TeleTech Reports Fourth Quarter 2002 Financial Results

Year Over Year Fourth Quarter Revenue Grows 12 Percent; Full Year Revenues Exceed $1 Billion for the First Time in the Company's History

DENVER, Feb. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- TeleTech Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: TTEC), a leading global provider of customer management solutions, today announced fourth quarter 2002 results in line with company guidance.

REVENUE

Revenue for the fourth quarter 2002 was $257.8 million, compared to revenue of $251.9 million in the third quarter 2002, and up $27.6 million, or 12.0 percent, from $230.2 million in the year ago quarter.

Revenue for the twelve months ended December 31, 2002 was $1,017 million, up 11.1 percent from $916 million in the year ago period.

EARNINGS PER SHARE

TeleTech reported a fourth quarter 2002 net loss of $26.1 million, or 35 cents per diluted share, on a generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) basis.

Excluding the effects of a $46.1 million restructuring and asset impairment charge discussed in "Proforma Items" below, and detailed in the attached table, TeleTech reported fourth quarter 2002 proforma net income of $5.2 million and earnings per diluted share of 7 cents, in line with the company's guidance of 7 cents to 9 cents. This compares to proforma net income of $6.2 million, or 8 cents per diluted share, in the third quarter 2002, and proforma net income of $7.2 million, or 9 cents per diluted share, in the year ago quarter.

TeleTech reported a full year 2002 net loss of $16.8 million, or 22 cents per diluted share, under GAAP. Excluding proforma items, TeleTech reported full year 2002 net income of $25.2 million and earnings per diluted share of 33 cents. This compares to net income of $28.6 million, or 37 cents per diluted share, in the year ago period.

"In 2002, TeleTech celebrated its 20th anniversary, exceeded $1 billion in revenues, delivered steady results despite a challenging business environment, and successfully launched one of the largest customer management relationships in the history of our industry," said Kenneth Tuchman, TeleTech's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Additionally, we renewed a significant client relationship in the communications industry, and won new business in each of the geographic regions where we operate."

"As we begin 2003, we remain sharply focused on winning new business, growing existing client relationships, and continuing to invest in new solutions that enhance the company's competitive position," continued Tuchman. "The opportunities in our sales pipeline are progressing and we are well positioned to win additional new business in the first half of 2003. Clients continue to value our extensive vertical industry expertise and integrated solution offering, which further strengthens their ability to improve customer loyalty and increase brand awareness."

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) costs were $53.5 million, or 20.7 percent of revenues, in the fourth quarter 2002, up from 19.4 percent in the third quarter 2002, and down from 21.4 percent in the year ago quarter. For the full year 2002, SG&A costs were 19.6 percent of revenues, down from 22.3 percent of revenues in 2001.

Operating margin was 3.6 percent for the fourth quarter 2002, down sequentially from 4.3 percent in the third quarter 2002, and down from 7.5 percent in the fourth quarter 2001. For the full year 2002, operating margin was 4.7 percent, down from 7.0 percent in 2001. The decrease in operating margin from 2001 to 2002 is due primarily to available capacity in its North American and European operations, as well as lower operating results at Percepta, TeleTech's joint venture with Ford Motor Company. The effects of proforma items are excluded from these comparisons.

TeleTech generated $47.5 million in free cash flow during the fourth quarter 2002, and $75.7 million for the full year 2002.

Capital expenditures for the fourth quarter 2002 were $8.4 million, down sequentially from $12.7 million in the third quarter 2002, and up from $4.9 million in the year ago quarter. Capital expenditures for 2002 were $37.9 million, down from $52.1 million in 2001.

As a result of strong cash management, TeleTech's cash and short-term investments were $144.8 million at the end of the fourth quarter 2002, an increase of $37.8 million from $107.0 million at the end of the third quarter 2002, and up from $104.2 million at the end of 2001.

During the fourth quarter 2002 the company completed its common stock repurchase program, purchasing 975,000 shares for $7.0 million. Since inception of the share repurchase program in late 2001, the company repurchased a total of 3.8 million shares for $25 million through December 31, 2002.

"This year we achieved a number of financial objectives that better position TeleTech for long-term growth," said Margot O'Dell, TeleTech's Chief Financial Officer. "We generated over $75 million in free cash flow while investing in our global footprint, and continued our share repurchase program. We decreased days sales outstanding to 49 days at the end of 2002, down from 65 days at the end of 2001, and renewed a four-year, $85 million revolving credit facility. Our balance sheet remains strong with $145 million in cash and short-term investments and a debt to capitalization ratio of 21.0 percent."

"As we enter the new year, we continue to focus on tight fiscal controls and closing new client relationships to leverage our infrastructure," O'Dell continued. "We are placing additional emphasis on driving improved gross margins having made solid progress in reducing SG&A costs in 2002. We believe we are well positioned to remain a leader in our industry and will continue to leverage our international footprint and infrastructure to deliver flexible, cost effective solutions to our clients."

PROFORMA ITEMS

As originally announced on December 19, 2002, TeleTech recorded a $46.1 million restructuring and asset impairment charge in the fourth quarter 2002. Given the difficult global business environment, TeleTech reduced the carrying value of certain assets associated with its U.S., European, and Latin American operations and announced a worldwide workforce reduction of approximately 200 professional employees. In addition, during the fourth quarter 2002 TeleTech acquired the shares of enhansiv holdings, inc. ("EHI") common stock from the four remaining outside shareholders of EHI. Consequently, TeleTech owns 100 percent of the common stock of EHI.

Approximately $39.1 million were non-cash charges related to asset impairments and the write-down of certain deferred tax assets, with the remaining $7.0 million cash-related, primarily for severance and the EHI transaction.

BUSINESS OUTLOOK

The following statements are based on current expectations regarding TeleTech's outlook for its future financial results.

TeleTech believes first quarter 2003 revenue will range between $240 million and $245 million, and earnings per diluted share will range between 4 cents and 6 cents per share, excluding proforma items.

The sequential decrease in revenue and earnings per diluted share is primarily due to normal declines in seasonal revenue, as well as lower volumes associated with the company's global communications vertical.

CONFERENCE CALL

TeleTech executive management will host a conference call to discuss fourth quarter 2002 financial results today at 5:00 p.m. ET. You are invited to join a live webcast of the call by visiting the "Investors" section of the TeleTech website at www.teletech.com . If you are unable to participate during the live webcast, a replay of the call will be available on the TeleTech website through Tuesday, February 25, 2003.

TELETECH PROFILE

For twenty years, TeleTech has managed the customer experience for some of the world's largest enterprises. TeleTech's innovative customer care services help companies acquire, serve, grow, and retain customers throughout the entire relationship lifecycle. TeleTech offers solutions to a variety of industries including financial services, transportation, communications, government, healthcare, and travel. With a presence that spans North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and Latin America, TeleTech provides comprehensive customer care services to global organizations. Additional information on TeleTech can be found at www.teletech.com .

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

All statements not based on historical fact are forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. In accordance with the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, following are important factors that could cause TeleTech's actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including: TeleTech's ability to predict future revenue and associated costs; lower than anticipated customer interaction center capacity utilization; the loss or delay in implementation of a customer management program; TeleTech's ability to build-out facilities in a timely and economic manner; greater than anticipated competition from new entrants into the customer care market, causing increased price competition or loss of clients; the loss of one or more significant clients; higher than anticipated start-up costs associated with new business opportunities and ventures; TeleTech's ability to predict the potential volume or profitability of any future technology or consulting sales; TeleTech's agreements with clients may be canceled on relatively short notice; and TeleTech's ability to generate a specific level of revenue is dependent upon customer interest in and use of the products and services of TeleTech's clients. Readers are encouraged to review TeleTech's 2001 Form 10-K, first, second, and third quarter 2002 Forms 10-Q, and other publicly filed documents, which describe other important factors that may impact TeleTech's business, results of operations, and financial condition. TeleTech undertakes no obligation to update its forward-looking statements after the date of this release.

                   TELETECH HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                     (In thousands, except per share data)

                               Three months ended    Twelve months ended
                                  December 31,           December 31,
                                2002        2001       2002         2001

    Revenues                  $257,831    $230,235  $1,017,436    $916,144

    Operating expenses:
     Costs of services         180,503     148,138     712,585     587,423
     Selling, general &
      administrative            53,496      49,355     198,959     204,005
     Depreciation and
      amortization              14,538      15,497      57,725      60,308
     Restructuring and asset
      impairment charges        37,071(1)      --       42,272(4)   33,248(6)
          Total operating
           expenses            285,608     212,990   1,011,541     884,984

    Operating Income (Loss)    (27,777)     17,245       5,895      31,160

     Other income (expense)     (1,067)     (4,927)     (7,930)    (14,226)
     Restructuring and asset
      impairment charges        (2,333)(2)     --       (2,333)(2) (17,175)(7)

    Income (Loss) Before
     Income Taxes              (31,177)     12,318      (4,368)       (241)

     Income tax expense
      (benefit)                 (4,944)(3)   4,862       1,606(3)      174

    Income (Loss) before
     Minority Interest and
     Cumulative Effect of
     Change in Accounting
     Principle                 (26,233)      7,456      (5,974)       (415)

     Minority Interest              88        (273)        760      (1,510)

    Income (Loss) before
     Cumulative Effect of
     Change in Accounting
     Principle                 (26,145)      7,183      (5,214)     (1,925)

     Cumulative Effect of
      Change in Accounting
      Principle                    --          --      (11,541)(5)     --

    Net Income (Loss)         $(26,145)     $7,183    $(16,755)    $(1,925)

     Basic Earnings Per Share
      before Cumulative
      Effect of Change in
      Accounting Principle                              $(0.07)

     Diluted Earnings Per
      Share before Cumulative
      Effect of Change in
      Accounting Principle                              $(0.07)

     Basic Earnings (Loss)
      Per Share                 $(0.35)      $0.09      $(0.22)     $(0.03)

     Diluted Earnings (Loss)
      Per Share                 $(0.35)      $0.09      $(0.22)     $(0.03)

    Operating Margin             -10.8%        7.5%        0.6%        3.4%
    Net Income (Loss) Margin     -10.1%        3.1%       -1.6%       -0.2%
    Effective Tax Rate            15.9%       39.5%      -36.8%      -72.2%

    Weighted Average Shares
      Basic                     74,749      76,607      76,383      75,804
      Diluted                   74,749      77,743      76,383      75,804

    Excluding Restructurings,
     Asset Impairment Charges
     and Cumulative Effect of
     Change in Accounting
     Principle:

     Operating Income           $9,294     $17,245     $48,167     $64,408
     Operating Margin              3.6%        7.5%        4.7%        7.0%

     Net Income                 $5,197      $7,183     $25,235     $28,583
     Basic Earnings Per Share    $0.07       $0.09       $0.33       $0.38
     Diluted Earnings Per
      Share                      $0.07       $0.09       $0.33       $0.37

     Diluted shares
      outstanding               75,328      77,743      77,579      76,978

     Effective Tax Rate           37.9%       39.5%       39.2%       40.0%

      Notes:
      1.  Represents a $4.3 mm pre-tax charge related to a workforce
          reduction, and a $32.8 mm pre-tax charge related to the impairment
          of fixed assets in connection with SFAS No. 144.
      2.  Represents a $2.3 mm pre-tax charge related to the acquisition of
          the remaining outstanding shares of enhansiv.
      3.  Includes a $6.7 mm charge for the impairment of deferred tax assets.
      4.  Represents the $37.1 mm pre-tax charge described in Note 1 above, in
          addition to $5.2 mm of pre-tax charges recorded in the second
          quarter of 2002 related to a workforce reduction, the closure of
          customer interaction centers, and the impairment of a property
          lease.
      5.  Represents the adoption of SFAS No. 142 "Accounting for Goodwill and
          Other Intangibles".
      6.  Represents $33.2 mm of pre-tax charges recorded in the first, second
          and third quarters of 2001 related to workforce reductions, the
          closure of a customer interaction center, and the write down
          of the carrying value of the company's formerly planned
          headquarters building.
      7.  Represents a $16.5 mm pre-tax charge recorded in the second quarter
          of 2001 related to the asset impairment of the company's
          investment in enhansiv, and a $0.7 mm pre-tax charge related to a
          workforce reduction for enhansiv.


                     TELETECH HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
               RECONCILIATION OF GAAP EARNINGS TO PROFORMA EARNINGS
                                  (In thousands)

Three months ended Twelve months ended

                                  December 31,              December 31,
                                2002         2001          2002        2001

    Operating Income (Loss)
    - GAAP                   $(27,777)     $17,245        $5,895    $31,160

    Restructuring and Asset
    Impairment Charges:
      Workforce reductions      4,255           --         9,456     18,515
      Asset impairment in
       connection with
       SFAS No. 144            32,413           --        32,413         --
      Other                       403           --           403         --
      Closure of customer
       interaction center          --           --            --      7,733
      Writedown of company's
       formerly planned
       headquarters building       --           --            --      7,000
          Total restructuring
           and asset
           impairment
           charges             37,071           --        42,272     33,248

    Operating Income
     - Proforma                $9,294      $17,245       $48,167    $64,408

    Net Income (Loss)
     - GAAP                  $(26,145)      $7,183      $(16,755)   $(1,925)

    Restructuring and Asset
     Impairment Charges:
      Workforce reductions
       - tax effected           2,587           --         5,734     11,202
      Asset impairment in
       connection with SFAS
       No. 144 - tax
       effected                20,384           --        20,384         --
      Other - tax effected        245           --           245         --
      Acquisition of the
       remaining shares of
       enhansiv - tax
       effected                 1,418           --         1,418         --
      Deferred tax asset
       impairment               6,707           --         2,668         --
      Goodwill impairment
       in connection
       with SFAS No. 142
       - tax effected              --           --        11,541         --
      Closure of customer
       interaction center
       - tax effected              --           --            --      4,678
      Writedown of company's
       formerly planned
       headquarters building
       - tax effected              --           --            --      4,235
      Asset impairment of
       the company's investment
       in enhansiv - tax
       effected                    --           --            --      9,985
      Workforce reductions
       at enhansiv - tax
       effected                    --           --            --        408
          Total restructuring
           and asset impairment
           charges             31,342           --        41,990     30,508

    Net Income - Proforma      $5,197       $7,183       $25,235    $28,583


                    TELETECH HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                      CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                 (In thousands)


                                                December 31,      December 31,
                                                    2002              2001

    ASSETS
    Current assets:
       Cash and cash equivalents                  $144,792           $95,430
       Investment in available-for-sale
        securities                                      --             2,281
       Short-term investments                           23             6,460
       Accounts receivable, net                    137,598           162,344
       Other current assets                         44,818            41,911
          Total current assets                     327,231           308,426

    Property and Equipment, net                    123,093           177,959
    Other assets                                    90,264            87,554

    Total assets                                  $540,588          $573,939

    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
    Total current liabilities                     $136,334          $123,221
    Total noncurrent liabilities                    84,518            88,449
    Minority interest                               13,577            14,319
    Total stockholders' equity                     306,159           347,950

    Total liabilities and stockholders'
     equity                                       $540,588          $573,939



                     TELETECH HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW INFORMATION
                                  (In thousands)

                                      Twelve months ended  Three months ended
                                           December 31,        December 31,
                                          2002      2001      2002     2001
    Cash flow from operating
     activities:
       Net income (loss)               $(16,755)  $(1,925)  $(26,145)  $7,183
       Adjustments to reconcile net
        income (loss) to net cash
        provided by operating
        activities:
            Cumulative Effect of
              Change in Accounting
              Principle                  11,541      --         --        --
            Depreciation and
              amortization               57,725    60,308     14,538   15,497
            Impairment of Fixed
              Assets                     32,413       --      32,413      --
            Other                        28,738    45,186     35,179    4,520
       Net cash provided by
        operating activities           $113,662  $103,569    $55,985  $27,200

    Total Capital Expenditures
     - Note 1                           $37,940   $52,073     $8,436   $4,904

    Free Cash Flow                      $75,722   $51,496    $47,549  $22,296

     Notes:
     1. Total capital expenditures in 2001 exclude any investments in real
        estate held for sale of $25.5 million, which related to the company's
        former planned headquarters building.

SOURCE TeleTech Holdings, Inc.