10-K/A 1 a2068968z10-ka.htm FORM 10-K/A Prepared by MERRILL CORPORATION
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FORM 10-K/A

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549

/x/   ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

 

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2001
OR

/ /

 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File No. 0-12194

FORTEL INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

CALIFORNIA
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
  94-2566313
(IRS Employer Identification No.)

46832 Lakeview Blvd., Fremont, California
(Address of principal executive offices)

 

94538-6543
(Zip Code)

(510) 440-9600
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Common Stock, no par value
(Title of Class)

        Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or 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 / /    No /x/

        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 Registrant's Common Stock held by nonaffiliates on January 22, 2002 (based upon the closing sale price of stock on such date) was $3,602,100. As of January 22, 2002, 30,620,587 shares of the Registrant's Common Stock were outstanding.




        This report contains forward-looking statements that are not historical facts but rather are based on current expectations, estimates, projections, beliefs and assumptions about our industry, our company, our business and prospects. Words such as "anticipates", "expects", "intends", "plans", "believes", "seeks", "estimates" and variations of these words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond our control, are difficult to predict and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include those described in "Risks Associated With FORTEL's Business and Future Operating Results", "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and elsewhere in this report. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect our management's view only as of the date of this report. We undertake no obligation to update these statements or publicly release the results of any revisions to the forward-looking statements that we may make to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this report or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

        References in this document to "FORTEL", "we", "our" and "us" refer to FORTEL Inc., a California corporation, its predecessors, and each of its subsidiaries.

        FORTEL and SightLine are trademarks of FORTEL Inc. Zitel, Datametrics and ViewPoint are registered trademarks of FORTEL Inc. VisualProfile, VisualAnalyze, VisualPoint, and the E-Business Performance Experts are trademarks of FORTEL Inc. All other service marks, trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective holders.


PART I

Item 1:    BUSINESS

        FORTEL Inc. ("FORTEL" or the "Company") is an information technology company specializing in computer and systems optimization, data correlation and search technology. FORTEL acquires, develops and markets eBusiness performance management solutions. Product offerings include multi-platform performance analysis and automatic correlation software used to optimize performance in eBusiness infrastructure systems, and professional services for existing and new customers. FORTEL's SightLine and predecessor ViewPoint suites of software have been sold, supported and enhanced for customers in finance and banking, defense management, manufacturing, retail services and government.

        The Company, originally named Zitel Corporation, was organized in 1979 to develop, market and sell semiconductor memory systems. It subsequently developed memory algorithms which it incorporated in high-performance data storage systems developed, marketed and sold by its data storage business. In June 1997, the Company commenced the transition to an information technology company. The Company acquired three companies primarily engaged in development and marketing of software products. This transition was substantially accomplished in July 1998 when the Company sold its data storage business. In May 2000, the Company consolidated its businesses. Effective June 19, 2000 the Company completed a merger with FORTEL Inc., a California corporation which merged into the Company. Effective June 19, 2000 the Company changed its name from Zitel Corporation to FORTEL Inc.

General

        FORTEL develops and markets enterprise intranet and eBusiness performance management solutions through its product offerings which include: multi-platform performance analysis and correlation software used to optimize performance in eBusiness and enterprise backoffice infrastructure systems; and professional services to enhance its offerings to existing and new customers.

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        In May 2000, the Company launched a new product suite called SightLine. SightLine is a blend of proven core technologies and new components that expand the functionality to provide advanced performance to the eBusiness marketplace. The Company markets and supports the high-end performance management suite of SightLine software utilized by enterprise intranets and eBusinesses for infrastructure data management that automatically alerts, analyzes, correlates, investigates, and reports on data center performance for mainframe computers, open systems, servers, and distributed network elements. In addition, the Company provides professional services to solve customers' design, planning and implementation needs and provides training to assist customers in preparing their staff for the improved performance environment, including training on performance products and methodologies. The Company sells its products through a direct sales force in the United States and Europe, and through distributors and partners worldwide. The Company provides both direct and indirect customer maintenance and support for its software products. The Company also continues to support and sell its first generation product suite, ViewPoint.

Products and Services

Software Products

        In June 1997, the Company concluded the acquisition of three companies primarily engaged in development and marketing of software products: Datametrics Systems Corporation, headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia; Palmer & Webb Systems, Limited, headquartered in the United Kingdom; and Palmer & Webb Systems, B.V., headquartered in the Netherlands. These entities combined with the Company's subsidiary, Performance & Modeling, Inc., to provide automated performance analysis and correlation software to solve computer performance problems of mainframe computers, open systems servers and distributed network systems. Corporate customers with significant investments in management information systems utilize these products to maximize efficiency of existing systems and planned system enhancements.

        The SightLine suite of software is a blend of proven core technologies from ViewPoint and new components that expand the functionality to provide advanced performance to the eBusiness marketplace. SightLine provides real-time eBusiness performance management solutions that assure the service-level management goals of eBusiness. It provides real-time analysis and correlation of end-to-end flows and critical paths, identifying key service level indicators in real-time and enabling proactive tuning and optimization.

        SightLine software is component based, which allows the software to collect and aggregate information from an eBusiness, independent of platforms, networks or applications. SightLine also integrates information from third party monitoring tools and can communicate with management frameworks and platforms.

        SightLine consists of three major sets of components. SightLine Expert Advisor which analyzes and correlates heterogeneous information which highlight critical relationships between IT components in real-time. SightLine Expert Advisor's progressive correlation and discovery capability provide true-cause and impact analysis, and recommend and/or take corrective actions and alerts regarding critical service level functions.

        SightLine Vision provides diverse views of eBusiness service levels, based on the specific needs of the user. eBusiness summary views, showing high-level service level status, are available for eBusiness management. Sightline Vision provides detailed views for IT executives, who may desire to monitor an individual tier or a component status. SightLine Vision offers in-depth views for individual components and services for technical management. All views are customizable and are provided via web-based interfaces and management consoles.

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        SightLine Agents monitor the critical service level indicators of a specific eBusiness component by providing three types of agents. Power Agents provide in-depth monitoring of a wide range of indicators and are designed for situations where in-depth analysis or historical trending may be required. Summary Agents provide monitoring of critical indicators, and are designed for use where a snapshot "health" analysis is desired. Interface Agents integrate with third party monitoring tools and applications and collect information from these tools and consolidate the information with SightLine gathered information. SightLine Expert Advisor analyzes and transparently correlates third party information. SightLine interfaces to a variety of third party tools, including Unicenter from Computer Associates, TIVOLI from IBM, Remedy from Remedy Systems, and Keynote from Keynote Systems.

        Until the release of the SightLine suite of products in May 2000, the Company's primary suite of products was ViewPoint. The ViewPoint product suite automatically monitors, alerts, analyzes and reports on potential performance problems before they happen, hence, improving service levels, minimizing risk and facilitating planning for the future. ViewPoint is a real-time data collector of approximately 2,000 different system attributes. It operates on select computer mainframes (backend and e-commerce systems) and all major open systems and server platforms. While it collects the data on the computer system, ViewPoint allows the user to replay the real-time data on any Windows-based PC. Included in ViewPoint are extensive comparative and automatic analysis capabilities and an automatic correlation engine. ViewPoint has entered its end of life phase and will be supported through May of 2002.

Marketing

        The Company's software products are sold through a direct sales force in the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands Germany, France and Switzerland, and through distributors and partners worldwide. The Company provides direct customer maintenance and support for its software products.

Research and Product Developments

        During fiscal 2001, the Company invested in a number of development programs, including the Sightline suite of software. The Company's product family, SightLine, is made up of three major sets of components and accordingly pricing of product configurations varies widely. Expenditures for research and development activities were approximately $3,503,000, $3,843,000 and $3,022,000 in fiscal 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively.

        The performance monitoring software industry, in general, and the markets for the Company's products, in particular, are subject to extreme price competition, rapid technological change and evolving standards, resulting in relatively short product life cycles and continuous erosion of average selling prices. As a result, the Company must continually enhance its existing products and develop and introduce new products in an effort to maintain and increase net sales. The Company has experienced delays in completing the development of new products and may well encounter difficulties that could delay the products currently under development. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in its enhancement and development efforts or in achieving market acceptance of products developed.

Competition

        The market for eBusiness and Internet performance management tools in which the Company's software products business competes is intensely competitive. Many of the companies with which the Company competes, such as Computer Associates International, Inc., Hewlett-Packard Company, and BMC Software, Inc. have substantially larger installed bases and greater financial resources than the Company. New companies will appear and may compete with certain of the Company's products and

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services. The Company believes the important considerations for software customers are ease of use, automated functionality, product reliability, quality and price, as well as complementary services offered.

Proprietary Technology

        The Company currently relies on a combination of copyright and trademark laws, trade secrets, confidentiality agreements and contractual provisions to protect its proprietary rights. The Company seeks to protect its software and written materials, including documentation, under trade secret and copyright laws, which afford only limited protection. The Company has registered its FORTEL and SightLine trademarks and will continue to evaluate the registration of additional trademarks as appropriate. The Company generally enters into confidentiality agreements with its employees and with key vendors and suppliers. The Company currently has one United States patent. The Company believes that the rapidly changing technology in the computer industry makes the Company's success depend more on the technical competence and creative skills of its personnel than on patents.

Employees

        At the end of fiscal 2001, the Company employed 85 persons on a full-time basis: 17 in research and development, 12 in customer support, 3 in consulting services, 3 in operations, 32 in sales and marketing, and 18 in general management and administration.

        The Company believes that its further success will depend, in part, on its ability to attract and retain qualified employees, who are in great demand. None of the Company's employees are represented by a labor union and the Company believes that its employee relations are good.

Investment in MatriDigm Corporation

        The Company invested $7.4 million to acquire a 31% interest in MatriDigm Corporation ("MatriDigm") from fiscal year 1996 through fiscal year 1998. The Company recorded approximately $624 thousand in losses under the equity method from the unconsolidated company during the year ended September 30, 1998. The Company also wrote off its investment in MatriDigm and fully reserved certain demand notes and bank guarantees during fiscal 1998.

        The Company advanced MatriDigm an additional $4.9 million during fiscal year 1999. The Company paid $250 thousand during the year ended September 30, 1999, for a non-exclusive, royalty-bearing license for the MatriDigm technology. The Company also entered into an agreement to acquire the balance of MatriDigm in August 1999. This agreement was terminated in September 1999 and MatriDigm filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy in October 1999. The Company recorded approximately $5.1 million during fiscal year 1999 in the write-off of the license and all advances to MatriDigm.

        An investment in the Company involves a high degree of risk. Please refer to information included under the caption "Risks Associated with FORTEL's Business and Future Operating Results", below.


Risks Associated with FORTEL's Business
and Future Operating Results

FORTEL May Seek Protection Or FORTEL's Creditors May Seek Involuntary Proceedings Against Us Under the Federal Bankruptcy Code

        FORTEL may in the future elect to seek protection under Chapter 11 or Chapter 7 of the Federal Bankruptcy Code. Additionally, the Company is subject to the risk that creditors may seek to commence involuntary bankruptcy proceedings against the Company. If the Company files for Chapter 11 or Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection or if involuntary proceedings are commenced against the Company by its creditors, its creditors or other parties in interest may be permitted to propose

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their own plan, and the Company could be unsuccessful in having a plan of reorganization confirmed which is acceptable to the requisite number of creditors and equity holders entitled to vote on such a plan. This could lead to the Company's inability to emerge from a Chapter 11 filing. Moreover, once bankruptcy proceedings are commenced, either by the filing of a voluntary petition or if an involuntary petition is filed against FORTEL, the Company's creditors could seek FORTEL's liquidation. If a plan were consummated or if the Company were liquidated, it would almost certainly result in its creditors receiving less than 100% of the face value of their claims, and in the claims of its equity holders being cancelled in whole. Even if FORTEL does propose a plan and it is accepted, the Company is unable to predict at this time what treatment would be accorded under any such plan to Company indebtedness, licenses, transfer of goods and services and other intercompany arrangements, transactions and relationships. In addition, during any bankruptcy or similar proceeding, the Company would need court approval to take many actions out of the ordinary course, which could result in its inability to manage the normal operations of the Company and which would cause the Company to incur additional costs associated with the bankruptcy process.

        FORTEL cannot assure that it will have access to sufficient funds to meet its operating needs, which will likely limit the ability to continue as a going concern. There exist uncertainties as to the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. FORTEL's independent certified public accountants have included an explanatory paragraph to this effect in their audit report in this report on Form 10-K with respect to the Company's financial statements for the fiscal year ended 2001. Any significant increase in capital expenditures or other costs or any decrease in or elimination of anticipated sources of revenue could deplete the available cash. Further, should some of the Company's creditors demand immediate payment, in particular payment of liquidated damages, FORTEL would not be in a position to satisfy theses demands. FORTEL needs to find additional funding to finance its operations. If the Company does not realize significant additional revenue or raise additional debt or equity financing or is not able to renegotiate or obtain a waiver for the demand for liquidated damages, the Company will be unable to continue as a going concern. In the event the Company is the subject of bankruptcy proceedings, it may be forced to reorganize or possibly dissolve, and its stockholders may not receive any proceeds upon liquidation.

Significant Losses

        The Company reported a total net loss for fiscal year 2001 of $6,759,000. The Company reported total net losses of $8,653,000, $13,103,000,$43,205,000 and $17,501,000 for fiscal years 2000, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

        The Company has taken a number of steps to attempt to return to profitability, although there is no assurance that it will be successful. A significant portion of the cumulative losses were caused by the funding of MatriDigm, and operations of the Company's former storage systems business, which was sold in July 1998. MatriDigm filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy in October 1999 so there were no additional funding. The Company has subleased its Fremont, CA headquarters, and moved to substantially smaller and less costly premises.

        The Company continues to consider options and take actions necessary to bring costs into line with anticipated revenues. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in this effort and remain a viable operating entity.

Recent Levels of Liquidity Have Been Low and Might Be Insufficient to Remain a Viable Operating Company

        The Company has experienced a shortage of available cash or readily available funds to satisfy all its current obligations towards vendors and service providers. This has caused and might continue to cause disruptions or terminations of relationships with service providers and the non-delivery of needed

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goods and services. The Company has taken several steps to remedy this situation such as renegotiating for accelerated cash payments instead of long term royalty payments and to arrange for payment plans with various service providers and vendors as well as numerous other cost saving measures. If the Company is unable to increase its current levels of available cash or funds available there can be no assurance that vital and material goods or services will be available to the Company and that it will remain a viable operating entity.

Significant Default Liabilities for Liquidated Damages and Liability for Issuance of Repricing Warrants to Private Investors Seriously Threaten the Company as a Going Concern

        On July 18, 2000, the Company, through a private placement, issued 2,191,781 shares of common stock to two institutional investors, Deephaven Private Placement Trading Ltd. and Harp Investors LLC (the "Investors"), in exchange for $5,000,000. This private placement was pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement, Registration Rights Agreement and Repricing Warrants and as subsequently amended by Letter Agreement on November 6, 2000 (collectively the "Agreements"), copies of which were filed with the Company's Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on July 27, 2000 and on November 17, 2000. Proceeds of $4,726,500, net of placement agency and professional fees of $273,500, were received.

        Pursuant to the terms of the Agreements, the Investors have the right to demand additional warrants to purchase shares of common stock from the Company in the event the market price of the Company's stock falls below $2.28 per share. The Company has registered 5,341,126 shares of common stock of which 2,191,781 had been issued as of September 30, 2000. During fiscal year 2001, the Company issued 1,267,024 shares of common stock in satisfaction of the repricing rights. At September 30, 2001 and 2000, there were 3,458,805 and 2,191,781 shares outstanding, respectively.

        On July 25, 2001, the Company received demand letters from the Investors demanding liquidated damages upon default under the Agreements in the aggregate amount of $1,400,000 due to the Company's delisting from The Nasdaq SmallCap Market effective May 16, 2001, its failure to register and its failure to authorize additional securities. These three claims for liquidated damages have, through the passage of time, reached their contractual maximum of $3,000,000 ($1 million per incident) plus interest at a rate of 18% per annum or such lesser maximum amount that is permitted to be paid by applicable law, accruing daily until such liquidated damages, plus all interest thereon, are paid in full. To date, the events of default, as stated by the Investors, have not been remedied, nor has the demand for payment been satisfied by the Company. The Company does not currently have the capabilities to satisfy these demands and therefore will be incurring additional interest expense at the rate of 18% per annum on the unpaid liquidated damages.

        The Company will have to negotiate a significant reduction or waiver of such demands or the Company will not be able to satisfy its obligations and might therefore cease to continue as a going concern.

Recent Levels of Net Sales Have Been Insufficient

        FORTEL has not generated net sales sufficient to produce an operating profit in recent years. The Company has relied on significant financings to support its activities. FORTEL has sustained substantial operating losses and net losses in the fiscal years 1997 through 2001. FORTEL must generate substantial additional net sales and gross margins on its products and services and must continue to successfully implement programs to manage cost and expense levels in order to remain a viable operating entity. There is no assurance that FORTEL can achieve these objectives.

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Fluctuations in Quarterly Results Results and Lack of Predictability of Sales

        A material portion of our revenues has been derived from large orders, as major customers deployed FORTEL's products. Increases in the dollar size of some individual license transactions would also increase the risk of fluctuation in future quarterly results. Moreover, recent adverse economic conditions in the United States, particularly those related to the technology industry, may increase the likelihood that customers will unexpectedly delay or cancel orders and result in revenue shortfalls. This risk is particularly relevant with respect to large customer orders which are more likely to be cancelled or delayed and also have a greater financial impact on FORTEL's operating results. A large number of technology companies, particularly software companies that, like FORTEL, sell e-commerce related software solutions, have recently announced that these conditions have adversely affected their financial results. Additionally, the Company's operating expenses are based in part on its expectations for future revenues and are difficult to adjust in the short term. Any revenue shortfall below FORTEL's expectations could have an immediate and significant adverse effect on the Company's results of operations.

        FORTEL's quarterly operating results have in the past varied and may in the future vary significantly depending on a number of factors, including:

    The level of competition, the size, timing, cancellation or rescheduling of significant orders;

    Market acceptance of new products and product enhancements;

    New product announcements or introductions by FORTEL's competitors;

    Deferrals of customer orders in anticipation of new products or product enhancements;

    Changes in pricing by FORTEL or its competitors;

    The ability of FORTEL to develop, introduce and market new products and product enhancements on a timely basis;

    FORTEL's success in expanding its sales and marketing programs;

    Technological changes in the market for FORTEL's products;

    Product mix and the mix of sales among FORTEL's sales channels;

    Levels of expenditures on research and development;

    Changes in FORTEL's strategy; personnel changes; and,

    General economic trends and other factors.

        Due to all of the foregoing factors, FORTEL believes that period-to-period comparisons of its results of operations are not necessarily meaningful and should not be relied upon as an indicator of future performance. It is possible that in some future quarter the Company's operating results may be below the expectations of public market analysts and investors.

FORTEL Stock Price Has Been Highly Volatile

        The price of FORTEL's common stock during fiscal year 2001 remained highly volatile, ranging from the low closing bid price of $0.04 to the high closing bid price of $1.03.

        In December 2000 the Company was notified by NASDAQ that it no longer satisfied the minimum bid price requirement listing requirements. The Company was provided 90 calendar days, or until March 19, 2001 to regain compliance, however, the Company was unable to demonstrate compliance on or before March 19, 2001, and therefore was delisted from NASDAQ SmallCap market, effective

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May 16, 2001. The de-listing of the Company's common stock may materially and adversely affect the trading liquidity or the price of the Company's common stock.

Trading Restrictions and Reduced Liquidity May Adversely Affect FORTEL's Stock Price and the Ability to Trade Its Stock

        Following the delisting of FORTEL's common stock from The Nasdaq SmallCap Market effective May 16, 2001, its common stock is currently traded on the OTC Bulletin Board market. FORTEL's common stock may be subject to regulation as a "penny stock." The SEC has adopted regulations which generally define "penny stock" to be any equity security that has a market price or exercise price less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions, including listing on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market. If no other exception applies, the Company's common stock may become subject to the SEC's Penny Stock Rules, Rule 15g-1 through Rule 15g-9 under the Exchange Act. For transactions covered by these rules, broker-dealers must make a special suitability determination for the purchase of such securities and must have received the purchaser's written consent to the transaction prior to the purchase. Additionally, for any transaction involving a penny stock, unless exempt, the rules require the delivery, prior to the transaction, of a risk disclosure document mandated by the SEC relating to the penny stock market. The broker-dealer must also disclose the commission payable to both the broker-dealer and the registered representative, current quotations for the securities and, if the broker-dealer is the sole market maker, the broker-dealer must disclose this fact and the broker-dealer's presumed control over the market. Finally, monthly statements must be sent disclosing recent price information for the penny stock held in the account and information on the limited market in penny stocks. Consequently, the penny stock rules may restrict the ability of broker-dealers to sell the Company's securities and may affect the ability of holders to sell these securities in the secondary market and the price at which such holders can sell any such securities. Rule 15g-9 under the Exchange Act imposes additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell such securities except in transactions exempted from such rule. Such exempt transactions include those meeting the requirements of Rule 505 or 506 of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act and transactions in which the purchaser is an institutional accredited investor or an established customer of the broker-dealer. As a result, holders of FORTEL's common stock may be unable to readily sell the stock they hold or may not be able to sell it at all.

Dependence on Key Personnel

        The Company's future performance depends significantly upon the continued service of its key technical and senior management personnel. The Company provides incentives such as salary, benefits and option grants (which are typically subject to vesting over four years) to attract and retain qualified employees. Recently the Company's stock price has been volatile and as such, many of the Company's employees hold options with exercise prices greater than the market price of the Company's Common Stock. As a result, the prior grants of options to the Company's employees may not be an incentive to retain the services of these individuals. The loss of the services of one or more of the Company's officers or other key employees could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, operating results and financial condition. The Company's future success depends on its continuing ability to retain highly qualified technical and management personnel. Competition for such personnel is intense, and there can be no assurance that the Company can retain its key technical and management employees or that it can attract, assimilate and retain other highly qualified key technical and management personnel in the future.

Competition

        The market for eBusiness and Internet performance management tools in which the Company's software products business competes is intensely competitive. Many of the companies with which the

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Company competes, such as Computer Associates International, Inc., Hewlett-Packard Company, and BMC Software, Inc. have substantially larger installed bases and greater financial resources than the Company. New companies will appear and may compete with certain of the Company's products and services. The Company believes the important considerations for software customers are ease of use, automated functionality, product reliability, quality and price, as well as complementary services offered. There can be no assurance that the Company's current competitors or new companies will not develop products comparable or superior to those developed by the Company or adapt more quickly than the Company to new technologies, evolving industry standards, new product introductions, or changing customer requirements. The Company believes that it competes favorably in each of these areas.

Dependence on New Products; Rapid Technological Change

        The markets in which the Company operates are characterized by rapid technological change, changing customer needs, frequent new product introductions and evolving industry standards. The introduction of products embodying new technologies and/or the emergence of new industry standards could render the Company's existing products and services obsolete and unmarketable. The Company's future success will depend upon its ability to develop and to introduce new products and services on a timely basis that keep pace with technological developments and emerging industry standards and address the increasingly sophisticated needs of its customers. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in developing and marketing products or services that respond to technological changes or evolving industry standards, that the Company will not experience difficulties that could delay or prevent the successful development, introduction and marketing of new products or services, or that its new products or services will adequately meet the requirements of the marketplace and achieve market acceptance. If the Company is unable, for technological or other reasons, to develop and introduce new products or services in a timely manner in response to changing market conditions or customer requirements, the Company's business, operating results and financial condition will be materially and adversely affected.

Dependence on Proprietary Technology

        The Company's success depends significantly upon its proprietary technology. The Company currently relies on a combination of patent, copyright and trademark laws, trade secrets, confidentiality agreements and contractual provisions to protect its proprietary rights. The Company seeks to protect its software, documentation and other written materials under trade secret and copyright laws, which afford only limited protection. The Company has registered its FORTEL and SightLine trademarks and will continue to evaluate the registration of additional trademarks as appropriate. The Company generally enters into confidentiality agreements with its employees and with key vendors and suppliers. The Company currently holds a United States patent on one of its software technologies. There can be no assurance that this patent will provide the Company with any competitive advantages or will not be challenged by third parties, or that the patents of others will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's ability to do business. The Company believes that the rapidly changing technology in the computer industry makes the Company's success depend more on the technical competence and creative skills of its personnel than on patents.

        There has also been substantial litigation in the computer industry regarding intellectual property rights, and litigation may be necessary to protect the Company's proprietary technology. The Company has not received significant claims that it is infringing third parties' intellectual property rights, but there can be no assurance that third parties will not in the future claim infringement by the Company with respect to current or future products, trademarks or other proprietary rights.

        The Company expects that companies in its markets will increasingly be subject to infringement claims as the number of products and competitors in the Company's target markets grows. Any such

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claims or litigation may be time-consuming and costly, cause product shipment delays, require the Company to redesign its products or require the Company to enter into royalty or licensing agreements, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, operating results or financial condition. Despite the Company's efforts to protect its proprietary rights, unauthorized parties may attempt to copy aspects of the Company's products or to obtain and use information that the Company regards as proprietary. There can be no assurance that the Company's means of protecting its proprietary rights will be adequate or that the Company's competitors will not independently develop similar technology, duplicate the Company's products or design around patents issued to the Company or other intellectual property rights of the Company.

Product Liability

        The Company's agreements with its customers typically contain provisions intended to limit the Company's exposure to potential product liability claims. It is possible that the limitation of liability provisions contained in the Company's agreements may not be effective. Although the Company has not received any product liability claims to date, the sale and support of products by the Company and the incorporation of products from other companies may entail the risk of such claims. A successful product liability claim against the Company could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, operating results and financial condition.

International Sales and Operations

        Sales to customers outside the United States have accounted for 44%, 48% and 56% of the Company's net sales in fiscal 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively. The Company currently has offices in and is operating in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany and France. International sales pose certain risks not faced by companies that limit themselves to domestic sales. Fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar, for example, could make the Company's products less price competitive. International sales could be adversely affected by factors beyond the Company's control, including the imposition of government controls, export license requirements, restrictions on technology exports, changes in tariffs and taxes and general economic and political conditions. The laws of some countries do not protect the Company's intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States. The Company does not believe these additional risks are significant in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, France or in Switzerland. Please refer to information included in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Power Outages in California

        The Company has significant operations, including our headquarters, in the state of California and are dependent on a continuous power supply. California's current energy crisis could substantially disrupt its operations and increase our expenses. California has recently implemented, and may in the future continue to implement, rolling blackouts throughout the state. If blackouts interrupt FORTEL's power supply, the Company may be temporarily unable to continue operations at its California facilities. Any such interruption in the Company's ability to continue operations at its facilities could delay the development and delivery of its products and services and otherwise disrupt communications with FORTEL's customers or other third parties on whom it relies. Future interruptions could damage the Company's reputation and could result in lost revenue, either of which could substantially harm its business and results of operations. Furthermore, shortages in wholesale electricity supplies have caused power prices to increase. If energy prices continue to increase, FORTEL's operating expenses will likely increase which could have a negative effect on the Company's operating results.

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Item 2:    PROPERTIES

        FORTEL leases its operating facilities in Fremont, CA, Fairfax, VA, Leatherhead, United Kingdom, Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and Berne, Switzerland under non-cancelable operating leases which expire at various dates through the year 2010. Average annual rent is approximately $1.6 million per year for the next two years, less sublease income of approximately $381 thousand per year for the next two years.


Item 3:    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

        During fiscal 2000, the Company's two outstanding legal proceedings were settled, resulting in a net gain of approximately $1.0 million, which was recorded in other income. In the first, the Company's filed a suit against a VLSI Technology, Inc.(in the Superior Court of the State of California in and for the County of Santa Clara) This was settled on May 15, 2000. The Company received $2.5 million in cash ($1.8 million after attorney fees) which was recorded in other income as a gain from settlement of a vendor lawsuit

        In the second, Lynx Venture Partners I, LLC filed a complaint for Breach of Contract, Declaratory Relief and Specific Performance (in the Superior Court of the State of California in and for the County of Alameda), against the Company. This was settled on May 31, 2000. The Company issued 387,500 shares of the Company's common stock, resulting in a charge of $787 thousand to other expense as a loss from settlement of litigation.

        As of September 30, 2001, there was no other pending legal proceedings against or in favor of the Company.


Item 4:    SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

        The Company did not submit any matters to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended September 30, 2001.

Page 12



PART II

Item 5:    MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

        FORTEL's common stock is currently on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol FRTL.OB following its delisting from The NASDAQ SmallCap Market effective May 16, 2001.

        The following table shows the quarterly high and low closing prices of the Nasdaq SmallCap Market (October 1, 2000—May 15, 2001) and the OTC Bulletin Board (May 16—September 30, 2001):

 
  Fiscal Years Ending September 30,
 
  2001
  2000
 
  High
  Low
  High
  Low
First Quarter   1.03   0.20   6.25   0.66
Second Quarter   0.75   0.25   6.63   2.42
Third Quarter   0.30   0.17   5.19   2.00
Fourth Quarter   0.28   0.04   2.75   0.94

        The Company had approximately 730 shareholders of record of its common stock at September 30, 2001.

        The Company has paid no cash dividends on its common stock and does not plan to pay cash dividends to its shareholders in the foreseeable future.


Item 6:    SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

Five-Year Financial Summary
(In thousands except per share data)

 
  Fiscal Years Ending September 30,
 
 
  2001
  2000
  1999
  1998
  1997
 
Net sales   $ 15,793   $ 21,110   $ 20,890   $ 21,700   $ 17,966  
Net loss     (6,759 )   (8,653 )   (13,103 )   (43,205 )   (17,501 )

Basic net loss per share

 

 

(0.23

)

 

(0.33

)

 

(0.59

)

 

(2.48

)

 

(1.15

)
Diluted net loss per share     (0.23 )   (0.33 )   (0.59 )   (2.48 )   (1.15 )
Shares used in basic per share calculation     29,941     26,437     22,199     17,433     15,222  
Shares used in diluted per share calculation     29,941     26,437     22,199     17,433     15,222  

At year end:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Working capital (deficit)     (7,941 )   (818 )   1,057     3,874     18,763  
Total assets     5,208     9,707     11,652     18,070     49,294  
Total long-term liabilities                 4,585     24,161  
Redeemable common stock and warrants         5,301              
Shareholders' equity (deficit)     (6,311 )   (1,926 )   5,897     6,234     15,946  


Item 7:    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

        In addition to historical information, this report contains forward-looking statements that are not historical facts but rather are based on current expectations, estimates, projections, beliefs and assumptions about our industry, our company, our business and prospects. Words such as "anticipates", "expects", "intends", "plans", "believes", "seeks", "estimates" and variations of these words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of

Page 13



future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond our control, are difficult to predict and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include those described in "Risks Associated With FORTEL's Business and Future Operating Results and elsewhere in this report. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect our management's view only as of the date of this report. We undertake no obligation to update these statements or publicly release the results of any revisions to the forward-looking statements that we may make to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this report or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

General

        FORTEL develops and markets enterprise intranet and eBusiness performance management solutions through its product offerings which include: multi-platform performance analysis and correlation software used to optimize performance in eBusiness and enterprise backoffice infrastructure systems; and professional services to enhance its offerings to existing and new customers.

        In May 2000, the Company launched a new product suite called SightLine. SightLine is a blend of proven core technologies and new components that expand the functionality to provide advanced performance to the eBusiness marketplace. The Company markets and supports the high-end performance management suite of SightLine software utilized by enterprise intranet and eBusinesses for infrastructure data management that automatically alerts, analyzes, correlates, investigates, and reports on data center performance for mainframe computers, open systems, servers, and distributed network elements. In addition, professional services are provided to solve customers' design, planning, and implementation needs. Training is available to assist customers in preparing their staff for the improved performance environment, including training on performance products and methodologies. Products are sold through a direct sales force in the United States and Europe, and through distributors and partners worldwide. The Company provides both direct and indirect customer maintenance and support for its software products. The Company also continues to support and sell its first generation product suite, ViewPoint.

Results of Operations

Fiscal 2001 compared with Fiscal 2000

        Total revenue for fiscal 2001 was $15,793,000 compared with total revenue of $21,110,000 in fiscal 2000, a decrease of $5,317,000. The decrease in revenue is primarily related to a decrease in sales of software licenses of approximately $4,080,000. Additionally, revenue decreased as a result of a decrease in training revenue of approximately $882,000. The Company disposed of its training group in December 2000. Maintenance revenue in fiscal 2001, however, increased approximately $977,000, or 16% over comparable revenue for fiscal 2000.

        Gross margin, as a percent of net sales, was 74% for the current year, compared to 66% in the prior year. The increase in gross margin percentage during the current year is primarily attributable to product mix. License sales have higher gross margins.

        Research and development expenses for the year ended September 30, 2001 were 22% of net sales compared with 18% in the prior year. Actual dollars decreased $340,000, primarily attributable to a reduction in engineering personnel and related costs.

        Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended September 30, 2001 were $13,606,000 compared to $19,374,000 in fiscal 2000. Actual spending decreased $5,768,000, primarily attributable to a decrease in headcount in marketing and administrative personnel and related costs ($1,265,000), lower commissions and bonuses ($644,000), a reduction in relocation costs ($465,000), a

Page 14



decrease in recruiting costs ($326,000), a reduction of travel and entertainment ($1,095,000), lower investor relations costs ($361,000), a decrease in legal expenses ($229,000), lower consulting expenses ($534,000), a decrease in professional services ($340,000), a decrease in insurance premiums ($188,000), and a decrease in all other spending areas ($321,000).

        During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2001, as part of the Company's review of its financial results, an impairment assessment of the goodwill associated with the acquisition of the three software companies was performed. As a result, the Company recorded a $945,000 impairment charge to write-off the goodwill associated with the acquisition of the three software companies.

        For the year ended September 30, 2001, interest expense was $309,000 resulting primarily from interest charges in the amount of $118,000 on the unpaid liquidated damages associated with a private placement transaction and interest expense related to a factoring arrangement in fiscal year 2001 of $191,000. In fiscal 2000, interest expense was $106,000 related to the Company's factoring arrangement. In fiscal 2000, other income was $741,000, resulting primarily from the settlement of two legal proceedings.

Fiscal 2000 compared with Fiscal 1999

        Total revenue for fiscal 2000 was $21,110,000 compared with total revenue of $20,890,000 in fiscal 1999, an increase of $220,000. The increase in revenue was primarily related to an increase in sales of software license and related maintenance, partially offset by a decrease in Year 2000 services. Combined software license and maintenance revenues in fiscal 2000 were $17,685,000, an increase of 47% over comparable revenue for fiscal 1999. In fiscal 2000, the Company generated $391,000 in net sales of Year 2000 services compared with $3,750,000 in fiscal 1999. In October 1999, the Company ceased providing Year 2000 services.

        Gross margin, as a percent of net sales, was 66% for the current year, compared to 56% in the prior year. The increase in gross margin percentage during the current year was primarily attributable to product mix. License sales have higher gross margins. Net sales of software licenses increased 65% over the prior year versus the decline in Year 2000 services.

        Research and development expenses for the year ended September 30, 2000 were 18% of net sales compared with 14% in the prior year. Actual dollars increased $821,000, primarily attributable to an increase in engineering personnel and related costs ($818,000), an increase in consulting costs related to ongoing engineering development projects ($400,000), and severance costs related to a reduction in force ($110,000). These increases were offset in part by an increase in capitalization of engineering development projects ($479,000).

        Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended September 30, 2000 were $19,374,000 compared to $15,474,000 in fiscal 1999. Actual spending increased $3,900,000, primarily attributable to an increase in headcount in sales and marketing personnel and related costs ($1,650,000),an increase in travel and entertainment ($750,000), an increase in legal and professional services ($726,000), an increase in business promotion ($454,000), severance costs related to a reduction in force ($325,000) and an increase in communication costs ($132,000). These increases were offset in part by a decrease in facilities rent as a result of having relocated to a smaller facility ($315,000).

        For the year ended September 30, 2000, other income was $741,000 resulting primarily from the settlement of the Company's two outstanding legal proceedings. Interest expense related to a factoring arrangement in fiscal 2000 was $106,000 and interest income from invested funds was $208,000. In fiscal 1999, interest expense was $1,537,000, primarily from the discount on 3% convertible subordinated debentures outstanding. Interest income from invested funds in fiscal 1999 was $397,000.

Page 15



Liquidity and Capital Resources

        Since fiscal year 1997, in addition to the working capital provided by product sales, the Company has augmented its cash needs to finance operations primarily through the issuance of convertible subordinated notes, the private sale of redeemable common stock and proceeds from borrowings against the accounts receivable revolving line of credit.

        During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2001, cash used in operating activities was $320,000,resulting primarily from the net loss of $6,759,000 and a decrease in deferred maintenance of $255,000, offset by a decrease in accounts receivable of $1,172,000, an increase in accounts payable of $1,717,000, an increase in accrued liabilities of $519,000, and the add back of non-cash charges for the goodwill write-off of $945,000 and depreciation and amortization of $1,686,000.

        During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2001, net cash used in investing activities was $68,000, resulting primarily from purchases of capital equipment.

        Net cash provided by financing activities was $268,000, resulting primarily from an aggregate of $200,000 in loan proceeds received from certain officers and directors of the Company. Additionally, $62,000 was generated from proceeds received from the sale of stock under the Company's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2001, the Company borrowed approximately $4,235,000 against the accounts receivable revolving line of credit offset by repayments of approximately $4,229,000.

        The Company currently plans to increase its revenues to a level that will finance expected expenditures and result in at least neutral cash flows from operations. However, until that stage is reached, the Company will continue to use its current cash on hand, working capital, cash flow from operations and utilize the available accounts receivable revolving line of credit.

        If the Company is unable to generate sufficient cash flows from operations or should management determine it to be prudent, it may attempt to raise additional debt or equity. There can be no assurance that in the event the Company requires additional financing, that such financing will be available in light of the current financial situation of the Company and the general adverse conditions of the public and private equity markets.

        In the event that the Company is unable to increase revenue levels or financing is unavailable, management has developed alternative plans which will entail the reduction of expenses to levels that could be financed by revenues generated. There can be no assurance that any cost cutting exercises will be successful in completely eliminating the difference between expenditures and revenues or that such actions would not have a harmful effect on the Company's business and results of operations.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

        In October 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets". SFAS 144 supersedes SFAS 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of." SFAS 144 applies to all long-lived assets (including discontinued operations) and consequently amends Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30. SFAS 144 develops one accounting model for long-lived assets that are to be disposed of by sale. SFAS 144 requires that long-lived assets that are to be disposed of by sale be measured at the lower of book value or fair value less costs to sell. Additionally, SFAS 144 expands the scope of discontinued operations to include all components of an entity with operations that (1) can be distinguished from the rest of the entity and (2) will be eliminated from the ongoing operations of the entity in a disposal transaction. SFAS 144 is effective for all financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001. The adoption of SFAS 144 should not have a material impact on the consolidated financial position or results of operations of the Company.

Page 16



        In July 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141, "Business Combinations." SFAS 141 requires the purchase method of accounting for business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001 and eliminates the pooling-of-interests method. The adoption of SFAS 141 should not have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements.

        In July 2001, the FASB issued SFAS 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets", which is effective for fiscal years beginning after March 15, 2001. SFAS 142 requires, among other things, the discontinuance of goodwill amortization. In addition, the standard includes provisions upon adoption for the reclassification of certain existing recognized intangibles as goodwill, reassessment of the useful lives of existing recognized intangibles, reclassification of certain intangibles out of previously reported goodwill and the testing for impairment of existing goodwill and other intangibles. The Company is currently assessing but has not yet determined the impact of SFAS 142 on the consolidated financial position and results of operations.

        On October 1, 2000, the Company adopted SFAS 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities", as amended. SFAS 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments and requires that all derivatives be recognized on the balance sheet at their fair value. The adoption of SFAS 133 had no effect on the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

        In December 1999, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101 ("SAB 101"), Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements, which provides guidance on the recognition, presentation and disclosure of revenue in financials filed with the SEC. SAB 101 outlines basic criteria that must be met to recognize revenue and provides guidance for disclosures related to revenue recognition policies. The Company implemented the adoption of SAB 101 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001. The implementation of SAB 101 did not have a material effect on the consolidated financial position or results of operations of the Company.


Item 7A:    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

        The Company has considered the provisions of Financial Reporting Release No. 48, "Disclosure of Accounting Policies for Derivative Financial Instruments and Derivative Commodity Instruments, and Disclosure of Quantitative and Qualitative Information about Market Risk Inherent in Derivative Financial Instruments, Other Financial Instruments and Derivative Commodity Instruments". The Company had no holdings of derivative financial or commodity instruments at September 30, 2001 and 2000. A review of other financial instruments and risk exposures at that date revealed the Company did not have material exposure to interest rate risk.

Page 17




Item 8:    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands)

 
  September 30,
 
 
  2001
  2000
 
Assets              
Current assets:              
  Cash and cash equivalents   $ 769   $ 889  
  Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $272 in 2001 and $292 in 2000     2,031     3,362  
  Refundable taxes     6     125  
  Other current assets     772     1,138  
   
 
 
    Total current assets     3,578     5,514  

Fixed assets-net

 

 

515

 

 

854

 
Intangible assets-net     365     2,156  
Other assets-net     750     1,183  
   
 
 
    Total assets   $ 5,208   $ 9,707  
   
 
 

Liabilities, Redeemable Common Stock and Warrants, and Shareholders' Deficit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Current liabilities:              
  Accounts payable   $ 4,084   $ 2,367  
  Accrued liabilities     4,595     1,076  
  Deferred revenue     2,634     2,889  
  Short-term debt     206      
   
 
 
    Total current liabilities     11,519     6,332  
   
 
 

Commitments (See note)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Redeemable common stock and warrants, no par value; 2,192 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2000

 

 


 

 

5,301

 
   
 
 
Shareholders' deficit:              
  Preferred stock, no par value; 1,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding          
  Common stock, no par value; 40,000 shares authorized; 30,387 and 26,780 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2001 and 2000, respectively     79,544     74,471  
  Accumulated deficit     (85,855 )   (76,397 )
   
 
 
    Total shareholders' deficit     (6,311 )   (1,926 )
   
 
 
  Total liabilities, redeemable common stock and warrants, and shareholders' deficit   $ 5,208   $ 9,707  
   
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Page 18


Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands except per share data)

 
  Year Ended September 30,
 
 
  2001
  2000
  1999
 
Net product sales   $ 7,669   $ 12,672   $ 12,148  
Services and other revenue     8,124     8,438     8,742  
   
 
 
 
  Net sales     15,793     21,110     20,890  

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Cost of products sold     491     3,067     5,924  
  Cost of services and other     3,661     4,138     3,363  
  Research and development     3,503     3,843     3,022  
  Selling, general and administrative     13,606     19,374     15,474  
  Impairment of goodwill     945          
  Loss from unconsolidated company             5,098  
   
 
 
 
    Operating loss     (6,413 )   (9,312 )   (11,991 )

Interest income

 

 

(12

)

 

(208

)

 

(397

)
Interest expense     309     106     1,537  
Other (income) and expense, net     40     (741 )   (28 )
   
 
 
 
    Loss before income taxes     (6,750 )   (8,469 )   (13,103 )

Provision for income taxes

 

 

9

 

 

184

 

 


 
   
 
 
 
    Net loss   $ (6,759 ) $ (8,653 ) $ (13,103 )
   
 
 
 
Basic net loss per share   $ (0.23 ) $ (0.33 ) $ (0.59 )
   
 
 
 
Diluted net loss per share   $ (0.23 ) $ (0.33 ) $ (0.59 )
   
 
 
 
Shares used in basic and diluted per share calculation     29,941     26,437     22,199  
   
 
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Page 19


Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Deficit)
(In thousands except per share data)

 
  Preferred
Stock
Shares

  Preferred
Stock
Amount

  Common
Stock
Shares

  Common
Stock
Amount

  Accumulated
Deficit

  Total
Shareholders'
Equity(Deficit)

 
Balances at September 30, 1998     $   20,601   $ 60,574   $ (54,340 ) $ 6,234  
Issuance of Series B preferred stock   200     2,000               2,000  
Issuance of common stock:                                  
  Stock options exercised ($1.38-$2.00 per share)         35     27         27  
  Employee stock purchase plan ($1.33 and $3.37 per share)         60     129         129  
  Conversion of subordinated debenture         4,200     9,927         9,927  
  Discount on $5 million convertible subordinated debenture             555         555  
  Stock warrants issued in connection with a $5 million convertible subordinated debenture             128         128  
Net loss                 (13,103 )   (13,103 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balances at September 30, 1999   200     2,000   24,896     71,340     (67,443 )   5,897  
Issuance of common stock:                                  
  Stock options exercised ($0.72-$3.94 per share)         97     166         166  
  Employee stock purchase plan ($1.04 per share)         94     98         98  
  Conversion of Series B preferred stock   (200 )   (2,000 ) 1,306     2,000          
  Common stock issued in settlement of lawsuit         387     787         787  
  Stock based compensation to consultants             80         80  
  Accretion of redeemable common stock                 (301 )   (301 )
Net loss                 (8,653 )   (8,653 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balances at September 30, 2000         26,780     74,471     (76,397 )   (1,926 )
Issuance of common stock:                                  
  Excercise of warrants         1,267              
  Reclassification of redeemable common stock and warrants         2,192     5,000     301     5,301  
  Employee stock purchase plan ($0.23-0.61)         148     62         62  
  Stock based compensation to consultants             11         11  
  Liquidated damages                 (3,000 )   (3,000 )
Net loss                 (6,759 )   (6,759 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balances at September 30, 2001     $   30,387   $ 79,544   $ (85,855 ) $ (6,311 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Page 20


Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)

 
  Year Ended September 30,
 
 
  2001
  2000
  1999
 
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities:                    
Net loss   $ (6,759 ) $ (8,653 ) $ (13,103 )
  Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:                    
    Loss from unconsolidated company             5,098  
    Amortization of capitalized financing costs             479  
    Discount amortization on subordinated debenture             555  
    Provision for excess capacity         435     387  
    Impairment of goodwill     945          
    Depreciation and amortization     1,686     2,157     2,511  
    Provision for doubtful accounts     159     416     282  
    Stock compensation to consultants     11     80      
    Settlement of lawsuit         787      
  Change in operating assets and liabilities:                    
  Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable     1,172     38     (422 )
  Decrease (increase) in other current assets     366     672     (469 )
  Increase (decrease) in accounts payable     1,717     (252 )   (1,017 )
  Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities     519     (510 )   (891 )
  Increase (decrease) in deferred revenue     (255 )   351     (66 )
  Decrease in refundable income taxes     119     80     3  
   
 
 
 
    Net cash used in operating activities     (320 )   (4,399 )   (6,653 )
   
 
 
 
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities:                    
  Acquisition of fixed assets     (90 )   (762 )   (189 )
  Proceeds from disposal of fixed assets     44          
  Investment in and advances to unconsolidated company             (5,098 )
  Purchase of Telemetrics AG, net of cash acquired         (168 )    
  Purchase of other assets     (22 )   (716 )   (477 )
   
 
 
 
    Net cash used in investing activities     (68 )   (1,646 )   (5,764 )
   
 
 
 
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:                    
  Issuance of redeemable common stock and warrants         5,000      
  Issuance of preferred stock             2,000  
  Issuance of common stock     62     264     156  
  Issuance of subordinated debenture             5,342  
  Proceeds from loans from officers and directors     200          
  Proceeds from borrowings     4,235     7,106      
  Repayment of borrowings     (4,229 )   (7,106 )    
   
 
 
 
    Net cash provided by financing activities     268     5,264     7,498  
   
 
 
 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents     (120 )   (781 )   (4,919 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year     889     1,670     6,589  
   
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year   $ 769   $ 889   $ 1,670  
   
 
 
 
Supplemental cash flow information:                    
  Income taxes paid   $   $ 3   $ 5  
  Interest paid   $ 191   $ 106   $ 57  
Supplemental non-cash investing and financing activities:                    
  Accretion of redeemable common stock   $   $ 301   $  
  Capitalized financing costs   $   $   $ 219  
  Conversion of subordinated debenture and accrued interest   $   $   $ 9,927  
  Conversion of Series B preferred stock to common stock   $   $ 2,000   $  
  Settlement of lawsuit   $   $ 787   $  
  Common stock purchase warrants   $   $   $ 128  
  Reclassification of redeemable common stock and warrants   $ 5,301   $   $  
  Liquidated damages   $ 3,000   $   $  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Page 21



Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(In thousands except per share data)

The Company:

        FORTEL Inc. ("FORTEL" or the "Company") is an information technology company specializing in computer and systems optimization, data correlation and search technology. FORTEL acquires, develops and markets eBusiness performance management solutions. Product offerings include multi-platform performance analysis and automatic correlation software used to optimize performance in eBusiness infrastructure systems, and professional services for existing and new customers. FORTEL's SightLine and predecessor ViewPoint suites of software have been sold to customers in finance and banking, defense management, manufacturing, retail services and government.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:

Basis of Presentation:

        These consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The Company has incurred losses in each of the last three fiscal years and has an accumulated deficit at September 30, 2001 of $85,855, as well as a working capital deficit at September 30, 2001 of $7,941. These significant losses and the low level of cash available do not currently enable the Company to satisfy all or substantially all of its obligations to third-parties. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.

        The Company currently plans to increase its revenues to a level that will finance expected expenditures and result in at least neutral cash flows from operations. However, until that stage is reached, the Company will continue to use its current cash on hand, cash flows from operations and utilize an available accounts receivable revolving line of credit, which was increased from $2,000 to $3,000 on January 3, 2001.

        If the Company is unable to generate sufficient cash flows from operations or should management determine it to be prudent, the Company may seek additional sources of capital. However, due to the Company's operating losses, declining cash balances and declining stock value, delisting of its common stock, recent conditions in the financial markets and a general decrease in investor interest in the technology industry, it has become extremely difficult, if not impossible, for the Company to attract equity financing and difficult to obtain debt financing on favorable terms or at all.

        In the event that the Company is unable to increase revenue levels or financing is unavailable, management has developed alternative plans which will entail the reduction of expenses to levels that could be financed by revenues generated. Such reductions in expenditures may include actions similar or greater action in scope to the reduction in workforce undertaken in October 2001. There can be no assurance that the reduction in workforce undertaken in October 2001 or any further cost cutting exercises will be successful in completely eliminating the difference between expenditures and revenues or that such actions would not have a harmful effect on the Company's business, consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

        The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

Principles of Consolidation:

        The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of FORTEL Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

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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 disclosures 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 these estimates.

Cash Equivalents:

        For purposes of the statements of cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments with an original or remaining maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

Fixed Assets:

        Fixed assets other than leasehold improvements, are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation, and are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives (generally three years). Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of their useful life or remaining term of the related lease. When assets are disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and the resulting gains and losses are included in the results of operations for the period.

Deferred Software Implementation Costs:

        The Company has adopted SOP 98-1 "Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use". Software development costs, including costs incurred to purchase third party software, are capitalized beginning when the Company has determined factors are present, including among others, that technology exists to achieve the performance requirements, buy versus internal development decisions have been made and the Company's management has authorized the funding for the project. Capitalization of software costs cease when the software is substantially complete and is ready for its intended use and is amortized over its estimated useful life of five years using the straight-line method. As of September 30, 2001 and 2000, $351 in costs had been capitalized and are included in other long-term assets.

        Amortization in the amount of $94 and $94 was charged to expense during fiscal years 2000 and 1999, respectively. As of September 30, 2000, these costs were fully amortized.

Revenue Recognition:

        The Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Position ("SOP") 97-2, "Software Revenue Recognition", as amended by SOP 98-4, "Deferral of the Effective Date of Certain Provisions of SOP 97-2", effective October 1, 1998. SOP 97-2 delineates the accounting for software products, products including software that is not incidental to the product, and maintenance revenues. Under SOP 97-2, the Company recognizes product license revenue upon shipment if a signed contract exists, the fee is fixed and determinable, collection of the resulting receivable is probable and any product returns can be reasonably estimated.

        For contracts with multiple obligations (e.g., maintenance and consulting services), revenue from product licenses are recognized when delivery has occurred, collection of the resulting receivables is probable, the fee is fixed and determinable and vendor-specific objective evidence exists to allocate the fee to the undelivered elements of the arrangement using the residual method. The Company recognizes revenue allocated to maintenance and support fees, for ongoing customer support and product updates, ratably over the period of the relevant contract. For revenue allocated to consulting

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services and for consulting services sold separately, the Company recognizes revenue as the related services are performed. Maintenance and consulting services are included in services and other revenue.

        The Company recognized revenue from Year 2000 conversion services when the conversion services were completed. Revenue from Year 2000 conversion services are included in services and other revenue.

Research and Development Expenditures:

        Research and development expenditures are charged to operations as incurred.

Software Development Costs:

        The Company capitalizes certain software development costs after technological feasibility of the software is attained. Capitalized costs are amortized using the greater of the amount computed using the ratio that current gross revenues for a product bear to the total of current and anticipated gross revenues for that product, or on a straight-line basis over the estimated product life cycle (approximately three years). The Company evaluates the estimated net realizable value of each software product at each balance sheet date and records write-downs to net realizable value for any products with a net book value in excess of net realizable value. There were no software development costs capitalized in fiscal 2001. Software development costs capitalized in fiscal year 2000 were $678. Amortization of $455, $240 and $410 was charged to expense for fiscal years 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively.

Foreign Currency Translation:

        The U.S. dollar is considered to be the functional currency for the Company's foreign operations. Accordingly, non-monetary assets and liabilities have been translated into U.S. dollars at a historical rate; monetary assets and liabilities have been translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate at the balance sheet date; and revenues and expenses have been generally translated into U.S. dollars at the weighted average exchange rate during the period. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses, as well as the effects of remeasurement (which have not been material in the aggregate), are included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Intangible Assets:

        Intangible assets include goodwill and purchased technology, recorded in connection with the acquisition of three software companies, and are being amortized on a straight-line basis over six and five years, respectively. The Company periodically assesses the recoverability of intangible assets by determining whether the amortization of the asset balance over its remaining life can be recovered through undiscounted future operating cash flows of the acquired operation. The amount of impairment, if any, is measured based on projected discounted future operating cash flows and is recognized as a write down of the asset. As part of the Company's review of its third quarter financial results, an impairment assessment was performed. The assessment was performed primarily due to the significant decline in the Company's common stock price, the fact that the Company's common stock had been delisted from the Nasdaq SmallCap Market, and the overall decline in industry growth rates. As a result of this assessment, the Company recorded a $945 impairment charge to write-off the goodwill associated with the acquisition of the three software companies.

Income Taxes:

        Deferred income taxes are recognized for temporary differences by applying enacted statutory rates applicable to future years to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of existing assets and liabilities. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized

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in the statement of operations in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts expected to be realized.

Comprehensive Loss:

        Comprehensive income, as defined, includes all charges in equity (net assets) during a period from non-owner sources. There were no differences between comprehensive loss and net loss as reported for each of the fiscal years 2001, 2000 and 1999.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements:

        In October 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets". SFAS 144 supersedes SFAS 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of." SFAS 144 applies to all long-lived assets (including discontinued operations) and consequently amends Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30. SFAS 144 develops one accounting model for long-lived assets that are to be disposed of by sale. SFAS 144 requires that long-lived assets that are to be disposed of by sale be measured at the lower of book value or fair value less costs to sell. Additionally, SFAS 144 expands the scope of discontinued operations to include all components of an entity with operations that (1) can be distinguished from the rest of the entity and (2) will be eliminated from the ongoing operations of the entity in a disposal transaction. SFAS 144 is effective for all financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001. The adoption of SFAS 144 should not have a material impact on the consolidated financial position or results of operations of the Company.

        In July 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141, "Business Combinations." SFAS 141 requires the purchase method of accounting for business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001 and eliminates the pooling-of-interests method. The adoption of SFAS 141 should not have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements.

        In July 2001, the FASB issued SFAS 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets", which is effective for fiscal years beginning after March 15, 2001. SFAS 142 requires, among other things, the discontinuance of goodwill amortization. In addition, the standard includes provisions upon adoption for the reclassification of certain existing recognized intangibles as goodwill, reassessment of the useful lives of existing recognized intangibles, reclassification of certain intangibles out of previously reported goodwill and the testing for impairment of existing goodwill and other intangibles. The Company is currently assessing but has not yet determined the impact of SFAS 142 on the consolidated financial position and results of operations.

        On October 1, 2000, the Company adopted SFAS 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities", as amended. SFAS 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments and requires that all derivatives be recognized on the balance sheet at their fair value. The adoption of SFAS 133 had no effect on the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

        In December 1999, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101 ("SAB 101"), Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements, which provides guidance on the recognition, presentation and disclosure of revenue in financials filed with the SEC. SAB 101 outlines basic criteria that must be met to recognize revenue and provides guidance for disclosures related to revenue recognition policies. The Company implemented the adoption of SAB 101 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001. The implementation of SAB 101 did not have a material effect on the consolidated financial position or results of operations of the Company.

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Net Loss Per Share:

        Basic loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted loss per common share is computed giving effect to all potentially dilutive common shares that were outstanding during the period. Dilutive common shares consist of the incremental common shares issuable upon the conversion of convertible subordinated debt (using the "if converted" method) and exercise of stock options and warrants for all periods.

Concentrations of Credit Risk:

        Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents and trade receivables. The Company places its cash investments with high credit quality financial institutions and limits the amount of exposure to any one financial institution. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to accounts receivables are limited due to the diversity of the Company's customers, both geographically and within different industry segments. The Company performs ongoing evaluations of its customers' financial condition and generally does not require collateral. The Company maintains allowances for potential credit losses and such losses have not historically exceeded expectations.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments:

        Carrying value amounts of certain of the Company's financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and short-term debt approximate fair value due to their short maturities.

 
  September 30,
 
 
  2001
  2000
 
Fixed Assets:              
  Furniture, fixtures and equipment   $ 3,350   $ 3,378  
  Leasehold improvements     200     199  
   
 
 
      3,550     3,577  
  Less accumulated depreciation and amortization     (3,035 )   (2,723 )
   
 
 
    $ 515   $ 854  
   
 
 

        Depreciation expense was $385, $678 and $762 for fiscal years 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively.

Business Combinations:

        In October 1999, FORTEL acquired all outstanding shares of Telemetrics Systems AG, a company domiciled in Berne, Switzerland, for approximately $1,200. Telemetrics Systems AG was primarily in the business of distributing FORTEL products. The transaction was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. Accordingly, the total purchase price of $1,200 was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, based upon their estimated fair values and no goodwill was recorded.

        The following table is a summary of unaudited pro-forma financial information with respect to the combined companies as described above, disclosing pro-forma results of operations for the fiscal year 1999 as though the entities had been combined as of October 1, 1998. The pro-forma results do not reflect any non-recurring charges of approximately $65 which resulted directly from the transaction.

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        The acquisition was transacted at the beginning of the Company's fiscal year 2000 and, therefore, the results of operations of Telemetrics Systems AG for the fiscal year 2000 are included in the consolidated results of operations from the date of acquisition.

 
  Fiscal Year
1999
(unaudited)

 
Revenue   $ 20,916  
Net loss   $ (12,947 )
Net loss per share   ($ 0.58 )

Intangible Assets:

        Intangible assets consist of the following as of:

 
  September 30,
 
 
  2001
  2000
 
Goodwill   $ 2,768   $ 2,768  
Purchased technology     2,588     2,588  
Less accumulated amortization     (4,991 )   (3,200 )
   
 
 
    $ 365   $ 2,156  
   
 
 

Other Assets:

        Other assets consist of the following as of:

 
  September 30,
 
 
  2001
  2000
 
Deferred software implementation costs   $ 351   $ 351  
Purchased software     550     550  
Capitalized development projects     1,454     1,454  
Other     166     144  
   
 
 
      2,521     2,499  
Less accumulated amortization     (1,771 )   (1,316 )
   
 
 
    $ 750   $ 1,183  
   
 
 

Investment in Unconsolidated Company:

        The Company invested $7,400 to acquire a 31% interest in MatriDigm Corporation ("MatriDigm") from fiscal year 1996 through fiscal year 1998.

        FORTEL advanced MatriDigm an additional $4,900 during fiscal year 1999. The Company paid $250 during the year ended September 30, 1999, for a non-exclusive, royalty-bearing license for the MatriDigm technology. FORTEL also entered into an agreement to acquire the balance of MatriDigm in August 1999. This agreement was terminated in September 1999 and MatriDigm filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy in October 1999. The Company recorded approximately $5,100 during fiscal year 1999 in the write-off of the license and all advances to MatriDigm.

        MatriDigm filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy in October 1999 and did not provide the Company with financial statements for the year ended September 30, 1999.

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Accrued Liabilities:

 
  September 30,
 
  2001
  2000
Accrued payroll and related   $ 792   $ 141
Accrued vacation     283     415
Accrued commissions     43     19
Other accrued liabilities     477     501
Liquidated damages     3,000    
   
 
    $ 4,595   $ 1,076
   
 

Credit Facility:

        The Company has a $3,000 accounts receivable revolving line of credit. Borrowings are based on 80% of certain eligible receivables which are aged 90 days or less. The interest rate approximates 18% per annum calculated on the average daily balance outstanding. Additionally, there is an administrative fee of 1/2 of one percent of each amount factored. The credit facility has no maturity; however, either party may terminate at any time. During fiscal year 2001, the Company borrowed approximately $4,235 and repaid approximately $4,229 under this credit facility. At September 30, 2001, approximately $6 was outstanding against the line.

Commitments:

        The Company leases its operating facilities in Fremont, CA, Fairfax, VA, Leatherhead, United Kingdom, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, and Berne, Switzerland, under non-cancelable operating leases that expire at various dates through the year 2010. Rent expense incurred under all operating leases and charged to operations was $945 net of sublease income of $950 in fiscal year 2001, $955 net of sublease income of $632 in fiscal year 2000 and $1,279 in fiscal year 1999.

        Future minimum obligations under all facility leases at September 30, 2001 aggregate approximately $4,369 without regard to potential sublease income, and are payable as follows:

Fiscal Year
  Facility Lease Amount
  Sublease Income Amount
2002   $ 1,944   $ 520
2003     1,248     242
2004     619    
2005     167    
2006     167    
Thereafter     224    
   
 
Total   $ 4,369   $ 762
   
 

3% Convertible Subordinated Debentures—1998:

        On June 16, 1998, the Company issued a $10,000 principal amount of 3% Convertible Subordinated Debentures (the "3% Debentures") which were due June 15, 1999, and five-year common stock purchase warrants for 150 shares of the Company's common stock at an exercise price of $5.10 per share. The fair value of the warrants was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. At September 30, 2001, these fully vested and exercisable warrants are still outstanding. These warrants will expire in June 2004. During fiscal 1998, approximately $5,100 of principal and accrued interest

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were converted to 1,300 shares of common stock. During fiscal year 1999, approximately $4,900 was converted into 1,300 shares of common stock.

3% Convertible Subordinated Debentures—1999:

        On February 3, 1999, the Company issued a $5,000 principal amount of 3% Convertible Subordinated Debentures (the "1999 Debentures") which would automatically convert on February 1, 2000; and five-year common stock purchase warrants to acquire 75 shares of the Company's common stock at an exercise price of $1.71 per share. The fair value of the warrants was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. At September 30, 2001, these fully vested and exercisable warrants are still outstanding. These warrants will expire in February 2005. The 1999 Debentures accrued interest at the rate of 3% per annum. Principal and accrued interest were convertible into Common Stock of the Company at a price of $1.71 per share.

        Interest expense and amortization of the debt issuance costs in the amount of $555 are included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the fiscal year 1999. The Debentures and accrued interest were fully converted into 2,900 shares of common stock as of September 30, 1999.

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Private Placement of Common Stock:

        In July 2000, the Company, through a private placement, issued 2,192 shares of common stock to two institutional investors, Deephaven Private Placement Trading Ltd. and Harp Investors LLC (the "Investors"), in exchange for $5,000. This private placement was pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement, Registration Rights Agreement and Repricing Warrants (collectively the "Agreements"). Proceeds of $4,727, net of placement agency and professional fees of $273, were received. Pursuant to the terms of the Agreements, the Investors have the right to demand additional warrants to purchase shares of common stock from the Company in the event the market price of the Company's stock falls below $2.28 per share. The Company has registered 5,341 shares of common stock of which 2,192 shares had been issued as of September 30, 2000. In fiscal year 2001, the Company issued 1,267 shares of common stock in satisfaction of the repricing rights. At September 30, 2001 and 2000, there were 3,459 and 2,192 shares outstanding, respectively. At September 30, 2001, 1,985 fully vested and exercisable warrants are outstanding. These warrants will expire in February 2002.

        Because of the redemption feature contained within the Agreements, the Company had classified the transaction as mezzanine financing and recorded the proceeds as temporary equity on the balance sheet at September 30, 2000. On November 6, 2000, the Company entered into a letter agreement with the Investors to modify the Agreements to replace the redemption feature with specified liquidated damages as a remedy for certain breaches of and defaults under the Agreements. The modification of these terms enabled the Company to reclassify the transaction from temporary equity into shareholders' equity.

        The modification of the Agreements, gives the Investors the right to demand liquidating damages of up to $6,000 should certain events be breached by the Company. On July 25, 2001 the Company received demand letters from the Investors demanding liquidated damages upon a default under the Agreements, all dated July 18, 2000 and as subsequently amended on November 6, 2000, in the aggregate amount of $1,400 due to (1) the Company's delisting from The Nasdaq SmallCap Market effective May 16, 2001, (2) its failure to register additional securities and (3) its failure to authorize additional securities. To date, the defaults have not been remedied, nor has the demand for payment been satisfied by the Company, and as such, based on the provisions of the Agreements as subsequently amended, as of September 30, 2001, the liquidated damages, as demanded, have increased to $3,000. In addition, interest of approximately $118 has been accrued on the unpaid liquidated damages. The Company does not currently have the capabilities to satisfy these demands and therefore will continue to incur interest charges at the rate of 18% per annum on the unpaid liquidated damages.

Preferred Stock:

        In October 1983, the Company authorized 1,000 shares of preferred stock. The Board of Directors has the authority to establish all rights and terms with respect to the preferred stock without future vote or action by the shareholders. At September 30, 1999, 200 thousand shares of Series B preferred stock were issued and outstanding. In July 2000, all of the Series B preferred stock were converted into 1,306 shares of common stock valued at $2,000.

Stock Option Plans:

        In November 1999, the Board of Directors approved the 2000 Equity Incentive Plan (the "Incentive Plan"). The total number of shares authorized for issuance under the Incentive Plan was 1,000. The Incentive Plan was approved by the shareholders in March 2000. In addition to the approval of the Incentive Plan, the Company's 1990 Stock Option Plan was terminated and the unissued shares were cancelled. All options outstanding under the 1990 Plan at the time of its termination will continue in effect in accordance with their terms and the terms of such plan. All outstanding shares issued under the 1990 Plan that either expired or were cancelled, ceased to be reserved for issuance.

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        With the termination of the 1990 Plan in March 2000, the Company granted options and other stock-based awards to its employees and consultants under the Incentive Plan.

        At September 30, 2001, in aggregate, the Company had 7,700 common shares reserved for issuance under its stock option plans, as amended. Under the Company's stock option plans, options become exercisable at dates and in amounts as specified by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors and expire two-to-ten years from the date of grant. Options may be granted to employees at prices not less than fair market value at the date of grant. At September 30, 2001 and 2000, there were 68 and 408 shares reserved for future grants, respectively.

        Activity in the Company's option plans during fiscal years 1999, 2000 and 2001 is summarized as follows:

 
  Number
of
Shares

  Weighted
Average
Price
Per Share

  Options
Price
Per Share

  Total
Amount

 
Balances, September 30, 1998   2,090   $ 9.09   $ 1.38-$23.25     18,991  
  Granted   1,092   $ 2.41   $ 1.22-$4.09     2,522  
  Cancelled   (1,059 ) $ 9.94   $ 1.56-$23.25     (10,714 )
  Exercised   (35 ) $ 1.56   $ 1.38-$2.00     (27 )
   
       
 
 
Balances, September 30, 1999   2,088   $ 5.16   $ 1.22-$16.63     10,772  
  Granted   1,545   $ 3.04   $ 0.72-$6.63     4,691  
  Cancelled   (779 ) $ 4.11   $ 0.72-$14.25     (3,200 )
  Exercised   (57 ) $ 2.92   $ 1.78-$6.00     (99 )
   
       
 
 
Balances, September 30, 2000   2,797   $ 4.35   $ 0.72-$16.63     12,164  
  Granted   501   $ 0.39   $ 0.20-$1.00     196  
  Cancelled   (636 ) $ 4.58   $ 0.20-$14.25     (2,914 )
  Exercised     $   $ N/A-$N/A      
   
       
 
 
Balances, September 30, 2001   2,662   $ 3.55   $ 0.20-$16.63   $ 9,446  
   
 
 
 
 

        At September 30, 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively, options for 1,500, 1,100 and 1,100 shares were exercisable at a weighted exercise price per share of $4.67, $5.58 and $5.56, respectively.

1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan:

        In April 1995, the Board of Directors approved the adoption of a Directors plan which provides for automatic grants of options to purchase an aggregate of 200 shares of common stock. In March 2000 and 1999, the number of shares reserved for issuance under the Directors' Plan were increased by 150 and 200, respectively. Options in the amount of 175, 200 and 70 were granted in fiscal years 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively. The options granted in fiscal years 2001, 2000 and 1999 were at a weighted average exercise price per share of $0.59, $4.07 and $3.42, respectively. There were no options excercised in fiscal 2001 and fiscal 1999. In fiscal 2000, there were 40 shares of options exercised at an exercise price of $1.66 per share for $66.4. At September 30, 2001, 2000 and 1999, 216, 136 and 144 shares, respectively, were exercisable. At September 30, 2001, 129 shares were available for future grants.

Preferred Share Purchase Rights Plan:

        In June 1996, the Company adopted a Preferred Share Purchase Rights Plan whereby shareholders will receive one right to purchase one one-hundredth of a share of a new series of preferred stock ("Rights") for each outstanding share of the Company's common stock held at the date of record,

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July 1, 1996. The Rights do not become exercisable or transferable apart from the common stock until a person or group (a) acquires beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the Company's common stock or (b) announces a tender or exchange offer, the consummation of which would result in ownership by a person or group of 15% or more of the Company's common stock. The Rights will be distributed as a non-taxable dividend and will expire in ten years from the date of declaration of the dividend. The exercise price is $69.50 per 1/100 of a share of preferred stock.

Stock Purchase Plan:

        In April 1984, the Board of Directors approved the adoption of an Employee Stock Purchase Plan under which 400 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance to eligible employees.

        In January 1988, January 1990, January 1992, and January 1995, the shareholders approved amendments to increase the shares reserved for the Plan by 300 shares, 400 shares, 400 shares, and 500 shares, respectively. Employees who do not own 5% or more of the outstanding shares are eligible to participate through payroll deductions, which may not exceed 10% of an employee's compensation. At the end of each offering period, shares are purchased by the participants at 85% of the lower of the fair market value at the beginning or the end of the offering period. The 15% discount is treated as equivalent to the cost of issuing stock for financial reporting purposes.

        In December 2000, the Board of Directors adopted an amendment to increase the number of shares of reserved under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan by 600 shares. The shareholder approval of the amendment, however, was not obtained as it did not receive the required number of affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock. As a result, subsequent to the end of the November 2000 Plan offering, the Board of Directors suspended the Employee Stock Purchase Plan indefinitely. During fiscal years 2001, 2000 and 1999, shares issued under the Plan were 148, 94 and 60 shares, respectively, at a weighted average purchase price per share of $0.51, $1.04, and $2.64, respectively. Since inception of the Plan, all shares that have been reserved for issuance under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan have been issued.

        As of September 30, 2001, options outstanding under both the stock option plans and 1995 Non-Employees Directors' Stock Option Plan were as follows:

OPTIONS OUTSTANDING
  OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
Range
of
Exercise
Prices

  Number
Outstanding

  Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life

  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

  Number
Exercisable

  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

$0.28-$0.63   150   9.30   $ 0.46   79   $ 0.51
0.72-0.72   310   6.85     0.72   204     0.72
0.75-1.63   394   8.91     1.21   94     1.38
1.66-1.69   194   3.92     1.66   167     1.66
1.75-1.75   325   7.82     1.75   238     1.75
2.03-3.63   363   6.63     3.09   170     3.08
4.06-5.88   337   4.67     5.04   273     5.16
6.03-6.38   318   5.25     6.33   212     6.34
6.81-33.00   349   4.74     12.48   328     12.60
0.20-0.25   322   9.38     0.23   0     0.00
   
 
 
 
 
$0.20-$33.00   3,062   6.75   $ 3.56   1,765   $ 4.77

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Pro Forma Stock-Based Compensation:

        The Company has elected to continue to follow the provisions of Accounting Principles Board ("APB") No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees", for financial reporting purposes and has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation". Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for the Company's stock option plans or Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Had compensation cost for the Company's stock option plans and Employee Stock Purchase Plan been determined based on the fair value at the grant date for awards consistent with the provisions of SFAS No. 123, the Company's net loss and net loss per share for fiscal years 2001, 2000 and 1999 would have been increased to the pro forma amounts indicated below:

 
  Fiscal Years
 
 
  2001
  2000
  1999
 
Net loss—as reported   $ (6,759 ) $ (8,653 ) $ (13,103 )
   
 
 
 
Net loss—pro forma   $ (7,780 ) $ (11,287 ) $ (15,461 )
   
 
 
 
Basic and diluted net loss per share—as reported   $ (0.23 ) $ (0.33 ) $ (0.59 )
   
 
 
 
Basic and diluted net loss per share—pro forma   $ (0.26 ) $ (0.43 ) $ (0.69 )
   
 
 
 

        The above pro forma disclosures are not necessarily representative of the effects on reported net income or loss for future years.

        The aggregate fair value and weighted average grant date fair value of each option granted in fiscal years 2001, 2000 and 1999 were $299, $5,300 and $1,900 and $0.44, $3.02 and $1.58 per share, respectively. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model with the following weighted average assumptions for fiscal years 2001, 2000 and 1999:

 
  Fiscal Years
 
  2001
  2000
  1999
Expected volatility (%)   487   212   118
Risk-free interest rate (%)   4.53   6.46   5.16
Expected life (years)   4.87   4.87   5.06
Expected dividend yield (%)   0   0   0

        The aggregate fair value and weighted average fair value of each purchase under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan in fiscal years 2001, 2000 and 1999 were $68, $80 and $73 and $0.55, $0.88 and $2.76 per share, respectively. The Company has also estimated the fair value for the purchase rights under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan using the Black-Scholes Model, with the following assumptions for fiscal years 2001, 2000 and 1999:

 
  Fiscal Years
 
  2001
  2000
  1999
Expected volatility (%)   487   229   119
Risk-free interest rate (%)   4.53   6.46   5.00
Expected life (years)   0.49   0.49   0.49
Expected dividend yield (%)   0   0   0

Savings and Investment Plan:

        The Company has a 401(k) (the "Savings Plan") plan provided to all regular full-time employees who desire to participate. Under the Savings Plan, participating employees may elect to contribute up

Page 33



to 15 percent of their eligible compensation, subject to certain limitations. At the discretion of the Board of Directors, the Company may also make contributions to the Savings Plan, however, it has not made any contributions to the Savings Plan nor does it plan to make any contributions in the foreseeable future.

Earnings Per Share ("EPS") Disclosures:

        A reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of basic and diluted EPS is provided as follows:

 
  Fiscal Years
 
 
  2001
  2000
  1999
 
Numerator—basic and diluted EPS                    
  Net loss   $ (6,759 ) $ (8,653 ) $ (13,103 )
   
 
 
 

Denominator—basic and diluted EPS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Common stock outstanding     29,941     26,437     22,199  
   
 
 
 

Total shares used in calculation of basic and diluted EPS

 

 

29,941

 

 

26,437

 

 

22,199

 
   
 
 
 
Basic and diluted net loss per share   $ (0.23 ) $ (0.33 ) $ (0.59 )
   
 
 
 

        Stock options to purchase 3,000, 3,100 and 2,300 shares of common stock in fiscal years 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively, at prices ranging from $0.20 to $33.00 per share and warrants to purchase 2,210, 2,417 and 225 shares, respectively, of common stock in each of the fiscal years 2001, 2000 and 1999, were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted net loss per share as they were antidilutive.

        In addition, the Company had $3,000 of convertible debentures outstanding in 1999, which were convertible into approximately 4,200 shares of common stock but were not included in the computation of diluted net loss per share as they were antidilutive.

Income Taxes:

        The provision for income taxes for the fiscal years 2001, 2000 and 1999 is as follows:

 
  2001
  2000
  1999
Current expense:                  
  Federal   $   $   $
  State            
  Foreign     9     184    
   
 
 
      9     184    
   
 
 
Deferred tax expense:                  
  Federal            
  State            
   
 
 
             
   
 
 
Change in valuation allowance            
   
 
 
    $ 9   $ 184   $
   
 
 

Page 34


        The Company's effective tax rate for fiscal years 2001, 2000 and 1999 differs from the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate as follows:

 
  2001
  2000
  1999
 
Federal income tax (benefit) at statutory rate   (34.0 )% (34.0 )% (34.0 )%
State taxes, net of federal effect   (2.3 ) (3.0 ) (2.2 )
Tax credits     (1.5 ) (0.1 )
Non-deductible interest expense        
Other, net   3.2   1.2   3.1  
Change in valuation allowance        
Net operating losses and tax credits not benefited   33.2   38.2   33.2  
Foreign taxes   0.4   1.2    
   
 
 
 
    0.5 % 2.1 % 0.0 %
   
 
 
 

        The following table shows the major components of the deferred tax asset as of September 30, 2001 and 2000:

 
  2001
  2000
 
Deferred tax assets and liabilities:              
  Current:              
    Write down of equity investment   $ 2,889   $ 2,889  
    Accounts receivable, inventory and other accruals     1,594     1,182  
    Accrued liabilities     105     276  
    Net operating loss carryforwards     26,466     24,751  
    Tax credit carryforwards     3,199     3,199  
   
 
 
    Total before valuation allowance     34,253     32,297  
    Valuation allowance     (34,253 )   (32,297 )
   
 
 
    Net deferred tax asset   $   $  
   
 
 

        At September 30, 2001, the Company has federal and state net operating loss ("NOL") carryforwards of approximately $64,900 and $8,900, respectively, to reduce future taxable income. The Company has federal and state general business credit carryforwards of $2,500 and $700, respectively, to reduce future taxable income. These carryforwards expire in 2002 through 2022 if not utilized.

        In addition, the Company has approximately $6,400 of NOLs related to stock option exercises, the benefit of which will be credited to equity when utilized.

        Under the Tax Reform Act of 1986, the amount of tax benefits from net operating loss and credit carryforwards may be impaired or limited if the Company has incurred a cumulative ownership change of more than 50%, as defined under federal and state law, during a three year period. The Company may have gone through a change of ownership and therefore the Company's net operating loss and credit carryforwards may be subject to a limitation on utilization and such limitation may be material.

        Due to the net loss incurred in fiscal year 2001, accumulated deficit and lack of alternative tax planning strategies, there is uncertainty surrounding the realization of the favorable tax attributes in future tax returns. Accordingly, the Company maintains a full valuation allowance against its otherwise recognizable net deferred tax assets.

        The valuation allowance increased by $1,956 and $4,771 during the fiscal years 2001 and 2000, respectively.

Page 35



Segment Information:

        During fiscal year 2001, the Company had one reportable segment, Software, however, during fiscal years 2000 and 1999, the Company had two reportable segments—Software and Year 2000 Services. The software business segment develops and markets ebusiness performance management software solutions. The Year 2000 business segment provided services which reviewed software code and identified areas within the code where year 2000 problems may occur. At the start of the fiscal year 2000, the Company ceased its Year 2000 business segment.

        The following table presents certain segment financial information for the fiscal years 2001, 2000 and 1999:

 
  Software
  Year 2000
  Total
 
Fiscal Year 2001                    
Revenues from external customers   $ 15,793   $   $ 15,793  
   
 
 
 
Segment loss from operations   $ (6,413 ) $   $ (6,413 )
   
 
 
 
Segment assets   $ 12,932   $   $ 12,932  
   
 
 
 

Fiscal Year 2000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Revenues from external customers   $ 20,718   $ 392   $ 21,110  
   
 
 
 
Segment loss from operations   $ (9,094 ) $ (218 ) $ (9,312 )
   
 
 
 
Segment assets   $ 17,688   $   $ 17,688  
   
 
 
 

Fiscal Year 1999

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Revenues from external customers   $ 17,140   $ 3,750   $ 20,890  
   
 
 
 
Segment income (loss) from operations   $ 48   $ (6,941 ) $ (6,893 )
   
 
 
 
Segment assets   $ 9,017   $   $ 9,017  
   
 
 
 

Page 36


        Reconciliations of the segment financial information to the consolidated totals as of and for each of the fiscal years 2001, 2000 and 1999 are provided below:

 
  Fiscal Year
 
 
  2001
  2000
  1999
 
Total consolidated net revenues   $ 15,793   $ 21,100   $ 20,890  
   
 
 
 
Loss from operations:                    
Loss from operations for reportable segments   $ (5,468 ) $ (9,312 ) $ (6,893 )
Loss on impairment of assets     (945 )        
Loss from unconsolidated company             (5,098 )
   
 
 
 
  Consolidated loss from operations   $ (6,413 ) $ (9,312 ) $ (11,991 )
   
 
 
 
 
  September 30,
 
 
  2001
  2000
  1999
 
Assets:                    
Assets of software segment   $ 12,932   $ 17,688   $ 9,017  
Unallocated assets             17,668  
Eliminations                    
  Intercompany receivables     (3,467 )   (3,691 )   (2,720 )
  Investments in and advances to related parties     (4,257 )   (4,290 )   12,313 )
   
 
 
 
    Consolidated assets   $ 5,208   $ 9,707   $ 11,652  
   
 
 
 

        Net revenues to external customers are based on the location of the customer. Geographic information for fiscal years 2001, 2000 and 1999 is presented in the table below:

 
  United
States

  Europe
  Australia
  Other
  Total
Fiscal Year 2001                              

Net revenues

 

$

8,770

 

$

6,743

 

$

280

 

$


 

$

15,793

Long-lived assets

 

 

1,389

 

 

241

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

1,630

Fiscal Year 2000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenues

 

$

11,045

 

$

7,928

 

$

368

 

$

1,769

 

$

21,110

Long-lived assets

 

 

3,693

 

 

500

 

 


 

 


 

 

4,193

Fiscal Year 1999

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenues

 

$

9,296

 

$

7,340

 

$

2,908

 

$

1,346

 

$

20,890

Long-lived assets

 

 

4,295

 

 

545

 

 


 

 


 

 

4,840

        There were no sales to any one customer that exceeded 10% of net sales in 2001. Sales to one software customer located in the United States amounted to 21.1% and 10.6% of net sales in 2000 and 1999, respectively.

Related party transactions

        During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2001, certain directors and officers of the Company made loans to the Company. These loans bear interest at 18% per annum and are payable 90 days from receipt of the funds. These loans were recorded as short-term debt. At September 30, 2001, included in short-term debt is $200 in amounts owing to such directors and officers.

Page 37




Report of Independent Accountants

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
FORTEL Inc.

        In our opinion, the consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of operations, of shareholders' equity (deficit) and cash flows listed in the index appearing under Item 14(a)(1) on page 41 present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of FORTEL Inc. and subsidiaries at September 30, 2001 and 2000, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2001, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 14(a)(2) on page 41 presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America which 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, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.

        The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in the "Basis of Presentation" note to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has suffered recurring losses from operations and has an accumulated deficit at September 30, 2001 of $85,855,000 that raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans in regard to these matters are also described in the "Basis of Presentation" note. The Company's ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon, among other things, its ability to (a) achieve sufficient levels of net revenues to produce profitable operations and (b) generate adequate levels of liquidity through internally generated cash flows as well as additional external sources of capital. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
San Jose, California

November 7, 2001

Page 38




Item 9:    CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

        None.


PART III

Item 10:    DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

Name

  Age
  Title
William R. Lonergan   76   Chairman of the Board of Directors
Susan J. Dickerson   54   Director
Tsvi Gal   41   Director
Asa W. Lanum   54   President and Chief Executive Officer, and Director
L. John Loomis   50   Director
William M. Regitz   62   Director
Edward F. Thompson   63   Director
Romeo R. Dizon   44   Acting Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary
Theodore M. Ewing   57   Sr. Vice President of Field Operations
Robert E. Fortelka   48   Sr. Vice President of Product Operations

        William R. Lonergan has served as a Director of the Company since July 1983 and has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors since July 1994, a member of the Audit Committee since July 1991, and a member of the Compensation Committee from November 1984 to March 9, 2000. Mr. Lonergan was reappointed to the Audit Committee in December 2000. Mr. Lonergan was a Partner of Oxford Partners, the general partner of several venture capital partnerships, from May 1983 to December 1994. Since January 1995, he has been a consultant to Oxford Partners. Mr. Lonergan is a Director of Dataware Technologies, Inc., a developer and marketer of high-performance, multi-platform and multi-lingual software.

        Susan J. Dickerson has served as a Director of the Company since January 2001 and a member of the Compensation Committee since March 8, 2001. Currently, Ms. Dickerson serves as Senior Vice President of Business Development for PostX Corporation, which provides a wide array of secure electronic communications methods for sensitive information. Prior to PostX, Ms. Dickerson was Vice President of Worldwide Field Operations of Phoenix Technologies, the global leader in firmware solutions for PCs and connected devices, from 1999 to 2001. From 1996 to 1999, Ms. Dickerson was Vice President of Worldwide Sales at Eloquent, a web-based rich media business communications solutions provider. Prior to Eloquent, Ms. Dickerson served in a series of sales and marketing management positions in the computer software industry and brings extensive experience in establishing distribution channels and building sales organizations for selling early adopter sale products. Ms. Dickerson began her career in high-tech in 1968 as a software engineer at IBM and later Amdahl.

        Tsvi Gal has served as a Director of the Company since December 1999 and a member of the Compensation Committee since March 9, 2000. Mr. Gal was President of E*AT&T—AT&T's "dot corp" organization that leads the communications giant's efforts in Electronic Business. Mr. Gal had founded Global Bandwidth Solutions, an Electronic Commerce and telecommunications company with over $1B in assets in Asia. Mr. Gal has been Chief Technology Officer of Enterprise Technology Services for Merrill Lynch in 1999. Prior to joining Merrill Lynch, Mr. Gal served as Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer of North America applications for ABN AMRO Bank from 1996 to 1999. From 1994 to 1996, he served as a Senior Vice President and CTO of Bank of America. From 1988 to 1994, Mr. Gal served as a Vice President of Information Technology of Wells Fargo

Page 39



Bank, where his accomplishments included introduction of the first Electronic Banking solutions over the Internet and Wells Fargo's use of open systems. Mr. Gal serves as a director of the board of several companies as well as Stanford University's advisory board.

        Asa W. Lanum has served as a Director of the Company since January 1999 and, in August 1999, was named President and Chief Executive Officer of Fortel. He was elected as a member of the Board of Directors in January 1999. Prior to joining FORTEL, Mr. Lanum was Managing Principal of The CTO Group, a consulting organization providing strategic marketing, product and technology advice to end users and systems vendors in the distributed, open systems, client server marketplace. He has over 30 years of experience as an executive and manager in the computer industry in the United States and Europe and is the author of over 30 papers and books.

        L. John Loomis has served as a Director of the Company since January 2001 and a member of the Audit Committee since March 8, 2001. He brings over 30 years of software, hardware, telecommunications development and management experience. Currently, Mr. Loomis serves as Managing Principal at The CTO Group, where they provide CTO-type services to a number of Publishing, Wall Street and International companies. Prior to that, Mr. Loomis has served as a chief executive officer and/or a chief operating officer doing corporate "turnarounds' for small publicly-held companies specializing in LCD chip design and multi-media software development. His extensive technical background includes design, development and support on Windows, Unix and Macintosh platforms. His early technical career involved design, development and support of mainframe-type processor and supporting equipment.

        William M. Regitz has served as a Director of the Company since March 1983 and a member of the Compensation Committee since November 1984. He served in various positions since 1971 at Intel, most recently as Manager of Mobile Manufacturing, until his retirement in 1999.

        Edward F. Thompson has served a Director of the Company since January 2000 and a member of the Audit Committee since March 9, 2000. Mr. Thompson has served as a Senior Advisor to the Board of Directors of Fujitsu Limited and as a director of several Fujitsu subsidiaries or portfolio companies since 1995. From 1976 to 1994, Mr. Thompson served in a series of management positions with Amdahl Corporation including, from 1983 to 1994, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of Amdahl and Chief Executive Officer of Amdahl Capital Corporation. He is a member of the boards of directors and strategic advisory boards of several private companies.

        Romeo R. Dizon was named acting Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer on May 1, 2001. Prior to this assignment, Mr. Dizon held the position of Corporate Controller. He has also served as Manager of Financial Planning/Analysis from 1991 to 1997, Manager of Cost Accounting and Cash from 1990 to 1991, and Manager of General Accounting from 1987 when he joined the Company. Prior to joining FORTEL, Mr. Dizon was an Accounting Manager for Telogy, Inc. from 1985 to 1987 and on the Audit Staff of Touche Ross & Co. from 1982 to 1985.

        Theodore M. Ewing, a twenty-four year veteran of the software industry with 30 years' experience in sales and marketing, joined the Company in January 2001 as Senior Vice President of Worldwide Field Operations. Mr. Ewing is responsible for the overall performance of FORTEL's worldwide sales initiative, including direct and channel sales, professional services and the field marketing team. He was most recently president of Tidal Software between 1996 and 2000, where he led the company through reorganization, new product development, market positioning and funding. From 1994 to 1995, Mr. Ewing was Vice President of Worldwide Sales and Marketing at Bradmark Technologies, Inc., leading the company to its first growth year in five years. At Systems Center, Inc., Mr. Ewing was Senior Vice President of North American operations from 1991 to 1993 and played a strategic role in the success of the acquisition of Systems Center by Sterling Software in 1993.

Page 40



        Robert E. Fortelka, a thirty-year software industry veteran, joined the Company in August 2000 as Sr. Vice President of Product Operations. FORTEL created the new position and brought in Mr. Fortelka in response to increased demand driven by their market-leading work in eBusiness Service Level Assurance software technology. Mr. Fortelka is responsible for overall product release management and delivery, including overseeing software engineering, quality assurance, product configuration and customer service. Prior to joining FORTEL, he served as Vice President of Software Development and Operations for TIDAL Software from 1996 to 2000. Mr. Fortelka also held a number of executive positions at Park City Group from 1994 to 1996, and at Pansophic Systems from 1976 to 1991, prior to its acquisition by Computer Associates in 1991.


Item 11:    EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

        The following table shows for the fiscal years ending September 30, 1999, 2000 and 2001 compensation awarded or paid to the individuals who served as the Company's executive officers during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2001 (the "Named Executive Officers"):


SUMMARY OF COMPENSATION

 
   
   
   
  Long-Term
Compensation
Awards

   
 
 
  Annual Compensation
  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options (#)

   
 
Name and Principal Position

  Other
Compensation(2) ($)

 
  Year
  Salary(1) ($)
  Bonus ($)
 
Asa W. Lanum
President and Chief Executive Officer
  2001
2000
1999
  221,058
285,577
39,135
 
68,750
 
200,000
320,000(3


)


 

Romeo R. Dizon
Acting Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

 

2001

 

110,260

 


 


 


 

Henry C. Harris
Former Senior Vice President, Business Development & Chief Financial Officer

 

2001
2000
1999

 

132,461
212,884
199,099

 




 


50,000
100,000

 



933

 

Anna M. McCann
Former Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

 

2000
1999

 

170,487
165,077

 


18,125

 

25,000
50,000

 

43,500

(4)

Theodore M. Ewing
Sr. Vice President, Field Operations

 

2001

 

110,384

 


 

150,000

 

23,955

(5)

Robert E. Fortelka
Sr. Vice President, Product Operations

 

2001

 

167,212

 


 


 


 

(1)
Includes amounts deferred pursuant to Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

(2)
Unless otherwise noted, represents life insurance premiums for the benefit of the Named Executive Officers.

Page 41


(3)
Includes 20,000 shares underlying options granted to Mr. Lanum as a non-employee director prior to his being hired as an employee and appointed an executive officer of the Company.

(4)
Represents payments for consulting services to Ms. McCann subsequent to her resignation.

(5)
Represents payments to Mr. Ewing for territory sales commissions.


STOCK OPTION GRANTS AND EXERCISES

        The following tables sets forth, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2001, certain information regarding options granted to, exercised by, and held at year-end by the Named Executive Officers:


OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR

 
  Individual Grants
   
   
  Potential Realizable
Value at
Assumed Annual
Rates of Stock Price
Appreciation for
Option Term(1)

 
   
  % of Total
Options/
Granted to
Employees
in Fiscal
Year (%)

   
   
 
  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options/
Granted (#)

   
   
Name

  Exercise or Base
Price ($/sh)

  Expiration
Date

  5% ($)
  10% ($)

Asa W. Lanum

 


 


 


 


 


 


Henry C. Harris

 


 


 


 


 


 


Romeo R. Dizon

 


 


 


 


 


 


Theodore M. Ewing(2)

 

150,000

 

30.0

 

0.21875

 

12/27/10

 

20,636

 

52,295

Robert E. Fortelka

 


 


 


 


 


 


(1)
Calculated on the assumption that the market value of the underlying stock increases at the stated values compounded annually for the ten-year term of the options.

(2)
All options were granted under the 2000 Equity Incentive Plan. Options granted at an exercise price of $0.21875 and vest annually over four years of its ten-year term.


AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FY-END OPTION VALUES

Name

  Shares Acquired on
Exercise (#)

  Value Realized ($)
  Number of Securities
Underlying Unexercised
Options at FY-End (#)
Exercisable/Unexercisable


Asa W. Lanum

 


 


 

321,667/164,999

Romeo R. Dizon

 


 


 

  11,550/6,250    

Henry C. Harris

 


 


 

234,000/—        

Theodore M. Ewing

 


 


 

        —/150,000

Robert E. Fortelka

 


 


 

  37,500/112,500

Page 42


LOGO


REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

        The Company's executive compensation generally consists of a base salary, a cash bonus and long-term incentive stock options. Annual compensation for executive officers and certain non-officer vice presidents of the Company, other than the President, is recommended by the President and is reviewed and approved by the Compensation Committee. The individual salary recommendations may vary based on the President's judgment regarding the value of a position in the Company, performance of the executive and comparative compensation for like positions at other companies of similar size in their area, derived from salary survey data and other sources.

        The annual compensation for the President is recommended by the Compensation Committee and approved by the non-employee members of the Board of Directors. The Committee determines the President's annual compensation based on the same criteria and the same survey as used for officers, with the objective of placing his salary at the median for presidents of comparable companies.

        The Company believes that compensation of the key executives should be sufficient to attract and retain highly qualified personnel and should also provide meaningful incentives for measurable superior performance. The Company seeks to reward achievement of long-term and short-term performance goals. The Company currently does not provide retirement benefits to its executive officers, other than the availability of a 401(k) plan.

        During fiscal year 2001, the Company did not establish a formal bonus plan.

        The Compensation Committee uses stock option grants to further align the interests of shareholders and management by creating common incentives related to the possession by Management of a substantial economic interest in the long-term appreciation of the Company's Common Stock. The

Page 43



Committee considers the number of options previously granted and the proportion that have vested in making its decisions. Stock option grants, other than for the President, are made periodically at the recommendation of the President with the approval of the Compensation Committee. The Committee makes option grants to the President on the same basis as for other officers. Options are granted with an exercise price equal to the full market value of the Company's Common Stock on the date of grant. During fiscal year 2001, the Company did not issue such stock option grants to any of its executive officers.


Item 12:    SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

        The following table sets forth certain information regarding the ownership of the Company's Common Stock as of January 11, 2002 by: (i) each current director; (ii) each of the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table; (iii) all current executive officers and directors of the Company as a group; and (iv) all those known by the Company to be beneficial owners of more than five percent of its Common Stock.

 
  Beneficial Ownership(1)
 
Beneficial Owner

  Number of
Shares

  Percent of
Total

 

William R. Lonergan(2)

 

119,766

 

*

 

Susan J. Dickerson(2)

 

20,837

 

*

 

Tsvi Gal(2)

 

34,383

 

*

 

Asa W. Lanum(2)

 

411,669

 

1.3

%

L. John Loomis(2)

 

20,837

 

*

 

William M. Regitz(2)

 

175,208

 

*

 

Edward F. Thompson(2)

 

38,341

 

*

 

Romeo R. Dizon(2)

 

11,550

 

*

 

Theodore M. Ewing(2)

 

238,500

 

*

 

Robert E. Fortelka(2)

 

239,697

 

*

 

Henry C. Harris

 

4,083

 

*

 

All current executive officers and directors as a group (10 persons)(2)

 

1,310,788

 

4.3

%

*
Less than one percent.

(1)
This table is based upon information supplied by officers, directors and principal shareholders and Schedules 13D and 13G, if any, filed with the Commission. Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes to this table and subject to community property laws, where applicable, each of the shareholders named in this table has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares indicated as beneficially owned. Applicable percentages are based on 30,620,587 shares outstanding on January 11, 2002, adjusted as required by rules promulgated by the Commission.

(2)
Includes shares that certain directors and executive officers have the right to acquire within 60 days of January 11, 2002 pursuant to outstanding options as follows: William R. Lonergan, 86,208 shares; Susan J. Dickerson, 20,837; Tsvi Gal, 34,383 shares; Asa W. Lanum, 358,335 shares; L. John Loomis, 20,837 shares; William M. Regitz, 67,208 shares; Edward F. Thompson,

Page 44


    33,341 shares; Romeo R. Dizon, 11,550 shares; Theodore M. Ewing, 37,500 shares; Robert E. Fortelka, 37,500 shares and all current executive officers and directors as a group, 707,699 shares.


Item 13:    CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

        During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2001, certain directors and officers of the Company made loans to the Company. These loans bear interest at 18% per annum and are payable 90 days from receipt of the funds, however, to date, remains unpaid. These loans were recorded as short-term debt. At September 30, 2001, included in short-term debt is $200,000 in amounts owing to such directors and officers.

Name

  Relation
  Loan Amount
  Date of Loan
  Due Date
  Int. Rate
 
William R. Lonergan   Director   $ 50,000   6/22/2001   9/20/2001   18 %
Robert E. Fortelka   Officer     50,000   6/23/2001   9/21/2001   18 %
Theodore M. Ewing   Officer     50,000   6/28/2001   9/26/2001   18 %
William M. Regitz   Director     50,000   7/3/2001   10/1/2001   18 %
       
             
Total       $ 200,000              
       
             

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

        The Company issued promissory notes to William R. Lonergan on June 22, 2001 and William M. Regitz on July 3, 2001 for the amount of $50,000 each at an annual interest rate of 18%, payable within 90 days; both notes remain unpaid by the Company. Both are members of the Board and Mr. Regitz is also a member of the Compensation Committee and Mr. Lonergan is also a member of the Audit Committee.


PART IV

Item 14:    EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a)    Financial Statements and Schedules

        The consolidated financial statements, together with the report thereon from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, appear in Item 8 in this Form 10-K. Financial statement schedules not included in this Form 10-K have been omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the financial statements or the notes thereto.

    (1)
    Financial Statements:

    FORTEL Inc.:

      Consolidated Balance Sheets (p. 19)

      Consolidated Statements of Operations (p. 20)

      Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Deficit) (p. 21)

      Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (p. 22)

      Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (pgs. 23-38)

      Report of Independent Accountants (p. 39)

    (2)
    Financial Statement Schedule:

Page 45


SCHEDULE VIII—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (p. 48)

      All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.

    (3)
    Exhibits

      Exhibits filed as part of this report are listed below. Certain exhibits have been previously filed with the Commission and are incorporated by reference.

 
Exhibit Number

  Description
  3.1   Restated Articles of Incorporation (3)

 

3.1.1

 

Certificate of Ownership and Merger and Name Change (10)

 

3.2

 

Bylaws (1)

 

3.3

 

Certificate of Determination of Preferences of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock (5)

 

3.4

 

Certificate of Amendment of Articles of Incorporation (11)

 

3.5

 

Certificate of Determination of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (11)

 

10.1

 

1982 Incentive Stock Option Plan, as amended, and form of Stock Option Grant (2)

 

10.2

 

1984 Supplemental Stock Option Plan and form of Stock Option Grant (2)

 

10.3

 

1984 Stock Purchase Plan, as amended, through November 1987 (3)

 

10.4

 

Lease Agreement dated February 16, 1995 between the Company and Renco Investment Company (4)

 

10.5

 

Rights Agreement, dated as of June 12, 1996, between Zitel Corporation and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, with exhibits (5)

 

10.6

 

Placement Agency Agreement (6)

 

10.7

 

Lease Office Building for One Monument Place between Upland Industries Corporation and Collins Equities, Inc. and Datametrics Systems Corporation dated July 31, 1992 (7)

 

10.8

 

First Amendment to Lease between CMD Realty Investment Fund, L.P. and Datametrics Systems Corporation dated October 16, 1996 (7)

 

10.9

 

Form of Palmer & Webb Lease (7)

 

10.10

 

Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant (8)

 

10.11

 

Registration Rights Agreement (8)

 

10.12

 

Securities Purchase Agreement (8)

Page 46



 

10.13

 

Placement Agency Agreement (8)

 

10.14

 

Agreement and Plan of Reorganization and Merger, dated as of October 5, 1998, by and among Zitel Corporation, Millennium Holding Corp., Zenith Acquisition Corp., Millennium Acquisition I Corp., and MatriDigm Corporation (9)

 

10.15

 

Form of Shareholder Agreement, dated as of October 5, 1998, by and between, in each case, Zitel Corporation and a certain specified shareholder of MatriDigm Corporation (9)

 

10.16

 

Form of Lock-Up Letter, dated as of October 5, 1998, addressed, in each case, to Millennium Holding Corp. from a certain specified shareholder of MatriDigm Corporation (9)

 

10.17

 

Selected Summary Financial Data for the period ended June 30, 1998 (9)

 

10.18

 

Joint Press Release of Zitel Corporation and MatriDigm Corporation, dated October 5, 1998 (9)

 

10.19

 

Termination of Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization with Millennium Holding (12)

 

10.20

 

3% convertible Subordinated Debentures and Common Stock Purchase Warrants (13)

 

10.21

 

Registration of common stock related to 3% Convertible Subordinated Debentures and Common Stock Purchase Warrants (14)

 

10.22

 

Opinion on the Company's 1990 Stock Option Plan (15)

 

10.23

 

1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan, as amended (16)

 

10.24

 

Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization with MatriDigm Corp. (17)

 

10.25

 

Conversion of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (18)

 

10.26

 

Registration of common stock issued in connection with lawsuit settlement (19)

 

10.27

 

Lease Agreement dated February 16, 1995 between the Company and Renco Investment Company (4)

 

10.28

 

Registration of common stock issued in connection with Securities Purchase Agreement (21)

 

10.29

 

Registration of common stock for the 2000 Equity Incentive Plan (22)

 

10.30

 

Registration of common stock for the 1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan (23)

 

10.31

 

Letter of Agreement to replace redemption with specified liquidating damages (24)

 

10.32

 

Time Note issued to certain officer of FORTEL Inc.

 

10.33

 

Time Note issued to certain officer of FORTEL Inc.

Page 47



 

10.34

 

Time Note issued to certain officer of FORTEL Inc.

 

10.35

 

Time Note issued to certain officer of FORTEL Inc.

 

13

 

Quarterly Report, Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2001 (25)

 

22.1

 

Subsidiaries of the Company

 

23.1

 

Consent of Independent Accountants.

(1)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibits to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 2-90366) filed on April 6, 1984.

(2)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibits to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 2-96804) filed on March 29, 1985.

(3)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibits to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed December 17, 1987.

(4)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibits to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed May 11, 1995.

(5)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibits to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 25, 1996.

(6)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibits to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 29, 1997.

(7)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibits to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 14, 1997.

(8)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibits to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 25, 1998.

(9)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibits to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 6, 1998.

(10)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibits to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 29, 2000.

(11)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibits to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed December 12, 1999.

(12)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibits to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 31, 1998.

(13)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibits to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 16, 1999.

(14)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibits to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed March 5, 1999.

(15)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibits to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed May 13, 1999.

(16)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibits to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed May 13, 1999.

Page 48


(17)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibits to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 25, 1999.

(18)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibits to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed January 13, 2000.

(19)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibits to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed June 29, 2000.

(20)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibits to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 27, 2000.

(21)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibits to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed August 14, 2000.

(22)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibits to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed November 1, 2000.

(23)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibits to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed November 1, 2000.

(24)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibits to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 17, 2000.

(25)
Incorporated by reference to the indicated exhibits to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed August 14, 2001.

        For the purposes of complying with the amendments to the rules governing Form S-8 under the Securities Act of 1933, the undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes as follows, which undertaking shall be incorporated by reference into Registrant's Registration Statements on Form S-8 No.'s 33-40361 and 33-47697 (filed May 3, 1991 and May 6, 1992).

        Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

Page 49




SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


 

FORTEL Inc.

 

By:

 

/s/  
ASA W. LANUM      
Asa W. Lanum
President and Director
Chief Executive Officer
January 28, 2002

        KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Asa W. Lanum and Romeo R. Dizon, jointly and severally, his or her attorneys-in-fact, each with the power of substitution, for him or her in any and all capacities, to sign any amendments to this Report on Form 10-K, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection herewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact, or his substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Page 50


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

Signature
  Title
  Date

 

 

 

 

 
/s/  ASA W. LANUM      
Asa W. Lanum
  President and Director
(Chief Executive Officer)
  January 28, 2002

/s/  
ROMEO R. DIZON      
Romeo R. Dizon

 

Acting Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary

 

January 28, 2002

/s/  
SUSAN J. DICKERSON      
Susan J. Dickerson

 

Director

 

January 28, 2002

/s/  
TSVI GAL      
Tsvi Gal

 

Director

 

January 28, 2002

/s/  
WILLIAM R. LONERGAN      
William R. Lonergan

 

Director

 

January 28, 2002

/s/  
L. JOHN LOOMIS      
L. John Loomis

 

Director

 

January 28, 2002

/s/  
WILLIAM M. REGITZ      
William M. Regitz

 

Director

 

January 28, 2002

/s/  
EDWARD F. THOMPSON      
Edward F. Thompson

 

Director

 

January 28, 2002

Page 51



SCHEDULE VIII

FORTEL Inc.

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
FISCAL YEARS 1999, 2000 AND 2001

Column A
  Column B
  Column C
  Column D
  Column E
Description

  Balance Beginning of Period
  Additions Charged to Revenues and Costs and Expense
  Write-offs and Deductions
  Balance at End of Period
1999                        
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts   $ 122,000   $ 282,000   $ 124,000   $ 280,000

Valuation Allowance on Deferred Tax Assets

 

$

18,675,000

 

$

8,851,000

 

$


 

$

27,526,000

Reserve for excess capacity

 

$

527,000

 

$

387,000

 

$

431,000

 

$

483,000

2000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts   $ 280,000   $ 253,000   $ 241,000   $ 292,000

Valuation Allowance on Deferred Tax Assets

 

$

27,526,000

 

$

4,771,000

 

$


 

$

32,297,000

Reserve for excess capacity

 

$

483,000

 

$

435,000

 

$

378,000

 

$

540,000

2001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts   $ 292,000   $ 159,000   $ 179,000   $ 272,000

Valuation Allowance on Deferred Tax Assets

 

$

32,297,000

 

$

1,956,000

 

 


 

$

34,253,000

Reserve for excess capacity

 

$

540,000

 

$


 

$

232,000

 

$

308,000

Page 52




QuickLinks

PART I
Risks Associated with FORTEL's Business and Future Operating Results
PART II
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (In thousands except per share data)
Report of Independent Accountants
PART III
SUMMARY OF COMPENSATION
STOCK OPTION GRANTS AND EXERCISES
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FY-END OPTION VALUES
REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
PART IV
SIGNATURES