - 325
Deposit on Unicco acquisition (1,200) - -
Other (2,402) (172) (102)
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash used in investing activities (159,988) (26,805) (4,006)
--------- --------- ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Repayments of Credit Facility (95,248) (114,102) (142,350)
Borrowings under Credit Facility 249,897 101,925 144,094
Repayment of long-term debt - (8,346) (1,609)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt - - 4,000
Proceeds from issuance of common stock - 64,854 -
Expenses from issuance of common stock - (1,467) -
Repurchase of outstanding warrant - (750) -
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 538 - -
Decrease (increase) in due from shareholder - 618 (323)
Repayment of note from shareholder - 346 -
Repayment of note payable to shareholder - - (122)
Payment of debt issuance costs - - (340)
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided by financing activities 155,187 43,078 3,350
--------- --------- ---------
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38
Page 2 of 2
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
--------- --------- ---------
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATES ON CASH $ 237 $ (43) $ 148
--------- --------- ---------
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 2,783 13,614 673
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR 15,456 1,842 1,169
--------- --------- ---------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR $ 18,239 $ 15,456 $ 1,842
========= ========= =========
CASH PAID DURING THE YEAR FOR:
Interest $ 3,030 $ 1,159 $ 1,427
========= ========= =========
Income taxes $ 6,704 $ 3,710 $ 2,538
========= ========= =========
NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Subordinated convertible debenture issued for the acquisition of Gage $ 10,000 $ - $ -
========= ========= =========
Common stock issued for the acquisition of Gage $ 17,000 $ - $ -
========= ========= =========
Equipment purchases under capital lease obligations $ - $ 472 $ 546
========= ========= =========
Redeemable warrant issued in connection with Sirrom Notes $ - $ - $ 618
========= ========= =========
Accretion of redeemable warrant $ - $ 44 $ 88
========= ========= =========
Notes issued for the acquisition of Intersec $ - $ - $ 1,155
========= ========= =========
Contribution of real estate (Note 1) $ - $ 1,637 $ -
========= ========= =========
Forgiveness of note payable to shareholder (Note 1) $ - $ 528 $ -
========= ========= =========
Assumption of real estate debt (Note 1) $ - $ 2,532 $ -
========= ========= =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
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39
AHL SERVICES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND 1997
1. DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS
ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS
AHL Services, Inc. ("AHL" or the "Company") provides aviation services,
facility support services, operational support staffing services, and
marketing execution and fulfillment services, primarily throughout the
United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany.
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying consolidated financial statements for the year ended
December 31, 1996 represent the combination of the consolidated
financial statements of Argenbright Holdings Limited ("Argenbright")
and The ADI Group Limited and its predecessor entities ("ADI"). On
February 1, 1997, Frank A. Argenbright, Jr. contributed all of the
outstanding shares of common stock of Argenbright and ADI to AHL. In
addition to the contribution of the shares of Argenbright and ADI to
AHL, Mr. Argenbright contributed certain real estate, a portion of
which was previously rented by the Company (with the Company assuming
the related mortgage debt), and a note, with a balance of $528,000,
payable by the Company to Mr. Argenbright (collectively, the
"Reorganization"). All of these transactions were brought forward at
historical values. As of the date of the Reorganization, the capital
structure of AHL consisted of 50,000,000 shares authorized, 8,353,430
shares issued and outstanding of $.01 par value common stock, and
5,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding of no par
value preferred stock.
PUBLIC OFFERINGS
In March 1997, the Company completed an initial public offering of its
common stock. The Company issued 2,500,000 shares at an initial public
offering price of $10 per share. The total proceeds of the initial
public offering, net of underwriting discounts and offering expenses,
were approximately $22,000,000. Subsequent to the public offering of
common stock, the Company repaid outstanding debt of approximately
$19,000,000 and repurchased an outstanding warrant of $750,000. Upon
repayment of outstanding debt, the Company wrote off $642,000 of debt
issuance costs, before income tax benefit of $257,000, which was
reported as an extraordinary charge.
In October 1997, the Company completed a follow-on public offering of
2,751,570 shares of its common stock at an offering price of $16 per
share. The total proceeds, net of underwriting discounts and offering
expenses, were approximately $41,000,000. The proceeds were used to
repay outstanding debt of approximately $16,000,000, with the
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40
balance used for general corporate purposes, including working capital
to support the Company's growth and acquisitions.
See Note 5 for discussion of the follow-on public stock offering
subsequent to December 31, 1998.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts
of AHL and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany
accounts have been eliminated.
FISCAL YEAR-END
The Company's fiscal year-end is December 31. The Company's United
States operation (Argenbright) maintains its books by using a
52/53-week fiscal year ending on the last Friday in December. The end
of Argenbright's 1998 fiscal year was December 25. The impact of the
use of different year-ends is immaterial, and each of the three years
in the period ended December 31, 1998 includes 52 weeks.
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at
the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of
revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could
differ from those estimates.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with
original purchase maturities of three months or less.
REIMBURSABLE CUSTOMER EXPENSES
Reimbursable customer expenses consist of amounts billed to customers
for freight and postage related to services provided to marketing
execution and fulfillment services customers.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
For aviation services, facility support services, and operational
support staffing services customers, the Company recognizes revenues as
services are performed. For marketing execution and fulfillment
services customers, the Company recognizes revenues as programs are
completed and/or as products are shipped.
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41
WORK IN PROCESS
Work in process consists of labor and material costs for promotional
programs provided to marketing execution and fulfillment services
customers that have not been completed.
UNIFORMS IN SERVICE
Uniforms in service are recorded at cost and are amortized over their
estimated useful life of 18 months.
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment are recorded at cost, less accumulated
depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are
provided using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of
two to ten years for office furniture and equipment and transportation
equipment and 25 years for buildings. Leasehold improvements are
amortized over the lesser of their useful lives or the terms of the
related leases.
Property and equipment were comprised of the following:
DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------
1998 1997
--------- ---------
(In Thousands)
Land $ - $ 321
Buildings and leasehold improvements 4,733 3,029
Office furniture and equipment 24,474 10,163
Transportation equipment 9,190 7,745
-------- --------
38,397 21,258
Less accumulated depreciation (13,825) (10,373)
-------- --------
$ 24,572 $ 10,885
======== ========
Depreciation expense was $4,101,000, $2,211,000, and $1,870,000 for the
years ended December 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996, respectively.
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42
INTANGIBLES
Intangibles were comprised of the following:
DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------
1998 1997
--------- --------
(In Thousands)
Goodwill $ 192,428 $ 24,773
Other intangibles 6,194 1,702
--------- --------
198,622 26,475
Less accumulated amortization (3,509) (810)
--------- --------
$ 195,113 $ 25,665
========= ========
Goodwill and other intangibles are amortized using the straight-line
method over periods ranging up to 40 years. Amortization expense for
goodwill and other intangibles was $2,699,000, $522,000, and $236,000
for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996, respectively.
LONG-LIVED ASSETS
The Company reviews its long-lived assets including goodwill and
identifiable intangibles for impairment whenever events or changes in
circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of such assets may not
be recoverable. Based on the review, which entails assessing future
cash flows on an undiscounted basis, the Company believes that the
carrying amounts of long-lived assets are recoverable.
CUSTOMER DEPOSITS
Customer deposits consist of funds received from customers, in advance
of disbursement to outside parties, pursuant to promotional programs
for marketing execution and fulfillment customers.
EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of
shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share are
based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding and the
dilutive effect of common stock equivalent shares issuable upon the
conversion of stock options and warrants (using the treasury stock
method).
-40-
43
The following table reconciles the denominator of the basic and diluted
earnings per share computations (in thousands):
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
------ ------ ------
Weighted average common shares 13,820 10,707 8,353
Incremental shares from assumed conversion of
stock options granted and warrants issued 599 253 80
------ ------ -----
Weighted average common shares outstanding and
dilutive potential common shares 14,419 10,960 8,433
====== ====== =====
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION AND EXPOSURE
In the accompanying balance sheets, all asset and liability accounts of
foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the rate of
exchange in effect at the balance sheet date. Shareholders' equity is
translated at historical rates. All income statement accounts of
foreign subsidiaries are translated at average exchange rates during
the year. Resulting translation adjustments arising from these
translations are charged or credited directly to shareholders' equity.
Gains or losses on foreign currency transactions are included in income
as incurred. The denomination of foreign subsidiaries' account balances
in their local currencies exposes the Company to certain foreign
exchange rate risks. The Company addresses the exposure by financing
most working capital needs in the applicable foreign currencies. The
Company does not engage in other purchased hedging transactions to
reduce any remaining exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency
exchange rates. Management does not believe the remaining
risks to be significant.
SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMER CONCENTRATION
During the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996, the
following customers individually accounted for more than 10% of the
Company's revenues:
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
Customer A 13.3% 18.8% 11.3%
Customer B 10.9 17.2 23.1
Customer C * 12.7 12.6
*Less than 10%
The revenues from each of these customers are included in the aviation
services segment.
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44
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
In the fourth quarter of 1998, the Company adopted Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 130, "Reporting
Comprehensive Income." This statement establishes rules for the
reporting of comprehensive income and its components. Comprehensive
income consists of net income and foreign currency translation
adjustments and is presented in the statements of shareholders' equity.
Prior year financial statements have been reclassified to conform to
the SFAS No. 130 requirements.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In June 1988, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No.
133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities."
The Company is required to adopt SFAS No. 133 in fiscal year 2000. The
Company does not believe that the new standard will have a material
impact on the Company's financial position.
3. ACQUISITIONS
The table below provides certain information with respect to the
acquisitions that the Company has completed for the years ended
December 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996:
DATE COMPANY ACQUISITION PRICE HEADQUARTERS SERVICES PROVIDED
- ------------- ---------------------- ----------------- ------------------- ----------------------------
(In Millions)
December 1998 Unicco $12.0(1) Boston, MA Facility support services
December 1998 Verfurth 12.5 Munster, Germany Operational support staffing
August 1998 Right Associates 6.0 Portsmouth, England Operational support staffing
July 1998 EMD 42.0 Frankfurt, Germany Operational support staffing
July 1998 Gage Marketing Support
Services 81.1(2) Minneapolis, MN Marketing
execution/fulfillment
April 1998 TUJA 6.0 Munich, Germany Operational support staffing
February 1998 SES Staffing Solutions 12.6 Baltimore, MD Operational support staffing
December 1997 Midwest Staffing 5.0 Chicago, IL Operational support staffing
October 1997 RightSide Up 16.5(3) Los Angeles, CA Marketing
execution/fulfillment
September 1997 Lloyd Creative Staffing 5.0 Chicago, IL Operational support staffing
May 1997 USA Security 2.6 Hackensack, NJ Facility support services
May 1997 Executive Aircraft 2.8 London, England Aviation services
Services
July 1996 Intersec 3.7 Arlington, VA Facility support services
(1) The Unicco acquisition was completed on December 28, 1998,
subsequent to the year-end of AHL's United States
operations. As such, the acquisition has been excluded
from all fiscal 1998 financial statement information (Note
1).
(2) Purchase price includes $17.0 million in common stock
issued and a $10.0 million subordinated convertible
debenture issued to the seller.
(3) Purchase price includes a $10.5 million contingent
consideration payment in 1998.
The acquisitions above were accounted for using the purchase method of
accounting. As a result, the purchase prices have been allocated to the
assets acquired, including intangibles, based on their respective fair
values. The purchase price for the 1998 acquisitions has been allocated
on a preliminary basis, and management does not believe that the final
purchase price allocation will differ materially from the original
allocation. The Verfurth, TUJA, Right Associates, RightSide Up, and
Lloyd Creative Staffing purchase agreements include contingent
consideration based upon future operating results. Any contingent
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45
consideration amounts, when determined, will be applied to goodwill of
the respective acquisition and amortized over the remaining life of the
goodwill.
The Company's unaudited pro forma results of operations are presented
assuming that the acquisitions had been consummated January 1 of each
year presented, and are not necessarily indicative of the results of
operations which would have actually been obtained:
YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------
1998 1997
--------- --------
(In Thousands,
Except Per Share Data)
Pro forma revenue $ 594,311 $504,427
========= ========
Pro forma net income $ 15,245 $ 10,198
========= ========
Pro forma earnings per share, diluted $ 1.04 $ 0.82
========= ========
Pro forma diluted weighted average shares 14,678 12,391
========= ========
Pro forma adjustments were recorded to include (i) increased interest
expense to reflect interest on long-term debt borrowed to effect the
acquisitions, (ii) increased depreciation and amortization expense as a
result of the excess of the purchase price over the book value, (iii)
contractually obligated reductions in former officers' salaries, and
(iv) provision for income taxes for net income of the acquired
companies and pro forma adjustments. In March 1997 and October 1997,
the Company completed common stock offerings to finance acquisitions
and growth (Note 1). Pro forma diluted weighted average shares reflect
the incremental shares that would have been issued to finance the
acquisitions and the shares issued as part of the acquisition of Gage
Marketing Support Services ("Gage").
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4. INCOME TAXES
The income tax provision (benefit) consists of the following:
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
------- ------- ------
(In Thousands)
Current:
Federal $ 3,376 $ 2,033 $ 517
State 1,082 592 76
Foreign 3,027 1,382 785
------- ------- ------
7,485 4,007 1,378
------- ------- ------
Deferred:
United States 850 (149) 39
Foreign 374 (8) 30
------- ------- ------
1,224 (157) 69
------- ------- ------
Total $ 8,709 $ 3,850 $1,447
======= ======= ======
The reconciliation of the federal statutory rate to the Company's
effective tax provision is as follows:
YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
Statutory federal tax rate 34.2% 34.0% 34.0%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit 3.3 3.8 2.0
Effect of foreign taxes greater (less) than U.S.
statutory federal rate 0.2 (1.6) 2.2
Permanent items 2.2 1.3 1.8
---- ---- ----
Total 39.9% 37.5% 40.0%
==== ==== ====
Deferred income taxes reflect the tax consequences on future years of
differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their
financial reporting amounts. The tax effect of significant temporary
differences representing deferred tax assets and liabilities is as
follows:
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DECEMBER 31,
---------------------
1998 1997
------- -------
(In Thousands)
Deferred tax assets:
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 256 $ 155
Self-insurance reserves 2,058 1,590
Accruals 491 187
Foreign net operating loss carryforward 326 -
Other 68 116
------- -------
3,199 2,048
------- -------
Deferred tax liabilities:
Tax depreciation in excess of book (1,409) (511)
Tax amortization in excess of book (1,788) (137)
Prepaid expenses currently deductible (530) (732)
Other (48) (20)
------- -------
(3,775) (1,400)
------- -------
Net deferred tax (liability) asset $ (576) $ 648
======= =======
The Company has not recognized deferred tax liabilities for cumulative
earnings from its foreign subsidiaries as it is the Company's policy to
permanently reinvest such earnings, rather than repatriate them to the
United States.
5. LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt consists of the following:
DECEMBER 31,
----------------------
1998 1997
-------- ------
(In Thousands)
Credit Facility, interest at prime (7.75% at December 31, 1998)
with a LIBOR option at LIBOR plus 1.625% (6.4% at
December 31, 1998) $158,242 $1,785
Subordinated convertible debenture issued for the acquisition of
Gage, interest at 4.5%, interest payable in quarterly installments
through July 2000, principal
due in full in July 2000 10,000 -
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DECEMBER 31,
----------------------
1998 1997
-------- ------
(In Thousands)
Transportation and other equipment notes payable, interest ranging
from 7% to 15%, payable monthly through 2003, secured by related
equipment, denominated in U.S. dollars and British pounds 1,434 2,131
Other 50 75
-------- ------
169,726 3,991
Less current portion 388 496
-------- ------
$169,338 $3,495
======== ======
Future aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt are as follows as
of December 31, 1998 (in thousands):
1999 $ 388
2000 10,351
2001 324
2002 367
2003 158,296
--------
$169,726
========
In November 1998, the Company amended its five-year credit facility
(the "Credit Facility") to provide for an increase from $150 million to
$210 million in aggregate commitments from its lenders. Of the $210
million in aggregate commitments, the U.S. dollar equivalent of $100
million is available in certain foreign currencies. The interest rate
under the Credit Facility is based, at the Company's option, upon LIBOR
plus an applicable margin or the domestic base rate (in the case of
U.S. dollar borrowings) or the foreign base rate (in the case of
borrowings denominated in pounds sterling). The domestic base rate is
the greater of the rate publicly announced by First Union National Bank
as its prime rate or the federal funds rate plus 50 basis points. The
foreign base rate is the publicly announced base rate of Midland Bank
plc plus 200 basis points. The applicable margin for LIBOR borrowings
is based on a matrix ranging from 87.5 basis points to 175 basis
points, based on the ratio of the Company's most recently reported
total indebtedness to pro forma adjusted EBITDA.
In order to hedge against increasing interest rates, effective October
6, 1998, the Company entered into a four-year interest rate swap
agreement with a notional amount of 50,000,000 German deutsche marks
(approximately $30,000,000) of the borrowings under the Credit
Facility, whereby the Company pays 3.755%, plus the applicable margin
(5.38% at December 31, 1998), rather than the variable interest rate
discussed above. Under this arrangement, the Company incurred
incremental costs of $13,000 during 1998 which have been included as
interest expense. The fair value of the swap agreement at December 31,
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49
1998 approximates the value when entered into in October 1998. Thus, if
the Company were to unwind the swap agreement, no material gain or loss
would be recognized.
The Credit Facility is secured by substantially all the assets of the
Company and its domestic subsidiaries, and borrowings under the Credit
Facility made by foreign subsidiaries of the Company are secured by the
assets of the foreign subsidiaries. The Credit Facility is subject to
certain restrictive covenants. At December 31, 1998, $158,242,000 was
outstanding, $6,781,000 was utilized under standby letters of credit,
and $44,977,000 was available under the Credit Facility. Any unpaid
balance on the Credit Facility is due upon the expiration of the
amended agreement in November 2003. The carrying value of the Credit
Facility approximates its fair value.
FOLLOW-ON STOCK OFFERING
In January 1999, the Company completed a follow-on public offering of
its common stock. The Company issued 3,255,570 shares at an offering
price of $31 per share. The total proceeds, net of underwriting
discounts and offering expenses, were approximately $96.1 million,
which the Company used to repay the $10 million subordinated
convertible debenture. The remaining $86.1 million was used to reduce
the outstanding balance under the Credit Facility.
6. RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS
During fiscal 1996, the Company bought a 20% and a 49% interest in ASAP
Uniform Company, Inc. ("ASAP") and Premium Services Management, Inc.
("PSM"), respectively. Both investments are accounted for using the
equity method of accounting and had an immaterial effect on the 1998,
1997, and 1996 financial statements. The Company made payments of
$2,077,000, $1,782,000, and $1,829,000 to ASAP and $1,274,000,
$1,221,000, and $48,000 to PSM, respectively, for uniforms and services
performed for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996,
respectively.
In the normal course of business, the Company records revenues from a
customer, which is controlled by a member of the board of directors of
the Company. Approximately $401,000 was due from this customer as of
December 31, 1998, and revenues recognized from this customer for the
period July 24, 1998 (date of Gage acquisition) through December 31,
1998 totaled $1,073,000.
7. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
In October 1996, the Company issued nonqualified stock options to
purchase 107,500 common shares at $4.64 per share. The options became
exercisable upon grant.
In December 1996, the Company issued nonqualified stock options to
purchase 591,250 common shares at $11.76 per share. The options become
exercisable ratably over five years. Effective February 28, 1997, the
Company amended its employment agreements with three officers (Note 8).
The amendment provided for 16,250 additional options to purchase shares
of common stock at $10.75 per share, exercisable ratably over five
years.
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50
The amendment also reduced the exercise price of the December 1996
option grants from $11.76 per share to $10.75 per share. Concurrent
with the initial public offering in March 1997, the exercise price was
changed from $10.75 to $10 per share.
The options above were granted at exercise prices which were not less
than the estimated fair value of the common stock at the dates of
grant, as determined by the board of directors. While the Company
estimates that the fair value of the common stock increased between the
October and December grant dates, the Company believes that the $11.76
per share exercise price exceeded the estimated fair value of the
common stock at December 1, 1996, as there was no public market for the
Company's stock at that time. Events that contributed to the increase
in the value of the common stock between the dates of the grants
included the award of new contracts to the Company by certain major
clients and commitments by these clients for additional contract
awards.
STOCK OPTION PLAN
The Company's stock option plan (the "Plan") provides for the award of
incentive stock options to officers and employees of the Company and
nonqualified stock options to officers, employees, and independent
directors of the Company. In February 1997, the Company reserved
385,000 shares of common stock for issuance under the Plan. The Company
expanded the Plan in May 1998 by approving the reservation of 3,115,000
additional shares. As of December 31, 1998, 1,603,250 options to
purchase common stock were outstanding under the Plan. The Plan is
administered by the compensation committee of the board of directors.
The purchase price of common stock upon grant of incentive stock
options must not be less than the fair market value of the common stock
on the date of grant. The maximum term of any incentive stock option is
ten years. The aggregate fair market value on the date of the grant of
the stock for which incentive stock options are exercisable for the
first time by an employee during any calendar year may not exceed
$100,000. Options are exercisable over a period of time in accordance
with the terms of option agreements entered into at the time of grant.
Options granted under the Plan are generally nontransferable by the
optionee and, unless otherwise determined by the compensation
committee, must be exercised by the optionee during the period of the
optionee's employment or service with the Company.
STOCK OPTION SUMMARY
The following is a summary of the Company's stock option information:
WEIGHTED
AVERAGE
EXERCISE
OPTIONS PRICE
---------- ---------
Balance at December 31, 1995 - $ -
Granted 698,750 9.18
Exercised - -
Forfeited - -
---------- ------
Balance at December 31, 1996 698,750 9.18
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51
WEIGHTED
AVERAGE
EXERCISE
OPTIONS PRICE
---------- ---------
Granted 852,750 15.08
Exercised - -
Forfeited (17,500) 10.00
---------- ------
Balance at December 31, 1997 1,534,000 12.45
Granted 1,659,000 27.65
Exercised (53,750) 10.00
Forfeited (46,500) 12.74
Canceled (809,500) 33.25
---------- ------
Balance at December 31, 1998 2,283,250 $16.17
========== ======
Exercisable at December 31, 1998 653,625 $10.76
========== ======
Reserved for issuance under the Plan 1,878,000
==========
The Company accounts for these stock option grants under Accounting
Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to
Employees," under which no compensation cost has been recognized. Had
compensation cost for these plans been determined consistent with SFAS
No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," the Company's net
income and earnings per share would have been reduced to the following
pro forma amounts during 1998, 1997, and 1996 (in thousands, except per
share data):
1998 1997 1996
------- ------ ------
Net income As reported $13,123 $6,034 $2,171
Pro forma 9,322 4,867 1,701
Earnings per share:
Basic As reported $ 0.95 $ 0.56 $ 0.26
Pro forma 0.67 0.45 0.20
Diluted As reported 0.91 0.55 0.26
Pro forma 0.65 0.44 0.20
The weighted average fair value of options granted was $10.34, $3.80,
and $4.19 for fiscal years 1998, 1997, and 1996, respectively. The fair
value of each option granted is estimated on the date of grant using
the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted
average assumptions used for grants in 1998, 1997, and 1996:
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52
1998 1997 1996
-------- -------- --------
Risk-free interest rate 5.11% 6.37% 5.84%
Dividend yield 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
Volatility factor 64.00% 41.00% 37.00%
Average expected life (years) 4.0 3.2 2.9
Forfeiture rate 3.00% 0.45% 0.00%
EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
The Company adopted, effective January 1, 1998, an employee stock
purchase plan, pursuant to which employees are able to purchase shares
of common stock through a payroll deduction program. The Company has
historically purchased such shares of common stock on the open market.
8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
LEASES
The Company leases office space, transportation equipment, and office
equipment from unrelated parties under lease agreements expiring
through December 2005. Rental expense under these operating leases was
$9,262,000, $6,515,000, and $6,297,000 in 1998, 1997, and 1996,
respectively.
Future minimum lease payments for noncancelable leases were as follows
at December 31, 1998 (in thousands):
1999 $13,864
2000 11,637
2001 9,044
2002 6,836
2003 5,475
Thereafter 5,513
INSURANCE
The Company participates in partially self-insured, high-deductible
workers' compensation and auto insurance plans. Exposure is limited per
occurrence ($250,000 for workers' compensation and auto liability
claims) and in the aggregate. Reserves are estimated for both reported
and unreported claims. Revisions to estimated reserves are recorded in
the periods in which they become known. Estimated self-insurance
reserves as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 totaling $4,900,000 and
$3,800,000, respectively, represent management's best estimate. While
there can be no assurance that actual future claims will not exceed the
amount of the Company's reserves, in the opinion of the Company's
management, any future adjustments to estimated reserves included in
the accompanying balance sheets will not have a material impact on the
financial statements.
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53
The Company is exposed to liability for the acts or negligence of its
employees while on assignment that cause personal injury or damages, as
well as claims of misuse of client proprietary information or theft of
client property. As a provider of access control services, the Company
faces potential liability claims in the event of any terrorist attempt
or other criminal activity which occurs on any airline or premises
subject to the Company's access control services. The Company has
policies, guidelines, and insurance to reduce its exposure to these
risks.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
In December 1996, the Company entered into employment agreements with
three officers which expire through December 1, 2001. If any agreement
is terminated by the Company prior to the expiration date, except for
cause or upon the employee's death or disability, the Company must
continue to pay the employee's base salary and bonus for up to one
year.
BENEFIT PLANS
The Company has various 401(k) plans covering salaried employees,
excluding highly compensated employees. These plans require the
employee to complete various service periods to become eligible. The
plans require the Company to match a certain percentage of the amounts
contributed by the employees. The Company expensed $194,000 and $6,000
for the employer match for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997,
respectively. There was no employer match in 1996.
LITIGATION
The Company is involved in various routine litigation arising in the
ordinary course of business. Management is of the opinion that the
resolution of these matters will not have a material effect on the
results of operations or financial condition of the Company.
9. BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION
The following table presents information regarding the Company's
operating segments (in thousands):
DEPRECIATION CAPITAL
AND EXPENDITURES
OPERATING IDENTIFIABLE AMORTIZATION INCLUDING
REVENUES INCOME ASSETS EXPENSE ACQUISITIONS
-------- --------- ------------ ------------ ------------
1998:
Aviation services $185,945 $ 15,709 $ 35,031 $ 2,568 $ 4,239
Facility support services 138,163 12,513 46,652 3,554 6,202
Operational support staffing
services 93,983 8,362 122,914 1,885 81,448
Marketing execution and
fulfillment services 58,266 8,371 130,115 1,043 90,738
Corporate and other - (19,590) 31,121 615 2,413
-------- --------- -------- -------- --------
$476,357 $ 25,365 $365,833 $ 9,665 $185,040
======== ========= ======== ======== ========
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54
DEPRECIATION CAPITAL
AND EXPENDITURES
OPERATING IDENTIFIABLE AMORTIZATION INCLUDING
REVENUES INCOME ASSETS EXPENSE ACQUISITIONS
-------- --------- ------------ ------------ ------------
1997:
Aviation services $160,195 $ 14,857 $ 26,179 $ 2,343 $ 2,277
Facility support services 108,294 10,084 36,997 2,308 5,777
Operational support staffing
services 6,369 453 15,480 74 11,250
Marketing execution and
fulfillment services 1,155 151 8,896 60 6,205
Corporate and other - (14,840) 22,242 449 2,036
-------- --------- -------- -------- --------
$276,013 $ 10,705 $109,794 $ 5,234 $ 27,545
======== ========= ======== ======== ========
1996:
Aviation services $123,990 $ 9,950 $ 18,636 $ 1,767 $ 395
Facility support services 86,163 6,785 18,919 2,019 5,228
Operational support staffing
services - - - - -
Marketing execution and
fulfillment services - - - - -
Corporate and other - (11,692) 14,397 372 552
-------- --------- -------- -------- --------
$210,153 $ 5,043 $ 51,952 $ 4,158 $ 6,175
======== ========= ======== ======== ========
The following table presents information regarding the Company's
different geographical regions (in thousands):
IDENTIFIABLE
REVENUES ASSETS
-------- ------------
1998:
United States $323,770 $228,326
United Kingdom 83,311 40,867
Germany 62,903 95,984
Other European 6,373 656
-------- --------
$476,357 $365,833
======== ========
1997:
United States $193,437 $ 83,287
United Kingdom 61,367 21,409
Germany 14,700 3,486
Other European 6,509 1,612
-------- --------
$276,013 $109,794
======== ========
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IDENTIFIABLE
REVENUES ASSETS
-------- ------------
1996:
United States $140,295 $ 36,740
United Kingdom 47,028 10,487
Germany 17,617 3,715
Other European 5,213 1,011
-------- --------
$210,153 $ 51,953
======== ========
Revenues are attributed to specific geographic regions based on the
location of the wholly owned subsidiary which generates the revenues.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on the 30th day of
March, 1999.
AHL SERVICES, INC.
(Registrant)
By: /s/ Edwin R. Mellett
-------------------------------------
Edwin R. Mellett
Vice Chairman and Co-Chief Executive
Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant
and in the capacities indicated on March 30, 1999.
SIGNATURE TITLE
/s/ Frank A. Argenbright, Jr. Chairman of the Board, Co-Chief Executive Officer and
- -------------------------------------- Director
Frank A. Argenbright, Jr.
/s/ Edwin R. Mellett Vice Chairman, Co-Chief Executive Officer and Director
- --------------------------------------
Edwin R. Mellett
/s/ David L. Gamsey Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial
- -------------------------------------- Officer)
David L. Gamsey
/s/ Edwin C. Gage Director
- --------------------------------------
Edwin C. "Skip" Gage
/s/ Robert F. McCullough Director
- --------------------------------------
Robert F. McCullough
/s/ Hamish Leslie Melville Director
- --------------------------------------
Hamish Leslie Melville
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