TeleTech Reports Third Quarter 2002 Financial Results In Line With Company Guidance

DENVER, Oct 31, 2002 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ --

Year over Year Revenue Grows 13 Percent; Generates Significant Free Cash Flow in the Quarter

TeleTech Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: TTEC), a leading global provider of customer management solutions, today announced third quarter 2002 results in line with company guidance.

Revenue for the third quarter 2002 was $251.9 million, compared to revenue of $253.7 million in the second quarter 2002, and up $29.1 million, or 13.0 percent, from $222.8 million in the year ago quarter.

The company reported third quarter 2002 net income of $6.2 million and earnings per diluted share of 8 cents, in line with the company's guidance of 7 cents to 9 cents. This compares to net income of $7.1 million or 9 cents per diluted share in the second quarter 2002, and net income of $6.2 million or 8 cents per diluted share in the year ago quarter. The effects of non-recurring items are excluded from these comparisons.

"TeleTech's steady performance is the result of disciplined execution in a challenging global environment," said Kenneth Tuchman, TeleTech's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "We have continued to increase revenues and generate significant free cash flow, while working to close new business and fill existing capacity. As we approach 2003, we are confident in our ability to win new business and continue to deliver high levels of client satisfaction.

"TeleTech reached an important milestone on October 22, when we celebrated our 20th anniversary," continued Tuchman. "During that period we pioneered a new industry, and have become a global leader in customer management with revenues approaching $1 billion and operations in thirteen countries. Clients continue to value integrated solutions, combined with deep vertical expertise that improve customer loyalty and increase brand awareness. As we look to the future, I am confident TeleTech will maintain its position at the forefront of our industry, and will further its legacy of working with the world's leading organizations while delivering long-term, profitable growth."

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) costs were $49.0 million or 19.4 percent of revenues in the third quarter 2002, up modestly from 19.0 percent in the second quarter 2002, and down from 21.5 percent in the year ago quarter.

Operating margin was 4.3 percent for the third quarter 2002, down sequentially from 5.1 percent in the second quarter 2002, and down from 7.3 percent in the third quarter 2001. The effects of non-recurring items are excluded from these comparisons.

TeleTech's cash and short-term investments were $107.0 million at the end of the third quarter 2002, comparable to $102.1 million at the end of the second quarter 2002, and up from $72.3 million at the end of the third quarter 2001.

Capital expenditures for the third quarter 2002 were $12.7 million, up $4.8 million sequentially from $7.9 million in the second quarter 2002, and up from $8.0 million in the year ago quarter. Capital expenditures for 2002 are estimated to be in the range of $40 million to $50 million, down from the company's original estimate of $70 million to $75 million.

During the third quarter 2002, TeleTech generated $26.8 million in free cash flow, and believes it will continue to generate positive free cash flow for the remainder of 2002.

The company continued its common stock repurchase program during the third quarter 2002, purchasing 2.5 million shares for $15.7 million. Since the inception of the share repurchase program in late 2001, the company has repurchased a total of 2.8 million shares for $18.0 million through September 30, 2002. The company's Board of Directors has authorized share repurchases up to $25.0 million.

The company recently completed the renewal of its revolving credit facility. The $85 million, four-year facility is at favorable terms and gives the company continued flexibility to pursue growth opportunities and manage working capital related to large project launches. As of September 30, 2002 there were no borrowings under the previous revolving credit facility.

"We are pleased with our results this quarter as we navigate a challenging global economic climate," said Margot O'Dell, TeleTech's Chief Financial Officer. "Our balance sheet remains strong, and the recent renewal of our revolving credit facility points to our sound business model, solid operational performance, and future growth potential. As we approach year-end, we continue to focus on tight fiscal controls and closing new client relationships to leverage our infrastructure. We believe TeleTech will continue its history of driving sustainable growth and will remain a leader in our industry."

BUSINESS OUTLOOK

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

TeleTech believes fourth quarter 2002 revenue will range between $250 million and $255 million and earnings per diluted share will range between 7 cents and 9 cents per share.

CONFERENCE CALL

TeleTech executive management will host a conference call to discuss third quarter 2002 financial results today at 4:30 p.m. ET. To participate, please dial 712-271-0561 (passcode: TeleTech). Replay of the conference call will be available by dialing 402-530-7639 (no passcode required), starting at approximately 8:00 p.m. ET and will play until Thursday, November 14, 2002. The conference call will also be simulcast live on the Internet via TeleTech's web site at www.teletech.com . Replay will be available at this location for 14 days.

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; 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 and second 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)
                                 (Unaudited)

                               Three months ended      Nine months ended
                                 September 30,           September 30,
                                 2002      2001         2002        2001

    Revenues                   $251,889  $222,818     $759,605    $685,909

    Operating expenses:
     Costs of services          177,643   143,141      532,082     439,285
     Selling, general &
      administrative             48,967    48,001      145,463     154,650
     Depreciation and
      amortization               14,561    15,423       43,187      44,811
     Non-recurring items             --     5,997(3)     5,201(1)   33,248(5)
        Total operating
              expenses          241,171   212,562      725,933     671,994

    Operating Income             10,718    10,256       33,672      13,915

     Other income (expense)      (1,351)   (5,432)      (6,863)     (9,299)
     Non-recurring items             --      (675)(4)       --     (17,175)(6)

    Income (Loss) Before
     Income Taxes                 9,367     4,149       26,809     (12,559)

     Income tax expense
      (benefit)                   3,702     1,637       10,589      (4,688)

    Income (Loss) before
     Minority Interest and
     Cumulative Effect of
     Change in Accounting
     Principle                    5,665     2,512       16,220      (7,871)

     Minority Interest              552      (386)         672      (1,237)

    Income (Loss) before
     Cumulative Effect of
     Change in Accounting
     Principle                    6,217     2,126       16,892      (9,108)

     Cumulative Effect of
      Change in Accounting
      Principle                      --        --       (7,502)(2)      --

    Net Income (Loss)            $6,217    $2,126       $9,390     $(9,108)

     Basic Earnings Per Share
      before Cumulative Effect
      of Change in Accounting
      Principle                                          $0.22

     Diluted Earnings Per
      Share before Cumulative
      Effect of Change in
      Accounting Principle                               $0.22

     Basic Earnings (Loss) Per
      Share                       $0.08     $0.03        $0.12      $(0.12)

     Diluted Earnings (Loss)
      Per Share                   $0.08     $0.03        $0.12      $(0.12)


    Operating Margin               4.3%      4.6%         4.4%        2.0%
    Net Income (Loss) Margin       2.5%      1.0%         1.2%       (1.3)%
    Effective Tax Rate            39.5%     39.5%        39.5%       37.3%

    Weighted Average Shares
      Basic                      76,694    76,336       76,928      75,537
      Diluted                    77,195    76,863       78,329      75,537


    Excluding Non-recurring
     items and Cumulative
     Effect of Change in
     Accounting Principle:
      Operating Income          $10,718   $16,253      $38,873     $47,163
      Operating Margin             4.3%      7.3%         5.1%        6.9%

     Net Income                  $6,217    $6,161      $20,038     $21,400
     Basic Earnings Per Share     $0.08     $0.08        $0.26       $0.28
     Diluted Earnings Per Share   $0.08     $0.08        $0.26       $0.28

     Diluted shares outstanding  77,195    76,863       78,329      76,723

     Effective Tax Rate           39.5%     39.5%        39.5%       40.2%

     Notes:
     1.  Represents $5.2 mm of non-recurring, 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.
     2.  Represents the adoption of SFAS No. 142 "Accounting for Goodwill and
         Other Intangibles".
     3.  Represents $6.0 mm of non-recurring, pre-tax charges related to a
         workforce reduction.
     4.  Represents $0.7 mm of non-recurring, pre-tax charges related to a
         workforce reduction for a non-consolidated subsidiary.
     5.  Represents the $6.0 mm non-recurring, pre-tax charge described in
         Note 3 above, in addition to $27.3 mm of non-recurring, pre-tax
         charges recorded in the first and second quarters of 2001 related to
         a workforce reduction, the closure of a customer interaction center,
         and the write down of the carrying value of the company's formerly
         planned headquarters building.
     6.  Represents the $0.7 mm non-recurring, pre-tax charge described in
         Note 4 above, in addition to a $16.5 mm non-recurring, pre-tax charge
         recorded in the second quarter of 2001 related to the asset
         impairment of the company's investment in enhansiv.



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

                                              September 30,      December 31,
                                                   2002              2001
                                               (Unaudited)
    ASSETS
    Current assets:
       Cash and cash equivalents                  $103,103           $95,430
       Investment in available-for-sale
        securities                                      --             2,281
       Short-term investments                        3,868             6,460
       Accounts receivable, net                    157,102           162,344
       Other current assets                         48,376            41,911
          Total current assets                     312,449           308,426

    Property and Equipment, net                    159,075           177,959
    Other assets                                    99,887            87,554

    Total assets                                  $571,411          $573,939

    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
    Total current liabilities                     $137,467          $123,221
    Total noncurrent liabilities                    83,148            88,449
    Minority interest                               13,647            14,319
    Total stockholders' equity                     337,149           347,950

    Total liabilities and stockholders' equity    $571,411          $573,939



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

                                      Nine months ended   Three months ended
                                         September 30,       September 30,
                                        2002     2001       2002     2001
    Cash flow from operating
      activities:
       Net income (loss)                $9,390  $(9,108)    $6,217   $2,126
       Adjustments to reconcile
         net income (loss) to
         net cash (used in) provided
         by operating activities:
           Cumulative Effect of Change
            in Accounting Principle       7,502       --         --       --
           Depreciation and
            amortization                 43,187   44,811     14,561   15,423
           Other                         (2,402)  40,666     18,649   22,860
       Net cash provided by
        operating activities            $57,677  $76,369    $39,427  $40,409

    Total Capital Expenditures -
     Note 1                             $29,504  $47,169    $12,672   $8,018

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

                     
SOURCE TeleTech Holdings, Inc.

CONTACT:          investors, Karen Breen, +1-303-397-8592,
                  karen.breen@teletech.com , or Dan Campbell, +1-303-397-8634,
                  dan.campbell@teletech.com , both of TeleTech Holdings, Inc.