TeleTech Reports Third Quarter 2005 Financial Results

Achieves Record Quarterly Revenue of $274 Million; Operating Margin Increases by 139 Percent From Last Quarter

DENVER, Nov. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- TeleTech Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: TTEC), a global provider of customer management and transaction-based business process outsourcing (BPO) services, today announced third quarter 2005 financial results. The Company also filed its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the quarter ended September 30, 2005.

Business highlights include:

* Several new client wins and key client renewals
* Third quarter 2005 operating margin more than doubles from last quarter
* Capacity utilization improves by 25 percent sequentially in shared client centers
* International segment profitable before corporate allocations * Global profit improvement plans on track
* Newgen's operating loss reduced by nearly half from last quarter
* Under construction for 1,500 new workstations in the Philippines
* $63 million of common stock repurchased year-to-date through October 31, 2005
* $52 million of international monies moved back to the U.S. resulting in no bank debt outstanding as of September 30, 2005

   


                                 Third Quarter  Second Quarter  Third Quarter
                                     2005            2005           2004
    Financial Results (Unaudited)
    Revenue                         $274.3M         $253.9M        $258.3M
    Operating income                 $11.9M           $4.5M         $12.2M
    Net income                       $11.6M           $3.7M         $10.6M

    GAAP EPS                          $0.16           $0.05         $0.14
    Non-GAAP EPS*                     $0.08           $0.05         $0.14

    Total stockholders' equity      $305.7M         $297.9M       $300.3M

    Other Financial Measures
    Operating income margin            4.3%            1.8%          4.7%
    Total debt to total
     stockholders' equity              3.1%           10.1%          5.0%
    Net cash*                        $46.0M          $52.7M        $42.6M
    EBITDA*                          $24.6M          $18.0M        $24.0M
    Free cash flow*                   $7.4M          $11.0M        $37.3M
    Days sales outstanding (DSOs)        62              56            57

     *See attached reconciliation of Non-GAAP financial measures.

EXECUTIVE COMMENTARY

"We are pleased to report record revenue for the quarter and a significant improvement in our sequential operating margin," said Ken Tuchman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Our improved performance is the result of the work we completed over the last 36 months to fine tune every aspect of our global business. We remain committed to achieving our long-term goal of growing both revenue and operating margin to a run rate of $1.5 billion and 10 percent, respectively, by the end of 2007."

"We continue to see increased demand for our services as current and prospective clients are increasingly focused on our unique capabilities given we deliver both innovative offerings and measurable results," continued Tuchman. "During the past several months, TeleTech renewed or expanded existing client business estimated at $70 million annually and signed new client relationships estimated at $20 million annually in the financial services, communications, healthcare, and commercial industries. We are investing in an enhanced product suite that leverages our existing infrastructure and is actively being marketed to current and prospective clients. We continue to expand and grow existing client relationships given our high client satisfaction levels, and our prospects for new business around the globe remain strong."

REVENUE

Third quarter 2005 revenue was a historic high of $274.3 million, a 6.2 percent increase compared to $258.3 million in the prior year quarter, and an 8.0 percent increase compared to $253.9 million for the last quarter. These increases are primarily attributable to higher revenue in North America and in certain international locations. Included in revenue for the North America segment is work TeleTech performed during the quarter on behalf of a large, U.S. government agency to assist in Gulf Coast hurricane relief efforts.

OPERATING INCOME

Third quarter 2005 income from operations was $11.9 million compared to $12.2 million for the prior year quarter. Included in the third quarter 2005 operating income is a litigation and claims charge of $2.9 million, the majority of which pertains to a legal judgment that the company is appealing and plans to vigorously contest. Included in the prior year quarter operating income was a benefit of $2.0 million related to the reduction of certain self-insurance reserves. Additional information regarding comparability to the prior year quarter is included in the Company's September 2005 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Third quarter 2005 operating margin was 4.3 percent compared to 4.7 percent for the prior year quarter, and a meaningful increase over the 1.8 percent reported for the second quarter of 2005. Excluding the above mentioned items, the operating margin percentage for the third quarter 2005 and 2004 would have been 5.4 percent and 3.9 percent, respectively.

INCOME TAX EXPENSE

TeleTech recorded a net, one-time reduction to tax expense of $6.0 million during the third quarter 2005, which is the net of a one-time reversal of its $9.9 million U.S. deferred tax valuation allowance offset by a one-time increase to tax expense of $3.9 million related to the repatriation of foreign funds.

In the prior year quarter, TeleTech recorded a reduction to tax expense of $4.9 million related to various tax planning strategies.

During the fourth quarter 2005 and thereafter, the Company expects its effective tax rate will approximate 40 percent.

BALANCE SHEET, CASH FLOW AND LIQUIDITY

TeleTech ended the third quarter 2005 in a strong financial position with $55.5 million in cash and cash equivalents and no bank debt outstanding. Days sales outstanding (DSOs) were 62 days at the end of September, up from 56 days for the last quarter due in part to the ramp of a program on behalf of a U.S. government agency.

Capital expenditures for the third quarter 2005 were $10.0 million versus $5.8 million during the year ago quarter as the Company has been expanding its capacity to meet client demand.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) and Free Cash Flow are two liquidity measures. Free Cash Flow is impacted by changes in working capital accounts and capital expenditures. EBITDA for the third quarter 2005 was $24.6 million, up 36.8 percent from $18.0 million for the last quarter and comparable to the prior year quarter. Free Cash Flow for the current quarter was down from both the last and prior year quarters primarily due in part to (1) working capital used to launch and operate the U.S. government program as the company had not received payment for services rendered on that program as of quarter-end and (2) increased capital expenditures.

SHARE REPURCHASE

During the third quarter, TeleTech repurchased 1.6 million shares of its common stock for a total of $14.4 million. Year-to-date through October 31, 2005, TeleTech repurchased approximately 6.6 million shares for a total of $63 million, which is recorded as a reduction to stockholders' equity.

FOURTH QUARTER 2005 OUTLOOK

TeleTech expects fourth quarter 2005 revenue to increase sequentially from the third quarter 2005. The Company also believes the operating results for its Database Marketing and Consulting segment, which represents 8 percent of its consolidated revenue, will approximate the third quarter 2005 results.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

Pursuant to Regulation G as issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the attached tables provide a reconciliation of the differences between the Non-GAAP financial measures as discussed above including "Non-GAAP EPS", "Net cash", "EBITDA", and "Free cash flow", and TeleTech's closest comparable financial measures in each case calculated in accordance with GAAP.

These Non-GAAP financial measures should be used in addition to, but not as a substitute for, the Company's comparable GAAP financial measures. They are presented because TeleTech's management uses this information when evaluating current results of operations, and believes this information provides the users of the financial statements with a useful comparison of TeleTech's current results of operations with past and future periods.

SEC FILINGS

The Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission are available in the "Investors" section of TeleTech's website, which can be found at www.teletech.com.

CONFERENCE CALL

TeleTech executive management will hold a conference call to discuss third quarter 2005 financial results on Thursday, November 3, 2005, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time. 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 Thursday, November 17, 2005.

ABOUT TELETECH

TeleTech is a global business services company that provides a full range of front- to back-office outsourced solutions including customer management, BPO, and database marketing services to measurably enhance clients' core customer management processes. TeleTech's ability to create innovative strategies, combined with its global technology platform and delivery infrastructure, helps clients increase revenue, lower costs, and retain their customers around the world. TeleTech's products and services, standardized processes, and recognized capabilities to implement complex global projects make the Company a valued partner for clients that include Global 1000 businesses and governments. TeleTech partners with clients to offer 150 languages, through its more than 40,000 employees, in 17 countries. For additional information, visit www.TeleTech.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements relating to future results. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause TeleTech's and its subsidiaries' actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to the following: the Company's belief that it's continuing to see strong demand for its services; estimated revenue from new or expanded client business; the belief that the prospects for new business remain strong; achieving the Company's expected profit improvement in its International operations; the ability to close and ramp new business opportunities that are currently being pursued with existing clients and potential clients; the ability for the Company to execute its growth plans, including sales of new products (such as TeleTech On Demand(TM) and TeleTech In Culture(TM); to increase profitability via the globalization of its North American best operating practices; to achieve its year-end 2007 financial goals and targeted cost reductions; the possibility of the Company's Database Marketing and Consulting segment not increasing revenue, lowering costs, achieving similar operating results to its third quarter 2005 results, or returning to historic levels of profitability thereafter; the possibility of lower revenue or price pressure from clients experiencing a downturn or merger in their business; greater than anticipated competition in the customer care market, causing adverse pricing and more stringent contractual terms; risks associated with losing or not renewing client relationships, particularly large client agreements, or early termination of a client agreement; the risk of losing clients due to consolidation in the industries we serve; consumers' concerns or adverse publicity regarding the products of the Company's clients; higher than anticipated start-up costs or lead times associated with new ventures or business in new markets; execution risks associated with performance-based pricing metrics in certain client agreements; the Company's ability to find cost effective locations, obtain favorable lease terms, and build or retrofit facilities in a timely and economic manner; risks associated with business interruption due to weather or terrorist-related events; risks associated with attracting and retaining cost-effective labor at the Company's customer management centers; the possibility of additional asset impairments and restructuring charges; risks associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates; economic or political changes affecting the countries in which the Company operates; changes in accounting policies and practices promulgated by standard setting bodies; and, new legislation or government regulation that impacts the customer care industry.

Please refer to the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended September 30, 2005, for a detailed discussion of factors discussed above and other important factors that may impact the Company's business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows. The Company assumes no obligation to update its forward-looking statements to reflect actual results or changes in factors affecting such forward-looking statements.

   


                     TELETECH HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
                                  (In millions)
                                   (Unaudited)

    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP EPS
                                                         Third
                                                      Quarter 2005
        GAAP Net Income:                                  $11.6
          Less:  one-time, tax benefit from
           reversal of deferred tax
           valuation allowance                            $(9.9)
          Plus:  one-time, tax expense from
           repatriation of foreign monies
           under the American Jobs Creation
           Act of 2004                                     $3.9
         Non-GAAP Net Income                               $5.6
            Diluted shares outstanding                   72.591
         Non-GAAP Earnings per Diluted
          Share                                           $0.08



    Reconciliation of Net Cash
                                             Third       Second      Third
                                            Quarter     Quarter     Quarter
                                             2005         2005       2004
       Net Cash:
        Cash and cash equivalents            $55.5       $82.9       $57.6
       Less:  current portion of long-
        term debt and capital lease
        obligations                          $(0.2)      $(0.2)      $(0.3)
       Long-term capital lease
        obligations                          $(1.1)      $(1.1)      $(0.1)
       Bank debt                               ---      $(21.9)      $(7.2)
       Grant advances                        $(6.9)      $(7.0)      $(7.2)
       Other long-term debt                  $(1.3)        ---       $(0.2)
       Net Cash                              $46.0       $52.7       $42.6



    Reconciliation of EBITDA
                                             Third       Second      Third
                                            Quarter     Quarter     Quarter
                                             2005         2005       2004

    Net Income                               $11.6        $3.7       $10.6
    Interest income                          $(0.9)      $(0.8)      $(2.3)
    Interest expense                          $0.7        $0.7        $2.8
    Provision for income taxes                $0.4        $0.6       $(1.4)
    Depreciation and amortization            $12.7       $13.7       $14.3
    EBITDA                                   $24.6       $18.0       $24.0



    Reconciliation of Free Cash Flow
                                             Third       Second      Third
                                            Quarter      Quarter    Quarter
                                              2005        2005       2004
       Free Cash Flow:
           Net cash provided by operating
            activities                       $17.4       $20.2      $43.1
           Less:  purchases of property
            and equipment                   $(10.0)      $(9.2)     $(5.8)
       Free Cash Flow                         $7.4       $11.0      $37.3



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

                         Three months ended         Nine months ended
                                Sept 30,                  Sept 30,
                          2005         2004         2005         2004

    Revenue             $274,259    $258,347     $782,518      $791,876

    Operating expenses:
      Costs of services  202,492     188,808      580,663 (3)   587,213

      Selling, general &
       administrative     46,642      43,072      136,728 (4)  122,215 (11)
      Depreciation and
       amortization       12,659      14,304       40,650       44,492
      Restructuring
       charges,              537 (1)     (54) (8)   1,480 (5)    2,110 (12)
      Impairment losses       --          --        2,537 (6)    2,641 (13)
         Total operating
          expenses       262,330     246,130      762,058      758,671

    Operating Income      11,929      12,217       20,460       33,205

      Other income
       (expense)             524        (344)       1,530 (7)   (3,946)
      Debt restructuring
       charges                --      (2,756) (9)      --      (10,402) (14)

    Income Before Income
     Taxes                12,453       9,117       21,990       18,857
      Income tax expense
       (benefit)             432 (2)  (1,372) (10)  3,204 (2)     4,825 (10)

    Income before Minority
     Interest             12,021       10,489      18,786       14,032

      Minority interest     (401)          68        (713)         316

    Net Income           $11,620      $10,557     $18,073      $14,348


      Basic Earnings Per
       Share               $0.16        $0.14       $0.25        $0.19

      Diluted Earnings Per
       Share               $0.16        $0.14       $0.24        $0.19


    Operating Income
     Margin                  4.3%         4.7%        2.6%         4.2%
    Net Income Margin        4.2%         4.1%        2.3%         1.8%
    Effective Tax Rate       3.5%      (15.0)%       14.6%        25.6%


    Weighted Average Shares
      Basic                71,650       74,612     72,946       74,733
      Diluted              72,591       75,944     74,604       75,909


      Notes:
      1.  Represents a $0.1 million charge related to a reduction in force, a
          $(0.1) million benefit related to revised estimates of restructuring
          charges, and a $0.5 million charge related to a facility exit charge
          in connection with SFAS No. 146.
      2.  Includes a $(9.9) million benefit due to the reversal of income tax
          valuation allowance, and a $3.9 million charge related to a
          repatriation of foreign earnings under a Qualified Domestic
          Reinvestment Plan.
      3.  Includes a $(2.0) million benefit due to revised estimates of
          self-insurance accruals.
      4.  Includes a $(0.4) million benefit due to revised estimates of self-
          insurance accruals.
      5.  Represents the net $0.5 million charge described in Note 1 above, in
          addition to a $1.0 million charge related to a reduction in force.
      6.  Represents a $1.5 million charge related to the impairment of fixed
          assets in connection with SFAS No. 144 and a $1.0 million charge
          related to facility exit charges.
      7.  Includes a $(1.0) million benefit due to a litigation settlement.
      8.  Represents a $0.5 million charge related to a reduction in force,
          and a $(0.6) million benefit related to revised estimates of
          restructuring charges.
      9.  Represents a $2.8 million one-time charge related to the termination
          of an interest rate swap agreement.
      10. Includes a $(4.9) million tax benefit related to implementation of
          certain tax planning strategies.
      11. Includes a $1.9 million reversal of a portion of the estimated
          sales or use tax liability related to the Database Marketing and
          Consulting segment.
      12. Represents the $(0.1) million benefit described in Note 8 above, in
          addition to a $1.8 million charge related to a reduction in force,
          a $(0.1) million benefit related to revised estimates of
          restructuring charges, and a $0.4 million charge related to a
          facility exit charge in connection with SFAS No. 146.
      13. Represents a $2.6 million charge related to the impairment of fixed
          assets in connection with SFAS No. 144.
      14. Represents the $2.8 million charge described in Note 9 above, in
          addition to a $7.6 million one-time charge related to restructuring
          of the Company's debt facilities including a make-whole payment.



                     TELETECH HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                               SEGMENT DISCLOSURES
                                  (In thousands)
                                   (Unaudited)

                                       Nine months ended   Three months ended
                                            Sept 30,            Sept 30,
                                         2005      2004      2005      2004

    Revenue:
    North American Customer Care       $474,852  $481,321  $170,930  $157,387
    International Customer Care         244,157   236,233    82,596    76,625
    Database Marketing & Consulting      63,509    74,322    20,733    24,335
                 Total                 $782,518  $791,876  $274,259  $258,347

    Operating Income (Loss) :
    North American Customer Care        $40,752   $41,806   $15,654   $13,996
    International Customer Care         (12,188)  (14,799)   (1,871)   (2,898)
    Database Marketing & Consulting      (8,104)    6,198    (1,854)    1,119
                 Total                  $20,460   $33,205   $11,929   $12,217



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

                                                Sept 30,         December 31,
                                                  2005               2004
                                               (Unaudited)

    ASSETS
    Current assets:
       Cash and cash equivalents                   $55,463           $75,066
       Accounts receivable, net                    184,097           148,627
       Other current assets                         63,576            54,342
          Total current assets                     303,136           278,035

    Property and equipment, net                    122,497           132,214
    Other assets                                    94,070            86,546

    Total assets                                  $519,703          $496,795

    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
    Total current liabilities                     $176,842          $136,192
    Other noncurrent liabilities                    31,430            30,186
    Minority interest                                5,733             7,872
    Total stockholders' equity                     305,698           322,545

    Total liabilities and stockholders'
     equity                                       $519,703          $496,795



                     TELETECH HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                           RECONCILIATION OF CASH FLOWS
                                  (In thousands)
                                   (Unaudited)

                                          Nine months ended Three months ended
                                               Sept 30,          Sept 30,
                                            2005     2004     2005     2004

    Cash flow from operating activities:
       Net income                          $18,073  $14,348  $11,620  $10,557
       Adjustments to reconcile net income
        to net cash
        provided by (used in )
        operating activities:
            Depreciation and
             amortization                   40,650   44,492   12,659   14,304
            Other                           (5,991)   1,059   (6,860)  18,259
       Net cash provided by operating
        activities                         $52,732  $59,899  $17,419  $43,120

    Total Capital Expenditures             $23,614  $26,151  $10,043   $5,808

    Free Cash Flow                         $29,118  $33,748   $7,376  $37,312

CONTACT: Karen Breen, +1-303-397-8592, or Dan Campbell, Investor Relations, +1-303-397-8634, both of TeleTech Holdings, Inc.