Annual Report • May 22, 2003
Annual Report
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Financial Review and Corporate Governance

Making people successful in a changing world

17238 Adecco AR fin. CUBIERTA 28/2/03 12:03 Página 2

the Adecco Group's network connects 650,000 Associates with 100,000 business Clients through its network of 29,000 employees and 5,800 offices in 63* countries around the world.
Adecco S.A. is a Forbes 500 company and the global leader in HR Solutions and is No. 1 or 2 in 12 of the world's top 13 staffing markets that account for 95% of the industry revenues. Managed by a multinational team with expertise in markets spanning the globe, the Adecco Group delivers an unparalleled range of flexible staffing and career resources to corporate Clients and qualified Associates.
Adecco S.A. is registered in Switzerland and is listed on the Swiss Exchange (ADEN/trading on Virt-x: 1213860), NYSE (ADO), Euronext Premier Marché (12819).
17238 Adecco AR finan. TRIPA 28/2/03 12:00 Página 2
| Management's Discussion and Analysis | 4 |
|---|---|
| Selected Financial Information | 8 |
| Consolidated Financial Statements | 9 |
| Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements | 13 |
| Report of the Group Auditors | 29 |
| Adecco S.A. Financial Statements | 30 |
| Report of the Statutory Auditors | 34 |
| Major Consolidated Subsidiaries | 35 |
| Corporate Governance | |
| Structure and Shareholders | 39 |
| Capital Structure | 40 |
| Board of Directors | 42 |
| Senior Management | 44 |
| Compensation, Shareholdings and Loans | 45 |
| Shareholders' Rights | 47 |
| Changes of Control and Defence Measures | 49 |
| Auditors | 49 |
| Information Policy | 49 |
| Investor Information | 50 |
In millions, except share and per share amounts
The information in this Financial Review is based on, and should be read in conjunction with, the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto, which are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("U.S. GAAP") and are included elsewhere in this Annual Report.
During 2002, the Adecco Group faced the most challenging and uncertain economic conditions since the merger of Adia and Ecco in 1996. The broad-based economic recovery that had been hoped for at the beginning of the year did not take hold, with conditions in the United States, the world's largest staffing market, being particularly tough. Despite this challenging economic backdrop, the Adecco Group made significant progress internally through the establishment of a new divisional organisation under the leadership of a new CEO. As many of our largest clients grappled with the need to retrench, the value afforded by a flexible approach to workforce management provided by the Adecco Group became even more apparent. The Career Services Division again benefited strongly from this environment. This period has also enabled us to refocus on organic growth through serving the needs of smaller and mid-sized clients and strengthening the retail sales focus of the branch network. As necessary, the cost structure has been adapted to the ongoing lower level of activities. Despite the closing of branches, the Adecco Group's market share was expanded or sustained in nearly every major market and division during the year.
The Adecco Group is one of the global leaders in providing human resources solutions. This position has enabled us to continue to invest in technology in support of operations and to expand the branch network. One significant acquisition was completed during the year. We welcomed jobpilot, one of the leading Internet job boards in Europe, as an Adecco Group company within the e-HR Services Division.
Results for the full year of 2002 showed a decrease in consolidated revenue to CHF 25,086, a reduction of 8%. This led to a decrease in consolidated operating income before amortisation of goodwill and other intangibles of 44% to CHF 662. Operating margin dropped 170 basis points to 2.6%. The Adecco Group generated CHF 647 of cash from operating activities resulting in an improved debt structure. Net debt (including off balance sheet debt net of long-term proceeds not yet received of CHF 85) was reduced by CHF 553 to CHF 2,047.
Results of Operations – Year Ended December 29, 2002 compared to Year Ended December 30, 2001
The average exchange rates for all of the major currencies that are translated in the consolidated statements of operations reported in Swiss francs were significantly weaker in 2002 compared to 2001. This reduced the amount of consolidated revenues by 5% and reduced the amount of consolidated operating income by 4%. The December 29, 2002, year-end currency exchange rates for all of the major currencies translated in the Adecco Group's consolidated balance sheet that are reported in Swiss francs also depreciated against the Swiss Franc as compared to December 30, 2001.
Beginning in 2003 the Adecco Group will change its reporting currency from the Swiss Franc to the euro. This change is expected to reduce, but not eliminate, the effects of fluctuations in exchange rates on the consolidated financial statements.
The Adecco Group's net service revenues derived from temporary and permanent personnel placement, career management and outplacement services and e-HR services were CHF 25,086 in 2002, representing a decrease of CHF 2,161 or 8% from consolidated net service revenues of CHF 27,247 in 2001. The revenue reduction is mainly due to the decrease in service hours provided to customers and the weakening of foreign currencies offset by growth in the Career Services Division. The addition of jobpilot added approximately CHF 20 to net service revenues. On a constant currency basis, revenues declined by 3%.
The Adecco Group saw revenue decline in its two largest regions namely Europe and North America. In Europe revenues measured in local currency declined by 4%, in North America revenues in local currency declined by 5%. In the Asia Pacific region revenues in local currency increased by 8% and in the Rest of the World (consisting principally of Latin America) revenues in local currency increased by 10%. As measured in Swiss francs, revenues in all regions decreased. In Europe revenues decreased by 7%; in North America revenues decreased by 12%; in Asia Pacific revenues decreased by 1% and in the Rest of the World revenues decreased by 14%. During 2002, the Adecco Group generated 61% of its revenues from Europe, 26% in North America, 10% in Asia Pacific and 3% in the Rest of the World. For 2001, the comparable percentages were 60%, 28%, 9% and 3%.
| 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Staffing Services Division | CHF | 22,119 | CHF | 23,538 | CHF | 22,768 |
| Professional Staffing and Services Division | 2,510 | 3,271 | 3,571 | |||
| Career Services Division | 436 | 438 | 289 | |||
| e-HR Services Division | 21 | - | - | |||
| CHF | 25,086 | CHF | 27,247 | CHF | 26,628 |
In millions, except share and per share amounts
Consolidated costs of services provided, which consist principally of payroll and payroll-related benefits, decreased by 7% or CHF 1,516 to CHF 20,611 in 2002 from CHF 22,127 in 2001. Gross margin in 2002 decreased by 13% or CHF 645 to CHF 4,475 from CHF 5,120 in 2001. Gross margin as a percentage of consolidated net service revenues decreased from 18.8% in 2001 to 17.8% in 2002, a reduction of 100 basis points due to a combination of lower prices, greater slowdown in the higher margin professional services and lower revenues from permanent placement activities offset by the growth in the Career Services Division. In local currency gross margin declined by 8%.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the Adecco Group, which consists primarily of personnel costs, office administration, rent, marketing and the allowance for doubtful accounts decreased in 2002 by CHF 128 or 3% to CHF 3,813 from CHF 3,941 in 2001. When measured in local currency these expenses increased by 2%. As a percentage of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 15.2% in 2002 from 14.5% in 2001. In 2002, personnel expenses as a percentage of sales were 9.8% compared with 9.7% in 2001; office administration was 1.5% compared with 1.4%; premises was 1.3% compared with 1.1%; marketing was 0.6% compared with 1.0% and bad debts were 0.5% compared with 0.2%. These increases in expenses as a percentage of sales were mostly due to the semifixed nature of the branch and overhead cost structure which do not vary directly in proportion to the decline in revenues. In addition, the allowance for doubtful accounts increased towards the end of the year in response to the deteriorating economic conditions and a number of bankruptcies, particularly in the United States.
In 2002, other net non-operating expense of CHF 12 mainly comprises a write-down of an investment, the settlement relating to a litigation in a formerly discontinued operation of CHF 13 and other non-operating items of CHF 15. Off-setting these expenses was a gain from recovery of a previously written down investment of CHF 16. In 2001, other expense included mainly write-down of investments of CHF 15 and other non-operating items of CHF 12.
The interest expense line includes mainly interest on external debt, amortisation of capitalised financing costs and net hedging costs. Interest expense decreased by CHF 78 to CHF 164 in 2002 compared to CHF 242 in 2001, primarily due to the reduction in net debt of CHF 553 during the year and a decrease of interest rates globally. Net foreign exchange gains and losses and net hedging cost of CHF 17 and CHF 20 in 2002 and 2001, respectively, have been recorded.
The provision for income taxes decreased by CHF 113 to CHF 141 in 2002 from CHF 254 in 2001, mainly due to lower taxable income. The effective tax rate for 2002 was 28%. Adecco's income tax provision may differ from the expected tax rate due to changes of earnings by country, the impact of non-deductible goodwill amortisation and other non tax-deductible items.
As of December 29, 2002, the Adecco Group had cash and cash equivalents of CHF 309 and short and long-term debt totaling CHF 2,271, compared to CHF 552 and CHF 3,042, respectively, as of December 30, 2001.
The decrease of net cash flow from operating activities of CHF 743 to CHF 647 in 2002 from CHF 1,390 in 2001 reflects principally the decrease of business and profit in 2002. Additionally, in 2002 the operating assets and liabilities generated a cash outflow of CHF 21 while in 2001 they generated an inflow of CHF 561 resulting mainly from the increase of business in the fourth quarter 2002 compared with the fourth quarter 2001.
Net cash expended in investing activities for 2002 was CHF 265, related primarily to fixed assets additions of CHF 154 and the acquisition of jobpilot AG, for a purchase price of CHF 89 net of cash acquired. Net cash used in financing activities for 2002 was CHF 585, primarily related to changes in short-term debt and the payment of dividends. Net debt (including off balance sheet debt net of long-term proceeds not yet received of CHF 85) was reduced by CHF 553 to CHF 2,047, primarily due to the cash flow generated from operations.
In the ordinary course of business, the Adecco Group's principal funding requirements are associated with financing working capital and capital expenditures. Working capital requirements are primarily in the form of accounts receivable and are partially offset by accounts payable and accrued expenses, all of which generally increase as revenues increase. Net working capital in 2002, excluding cash and short-term financing, decreased by approximately CHF 235, primarily relating to currency impact. The level of working capital and capital expenditure financing is also dependent upon accounts receivable turnover, which varies by location, and capital expenditures which primarily relates to new branch openings and expenditures for information systems. Cash disbursement activity is predominantly associated with scheduled payroll payments for its temporary personnel, and the Adecco Group has limited flexibility to adjust its disbursement schedule. Conversely, collection or related accounts receivable from customers may be considerably delayed, resulting in steeply rising working capital requirements during periods of growth. As of December 29, 2002, accounts receivable had been outstanding for an average of 59 days compared to 63 days as of December 30, 2001. To finance working capital requirements, the Adecco Group uses multicurrency credit facilities, credit line facilities and bank overdrafts. As of December 29, 2002, the consolidated short-term debt presented was CHF 331. As of December 29, 2002 there are approximately CHF 1,565 unused short and long-term credit lines from various financial institutions available. There are approximately CHF 1,565 unused credit lines available for 2003.
The Adecco Group's long-term financing comprises long-term notes, convertible notes and bonds. The borrowings are unsubordinated, unsecured and denominated in Swiss francs, the US dollar or the euro.
As of December 29, 2002, the carrying amount of long-term debt was CHF 1,940, excluding off balance sheet debt from securitisation of CHF 85 (net of long-term proceeds not yet received).
In millions, except share and per share amounts
| Long term debt | Operating leases | Total | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | CHF | 21 | 238 | CHF 259 |
||
| 2004 | 541 | 192 | 733 | |||
| 2005 | 319 | 149 | 468 | |||
| 2006 | 890 | 119 | 1,009 | |||
| 2007 | 13 | 96 | 109 | |||
| Thereafter | 177 | 134 | 311 | |||
| Total | CHF | 1,961 | 928 | CHF 2,889 |
Contractual cash obligations are as follows:
The Adecco Group's management believes that the ability to generate cash from operations and additional resources of liquidity available are sufficient to support business expansion and to fulfil financial commitments.
Foreign currency and derivative financial instruments The Adecco Group conducts business and funds its subsidiaries in various countries and currencies, and therefore, is exposed to effects of change in foreign currency exchange rates. In 2002, significant trends were the weakening of the US dollar, the euro and the British pound. The Adecco Group also issues bonds, short and long-term notes in various currencies. In accordance with its written risk policy, management continues to monitor its currency exposures and where appropriate, enters into hedging transactions to minimise its overall exposure to earnings and cash flow volatility.
The preparation of the financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to adopt accounting policies and make significant judgements and estimates. There may be alternative policies and estimation techniques that could be applied. The Adecco Group has set up a review process to monitor the application of new accounting policies and the appropriateness of estimates. Change in estimates may result in adjustments based on change of circumstances and availability of new information. Therefore, actual results could differ materially from estimates. The policies and estimates discussed below either involve significant estimates or judgements or are material to the Adecco Group's financial statements. The selection of critical accounting policies and estimates has been discussed with the Board of Directors, the Audit and Finance Committee and the independent auditors. The Adecco Group's significant accounting policies are disclosed in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on management's assessment of the collectability and aging of accounts receivable and considers local market conditions. If credit worthiness is worsening or recovery is higher than estimated, the allowance for doubtful accounts may require adjustment.
Various business accruals and provisions are set up for sales and business taxes, pension and health liabilities, workers' compensation and profit sharing, taking into account local legal and industry requirements and best practice. The estimates to establish accruals and provisions are based on historical experience, information from external professionals such as actuaries and other facts and reasonable assumptions under the circumstances.
Effective on the first day of fiscal year 2002, the Adecco Group no longer amortises goodwill to earnings, but instead reviews its carrying value annually for impairment. In 2001, amortisation of goodwill before any tax effect was CHF 1,096.
The Adecco Group performs goodwill impairment testing on an annual basis for each reporting unit. To determine the amount of impairment and the fair value of assets and liabilities, judgements and estimates are based on external market and industry data, and forecasts of operational performance. In 2002, no impairment loss has been recognised. Market and industry developments as well as changes in the business strategy may lead to the reorganisation of internal structures or resources and the disposal of business and could result in an impairment of goodwill.
In the ordinary course of business conducted around the world, the Adecco Group faces loss contingencies that may result in the recognition of a liability or the write-down of an asset. Management periodically assesses the risks based on information available and assessment from external professionals.
Accounting for income taxes and the calculation of the income tax provision requires significant management judgement and estimates to determine the appropriate valuation allowance against deferred tax assets and the provision for tax risks. Changes in the operating results, changes in enacted tax rates and results of tax audits could result in recording a change in the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets or a change in the provision for income tax. These change could significantly affect the income tax provision recorded and affect the reported earnings.
The Adecco Group's management does not expect significant changes in the short-term development of the world economy. In this uncertain and challenging market environment the focus remains on growing the client base and the strategy of strengthening the market positions. Additional goals are the increase of gross margin, especially in countries with market share higher than 20%, continuing the increase of productivity and improvement of risk management.
In millions, except share and per share amounts
This Financial Review contains certain forward-looking statements and information relating to the Adecco Group that are based on the current expectations, estimates and projections of its management and information currently available to the Adecco Group. These statements include, but are not limited to, the statements under Financial Review, Corporate Governance and other statements contained in this Annual Report that are not historical facts. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Adecco Group to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Terms and phrases such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "predict," "estimate," "project," "may" and "could," and variations of these words and similar expressions, are intended to identify forwardlooking statements.
These statements reflect current views of the Adecco Group with respect to future events and are not a guarantee of future performance. Various factors could cause actual results or performance to differ materially from the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others:
Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties occur, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein. Therefore, you should not place any undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Adecco Group undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, even if new information, future events or other circumstances have made them incorrect or misleading. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Adecco Group are qualified in their entirety by the foregoing factors.
In millions, except share and per share amounts
for the fiscal years ended
| Selected Financial Highlights | 5-year Compound |
||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Growth Rate | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | ||||||
| Results of Operations Data | |||||||||||
| Net service revenues | 17.0% | CHF | 25,086 | CHF | 27,247 | CHF 26,628 | CHF | 18,471 | CHF | 15,308 | |
| Operating income before amortisation of goodwill | |||||||||||
| and other intangibles and restructuring costs | 6.4% | 662 | 1,179 | 1,237 | 832 | 644 | |||||
| Income before amortisation of goodwill and | |||||||||||
| other intangibles and restructuring costs1 | 3.4% | 362 | 702 | 746 | 528 | 403 | |||||
| Amortisation of goodwill and other intangibles | 8 | 1,106 | 1,109 | 699 | 601 | ||||||
| Other Key Indicators | |||||||||||
| Working capital | 594 | 383 | 847 | 2,085 | 791 | ||||||
| Capital expenditures, net | 148 | 290 | 347 | 155 | 122 | ||||||
| Additional Statistics | |||||||||||
| Number of employees | 29,000 | 30,000 | 30,000 | 21,000 | 16,000 |
| December 29, 2002 | December 30, 2001 | December 31, 2000 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHF | USD | EUR | CHF | USD | EUR | CHF | USD | EUR | |
| Statements of Operations Data2 : |
|||||||||
| Net service revenues | 25,086 | 17,919 | 17,301 | 27,247 | 19,462 | 18,791 | 26,628 | 19,020 | 18,364 |
| Operating income before amortisation of goodwill | |||||||||
| and other intangibles and restructuring costs | 662 | 473 | 457 | 1,179 | 842 | 813 | 1,237 | 884 | 853 |
| Income before amortisation of goodwill and | |||||||||
| other intangibles and restructuring costs 1 | 362 | 259 | 250 | 702 | 501 | 484 | 746 | 533 | 514 |
| December 29, 2002 | December 30, 2001 | December 31, 2000 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHF | USD | EUR | CHF | USD | EUR | CHF | USD | EUR | |
| Balance Sheet Data2 : |
|||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 309 | 221 | 213 | 552 | 394 | 381 | 487 | 348 | 336 |
| Goodwill, net | 2,125 | 1,518 | 1,466 | 2,292 | 1,637 | 1,581 | 3,091 | 2,208 | 2,132 |
| Trade accounts receivable, net | 4,225 | 3,018 | 2,914 | 4,636 | 3,311 | 3,197 | 5,297 | 3,784 | 3,653 |
| Total assets | 8,460 | 6,043 | 5,834 | 9,323 | 6,659 | 6,430 | 10,653 | 7,609 | 7,347 |
| Short-term debt and current maturities of | |||||||||
| long-term debt | 331 | 236 | 228 | 995 | 711 | 686 | 1,188 | 849 | 819 |
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | 4,093 | 2,924 | 2,823 | 4,309 | 3,078 | 2,972 | 4,353 | 3,109 | 3,002 |
| Long-term debt | 1,940 | 1,386 | 1,338 | 2,047 | 1,462 | 1,412 | 2,548 | 1,820 | 1,757 |
| Total liabilities | 6,513 | 4,652 | 4,492 | 7,534 | 5,381 | 5,196 | 8,252 | 5,894 | 5,691 |
| Shareholders' equity | 1,947 | 1,391 | 1,343 | 1,787 | 1,276 | 1,232 | 2,390 | 1,707 | 1,648 |
| December 29, 2002 | December 30, 2001 | December 31, 2000 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHF | USD | EUR | CHF | USD | EUR | CHF | USD | EUR | |
| Cash Flow Data2 : |
|||||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities | 647 | 462 | 446 | 1,390 | 993 | 959 | 23 | 16 | 16 |
| Cash flows used in investing activities | (265) | (189) | (183) | (528) | (377) | (364) | (1,306) | (933) | (901) |
| Cash flows from / (used in) financing activities | (585) | (418) | (403) | (780) | (557) | (538) | 261 | 186 | 180 |
1 These figures are not meant to portray net income or cash flow in accordance with U.S. GAAP or to represent cash available to shareholders. Prior to 2002, income before amortisation of goodwill and other intangibles and restructuring costs does include tax benefits associated with the amortisation of goodwill. 2 The Adecco Group is a Swiss corporation and as such presents its financial statements in Swiss francs (CHF). For convenience, the fiscal years 2002, 2001 and 2000 Statements of Operations Data, Balance Sheet Data and Cash Flow were translated from Swiss francs into US dollars (USD) at the December 29, 2002 rate of CHF 1.40 to USD 1 and from Swiss francs into euros (EUR) at the December 29, 2002 rate of CHF 1.45 to EUR 1.
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In millions, except share and per share amounts
| December 29, 2002 | December 30, 2001 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assets | ||||
| Current assets: | ||||
| - Cash and cash equivalents | CHF | 309 | CHF | 552 |
| - Trade accounts receivable, net | 4,225 | 4,636 | ||
| - Other current assets | 484 | 499 | ||
| Total current assets | 5,018 | 5,687 | ||
| Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net | 632 | 735 | ||
| Other assets | 663 | 609 | ||
| Other intangibles, net | 22 | 7 | ||
| Goodwill net | 2,125 | 2,285 | ||
| Total assets | CHF | 8,460 | CHF | 9,323 |
| Current liabilities: | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| - Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt | CHF | 331 | CHF | 995 |
| - Accounts payable and accrued expenses | 4,093 | 4,309 | ||
| - Total current liabilities | 4,424 | 5,304 | ||
| Long-term debt | 1,940 | 2,047 | ||
| Other liabilities | 149 | 183 | ||
| Total liabilities | 6,513 | 7,534 | ||
| Minority interests | - | 2 |
| 187 | 186 |
|---|---|
| 3,172 | 3,144 |
| (1,302) | (1,469) |
| (101) | (65) |
| 1,956 | 1,796 |
| (9) | (9) |
| 1,947 | 1,787 |
| CHF 8,460 |
CHF 9,323 |
1 Par value CHF 1 per share and participation certificate
Authorised shares: 227,830,310 and 217,781,190 as of December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001 respectively. Issued shares: 186,869,980 and 186,298,698 as of December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001 respectively. Outstanding shares: 186,697,162 and 186,169,140 as of December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001 respectively. Authorised and issued participation certificates: 0 and 49,000 as of December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001 respectively. Outstanding participation certificates: 0 and 5,740 as of December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001 respectively.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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In millions, except share and per share amounts
for the fiscal years ended
| December 29, 2002 December 30, 2001 |
December 30, 2000 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net service revenues | CHF | 25,086 | CHF | 27,247 | CHF | 26,628 |
| Direct costs of services | (20,611) | (22,127) | (21,637) | |||
| 4,475 | 5,120 | 4,991 | ||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | (3,682) | (3,883) | (3,717) | |||
| Allowance for doubtful accounts | (131) | (58) | (37) | |||
| Amortisation of goodwill and other intangibles | (8) | (1,106) | (1,109) | |||
| Restructuring costs | - | - | (65) | |||
| 654 | 73 | 63 | ||||
| Interest income | 17 | 32 | 43 | |||
| Interest expense | (164) | (242) | (263) | |||
| Other non-operating expense, net | (12) | (27) | - | |||
| Income / (loss) before income taxes and minority interests | 495 | (164) | (157) | |||
| Provision for income taxes | (141) | (254) | (265) | |||
| Income applicable to minority interests | - | (1) | (6) | |||
| Net income / (loss) from operations | 354 | (419) | (428) | |||
| Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle | - | (8) | - | |||
| Net income / (loss)1 | CHF | 354 | CHF | (427) | CHF | (428) |
| Net income / (loss) per share | ||||||
| - Basic | CHF | 1.90 | CHF | (2.30) | CHF | (2.33) |
| - Diluted | 1.88 | (2.30) | (2.33) | |||
| Net income / (loss) per share before cumulative effect of | ||||||
| change in accounting principle | ||||||
| - Basic | 1.90 | (2.25) | (2.33) | |||
| - Diluted | 1.88 | (2.25) | (2.33) | |||
| Adjusted net income per share | ||||||
| - Basic | 1.90 | 3.01 | 3.08 | |||
| - Diluted | 1.88 | 2.94 | 2.99 | |||
| Weighted-average common shares | ||||||
| - Basic | 186,527,178 | 185,880,663 | 183,735,340 | |||
| - Diluted | 193,469,123 | 185,880,663 | 183,735,340 |
1 As of fiscal year 2002 the Adecco Group adopted SFAS No. 142,"Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets". Amortisation of intangibles included amortisation of goodwill of CHF 1,096 and 1,102 CHF in 2001 and 2000 respectively. The adjusted net income was 559 CHF and 566 CHF in 2001 and 2000 respectively (see note 1).
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
17238 Adecco AR finan. TRIPA 28/2/03 12:00 Página 10
In millions, except share and per share amounts
December 29, 2002 December 30, 2001 December 31, 2000 (52 weeks) (52 weeks) (52 weeks) Cash flows from operating activities Net income / (loss) CHF 354 CHF (427) CHF (428) Adjustments to reconcile net income / (loss) to net cash and cash equivalents from operating activities: - Depreciation 213 194 176 - Amortisation 8 1,106 1,109 - Allowance for doubtful accounts 131 58 37 - Stock compensation 7 - - - Restructuring provision - - 65 - Utilisation of restructuring reserve (11) (73) (65) - Investment write-downs 8 15 - - Deferred income tax (49) (84) (201) - Other charges 7 40 5 Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions: - Amounts advanced / (paid) under securitisation facilities (28) 38 (240) - Trade accounts receivable, including sold receivables 35 454 (891) - Accounts payable and accrued expenses 3 39 542 - Other current assets 2 37 16 - Non-current assets and liabilities (33) (7) (102) Cash flows from operating activities 647 1,390 23 Cash flows from investing activities Capital expenditures (154) (297) (351) Proceeds from sale of property, equipment and leasehold improvements 6 7 4 Cash purchase price for acquisitions: - jobpilot (net of cash acquired of CHF 17) (89) - - - Olsten (net of cash acquired of CHF 101 in 2000) - (184) (800) Other acquisitions and investing activities (28) (54) (159) Cash flows used in investing activities (265) (528) (1,306) Cash flows from financing activities Net increase / (decrease) in short-term debt (626) (227) 773 Increase in long-term debt 576 1,052 1,051 Repayment of long-term debt (535) (1,478) (1,495) Dividends paid to shareholders (187) (185) (155) Common stock options exercised 22 31 47 Other financing activities 165 27 40 Cash flows from / (used in) financing activities (585) (780) 261 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash (40) (17) (46) Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (243) 65 (1,068) Cash and cash equivalents: - Beginning of year 552 487 1,555 - End of year CHF 309 CHF 552 CHF 487 Cash paid for interest CHF 114 CHF 184 CHF 215 Cash paid for taxes CHF 243 CHF 260 CHF 272 Non-cash investing and financing activities: - Issued 6,343,710 shares for the acquisition of Olsten CHF - CHF - CHF 591 - Converted Olsten stock option plan to the Adecco Group plan CHF - CHF - CHF 17
for the fiscal years ended
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| Common Shares and Participation Certificates Shares |
Amount | Additional Paid-in Capital |
Shares | Treasury Stock Amount |
Accumulated (Deficit) |
Accumulated Other Comprehen sive Income / (Loss) |
Total Shareholders' Equity |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 2, 2000 | 178,358,280 | CHF 178 | CHF 2,449 | (217,824) | CHF (8) |
CHF (274) |
CHF 55 |
CHF 2,400 |
| Comprehensive loss: | ||||||||
| Net loss | (428) | (428) | ||||||
| Currency translation adjustment | (101) | (101) | ||||||
| Other | 3 | 3 | ||||||
| (526) | ||||||||
| Issuance of common stock (to acquire Olsten) | 6,343,710 | 6 | 585 | 591 | ||||
| Common stock options exercised | 860,440 | 2 | 45 | 42,400 | 47 | |||
| Participation certificates purchased | (13,166) | (1) | (1) | |||||
| Tax benefit from stock transactions | 16 | 16 | ||||||
| Treasury participation certificates exchanged | ||||||||
| for treasury common stock | 1 | 13,160 | - | 1 | ||||
| Converted Olsten stock options | 17 | 17 | ||||||
| Cash dividends, CHF 0.84 per share | (155) | (155) | ||||||
| December 31, 2000 | 185,562,430 | CHF 186 | CHF 3,113 | (175,430) | CHF (9) |
CHF (857) |
CHF (43) |
CHF 2,390 |
| Comprehensive loss: | ||||||||
| Net loss | (427) | (427) | ||||||
| Currency translation adjustment | (29) | (29) | ||||||
| Unrealised gain on cash flow hedging activities | 11 | 11 | ||||||
| Other | (4) | (4) | ||||||
| (449) | ||||||||
| Common stock options exercised | 785,268 | - | 31 | 2,612 | 31 | |||
| Cash dividends, CHF 1.00 per share | (185) | (185) | ||||||
| December 30, 2001 | 186,347,698 | CHF 186 | CHF 3,144 | (172,818) | CHF (9) |
CHF (1,469) | CHF (65) |
CHF 1,787 |
| Comprehensive income: | ||||||||
| Net income | 354 | 354 | ||||||
| Currency translation adjustment | (7) | (7) | ||||||
| Unrealised loss on cash flow hedging activities | (18) | (18) | ||||||
| Minimum pension liability adjustment | (11) | (11) | ||||||
| 318 | ||||||||
| Stock compensation | 7 | 7 | ||||||
| Common stock options exercised | 522,282 | 1 | 21 | 22 | ||||
| Cash dividends, CHF 1.00 per share | (187) | (187) | ||||||
| December 29, 2002 | 186,869,980 | CHF 187 | CHF 3,172 | (172,818) | CHF (9) |
CHF (1,302) | CHF (101) | CHF 1,947 |
for the fiscal years ended
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
17238 Adecco AR finan. TRIPA 28/2/03 12:00 Página 12
The Adecco Group's principal business is providing personnel services to companies and industry worldwide. The Adecco Group provides its services through its four Divisions: Staffing Services, Professional Staffing and Services, Career Services and e-HR Services. Staffing Services provides mainstream staffing services including temporary staffing and permanent placement. Professional Staffing and Services provides highly qualified specialised temporary and permanent placement focused primarily on the finance and accounting, and information technology segments. Career Services provide outplacement and coaching. e-HR Services provide on-line recruitment activities. The Adecco Group provides these services by contract to businesses located throughout North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America.
The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("U.S. GAAP") and the provisions of Swiss law. The Adecco Group's fiscal year ends on the Sunday nearest to December 31. For 2002, 2001 and 2000, the fiscal years contained 52 weeks and ended on December 29, 2002, December 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000, respectively.
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Adecco S.A., a Swiss corporation, and its majority-owned subsidiaries (collectively, "the Adecco Group"). The equity and net income attributable to minority shareholders' interests are shown separately in the consolidated financial statements. Investments in which the Adecco Group exerts significant influence are accounted for under the equity method. Investments with less than 20% ownership are accounted for under the cost method. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could materially differ from these estimates.
The Adecco Group's temporary personnel services revenues are recognised when the services are rendered. Revenues from permanent placement services are recognised at the time the candidate begins full-time employment and an allowance is established for non-fulfilment of permanent placement obligations. Revenues from outsourcing, outplacement and other personnel services are recognised as the services are provided. The Adecco Group presents revenues and direct costs of services in its financial statements in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") Issue No. 99-19, "Reporting Revenue as a Principal Versus Net as an Agent". The pronouncement requires the Adecco Group to record the gross amounts of its revenues and direct costs of services for arrangements whereby the Adecco Group acts as a principal in the transaction and has risks and rewards of ownership (such as the liability for the cost of temporary personnel and the risk of loss for collection and performance or pricing adjustments). Under arrangements where the Adecco Group acts as an agent and acts principally as a contractor for subcontractors, only the net fees are recorded as revenues.
Advertising and marketing costs totalled CHF 154, CHF 260 and CHF 263, in 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. These costs are included in selling, general and administrative expenses and are expensed as incurred.
The Adecco Group applies APB Opinion No. 25 "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" and its related interpretations in accounting for its stock options plans. The Adecco Group has not recorded any compensation expense for its options except for circumstances when a modification to the outstanding options was made which required a new measurement date.
Had compensation cost for the Adecco Group's stock-based compensation plans been determined based on the fair value at the grant dates for awards under those plans consistent with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation", the Adecco Group's net income / (loss) and loss per share would have changed to the pro forma amounts indicated in the following table:
| 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net income / (loss): | ||||||
| - As reported | CHF | 354 | CHF | (427) | CHF | (428) |
| Reversal of stock compensation under APB No. 25 | 7 | - | - | |||
| Stock compensation (net of tax benefit) under SFAS No. 123 | (93) | (52) | (26) | |||
| - Pro forma | 268 | (479) | (454) | |||
| Basic net income / (loss) per share: | ||||||
| - As reported | 1.90 | (2.30) | (2.33) | |||
| - Pro forma | 1.44 | (2.58) | (2.47) | |||
| Diluted net income / (loss) per share: | ||||||
| - As reported | 1.88 | (2.30) | (2.33) | |||
| - Pro forma | 1.43 | (2.58) | (2.47) |
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The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and the following weighted-average assumptions:
| 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected lives | 3.9 | 3.9 | 3.9 |
| Risk-free interest rate | 1.72% | 3.40% | 3.50% |
| Expected volatility | 59% | 39% | 39% |
| Expected dividend | CHF 1.00 |
CHF 1.00 |
CHF 1.00 |
The weighted-average fair value per option granted in 2002, 2001, and 2000 was CHF 26, CHF 29 and CHF 35 per share, respectively.
The Adecco Group's operations are conducted in various countries around the world and the financial statements of foreign subsidiaries are reported in the applicable foreign currencies (functional currencies). For inclusion into the Adecco Group's consolidated financial statements, the financial information of the Adecco Group's operations outside of Switzerland are translated from their functional currency to Swiss francs ('CHF'), the reporting currency. Income, expenses and cash flows are translated at average exchange rates during the period and assets and liabilities are translated at period-end exchange rates. Translation adjustments are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income / (loss) in shareholders' equity. Exchange gains and losses on intercompany balances that are considered permanently invested are also included in equity. Business transactions in foreign currencies are recorded in the statement of operations at the approximate rate applicable at the time of the transaction or the weighted-average rate. Net foreign exchange gains and losses and net hedging expenses of CHF 17, CHF 20 and CHF 27 in 2002, 2001 and 2000 respectively have been recorded.
All highly liquid instruments with an original maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents.
Accounts receivable are recorded at their net realisable value after deducting an allowance for doubtful accounts. Such deductions reflect specific cases and estimates based on historical evidence of collectibility. The Adecco Group accounts for the securitisation of trade accounts receivable in accordance with SFAS No. 140, "Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities" ("SFAS No. 140"). This statement replaces SFAS No. 125, "Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishment of Liabilities", and provides accounting and reporting standards for transfers and servicing of financial assets and extinguishment of liabilities. Those standards are based on consistent application of a financial components approach that focuses on control. The Adecco Group applied the new accounting rules prospectively to transactions entered into after March 31, 2001. The adoption of SFAS No. 140 did not have a material impact on the Adecco Group's consolidated financial statements. The gross amount of accounts receivables sold was CHF 119 and CHF 158 as of December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001, respectively.
The Adecco Group expenses the costs of software development for internal use software in the preliminary project stage. Thereafter, direct costs incurred in developing or obtaining internal use software are capitalised. Capitalised software costs are amortised on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, typically between 3 and 5 years.
Property and equipment are carried at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives (three to five years for furniture, computers, software and equipment and twenty to forty years for buildings). Leasehold improvements are stated at cost and amortised over the shorter of the lease term or the useful life of the improvement.
In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" ("SFAS No. 142"). SFAS No. 142 requires that goodwill no longer be amortised to earnings, but instead, be reviewed annually for impairment. Other identifiable intangibles with definite lives will continue to be amortised to earnings over their estimated useful lives. The Adecco Group has adopted SFAS No. 142 as of the first day of the fiscal year 2002 and ceased amortisation of goodwill.
An initial impairment test of goodwill as of December 31, 2001 was required. The Adecco Group performed the initial impairment test and no impairment charge was required.
The carrying value of goodwill is reviewed annually for impairment on a reporting unit level using a two-step impairment test. In the first step, the carrying value of the net assets (all assets including goodwill and other intangibles less current liabilities) of the reporting unit is compared with the fair value of the reporting unit. If the fair value of net assets exceeds their carrying value, goodwill is not deemed to be impaired and step two of the impairment test is not required. If the fair value of the reporting unit is lower than the carrying value of its net assets, step two needs to be performed to measure the amount of impairment. In step two, the fair value of all assets and liabilities of the reporting unit needs to be determined, as if the reporting unit had been acquired on a stand-alone basis. The fair value of the reporting unit's assets and liabilities is compared with the fair value of the reporting unit with the excess, if any, considered to be the implied goodwill value of the reporting unit. If the carrying value of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds this implied goodwill value, that excess is recorded as an
17238 Adecco AR finan. TRIPA 28/2/03 12:00 Página 14
impairment loss in operating income. During 2002, the Adecco Group performed the annual impairment test and no impairment charge was required.
Actual results of operations for reporting periods had the Adecco Group applied the non-amortisation provisions of SFAS No. 142 in those periods are as follows:
| 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net income / (loss) as reported | CHF | 354 | CHF (427) | CHF (428) | ||
| Goodwill amortisation | - | 1,096 | 1,102 | |||
| Income tax effect | - | (110) | (108) | |||
| Net income as adjusted | CHF | 354 | CHF | 559 | CHF | 566 |
Goodwill that had been acquired prior to June 2001 as excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired had been amortised on a straight-line basis over five years. The impairment of goodwill was assessed periodically and was based on estimated future undiscounted cash flows. Impairment of goodwill would have been recorded to the extent that the unamortised carrying value of such goodwill exceeded the related future discounted cash flows.
In accordance with SFAS No. 142, purchased identifiable intangible assets are capitalised at acquisition cost. Other intangible assets with a finite life are amortised on a straight-line basis over the estimated periods to be benefited, which is the period that the intangible asset can contribute to the cash flow of the Adecco Group as determined at the date of acquisition of the intangible asset. Other intangible assets are amortised on a straight-line basis, generally over a period of five years.
The Adecco Group assess other intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. If the sum of the expected future undiscounted cash flows is less than the book value of the other intangible asset, a loss is recognised for the difference between the fair value and book value of the other intangible asset.
In August 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets", effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001. SFAS No. 144 supersedes SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of", and addresses financial accounting and reporting for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets. The Adecco Group adopted SFAS No. 144 as of the first day of fiscal year 2002. The adoption of the new standard had no material impact on the Adecco Group's consolidated results and financial position. For all fiscal years presented, the Adecco Group determined that no impairment loss had occurred.
The Adecco Group uses the liability method for accounting for income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognised for the expected tax consequences of temporary differences, arising between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts. For measurement purposes, enacted income tax laws are used that will be in effect when the temporary differences are expected to reverse.
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income / (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted-average common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the maximum potential dilution that could occur if dilutive securities such as stock options or convertible debt were exercised or converted into common shares or resulted in issuance of common shares and would then share in the net income.
In the first quarter of the fiscal year 2001, the Adecco Group adopted SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities". The adoption resulted in a cumulative transition adjustment of a CHF 8 after-tax charge to earnings, which was reported separately as a cumulative effect of change in accounting principle. The adoption did not have any effect on accumulated other comprehensive income / (loss).
In accordance with SFAS No. 133, the Adecco Group records all derivative instruments at fair value as either assets or liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet, regardless of the purpose or intent for holding the derivative.
For derivative financial instruments designated and qualifying as fair value hedges, changes in the fair value of the derivative financial instrument as well as the changes in the fair value of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk, are recognised in earnings. The changes in fair value of the hedged item are recorded as an adjustment to its carrying amount on the balance sheet.
For derivative financial instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, changes in the fair value of the effective portion of the derivative financial instruments are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders' equity and are reclassified into earnings in the same periods as the hedged items affect earnings. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivative financial instruments is immediately recognised in earnings.
For derivative financial instruments that are not designated or that do not qualify as hedges under SFAS No. 133, the changes in the fair value of the derivative financial instruments are recognised in earnings. The Adecco Group has designated certain foreign currency contracts related to subsidiary funding as cash flow hedges. Any cash flow impact on settlement of these contracts is classified as cash flow from financing activities.
Prior to the first quarter of 2001, gains and losses on foreign currency swaps were recognised in earnings.
Accounting for asset retirement obligations
In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 143 "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations" which addresses financial accounting and reporting for obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets and the associated retirement costs. The adoption of this standard by the Adecco Group as of January 1, 2003 is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated results of operations and financial position.
Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, "Accounting for Costs
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Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities", effective for exit or disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002. SFAS No. 146 requires that a liability for costs associated with an exit or disposal activity be recognised and measured initially at fair value only when the liability is incurred. Furthermore, SFAS No. 146 requires that if a benefit arrangement requires employees render future services beyond a minimum retention period, a liability should be recognised as employees render service over the future service period. The Adecco Group will adopt SFAS No. 146 as of the first day of the fiscal year 2003. Management anticipates that the adoption of the new standard will not have a material impact on the Adecco Group's consolidated results and financial positions.
The amounts reported in the fiscal years 2000 and 2001 consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the fiscal year 2002 financial statement presentation.
In accordance with SFAS No. 142, the Adecco Group is required to separately present goodwill net and other intangibles net in the balance sheet as of December 29, 2002. Additionally, in 2002, the non cash adjustments for cumulative effect of change in accounting principle and income applicable to minority interest are included in other charges under adjustments to the cash flow from operating activities. In the statement of operations, bad debt expense has been separately disclosed, while in previous years it was included in selling, general and administrative expenses.
| Balance sheet data | Dec. 29, 2002 | Dec. 30, 2001 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepayments and accrued income | CHF | 66 | CHF | 70 |
| Total non-current assets | 3,442 | 3,636 | ||
| Total accruals and deferred income | 3,778 | 3,787 | ||
| Total pension liabilities, non-current | 37 | 27 | ||
| Statements of operations data | 2002 2000 |
2001 1999 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Personnel expenses | CHF 2,332 |
CHF 2,480 |
The fire insurance value of the property, equipment and leasehold improvements amounts to CHF 1,310 and CHF 1,142 as of December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001, respectively.
In May 2002, the Adecco Group acquired 92.9% of the outstanding voting common shares of jobpilot AG ("jobpilot"), a leading supplier of on-line staffing recruitment services in Europe, for approximately CHF 85 in cash, net of CHF 17 cash acquired. The remaining outstanding voting common shares were acquired in October 2002 for approximately CHF 4, following the approval of a mandatory sale at the jobpilot Annual General Meeting in August 2002. The purchase price was funded with existing credit facilities and internal resources.
jobpilot provides an internet platform for on-line staffing and recruiting services. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase and the assets, liabilities and results of operations of jobpilot have
been included in the Adecco Group's consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition. Marketing, IT and customer-related intangibles have been valued at an estimated fair value of CHF 17. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed of CHF 61 at the date of acquisition was allocated to goodwill and is not tax deductible.
Goodwill represents the Adecco Group's cost to access the market, aquire industry expertise and to rapidly establish its e-HR Services Division. The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:
| 2002 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash acquired | CHF | 17 | |
| Current assets | 16 | ||
| Long term assets | 1 | ||
| Tangible assets | 19 | ||
| Other intangible assets: | |||
| - Marketing (Trademarks) | 4 | ||
| - Customer base | 12 | ||
| - Technology base | 1 | ||
| 17 | |||
| Goodwill | 61 | ||
| Liabilities | (25) | ||
| Total | CHF | 106 |
Amortisable intangible assets acquired have estimated useful lives as follows: Trademarks five years, customer contracts five years, systems technology five years.
The results of operations of jobpilot have been included in the financial statements since the date of acquisition. The following unaudited pro forma information shows consolidated operating results as if the acquisition of jobpilot had occurred at the beginning of the fiscal year 2002 and at the beginning of the fiscal year 2001:
| 2002 | 2001 | |
|---|---|---|
| Net service revenues | CHF 25,104 | 27,300 |
| Net income / (loss) from operations | 342 | (479) |
| Cumulative effect of change in | ||
| accounting principle | - | (8) |
| Net income / (loss) | 342 | (487) |
| Basic net income / (loss) per share | 1.83 | (2.62) |
| Diluted net income / (loss) per share | 1.82 | (2.62) |
| Basic net income / (loss) per share before | ||
| effect of change in accounting principle | 1.83 | (2.58) |
| Diluted net income / (loss) per share before | ||
| cumulative effect of change in accounting | ||
| principle | 1.82 | (2.58) |
The pro forma results include adjustments for deferred revenue, amortisation of goodwill and intangibles and interest expense. The pro forma results of operations do not necessarily represent operating results which would have occurred if the acquisition had taken place on the basis assumed above, nor are they indicative of future operating results of the combined companies.
In March 2000, Adecco acquired all of the common stock of Olsten Corporation ("Olsten"), a leading supplier of staffing and
17238 Adecco AR finan. TRIPA 28/2/03 12:00 Página 16
information technology services and health services conducting owned, franchised, and licensed operations in North America, Europe and Latin America.
In exchange for all of the common stock of Olsten, Adecco paid approximately CHF 800, net of CHF 101 cash acquired, assumed CHF 1,190 in net debt, and issued to Olsten shareholders CHF 591 in Adecco common stock. Additionally, CHF 17 was recorded as additional purchase price in connection with the conversion of the Olsten stock plan to the Adecco stock plan. The purchase price was partly funded with proceeds from the issuance of EUR 360 (CHF 548) guaranteed convertible notes. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase and, the assets and liabilities and results of operations of Olsten have been included in the Adecco Group's consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of tangible assets acquired, liabilities assumed and additional liabilities recorded of CHF 2,321 was allocated to goodwill which was amortised over a period of five years until December 30, 2001. In addition, Olsten had accumulated net operating loss carry forwards of CHF 23 and capital loss carry forwards of CHF 690, the majority of which were utilised in the year 2000.
Under the terms of the purchase agreement, Olsten agreed to split off the company Olsten Health Services to the Olsten shareholders as a separate public traded entity. In the transaction, holders of common stock of Olsten received shares of the new health services company.
The results of operations of Olsten have been included in the financial statements since the date of acquisition. The following unaudited pro forma information shows consolidated operating results as if the acquisition of Olsten had occurred at the beginning of fiscal year 2000:
| 2000 | |
|---|---|
| Net service revenues | CHF 27,889 |
| Net loss | (575) |
| Basic and diluted net loss per share | (3.11) |
The pro forma results include adjustments for goodwill, interest expense and income taxes. The pro forma results of operations do not necessarily represent operating results which would have occurred if the acquisition had taken place on the basis assumed above, nor are they indicative of future operating results of the combined companies.
During 2001, tax contingencies of CHF 10 were resolved and recorded as a reduction of goodwill.
In March 2001, the Adecco Group acquired all the remaining shares of Olsten Personal Norden AS, a subsidiary of Olsten Corporation, that it did not already own. The purchase price was approximately CHF 184 in cash and was funded with existing credit facilities and internal resources. The goodwill recorded on purchase was CHF 194.
The Adecco Group has adopted SFAS No. 142 as of the fiscal year 2002 and therefore goodwill is no longer amortised. Based on the impairment test performed in accordance with the new standard, no write-down to the carrying value of goodwill was required.
| Professional Staffing | Career | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Staffing Services | and Services | Services | e-HR Services | Total | ||||||
| Balance, December 30, 2001 | CHF | 1,523 | CHF | 730 | CHF | 32 | CHF | - | CHF | 2,285 |
| Goodwill acquired during year | 17 | 7 | 3 | 61 | 88 | |||||
| Reclassifications | 17 | - | - | - | 17 | |||||
| Currency translation adjustment | (222) | (38) | (5) | - | (265) | |||||
| Balance, December 29, 2002 | CHF | 1,335 | CHF | 699 | CHF | 30 | CHF | 61 | CHF | 2,125 |
The carrying amount of other intangible assets for the year ended December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001 are:
| December 29, 2002 | December 30, 2001 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gross Carrying Amount |
Accumulated | Gross Carrying | Accumulated | ||||
| Amortisation | Amount | Amortisation | |||||
| Other intangible assets: | |||||||
| Marketing | CHF | 23 | (16) | 19 | (15) | ||
| Customer base | 20 | (10) | 8 | (7) | |||
| Contract base | - | - | - | - | |||
| Technology base | 1 | - | - | - | |||
| Other | 10 | (6) | 7 | (5) | |||
| Total other intangible assets | CHF | 54 | (32) | 34 | (27) |
None of the intangible assets have a residual value. The weightedaverage amortisation period is between 2 and 5 years for each class of other intangibles.
The estimated aggregate amortisation expense for the following five years are as follows:
| 2003 | CHF | 7 |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 5 | |
| 2005 | 5 | |
| 2006 | 4 | |
| 2007 | 1 | |
17238 Adecco AR finan. TRIPA 28/2/03 12:00 Página 17
| Dec. 29, 2002 | Dec. 30, 2001 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Trade accounts receivable | CHF 4,389 |
CHF 4,805 |
|
| Allowance for doubtful accounts | (165) | (169) | |
| Trade accounts receivable, net | CHF 4,225 |
CHF 4,636 |
In March 2000, the Adecco Group entered into a securitisation agreement with a multi-seller conduit administered by an independent financial institution. The terms of the agreement allow periodic transfers of undivided percentage ownership interests in a revolving pool of the Adecco Group's United Kingdom trade receivables. The agreement, which expired in March 2002, has been renewed for another year. Under the terms of the agreement, the Adecco Group may transfer trade receivables to a bankruptcyremote special purpose entity ("SPE") and the conduit must purchase from the SPE an undivided ownership interest of up to GBP 65 (CHF 146), of those receivables. The SPE has been structured to be separate from the Adecco Group, but is wholly owned and consolidated by the Adecco Group. The percentage ownership interest in receivables purchased by the conduit may increase or decrease over time, depending on the characteristics of the SPE's receivables. The Adecco Group services the receivables transferred to the SPE and receives a servicing fee. Under the terms of the agreement, the conduit pays SPE the face amount of the undivided interest at the time of purchase and on a monthly basis, this sales price is adjusted, resulting in payments by SPE to the conduit of an amount that varies based on the underlying commercial paper rate and the length of time the sold receivables remain outstanding.
The Adecco Group accounts for the SPE's sale of undivided interests in SPE's receivables to the conduit, as sales under FASB Statement No. 140, "Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities". The Adecco Group had transferred receivables to SPE of GBP 71 (CHF 159) and GBP 78 (CHF 189) as of December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001, respectively, in which SPE had sold GBP 53 (CHF 119) and GBP 65 (CHF 158) of undivided interests to the conduit. As of December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001, the Adecco Group's retained interest in SPE's receivable is classified in trade accounts receivable in the Adecco Group's consolidated financial statements at its face amount of GBP 18 (CHF 40) and GBP 13 (CHF 31) respectively, net of the Adecco Group's allowance for doubtful accounts of GBP 0.7 (CHF 1.6) and GBP 0.6 (CHF 1.5) on the receivables transferred to the conduit. In addition, SPE has a long-term receivable of GBP 15 (CHF 34) and GBP 20 (CHF 48) as of December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001, respectively, from the conduit representing the portion of the sold receivables for which the Adecco Group has not yet received cash. The Adecco Group recorded an expense of GBP 2 (CHF 4) and GBP 2 (CHF 5) on sale of the receivables to the conduit during 2002 and 2001 respectively. As of December 29, 2002, the Adecco Group was in compliance with all financial covenants concerning the UK securitisation.
In October 2000, the Adecco Group terminated an agreement to sell an undivided ownership interest in a continuous revolving pool of certain of its United States trade receivables of up to USD 200 (CHF 328), which had been accounted for as a sale of receivables. Concurrently, the Adecco Group entered into a new agreement to borrow from external sources, on an ongoing basis, an amount secured by certain receivables of US subsidiaries. The new agreement was amended as of the end of March 2002 to replace the external financing by group internal financing. During the period of October 2000 to March 2002, the new agreement was accounted for as a secured borrowing with pledge of collateral under the provisions of SFAS No. 140, "Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities." Under the new agreement, the receivables and related debt remained and the Adecco Group received a loan from a lending institution. As of December 30, 2001, the loan amounted to USD 291 (CHF 488) and the pledged receivables as security for the related loan amounted to USD 435 (CHF 731). During the period of the new agreement the Adecco Group was exposed to a risk of credit loss related to uncollectible accounts receivable and has provided an allowance for doubtful accounts of USD 6 (CHF 10) as of December 30, 2001. Subsequent to the termination of the agreement, the credit risk is covered in the general allowance for doubtful accounts.
| Dec. 29, 2002 | Dec. 30, 2001 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Land and buildings | CHF | 86 | CHF | 97 |
| Furniture, fixtures and office equipment | 216 | 230 | ||
| Computer equipment and software | 785 | 758 | ||
| Leasehold improvements | 259 | 264 | ||
| 1,346 | 1,349 | |||
| Accumulated depreciation | (714) | (614) | ||
| CHF | 632 | CHF | 735 |
The depreciation expense was CHF 213, CHF 194 and CHF 176 for 2002, 2001 and 2000 respectively.
| Dec. 29, 2002 | Dec. 30, 2001 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accounts payable | CHF | 189 | CHF | 293 |
| Wages and benefits | 1,805 | 1,826 | ||
| VAT and sales taxes | 604 | 653 | ||
| Income and other taxes | 565 | 615 | ||
| Deferred revenue | 54 | 39 | ||
| Derivatives | 8 | 64 | ||
| Other | 868 | 819 | ||
| CHF | 4,093 | CHF | 4,309 |
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To support short-term working capital and borrowing requirements, the Adecco Group had available in certain countries in which it operates bank lines of credit of CHF 1,009 and CHF 1,421 and borrowings outstanding of CHF 310 and CHF 975 as of
December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001, respectively. The lines of credit are in various currencies and have various interest rates. The average interest rate of the available lines of credit was 3.0% and 3.4%, as of December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001, respectively.
| Principal | Maturity | Fixed interest rate | December 29, 2002 | December 30, 2001 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multicurrency revolving credit facility | CHF | 1,500 | 2002/2003 | CHF | - | CHF | - | |
| Guaranteed notes | EUR | 400 | 2006 | 6.0% | 594 | 608 | ||
| Guaranteed convertible notes | EUR | 357 | 2004 | 1.5% | 519 | 529 | ||
| Guaranteed notes | USD | 200 | 2006 | 7.0% | 282 | 336 | ||
| Bonds | CHF | 300 | 2005 | 4.0% | 300 | 300 | ||
| Guaranteed notes | EUR | 122 | 2008 | 6.0% | 177 | 181 | ||
| Guaranteed notes | USD | 41 | 2002-2007 | 7.1% | 58 | 88 | ||
| Other | 31 | 25 | ||||||
| 1,961 | 2,067 | |||||||
| Less current maturities | (21) | (20) | ||||||
| Long-term portion | CHF | 1,940 | CHF | 2,047 |
In January 2000, the Adecco Group entered into CHF 1,500 of unsecured multicurrency revolving credit facilities consisting of CHF 1,000 revolving credit facility due in 2003 and a one year CHF 500 revolving credit facility. Interest is at LIBOR plus a maximum margin of 0.375% (including a maximum utilisation fee of 0.025%), with a maximum annual commitment fee of 0.1875% and 0.15% on the 3-1/2 year and one-year facilities, respectively, payable on the undrawn portion of each facility. These funds were used to refinance CHF 842 of the Adecco Group debt maturing in February 2000 and to fund, in part, the cash requirements of the Olsten acquisition. In January 2001, the Adecco Group amended the existing agreement of CHF 500 revolving credit facility for another year to expire in 2002. As of December 29, 2002, the Adecco Group had drawn down CHF 134 of the credit line facility in the form of letters of credit.
In March 2001, the Adecco Group Financial Services Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adecco Group issued notes with a principal amount of EUR 400, which were used to refinance existing indebtedness and for general corporate purposes. The notes are guaranteed by the Adecco Group S.A. on an unsecured and unsubordinated basis.
In connection with the March 2000 Olsten acquisition, the Adecco Group assumed Olsten's outstanding USD 200 senior notes. Additionally, the Adecco Group assumed Olsten's outstanding EUR 122 guaranteed notes.
In November 1999, the Adecco Group Finance BV (formerly Meridian BV), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Adecco Group, issued EUR 360 convertible notes. The notes were redeemable for the principal amount together with accrued interest at the option of the note holder only on November 25, 2001. Certain of the note holders exercised their redemption right on their notes for the principal amount totalling EUR 3. The notes are convertible into the Adecco Group shares assuming a share price of CHF 107.24 and an exchange rate of CHF 1.6084 per euro. The remaining balance of the notes is convertible into 5,361,150 shares of Adecco S.A.
In connection with the 1999 Delphi acquisition, the Adecco Group assumed Delphi's outstanding USD 50 guaranteed senior note. Interest on the note is payable semi-annually and the principal amount of the note became repayable in six equal annual instalments from June 2002.
Under the terms of the various short and long-term credit agreements, the Adecco Group is subject to covenants requiring, among other things, compliance with certain financial tests and ratios. As of December 29, 2002, the Adecco Group was in compliance with all financial covenants.
Payments of long-term debt are due as follows:
| 2003 | CHF | 21 |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 541 | |
| 2005 | 319 | |
| 2006 | 890 | |
| 2007 | 13 | |
| Thereafter | 177 | |
| CHF | 1,961 |
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Until April 25, 2002 the Adecco Group's shareholders' equity consisted of common shares and participation certificates, each with par value CHF 1.00. Participation certificates entitled the holder to receive dividends, other distributions and liquidation proceeds to the extent such payments were made to the holders of common stock, and were non-voting. As of April 25, 2002, all participation certificates have been converted into common shares on a one-toone basis.
Included in treasury stock are common shares of 172,818 as of December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001. Treasury stock is generally reserved to support option exercises under stock option plans.
As of December 29, 2002, 19,000,000 common shares were reserved for issuance in case of special capital market transactions, such as acquisitions.
The Adecco Group had 6,560,330 and 7,082,612 common shares reserved for issuance of common shares to employees and directors upon the exercise of stock options as of December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001 respectively. Additionally, 15,400,000 and 5,399,880 common shares were reserved for issuance for financial
instruments, such as convertible bonds as of December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001, respectively.
In May 2002, cash dividends for 2001 of CHF 1.00 per share, totalling CHF 187, were paid. The Adecco Group may only pay dividends out of unappropriated retained earnings disclosed in the annual financial statements of Adecco S.A. ("Holding Company"), prepared in accordance with Swiss law and as approved at the annual general meeting of shareholders. These Holding Company financial statements present unappropriated retained earnings of CHF 1,544 as of December 31, 2002.
For 2002, the Board of Directors of Adecco S.A. will propose a dividend of CHF 0.60 per share for the approval of shareholders at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders.
Under Swiss law, a minimum of 5% of the net income for the year must be transferred to a general reserve until this reserve equals 20% of the issued share capital. Other allocations to this reserve are also mandatory. The general reserve is an appropriation of retained earnings and is not available for distribution.
The components of accumulated other comprehensive income / (loss) are as follows:
| December 29, 2002 | December 30, 2001 | December 31, 2000 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Currency translation adjustment | CHF | (82) | CHF | (75) | CHF | (46) |
| Unrealised gain / (loss) on cash flow hedging activities | (7) | 11 | - | |||
| Minimum pension liability adjustment | (11) | - | - | |||
| Other | (1) | (1) | 3 | |||
| Total | CHF | (101) | CHF | (65) | CHF | (43) |
As of December 29, 2002, the Adecco Group had options and tradable options outstanding relating to its common shares under several existing plans and plans assumed in the Olsten acquisition. Under these plans, options vest and become exercisable in instalments, generally on a rateable basis over one to five years beginning on the day of the grant or one year after the date of grant, and have a contractual life of three to ten years .
Certain options granted under the plans are tradable on the SWX Swiss Exchange (virt-x). The options are granted to employees or directors of the Adecco Group and give the optionee a choice of
selling the option on the public market or exercising the option to receive an Adecco S.A. share. If the option holder choses to sell the option on the open market, the options may be held by a non-employee or director of the Adecco Group. The trading and valuation of the tradable options is managed by a Swiss bank.
During 2002, certain employees had the terms of their options modified to allow them to continue to vest and exercise options in the event that their employment is terminated. During 2002, 1,004,916 options were modified and a compensation cost of CHF 7 was recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses.
| Weighted-Average Exercise Price per Share |
|
|---|---|
| Weighted-Average | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise | Remaining Life | Weighted-Average Exercise | Weighted-Average Exercise | |||||
| Price per Share | Number | (in years) | Price per Share | Number | Price per Share | |||
| CHF | 17 - 53 | 1,757,610 | 3.6 | CHF | 50 | 1,507,640 | CHF | 50 |
| 54 - 99 | 8,144,819 | 6.6 | 74 | 1,742,417 | 82 | |||
| 100 - 145 | 4,111,955 | 4.4 | 105 | 3,158,535 | 104 | |||
| 146 - 191 | 34,446 | 4.8 | 175 | 34,446 | 174 | |||
| 192 - 237 | 20,767 | 4.6 | 236 | 20,767 | 236 | |||
| 238 - 298 | 4,971 | 2.7 | 285 | 4,971 | 285 | |||
| CHF | 17 - 298 | 14,074,568 | 5.6 | CHF | 80 | 6,468,776 | CHF | 87 |
Options exercisable were 4,389,598 and 3,168,500 as of December 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000 respectively.
17238 Adecco AR finan. TRIPA 28/2/03 12:00 Página 20
A summary of the status of the Adecco Group's stock option plans as of the fiscal years ended December 29, 2002, December 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000, and changes during those years are presented below.
| Exercise Price per Share |
Exercise | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Shares | Price per Share | ||||
| Balance, January 2, 2000 | 6,970,730 | CHF | 6 - 102 | CHF | 69 |
| Granted | 1,890,092 | 60 - 315 | 119 | ||
| Exercised | (893,900) | 6 - 122 | 53 | ||
| Forfeited | (291,230) | 17 - 298 | 137 | ||
| Balance, December 31, 2000 | 7,675,692 | 6 - 315 | 84 | ||
| Granted | 4,693,000 | 80 - 112 | 86 | ||
| Exercised | (786,641) | 6 - 315 | 41 | ||
| Forfeited | (186,218) | 6 - 315 | 139 | ||
| Balance, December 30, 2001 | 11,395,833 | CHF | 8 - 298 | CHF | 86 |
| Granted | 4,041,250 | 60-110 | 65 | ||
| Exercised | (522,282) | 8-102 | 41 | ||
| Forfeited | (736,126) | 17-298 | 101 | ||
| Expired | (104,107) | 21-102 | 101 | ||
| Balance, December 29, 2002 | 14,074,568 | CHF | 17-298 | CHF | 80 |
| Exercisable, December 29, 2002 | 6,468,776 | CHF | 17-298 | CHF | 87 |
In connection with the acquisition of Olsten in 2000, the Adecco Group converted 3,726,264 shares of outstanding Olsten stock options to an existing Adecco Group stock option plan. The converted options were adjusted by the exchange ratio of 0.14, which reflected the average closing prices of the Adecco Group common stock, on the Swiss Stock Exchange for the five days immediately preceding the date of acquisition and the average closing prices of
the Olsten common stock, on the New York Stock Exchange for the five days immediately preceding the date of acquisition. Pursuant to the acquisition Agreement and Plan of Merger, the converted Olsten options became 100% vested and exercisable on the acquisition date. The fair value of these vested options has been accounted for as additional purchase price, with the corresponding credit to equity.
Weighted-Average
According to local regulations and practices, the Adecco Group has various pension plans, including defined contribution and both contributory and non-contributory defined benefit plans. In previous years, defined benefit plans were not sigificant and have not been disclosed.
The Adecco Group recorded an expense of CHF 31, CHF 27 and CHF 25 in connection with defined contribution plans in 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.
The Adecco Group sponsors four major defined benefit plans, in Japan, the Netherlands, Norway and the United Kingdom. These plans provide benefits primarily based on years of service, level of compensation and are maintained in accordance with local regulations and practices. Plan assets consist primarily of marketable equity securities and fixed income instruments.
The components of net pension expense for the defined benefit plans are:
| 2002 | |
|---|---|
| Service cost | 6 |
| Interest cost | 4 |
| Actual return on plan assets | (1) |
| Amortisation and deferral | (1) |
| Net periodic benefit cost (major plans) | 8 |
| Other plans | 1 |
| Net periodic benefit cost | 9 |
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For all major defined benefit plans the following table provides a reconciliation of the changes in the benefit obligations, the change in fair value of assets and the funded status as of December 29, 2002:
| Dec. 29, 2002 | |
|---|---|
| Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year | 76 |
| Service cost | 6 |
| Interest cost | 4 |
| Actuarial (gain)/loss | 1 |
| Plan amendements | 1 |
| Benefits paid | (1) |
| Foreign currency translation | (4) |
| Projected benefit obligation, end of year | 83 |
| Plan assets, beginning of year | 63 |
| Actual return of assets | 1 |
| Employer contribution | 8 |
| Benefits paid | (1) |
| Foreign currency translation | (3) |
| Plan assets, end of year | 68 |
| Funded status of the plan | (15) |
| Unrecognised actuarial loss | 10 |
| Unamortised prior service cost | (1) |
| Unrecognised transition amount | (1) |
| Net amount recognised | (7) |
The projected benefit obligation ("PBO") is the actuarial present value of benefits attributable to employee service rendered to date, including the effects of estimated future pay increases.
The total PBO for plans with a PBO in excess of the fair value of plans assets as of December 29, 2002 was CHF 36, the fair value of the plan assets were CHF 16.
The measure of whether a pension plan is under funded for financial accounting purposes is based on a comparison of the accumulated benefit obligation ("ABO") to the fair value of plan assets and amounts accrued for such benefits in the balance sheet. The ABO is the actuarial present value of benefits attributable to employee service rendered to date, but excluding the effects of the estimated future pay increases. Certain of the Adecco Group's pension plans have ABO's that exceed the fair value of plan assets. The aggregated ABO of those plans are CHF 36 and the fair value of the plan assets of those plans is CHF 16.
The amounts recognised in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 29, 2002, are:
| Dec. 29, 2002 | |
|---|---|
| Prepaid benefit cost | 5 |
| Accrued benefit liability | (12) |
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | 11 |
| Minimum pension liability | (11) |
| Total net amount recognised | (7) |
The assumption used for the defined benefit plans refelct the different economic requirements in the various countries.
The weighted-average actuarial assumptions are:
| 2002 | |
|---|---|
| Discount rate | 5.7% |
| Rate of increase in compensation levels | 4.4% |
| Expected long-term rate | |
| of return on plan assets | 6.6% |
The Adecco Group is incorporated in Switzerland but operates in various countries with differing tax laws and rates. A substantial portion of the Adecco Group's income from continuing operations and its provision for income taxes are generated primarily outside of Switzerland. Since the Adecco Group operates worldwide, the
weighted-average effective tax rate will vary from year to year according to the source of earnings by country. In 2002, net income before income tax in Switzerland totalled CHF 461 and foreign source income amounted to CHF 34.The provision for income taxes on continuing operations consists of the following for the fiscal years:
| 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current provision | ||||||
| - Domestic | CHF | 23 | CHF | 24 | CHF | 26 |
| - Foreign | 167 | 314 | 440 | |||
| CHF | 190 | CHF | 338 | CHF | 466 | |
| Deferred provision / (benefit) | ||||||
| - Domestic | CHF | 5 | CHF | 11 | CHF | (8) |
| - Foreign | (54) | (95) | (193) | |||
| CHF | (49) | CHF | (84) | CHF | (201) | |
| Total | CHF | 141 | CHF | 254 | CHF | 265 |
The deferred tax benefit includes the tax effected benefit of current period losses of CHF 75, CHF 41 and CHF 0 in 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.
17238 Adecco AR finan. TRIPA 28/2/03 12:00 Página 22
Temporary differences that give rise to deferred income tax assets and liabilities are summarised as follows:
| December 29, 2002 | December 30, 2001 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net operating loss carry forward | CHF | 302 | CHF | 134 |
| Tax credits | 165 | 136 | ||
| Depreciation | 15 | 62 | ||
| Deferred compensation and accrued employee benefits | 68 | 83 | ||
| Accrued expenses | 120 | 108 | ||
| Financial amortisation in excess of tax amortisation | 155 | 182 | ||
| Other | 87 | 53 | ||
| Gross deferred tax assets | 912 | 758 | ||
| Valuation allowance | (265) | (159) | ||
| Deferred tax assets | CHF | 647 | CHF | 599 |
| Depreciation | (40) | - | ||
| Deferred compensation and accrued employee benefits | (7) | - | ||
| Accrued expenses | (7) | - | ||
| Financial amortisation in excess of tax amortisation | (15) | - | ||
| Other | (20) | (3) | ||
| Deferred tax liabilities | (89) | (3) | ||
| Deferred tax assets net of deferred tax liabilities | CHF | 558 | CHF | 596 |
Management's assessment of the realisability of deferred tax assets is made on a country-by-country basis. The assessment is based upon the weight of available evidence, including factors such as the recent earnings history and expected future taxable income. A valuation allowance is used to reduce deferred tax assets to a level which, more likely than not, will be realised.
The valuation allowances on deferred tax assets of foreign and domestic operations increased by CHF 106. The increase in 2002 is attributable to current year losses of CHF 59, losses and assets acquired with jobpilot of CHF 43, and prior years' losses and assets recorded for the first time of CHF 29, offset by a decrease of CHF 25 as a result of fluctuations in exchange rates. In future periods, depending on financial statement results, management's estimate of the amount of the deferred tax assets considered realisable may change, and hence the valuation allowances may increase or decrease.
As of December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001 the valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets acquired in business combinations were CHF 107 and CHF 77 respectively. In the event
that a change in circumstance supported the reversal of that portion of the valuation allowance, the goodwill recorded at the time of the acquisitions would be reduced.
Other current assets include current deferred tax assets of CHF 161 and CHF 205 as of December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001 respectively. Other long-term assets include CHF 425 and CHF 394 of net deferred tax assets as of December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001 respectively.
As of December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001, the Adecco Group had approximately CHF 854 and CHF 355 in net operating loss carry forwards. Some of these losses expire over time and have other restrictions on usage. The largest tax losses are in the United States and Germany and equal CHF 551 and CHF 334 as of December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001 respectively. Those losses begin to expire in 2012. Tax credits are predominately related to the United States operations and begin to expire in 2004.
The difference between the provision for income taxes and the weighted-average rate is reconciled as follows for the fiscal years:
| 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income at weighted-average rate | CHF | 171 | CHF | (62) | CHF | (64) |
| Items taxed at other than weighted-average rate | (102) | (57) | - | |||
| Non-deductible goodwill amortisation | - | 231 | 297 | |||
| Non-deductible expenses | 19 | 3 | 4 | |||
| Valuation allowance change | 59 | 78 | 24 | |||
| Adjustment to deferred tax assets due to rate changes | (6) | 49 | - | |||
| Other | - | 12 | 4 | |||
| Total provision for income taxes | CHF | 141 | CHF | 254 | CHF | 265 |
The weighted-average tax rate was calculated by aggregating the products of pre-tax operating income / (loss) in each country in which the Adecco Group operates multiplied by the country's statutory income tax rate. The current year tax provision includes non-refundable withholding taxes on cross-border intercompany transactions such as management fees, royalties, interest and dividends. Deferred income tax liabilities have not been recorded for the withholding tax and other taxes that would be payable on the un-remitted earnings of certain subsidiaries, as such amounts are considered to be permanently reinvested. It is not practicable to estimate the amount of unrecognised deferred tax liabilities for these undistributed foreign earnings. Due to the introduction of SFAS No. 142 in 2002, the tax expense in the years presented are not comparable.
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The Adecco Group leases facilities under operating leases, certain of which require payment of property taxes, insurance and maintenance costs. Operating leases for facilities are usually renewable at the Adecco Group's option and usually include escalation clauses linked to inflation.
Future minimum annual lease payments (net of proceeds to be received under sub-leasing agreements) are as follows:
| 2003 | CHF | 238 |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 192 | |
| 2005 | 149 | |
| 2006 | 119 | |
| 2007 | 96 | |
| Thereafter | 134 | |
| CHF | 928 |
Total rent expense under operating leases amounted to CHF 256, CHF 231, and CHF 149 during 2002, 2001, and 2000, respectively.
The Adecco Group is involved in various legal actions and claims. In the opinion of management, after taking appropriate legal advice, the future settlements of such actions and claims will not have a material adverse effect on the Adecco Group's financial position or results of operations.
In connection with acquisitions in 2000, primarily Olsten, the Adecco Group committed to restructuring plans which resulted in a pre-tax charge to net income in 2000 of CHF 65. Only CHF 36 of this amount was charged to the restructuring reserve. Additional restructuring reserves of CHF 93 were accrued as part of the purchase price and were allocated to goodwill. The total restructuring reserves of CHF 129 included CHF 57 for employee reductions, CHF 20 for remaining lease commitments on abandoned facilities, and CHF 52 for branch closure and other costs. As part of the restructuring plans, the Adecco Group reduced its workforce by approximately 1,100 positions, including approximately 700 positions in North America and 400 positions in the rest of the world, consisting primarily of administrative and sales and marketing personnel. Approximately 60, 160 and 860 positions were eliminated during 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. During 2001, additional restructuring reserves of CHF 28, including CHF 15 for employee termination, CHF 5 for remaining lease commitments and CHF 8 for branch closure and other costs, were accrued as a purchase price adjustment and recorded against goodwill.
| Remaining lease | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employee | commitments on | Branch closure | Total restructuring | |||||
| reductions | abandoned facilities | and other costs | reserve | |||||
| Restructuring reserve January 2, 2000 | CHF | 6 | CHF | 5 | CHF | 6 | CHF | 17 |
| Net additions to restructuring reserve | ||||||||
| charged to net income 1 | 19 | 10 | 7 | 36 | ||||
| Net additions to restructuring reserve | ||||||||
| charged to goodwill 2 | 32 | 9 | 44 | 85 | ||||
| Cash payments | (40) | (13) | (12) | (65) | ||||
| Restructuring reserve December 31, 2000 | CHF | 17 | CHF | 11 | CHF | 45 | CHF | 73 |
| Net additions to restructuring reserve | ||||||||
| charged to goodwill | 15 | 5 | 8 | 28 | ||||
| Cash payments | (28) | (10) | (35) | (73) | ||||
| Restructuring reserve December 30, 2001 | CHF | 4 | CHF | 6 | CHF | 18 | CHF | 28 |
| Cash payments | (3) | (4) | (4) | (11) | ||||
| Restructuring reserve December 29, 2002 | CHF | 1 | CHF | 2 | CHF | 14 | CHF | 17 |
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| Remaining lease | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employee | commitments on | Branch closure | Total restructuring | |||||
| reductions | abandoned facilities | and other costs | reserve | |||||
| Closing balance Olsten acquisition | CHF | - | CHF | 1 | CHF | 11 | CHF | 12 |
| Closing balance other acquisitions | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | ||||
| Total closing balance | CHF | 1 | CHF | 2 | CHF | 14 | CHF | 17 |
The components of the remaining restructuring reserve as of December 29, 2002 are as follows:
1 In connection with acquisitions in 2000, the Adecco Group committed to restructuring plans which resulted in a pre-tax charge to net income of CHF 65. Of this balance, only CHF 36 was charged to the restructuring reserve. The remaining CHF 29 related to the write-down of software and other fixed assets.
2 In connection with acquisitions in 2000, restructuring costs of CHF 93 were accrued and recorded against goodwill. In addition, restructuring costs of CHF 8 recorded in connection with the 1999 acquisition of Delphi, were reversed during the year, resulting in total net additions to goodwill in 2000 of CHF 85.
The Adecco Group conducts business and funds its subsidiaries in various countries and currencies and is therefore exposed to the effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, mainly the US dollar, the euro, the British pound and the Japanese yen. The Adecco Group also issues bonds, commercial paper and short, medium and long-term notes in various currencies.
In order to mitigate the impact of currency exchange rate fluctuations, the Adecco Group assesses its exposure to currency risk and hedges certain risks through the use of derivative instruments. In connection with interest rate management, the Adecco Group enters into interest rate swap agreements. The main objective of
holding derivative instruments is to minimise volatility of earnings and cash flows. The responsibility of assessing exposures as well as of entering into and managing derivative instruments is centralised in the group treasury department. The activities of the group treasury department are covered by corporate polices and procedures approved by the Board, which specifically prohibits the use of derivative instruments for trading and speculative purposes. Senior Management approves the hedging strategy and monitors the underlying market risks.
The following table shows the carrying amount and the fair value of financial instruments:
| December 29, 2002 | December 30, 2001 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carrying value | Fair value | Carrying value | Fair value | ||||||
| Financial instruments other than derivative instruments | |||||||||
| Assets: | |||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | CHF | 309 | CHF | 309 | CHF | 552 | CHF | 552 | |
| Current liabilities: | |||||||||
| Short-term debt | 331 | 331 | 995 | 995 | |||||
| Non-current liabilities: | |||||||||
| Long-term debt | 1,940 | 1,969 | 2,047 | 2,107 | |||||
| Derivative instruments | |||||||||
| Current assets: | |||||||||
| Foreign currency contracts | CHF | 60 | CHF | 60 | CHF | - | CHF | - | |
| Non-current assets: | |||||||||
| Swaps (interest rate and cross currency interest rate) | 67 | 67 | 8 | 8 | |||||
| Current liabilities: | |||||||||
| Foreign currency contracts | - | - | 42 | 42 | |||||
| Other | 5 | 5 | 14 | 14 | |||||
| Non-current liabilities: | |||||||||
| Swaps (interest rate and cross currency interest rate) | 51 | 51 | 57 | 57 |
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The Adecco Group uses the following methods and assumptions to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practical to estimate the value:
The carrying amount approximates the fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments.
The carrying amount approximates the fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments.
The fair value of the Adecco Group's publicly traded long-term debt is estimated using quoted market prices. The fair value of other long-term debt is estimated by discounting future cash flows using interest rates currently available for similar debt with identical terms, similar credit ratings and remaining maturities. See Note 7 for details on debt instruments.
The fair value for interest rate and cross currency interest rate swaps is calculated by using the present value of future cash obtained upon quoted market information.
The fair value for these derivative instruments is based on information obtained from financial institutions.
The fair value for these derivative instruments is based on information obtained from financial institutions.
The Adecco Group has entered into various interest rate swaps and cross-currency interest rate swap agreements to mitigate certain foreign currency and interest rate risks on specific external debt. The main currency exposures being hedged are the euro and the US dollar.
Cross-currency interest rate swap agreements which contain a receipt of fixed interest rate payments and payment of floating interest rate payments have been designated as fair value hedges. The contracts have original contract periods ranging from one to ten years and expire on various dates ending in 2007. Net gains and losses on changes in fair values of hedged assets and liabilities attributable to the hedged risk as well as on the derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges are recognised in earnings, as interest expense. There was no significant net gain or loss recognised during 2002 or 2001 respectively in connection with the fair value hedging activities.
There was no significant gain or loss excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness of the fair value hedges.
Upon adoption of SFAS No. 133 in 2001, the Adecco Group recognised a gain of CHF 4 after tax as a cumulative effect of change in accounting principle relating to previously unrecognised fair value hedges.
The Adecco Group has entered into cross-currency interest rate swap agreements and foreign currency contracts to mitigate certain foreign currency and interest rate risks on specific external debt and subsidiary funding. The main currency exposures being hedged are the euro and US dollar exposures against the Swiss franc.
Cross-currency interest rate swap agreements which contain receipt of fixed interest payments in one currency and payment of fixed interest rate payments in another currency, as well as certain foreign currency contracts in place to hedge the funding of foreign subsidiaries, are designated as cash flow hedges. The contracts outstanding have an original contract period of up to 5 years and expire by 2006.
Net gains and losses on the derivative instruments that are designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, are reported in a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income / (loss) to the extent the hedge is effective. These amounts will subsequently be reclassified into earnings, in the same period as the hedged items affect earnings.
In connection with the cash flow hedging activities, during 2002 the Adecco Group recorded a net loss of CHF 18 and in 2001 a net gain of CHF 11 in other comprehensive income. There was no significant ineffectiveness relating to cash flow hedges during 2002 and 2001.
The Adecco Group has entered into certain forward foreign currency contracts and interest rate swap agreements that are not designated or do not qualify as hedges under SFAS No. 133. Specifically, forward foreign currency contracts are used to hedge the net exposure of short-term subsidiary funding advanced in the local operations functional currency. These contracts are entered into in accordance with the written treasury policies and procedures and are not entered into for trading or speculative purposes. Gains and losses on these contracts are recognised in earnings, as interest expense.
In 1992, a subsidiary of the Adecco Group issued a perpetual debt that was subsequently restructured under a Structured Finance Agreement ("the arrangement"). To reduce foreign currency exchange and interest rate exposures relating to the payments under the arrangement, various interest rate and cross-currency interest rate swaps were entered into. These swap transactions mature in various years ending in 2007. Prior to the issuance of SFAS No. 133, the arrangement, which calls for periodic variable payments to a third party, was considered as debt and was recorded in long-term debt at the present value of future payments under the arrangement. Upon the adoption of SFAS No. 133, the structure of the arrangement was considered a derivative and as such, the value of the payments under the arrangement and the related swap transactions, have been reclassified to other liabilities and valued at fair value. Changes in the fair value of the derivative instruments are recorded on a periodic basis to earnings, as interest expense. The adoption of SFAS No. 133 in 2001 resulted in the recognition of a loss of CHF 12 after tax, which was recorded as a cumulative effect of change in accounting principle. The fair value of the arrangement as of December 29, 2002 is CHF 51. The fair value as of December 30, 2001 was CHF 72 and was reclassified from long-term debt to other liabilities. The arrangement calls for the Adecco Group to repay the
17238 Adecco AR finan. TRIPA 28/2/03 12:00 Página 26
original debt principal of USD 100 only in the event of a merger or a liquidation of the subsidiary.
Financial instruments that potentially expose the Adecco Group to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash investments, trade accounts receivable and derivative financial instruments. The Adecco Group places its cash investments in major financial institutions throughout the world, which management assesses to be of high credit quality. Credit risk, with respect to trade accounts
receivable, is dispersed due to the international nature of the business, the large number of customers and the diversity of industries serviced. The Adecco Group's receivables are well diversified and management performs credit evaluations of its customers and, where available and cost effective, utilises credit insurance. To minimise counterparty exposure on derivative instruments, the Adecco Group enters into derivative contracts with several large multinational banks and limits the notional amount of exposure with each counterparty.
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share.
| Net Income / (Loss) |
Weighted-average Shares |
Earnings Per Share |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002: | |||
| Basic | 354 | 186,527,178 | 1.90 |
| Convertible debt interest (net of tax) | 9 | 5,361,150 | |
| Effect of dilutive options | - | 1,580,795 | |
| Diluted | 363 | 193,469,123 | 1.88 |
| 2001: | |||
| Basic and Diluted | (427) | 185,880,663 | (2.30) |
| 2000: | |||
| Basic and Diluted | (428) | 183,735,340 | (2.33) |
In 2001 and 2000 there was no differences between the basic and diluted weighted-average number of common shares as Adecco had a net loss and all potentially dilutive securities were anti-dilutive. Incremental shares of 8,607,016, 12,829,700 and 12,186,850 in 2002,
2001 and 2000, respectively were excluded from the computation of diluted net income per share as the effect was anti-dilutive.
In October 2001, the Adecco Group announced a change in its organisational and management structure, creating three operating segments (divisions). Subsequently during 2002, management decided to present four divisions. In accordance with SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information", the Adecco Group changed its reporting segments to be in alignment with its new internal structure. Segment information for prior periods has been restated to conform to the new presentation.
The Adecco Group's four segments are:
Staffing Services Division: Providing mainstream staffing services including temporary staffing and permanent placement. Professional Staffing and Services Division: Providing highly qualified specialised temporary and permanent placement focused primarily on the finance and accounting, and information technology segments. Additionally, providing special expertise including project management and other management consulting services. Career Services Division: Providing executive search services and employee out-placement assistance.
e-HR Services Division: Providing on-line recruitment services. The Adecco Group evaluates the performance of its reportable segments based on adjusted operating income ("operating income") which is defined as the amount of net income / (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, interest, income taxes, amortisation of goodwill and other intangibles, restructuring and other non-operating expenses, net. Certain corporate costs are allocated based on gross margin.
Approximately 93.8%, 93.7% and 94.7% of the Adecco Group's net service revenues in 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively were related to temporary staffing. The remaining portion relates to permanent placements and other services.
The accounting principles used by the segments are those used by the Adecco Group.
Segment information by operating division are as follows:
17238 Adecco AR finan. TRIPA 28/2/03 12:00 Página 27
| Professional Staffing and |
|||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Staffing Services | Services | Career Services | e-HR Services1 | Total | |||||||
| 2000 | |||||||||||
| Net service revenues | CHF | 22,768 | CHF | 3,571 | CHF | 289 | CHF | - | CHF | 26,628 | |
| Operating income | 918 | 265 | 54 | - | 1,237 | ||||||
| Depreciation and amortisation | 1,084 | 180 | 21 | - | 1,285 | ||||||
| Capital expenditures | 292 | 49 | 10 | - | 351 | ||||||
| Segment assets | 8,996 | 1,471 | 186 | - | 10,653 | ||||||
| Long-lived assets2 | 719 | 152 | 23 | - | 894 | ||||||
| 2001 | |||||||||||
| Net service revenues | CHF | 23,538 | CHF | 3,271 | CHF | 438 | CHF | - | CHF | 27,247 | |
| Operating income | 876 | 179 | 124 | - | 1,179 | ||||||
| Depreciation and amortisation | 1,069 | 207 | 24 | - | 1,300 | ||||||
| Capital expenditures | 238 | 46 | 13 | - | 297 | ||||||
| Segment assets | 7,962 | 1,143 | 218 | - | 9,323 | ||||||
| Long-lived assets2 | 794 | 118 | 37 | - | 949 | ||||||
| 2002 | |||||||||||
| Net service revenues | CHF | 22,119 | CHF | 2,510 | CHF | 436 | CHF | 21 | CHF | 25,086 | |
| Operating income | 509 | 37 | 125 | (9) | 662 | ||||||
| Depreciation and amortisation | 180 | 29 | 7 | 5 | 221 | ||||||
| Capital expenditures | 122 | 18 | 6 | 8 | 154 | ||||||
| Segment assets | 6,985 | 985 | 389 | 101 | 8,460 | ||||||
| Long-lived assets2 | 665 | 80 | 47 | 15 | 807 |
| 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating income | CHF | 662 | CHF | 1,179 | CHF | 1,237 |
| Interest expense, net | (147) | (210) | (220) | |||
| Other non-operating expense, net | (12) | (27) | - | |||
| Provision for income taxes | (141) | (254) | (265) | |||
| Income applicable to minority interest | - | (1) | (6) | |||
| Restructuring costs | - | - | (65) | |||
| Amortisation of goodwill and other intangibles | (8) | (1,106) | (1,109) | |||
| Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle | - | (8) | - | |||
| Net income / (loss) | CHF | 354 | CHF | (427) | CHF | (428) |
Segment information by geographical areas are as follows:
| North America 3 Europe 4, 5 |
Asia Pacific |
Rest of World 6 |
Total | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net service revenues | ||||||||||
| 2000 | CHF | 7,986 | CHF | 15,713 | CHF | 2,282 | CHF | 647 | CHF | 26,628 |
| 2001 | 7,559 | 16,473 | 2,424 | 791 | 27,247 | |||||
| 2002 | 6,652 | 15,364 | 2,391 | 679 | 25,086 | |||||
| Long-lived assets2 | ||||||||||
| 2000 | CHF | 309 | CHF | 513 | CHF | 60 | CHF | 12 | CHF | 894 |
| 2001 | 322 | 541 | 76 | 10 | 949 | |||||
| 2002 | 225 | 498 | 78 | 7 | 807 |
1 Prior to the acquisition of jobpilot AG, there were only three operational segments presented.
2 Long-lived assets include all non-current assets except deferred taxes and goodwill, net.
3 Consists primarily of operations in the United States.
4 Consists primarily of operations in France, United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Spain and Switzerland.
5 Includes France net service revenues of CHF 8,424, CHF 9,105 and CHF 8,959 and long-lived assets of CHF 174, CHF 161 and CHF 111 in 2002, 2001 and 2000 respectively. 6 Consists of operations in Latin America and Other.
As auditors of the Group, we have audited the consolidated financial statements (consolidated balance sheet, consolidated statement of operations, consolidated statement of cash flows, consolidated statement of changes in shareholders' equity and notes presented on pages 13 to 28) of Adecco S.A. and its subsidiaries for the year ended December 29, 2002. The prior year corresponding figures were audited by another auditing firm.
17238 Adecco AR finan. TRIPA 28/2/03 12:00 Página 28
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Board of Directors. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit. We confirm that we meet the legal requirements concerning professional qualification and independence.
Our audit was conducted in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States and in accordance with audit standards promulgated by the Swiss profession, which require that an audit be planned and performed to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement. We have examined, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. We have also assessed the accounting principles used, significant estimates made and the overall consolidated financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements give a true and fair view of the financial position, the results of operations and the cash flows in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States and comply with Swiss law.
We recommend that the consolidated financial statements submitted to you be approved.
ERNST & YOUNG Ltd
Mike Sills Darren Downs in charge of the audit
Zurich, February 4, 2003
Chartered Accountant Chartered Accountant
In millions, except share and per share amounts
as of December 31
| 2002 | 2001 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assets | ||||
| Current assets: | ||||
| - Cash and cash equivalents | CHF | 4 | CHF | 94 |
| - Amounts due from subsidiaries | 30 | 25 | ||
| - Amounts due from third parties | 1 | 1 | ||
| - Withholding taxes, accrued income and prepaid expenses | 29 | 37 | ||
| Total current assets | 64 | 157 | ||
| Non-current assets: | ||||
| - Investments in subsidiaries | 2,591 | 2,450 | ||
| - Loans to subsidiaries | 3,756 | 4,069 | ||
| - Provisions on investments in and loans to subsidiaries | (1,265) | (1,072) | ||
| 5,082 | 5,447 | |||
| - Treasury shares | 9 | 9 | ||
| - Other fixed assets | 89 | 93 | ||
| Total non-current assets | 5,180 | 5,549 | ||
| Total Assets | CHF | 5,244 | CHF | 5,706 |
| Liabilities | ||||
| Current liabilities: | ||||
| - Amounts due to subsidiaries | CHF | 42 | CHF | 28 |
| - Amounts due to third parties | 36 | 49 | ||
| - Accrued liabilities | 36 | 49 | ||
| Total current liabilities | 114 | 126 | ||
| Non-current liabilities: | ||||
| - Long-term debt | 300 | 300 | ||
| - Long-term debt to subsidiaries | 908 | 1,552 | ||
| - Provisions and non-current liabilities | 210 | 149 | ||
| Total non-current liabilities | 1,418 | 2,001 | ||
| Total liabilities | 1,532 | 2,127 | ||
| Shareholders' Equity | ||||
| Share capital | 187 | 186 | ||
| General reserve | 1,972 | 1,951 | ||
| Reserve for treasury shares | 9 | 9 | ||
| Retained earnings | 1,544 | 1,433 | ||
| Total shareholders' equity | 3,712 | 3,579 | ||
| Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | CHF | 5,244 | CHF | 5,706 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
17238 Adecco AR finan. TRIPA 28/2/03 12:00 Página 30
In millions, except share and per share amounts
| for the fiscal years ended December 31 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 2001 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating income | |||||
| - Royalties and license fees | CHF | 357 | CHF | 427 | |
| - Dividends | 119 | 89 | |||
| - Gain on sale of investments | 13 | 35 | |||
| - Interest income from subsidiaries | 173 | 270 | |||
| - Other income | 14 | 4 | |||
| 676 | 825 | ||||
| Operating expense | |||||
| - Interest expense to subsidiaries | (70) | (90) | |||
| - Interest expense to third parties | (14) | (41) | |||
| - Provisions on loans to subsidiaries | (193) | (11) | |||
| - Taxes | (25) | (27) | |||
| - Financial expenses | (18) | (72) | |||
| - Other expenses (including depreciation of CHF 39 in 2002 and CHF 28 in 2001) | (58) | (78) | |||
| (378) | (319) | ||||
| Net income for the year | 298 | 506 | |||
| Retained earnings, beginning of year | 1,433 | 1,112 | |||
| Dividend distribution | (187) | (185) | |||
| Retained earnings, end of year | CHF | 1,544 | CHF | 1,433 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
17238 Adecco AR finan. TRIPA 28/2/03 12:00 Página 31
| Dec. 31, 2002 | Dec. 31, 2001 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guarantees | CHF | 2,460 | CHF | 2,385 | |
| Letters of comfort | 163 | 173 | |||
| CHF | 2,623 | CHF | 2,558 |
Adecco S.A. has unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed the notes of EUR 400 (CHF 581) issued by Adecco Financial Services ("AFS"), a subsidiary of Adecco S.A..
On March 1, 2001, Adecco S.A. also provided banks with irrevocable and unconditional guarantees of CHF 80 and USD 100 (CHF 140) in respect to derivative financial instrument transactions executed by AFS.
Additionally, approximately CHF 623 of the credit facilities issued to several subsidiaries in Europe, North America, South America, Asia and Australia have been guaranteed.
Adecco S.A. has guaranteed the outstanding notes of USD 200 (CHF 280) and the outstanding notes of euro 122 (CHF 177) assumed by a subsidiary as part of the Olsten acquisition and notes of USD 41 (CHF 58) issued by Delphi Group Limited.
as of December 31
Adecco S.A. has unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed the convertible notes of originally EUR 360 (CHF 576) issued by Adecco Finance BV, a subsidiary of Adecco S.A. Adecco S.A. has also provided Adecco Finance BV (formerly Meridian BV) with guarantees for any receivable the subsidiary may have on group companies arising from group financing. In addition, Adecco S.A. has issued originally 539,988 call options of its registered shares to Adecco Finance BV at an initial strike price of CHF 107.24 at the exchange rate of CHF 1.6084 per euro which are payable in five annual instalments. The notes were redeemable for the principal amount together with accrued interest at the option of the note holders only on November 25, 2001. Certain of the note holders exercised their redemption right on their notes for the principal amount totalling CHF 3. The remaining balance of the notes is convertible into 6,361,150 shares of Adecco S.A. The resulting liability has been included in provisions at the original price per option. Adecco S.A. has also committed to provide Adecco Finance BV with euro loans for the exercise price each time Adecco Finance BV exercises an option. Loans bear interest at 5.124% and are repayable in November 2004.
| December 31, 2002 | December 31, 2001 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0% due July 7, 2005 | CHF | 300 | CHF | 300 |
The reserve for treasury shares held by the Holding Company is transferred to/from retained earnings. All treasury shares held by subsidiary companies have been transferred to Adecco S.A. as of December 31, 2002.
| Total Cost | Number | Purchase sale price average per share |
Highest price per share |
Lowest price per share |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered shares: | |||||||||
| At December 31, 2001 | CHF | 4 | 129,558 | ||||||
| Participation certificates exchanged for common stock | 5 | 43,260 | CHF | 89 | CHF | 89 | CHF | 89 | |
| At December 31, 2002 | 9 | 172,818 | |||||||
| Participation certificates: | |||||||||
| At December 31, 2001 | 5 | 43,260 | |||||||
| Participation certificates exchanged for common stock | (5) | (43,260) | CHF | 89 | CHF | 89 | CHF | 89 | |
| At December 31, 2002 | 0 | 0 | |||||||
| Total treasury shares | 9 |
17238 Adecco AR finan. TRIPA 28/2/03 12:00 Página 32
| Share capital | General reserves |
Reserve for treasury shares |
Retained earnings |
Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at | ||||||||||
| December 31, 2001 | CHF | 186 | CHF | 1,951 | CHF | 9 | CHF | 1,433 | CHF 3,579 | |
| Dividend distribution | (187) | (187) | ||||||||
| Share capital increase | 1 | 21 | 22 | |||||||
| Net income for the year | 298 | 298 | ||||||||
| Balance at | ||||||||||
| December 31, 2002 | CHF | 1871 | CHF | 1,972 | CHF | 9 | CHF | 1,544 | CHF 3,712 |
1 186,869,980 common shares at CHF 1 par value.
On April 17, 2002, Adecco S.A. held its annual general meeting of shareholders in Lausanne, Switzerland. At the meeting, Adecco S.A. Shareholders approved the following capital changes:
Increase of conditional capital of Art 3quater from 5,399,880 shares to 15,400,000 shares, or, a maximum aggregate amount of CHF 15,400,000, through issuing a maximum of 15,400,000 registered shares, which shall be fully paid up by the exercise of option and conversion rights to be granted in relation with bond issues or other obligations of the corporation or affiliated companies.
Reduction of conditional capital of Art 3ter from 7,867,880 shares to 7,082,612 shares, or, a maximum aggregate amount of CHF 7,082,612 by issuing a maximum of 7,082,612 registered shares,
which shall be fully paid up by the exercise of option rights which the Board of Directors grants to the employees and to the members of the Board of Directors of the corporation or of its affiliated companies.
During 2002, 522,282 shares were issued for stock options for a total value of CHF 22.
Adecco S.A. had 6,560,330 and 7,082,612 common shares reserved for issuance of common shares to employees and directors upon the exercise of stock options as of December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001 respectively.
Issuance of up to 19,000,000 additional Adecco S.A. shares is authorised under Art 3bis to finance possible mergers and acquisitions.
Adecco S.A.'s shares are registered shares. Management is not aware of any significant shareholders, other than Akila Finance S.A. and the Jacobs Group (consisting of KJ Jacobs AG, Zurich, Switzerland and members of the family of Klaus J. Jacobs) which held interests of 18.3% and 16.3% respectively, as of December 31, 2002.
Under Swiss law, a minimum of 5% of the net income for the year must be transferred to a general reserve until this reserve equals 20% of the issued share capital. Other allocations to this reserve are also mandatory. The general reserve is an appropriation of retained earnings and is not available for distribution.
| 2002 | |
|---|---|
| Dividend | |
| CHF 0.60 per registered share | 136,594,4951 |
| To be carried forward | 1,407,048,057 |
| 1,543,642,552 |
1 This amount represents the maximum amount of dividends payable based on the total number of shares issued (excluding treasury shares) of 186,697,162 conditional shares of 21,960,330 and authorised shares of 19,000,000 as of December 31, 2002. Included in the aforementioned number of shares are 40,960,330 authorised and conditional shares, which were not in circulation as of December 31, 2002.
As Statutory Auditors, we have audited the accounting records and the financial statements, (balance sheet, statements of operations and notes, pages 32 to 33) of Adecco S.A. for the year ended December 31, 2002. The prior year corresponding figures were audited by another auditing firm.
17238 Adecco AR finan. TRIPA 28/2/03 12:00 Página 33
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Board of Directors. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We confirm that we meet the legal requirements concerning professional qualification and independence.
Our audit was conducted in accordance with auditing standards promulgated by the Swiss profession, which require that an audit be planned and performed to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement. We have examined on a test basis evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. We have also assessed the accounting principles used, significant estimates made and the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the accounting records and financial statements and the proposed allocation of available earnings comply with Swiss law and the company's articles of incorporation.
We recommend that the financial statements submitted to you be approved.
ERNST & YOUNG Ltd
Mike Sills Darren Downs Chartered Accountant Chartered Accountant in charge of the audit
Lausanne, February 4, 2003
Adecco Monaco SAM 100 O
| Group holding % | F/H/O/S* | Group holding % | F/H/O/S* | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Europe | |||||
| Netherlands Adecco Computer People Holdings BV |
100 | H | |||
| Austria | Adecco Finance BV | 100 | F | ||
| Adecco Gesellschaft M.B.H. jobpilot Austria GmbH |
100 100 |
O O |
Adecco Holding Europe BV | 100 | H |
| Adecco Interecco Holding BV | 100 | H | |||
| Belgium | Adecco Latam Holding BV | 100 | H | ||
| Adecco Construct NV | 100 | O | Adecco Nederland Beheer BV | 100 | H |
| Adecco Coordination Center S.A. | 100 | F | Adecco Nederland Holding BV Adecco Olsten Finance BV |
100 100 |
H F |
| Adecco Personnel Services NV | 100 | O | Adecco Olsten Holding BV | 100 | H |
| Ajilon Engineer NV Ajilon Finance BV |
100 100 |
O O |
Adecco Overseas Holding BV | 100 | H |
| Ajilon It NV | 100 | O | Adecco Paywise Systems Aps BV | 100 | H |
| jobpilot SPRL | 100 | O | Adecco Personeelsdiensten BV | 100 | O |
| Lee Hecht Harrison Belgium NV | 100 | O | Adia International Investeringen BV Ajilon Holding Europe BV |
100 100 |
H H |
| Ajilon Managed Services BV | 100 | O | |||
| Croatia | Ajilon Professional Staffing BV | 100 | O | ||
| Adecco Croatia D.O.O. | 100 | O | jobpilot Nl BV | 100 | O |
| Czech Republic | Lee Hecht Harrison BV | 100 | O | ||
| Adecco Spol. S. R.O. | 100 | O | |||
| jobpilot Cz S.R.O | 100 | O | Norway Adecco Airport Security AS |
15 | O |
| Adecco Marine Weld AS | 100 | O | |||
| Denmark Adecco A/S |
100 | O | Adecco Norge AS | 100 | O |
| Ajilon Denmark APS | 100 | O | Adecco Security AS | 100 | O |
| Ajilon Norway AS | 100 | O | |||
| Finland | jobpilot Norway AS | 100 | O | ||
| Adecco Finland OY | 100 | O | Olsten Norway AS | 100 | H |
| Ajilon Finland OY | 100 | O | Poland | ||
| France | Adecco Poland SP Z.O.O. | 100 | O | ||
| Adecco Consulting S.A. | 95 | H/O | jobpilot Polska SP Z.O.O. | 100 | O |
| Adecco Holding France SAS | 100 | H | |||
| Adecco It Services SASU | 100 | S | Portugal Adecco Formacao e Consultadoria Ltda |
100 | O |
| Adecco Travail Temporaire SASU | 100 | O | Adecco Marketing Services Ltda | 100 | O |
| Adia SASU Ajilon Engineering S.A. |
100 100 |
O O |
Adecco Recursos Humanos Ltda | 100 | O |
| Ajilon It Consulting S.A. | 95 | O | |||
| Ajilon Sales and Marketing - Department | Romania | ||||
| Telemarketing SARL | 100 | O | Adecco Romania SRL | 100 | O |
| Ajilon Sales and Marketing S.A. | 100 | O | Russia | ||
| Ajilon Technologie S.A. | 90 | O | OOO Adecco | 100 | O |
| Ecco SAS jobpilot France SARL |
100 100 |
H O |
|||
| Lee Hecht Harrison France S.A. | 100 | O | Slovenia | ||
| Adecco RH D.O.O | 100 | O | |||
| Germany | Spain | ||||
| Adecco Beteiligungsges MBH Adecco Outsourcing GmbH |
100 100 |
O O |
Adecco Formacion S.A. | 100 | O |
| Adecco Personaldienstleistungen GmbH | 100 | O | Adecco Iberia S.A. | 100 | H |
| Ajilon GmbH | 100 | O | Adecco Paywise Systems Aps Spain S.A. | 100 | O |
| jobpilot AG | 100 | O | Adecco TT S.A., Empresa | ||
| Jobs & Adverts GmbH | 100 | O | De Trabajo Temporal Ajilon S.A. |
100 100 |
O O |
| Lee Hecht Harrison GmbH | 100 | O | Horecca Staffing Services Empresa | ||
| Verwaltungsgesellschaft Adecco MBH | 100 | H | De Trabajo Temporal S.A. | 100 | O |
| Greece | Ole Staffing S.A. | 100 | S | ||
| Adecco HR AE | 100 | O | Sweden | ||
| Adecco HR AB | 100 | O | |||
| Hungary Adecco Magyarorszagi Szemelyzeti Kozvetito Kft |
100 | O | Adecco Sweden AB | 100 | O |
| jobpilot Hungary Magyaroszag | 100 | O | Ajilon Sweden AB | 100 | O |
| Ireland | |||||
| Adecco Ireland Ltd | 100 | O | |||
| Italy | |||||
| Adecco Italia Holding di Partecipazione | |||||
| e Servizi SPA | 100 | H | |||
| Adecco Paywise Systems SRL | 100 | O | |||
| Adecco Societa di Fornitura di Lavoro | |||||
| Temporaneo SPA | 100 | O | |||
| Ajilon SRL jobpilot Italia SRL |
100 100 |
O O |
|||
| Lee Hecht Harrison SRL | 100 | O | |||
| Luxembourg | *Represents: | ||||
| Adecco Services Financiers (Luxembourg) S.A. | 100 | F | F - Financial | ||
| Adecco Luxembourg S.A. | 100 | O | H - Holding | ||
| Monaco | O - Operating |
S - Group Services
| Group holding % | F/H/O/S* | Group holding % | F/H/O/S* | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | Malaysia | ||||
| Adecco management & consulting S.A. Adecco Ressources Humaines S.A. |
100 100 |
S O |
Agensi Perkerjaan Adecco Personnel SDN BHD | 100 | O |
| Adecco S.A. | 100 | H | New Zealand | ||
| Adecco Special Financing AG Adiainvest S.A. |
100 100 |
F F |
Adecco New Zealand Ltd | 100 | O |
| Ajilon SARL | 100 | O | Adecco Personnel Ltd Ajilon Ltd |
100 100 |
O O |
| jobpilot Switzerland S.A. | 100 | O | |||
| Lee Hecht Harrison AG | 100 | O | Philippines Add-Force Personnel Services, Inc |
25 | O |
| Turkey | Add International Services, Inc | 25 | O | ||
| Adecco Hizmet Ve Danismanlik AS S.A. (Fka Ecco Hizmet Ve Danismanlik AS S.A.) |
51 | O | Singapore | ||
| Adecco Personnel Pte Ltd | 100 | O | |||
| United Kingdom Accountants on Call Ltd |
100 | O | Lee Hecht Harrison Pte Ltd | 100 | O |
| Adecco UK IT Holdings | 100 | H | South Korea | ||
| Adecco UK Ltd Ajilon Communications Ltd |
100 100 |
O O |
Adecco Korea Inc | 100 | O |
| Ajilon Group Ltd | 100 | O | Taiwan | ||
| Ajilon Plc Ajilon Services Ltd |
100 100 |
O O |
Adecco Personnel Company Ltd | 100 | O |
| Computer People Ltd | 100 | O | Adia L&M Personnel Consultants Ltd Adia Taiwan Ltd |
100 100 |
O O |
| jobpilot UK Ltd | 100 | O | |||
| Jonathan Wren & Co Ltd Jonathan Wren Search & Selection Ltd |
100 100 |
O O |
Thailand Adecco Consulting Ltd |
100 | O |
| Lee Hecht Harrison Ltd | 100 | O | Adecco Eastern Seaboard Ltd | 100 | O |
| Office Angels Ltd Olsten UK Holdings Ltd |
100 100 |
O H |
Adecco New Petchburi Recruitment Ltd Adecco Phaholyothin Recruitment Ltd |
100 100 |
O O |
| Olsten UK Ltd | 100 | O/H | Adecco Rama 4 Recruitment Ltd | 100 | O |
| Roevin Management Services Ltd | 100 | O | Templar International Consultants Ltd | 100 | O |
| North America | Latin America | ||||
| Canada Adecco Employment Services Ltd |
100 | H/O | Argentina Adecco Argentina S.A. |
100 | O |
| Adecco Quebec, Inc | 100 | O | |||
| Ajilon Canada Inc Ajilon Communications Inc |
100 100 |
O O |
Bolivia | ||
| Ajilon Staffing Of Canada Ltd | 100 | O | Adecco Bolivia S.A. | 100 | O |
| USA | Brazil | ||||
| Adecco Employment Services, Inc. | 100 | O | Adecco Top Services Recursos Humanos S.A. | 100 | O |
| Adecco North America, LLC | 100 | H/O | Chile | ||
| Adecco USA, Inc Adecco, Inc |
100 100 |
O H |
Adecco Servicios Empresariales S.A. Adecco Recursos Humanos S.A. |
100 100 |
O O |
| Ado Staffing, Inc | 100 | H | |||
| Ajilon Communications LLC Ajilon Holdings LLC |
100 100 |
O O |
Colombia Adecco Colombia S.A. |
100 | O |
| Ajilon Professional Staffing LLC | 100 | O | |||
| Asi Staffing, Inc Lee Hecht Harrison LLC |
100 100 |
H O |
Costa Rica | ||
| Paywise, Inc | 100 | O | Adecco de Costa Rica Recursos Humanos S.A. | 100 | O |
| The Workcard Company | 100 | O | Dominican Republic | ||
| Adecco Dominicana C.Por A | 100 | O | |||
| Asia Pacific | Ecuador | ||||
| Australia | Adeccoiberia S.A. | 100 | O | ||
| Adecco Australia Pty Ltd Adecco Holdings Pty Ltd |
100 100 |
H/O H |
El Salvador | ||
| Ajilon Australia Pty Ltd | 100 | O | Adecco El Salvador S.A. | 100 | O |
| Icon Recruitment Pty Ltd | 100 | O | Guatemala | ||
| Jonathan Wren Australia Pty Ltd Lee Hecht Harrison Pty Ltd |
100 100 |
O O |
Adecco Guatemala Sociedad Anonima | 100 | O |
| China | |||||
| Guangdong Adecco Personnel Services Ltd | |||||
| (Fka Guangdong Adia Personnel Services Ltd) | 75 | O | |||
| Templar International Consultants (Shang Hai) Ltd |
100 | O | |||
| Hong Kong Ecco Services (Asia) Ltd |
100 | H/O | |||
| Adecco Personnel Ltd | 100 | O | |||
| Lee Hecht Harrison Pty Ltd Templar International Consultants Ltd |
100 100 |
O O |
*Represents: | ||
| Indonesia PT Templar International Consultants |
100 | O | F - Financial H - Holding |
||
| O - Operating | |||||
| Japan Adecco Career Staff Ltd |
100 | O | S - Group Services |
| Group holding % | F/H/O/S* | |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico Ecco Servicios de Personal S.A. de CV Entreprise Adecco S.A. de CV Excellance Adecco S.A. de CV Interim Adecco S.A. de CV |
100 100 100 100 |
O/H O O O |
| Performance Adecco S.A. de CV Reussite Adecco S.A. de CV Servicios Administratives Adecco S.A. de CV Servicios Especializados Adecco S.A. de CV Servicios Integrales Adecco S.A. de CV |
100 100 100 100 100 |
O O O O O |
| Panama Adecco Panama S.A. |
100 | O |
| Peru Adecco Peru S.A. Adecco Peru Servicios Temporales S.A. |
100 100 |
O O |
| Puerto Rico Adecco Personnalservices, Inc Adecco Speciality Brands Inc |
100 100 |
O O |
| Uruguay Adecco Uruguay S.A. |
100 | O |
| Venezuela Adecco Empresa de Trabajo Temporal C.A. |
100 | O |
| Other | ||
| Bermuda Adecco Financial Services (Bermuda) Ltd Adecco Reinsurance Company Ltd Adia Funding Ltd Secad Ltd |
100 100 100 100 |
F F F F |
| Israel Adecco Israel Staffing Services Ltd |
100 | O |
| Morocco Adecco Maroc S.A. |
100 | O |
| Nigeria Adecco Nigeria Limited |
100 | O |
| South Africa Technihire Ltd Inkomba Recruitment Services PTY Ltd |
100 90 |
O O |
| Tunisia Adecco Tunisie SARL |
100 | O |
F - Financial
H - Holding O - Operating
S - Group Services
This Corporate Governance disclosure reflects the requirements of the Directive on Information Relating to Corporate Governance, issued by the Swiss Stock Exchange and entered into force on July 1, 2002. The principles and the more detailed rules of the Adecco Group's Corporate Governance are defined in Adecco S.A.'s Articles of Incorporation, the Internal Policies and in the Charters of the Committees of the Board of Directors. The Adecco Group's principles take into account the recommendations set out in the Swiss Code of Best Practice for Corporate Governance of March 2002.
In this report the Adecco Group discloses its Corporate Governance information as of December 31, 2002 and prior years. However, all financial information of the Adecco Group's Consolidated Financial Statements is presented for the years ended December 29, 2002, December 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000.
Adecco S.A. is a limited liability company (société anonyme) organised under the laws of Switzerland, with its registered office at Chéserex, Switzerland. The Adecco Group's principal corporate office is the office of its management company Adecco management & consulting S.A. at Sägereistrasse 10, Glattbrugg, Switzerland.
Adecco S.A. is listed at the SWX Swiss Exchange (shares ADEN / trading on Virt-x: 1213860), at the New York Stock Exchange NYSE (ADRs ADO), and at Euronext Premier Marché (shares 12819). As of December 31, 2002, the market capitalisation of Adecco S.A., based on outstanding shares, amounted to approximately CHF 10.13 billion.
The Adecco Group's principal business is providing personnel services to companies and industry worldwide. The Adecco Group provides its services through its four divisions: Staffing Services Division, Professional Staffing and Services Division, Career Services Division and e-HR Services Division. Staffing Services Division provides mainstream staffing services including temporary staffing and permanent placement. Professional Staffing and Services Division provides specialist temporary and permanent placement including finance and information technology. Career Services Division provides outplacement and coaching. e-HR Services Division provides on-line recruitment activities. The Adecco Group provides these services by contract to businesses located throughout North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America. The Adecco Group's management structure is as follows:
The Adecco Group comprises numerous legal entities around the world, mainly organised along the divisional structure. The major consolidated subsidiaries are listed on pages 35 to 37 in this report.
As of December 31, 2002, the total number of shareholders directly registered with Adecco S.A. was 12,584.
As of December 31, 2002, 34,163,580 shares or 18.3% of the issued shares were held by Akila Finance S.A., which is owned and controlled by Philippe Foriel-Destezet. No change in the shareholding of Akila Finance S.A. has been reported to Adecco S.A. in the year under review.
As of December 31, 2002, 30,505,280 Adecco S.A.'s shares or 16.3% of the issued shares were held by the Jacobs Group, consisting of KJ Jacobs AG, Zurich, Switzerland, and members of the family of Klaus J. Jacobs. Beneficial owners of the shares held by KJ Jacobs AG are the charitable foundation "Jacobs Stiftung" (Zurich) and an association named "Jacobs Familienrat" (composed of Klaus J. Jacobs and family members). In June 2002, KJ Jacobs AG sold 5.8 million shares of Adecco S.A..
In connection with the Adia-Ecco merger, the Akila Group and KJ Jacobs AG entered into a shareholders' agreement on minimum holding of Adecco S.A.'s shares by the parties and on joint voting instructions. The agreement expired on May 8, 2002.
Adecco S.A. is not aware of any person or entity other than those stated above owning more than 5% of Adecco S.A. shares.
At present, there are no cross-shareholdings exceeding 5% of a party's share capital and Adecco S.A. is not a major shareholder to any listed company.
Any investor who directly, indirectly or together with another person, acquires, holds or disposes of Adecco S.A. shares, for his own account, and thereby attains, falls below or exceeds the thresholds of 5, 10, 20, 33 1 /3, 50 or 66 2 /3% of the voting rights, whether or not such rights may be exercised, must notify Adecco S.A. and the Disclosure Office of the SWX Swiss Exchange. Such notification must be made no later than four trading days after the obligation to disclose arises. Adecco S.A.'s management is also under an obligation to publish the disclosure no later than two trading days after receipt.
Adecco S.A.'s capital structure as of dates indicated below was as follows:
| Issued Shares Shares Amount |
Issued Participation Certificates Cerificates Amount |
Authorised Capital Shares Amount |
Conditional Capital Shares Amount |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 2, 2000 | 178,358,280 | CHF 178.4 | 49,000 | CHF - |
6,562,900 | CHF 6.6 |
19,471,910 | CHF 19.5 |
| Changes | 7,155,150 | 7.2 | - | - | (6,562,900) | (6.6) | (7,204,150) | (7.2) |
| December 31, 2000 | 185,513,430 | CHF 185.5 | 49,000 | CHF - |
- | CHF - |
12,267,760 | CHF 12.3 |
| Changes | 785,268 | 0.8 | - | - | 19,000,000 | 19.0 | 214,732 | 0.2 |
| December 30, 2001 | 186,298,698 | CHF 186.3 | 49,000 | CHF - |
19,000,000 | CHF 19.0 | 12,482,492 | CHF 12.5 |
| Changes | 571,282 | 0.6 | (49,000) | - | - | - | 9,477,838 | 9.5 |
| December 29, 2002 | 186,869,980 | CHF 186.9 | - | CHF - |
19,000,000 | CHF 19.0 | 21,960,330 | CHF 22.0 |
On April 17, 2002, the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders approved the changes of authorised and conditional capital as described below.
Details of Adecco S.A.'s legal reserves and retained earnings are included in Note 4 to the Financial Statements of the Holding Company.
Additional information and exact wording can be found in the Articles of Incorporation of Adecco S.A. (Internet: http://aoi.adecco.com).
The Board of Directors is authorised until May 2, 2003 to increase the share capital in one or more steps by up to 19,000,000 shares (CHF 19 million) in connection with special capital market transactions, such as acquisitions. The Board of Directors is authorised to withdraw the subscription rights of the shareholders under certain conditions as stated in the Articles of Incorporation.
Conditional capital of up to 6,560,330 shares (CHF 6,560,330) is reserved for the exercise of option rights granted to employees and members of the Board of Directors of Adecco S.A. or of its affiliated companies. The subscription rights of shareholders as well as the option subscription rights of the shareholders are excluded.
Conditional capital of up to 15,400,000 shares (CHF 15.4 million) is reserved for the exercise of option or conversion rights granted in relation to financial instruments such as bonds or similar debt instruments of Adecco S.A. or of its affiliates. The subscription rights of the shareholders regarding the subscription of the shares are excluded. The shareholders' bond subscription rights in the issue of the bonds or similar debt instruments may be limited or excluded by the Board of Directors.
In May 2001, there was a share split by 10 to 1 and participation certificates by 2 to 1. All shares are fully paid-up registered shares with a par value of CHF 1. All shares bear the same dividend and voting rights.
On April 17, 2002, the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders approved the conversion of all participation certificates into registered shares, hence increasing the registered share capital by
CHF 49,000 to CHF 186,347,698. As of April 17, 2002 all participation certificates have legally ceased to exist.
The Company has not issued bonus certificates ("Genussscheine").
Each Adecco S.A. share represents one vote.
Acquirers of registered shares are registered in the share register as shareholders with the right to vote upon request, provided that they declare explicitly to have acquired the registered shares in their own name and for their own account. Since April 1999 any person or entity shall be registered with the right to vote for no more than 5% of the registered share capital as set forth in the commercial register. The registration restriction also applies to persons who hold some or all of their shares through nominees. See art. 4 sec. 2 of the Articles of Incorporation (Internet: http://aoi.adecco.com).
The Board of Directors may register nominees with the right to vote in the share register to the extent of up to 5% of the registered share capital as set forth in the commercial register. Registered shares held by a nominee that exceed this limit may be registered in the share register if the nominee discloses the names, addresses and the number of shares of the persons for whose account it holds 0.5% or more of the registered share capital as set forth in the commercial register. Nominees are persons who do not explicitly declare in the request for registration to hold the shares for their own account or with whom the Board of Directors has entered into a corresponding agreement (see art. 4 sec. 3 of the Articles of Incorporation (Internet: http://aoi.adecco.com).
Corporate bodies and partnerships or other groups of persons or joint owners who are interrelated to one another through capital ownership, voting rights, uniform management or otherwise linked as well as individuals or corporate bodies and partnerships who act in concert to circumvent the regulations concerning the limitation of participation or the nominees (especially as syndicates), are treated as one single person or nominee with regard to the registration restriction and the nominee registration.
In 2002 the Board of Directors has approved to register the shares transferred from Akila S.A. to Akila Finance S.A. in the Company's share register. The ultimate beneficial owner of the Adecco S.A.'s shares held by the Akila Group remained unchanged. No further exception on limitations on registration and nominee registrations has been made in the year under review.
17238 Adecco AR finan. TRIPA 28/2/03 12:00 Página 40
In November 1999, Adecco Finance BV (formerly Meridian BV), a wholly owned subsidiary of Adecco S.A., issued EUR 360 million (CHF 576 million) convertible notes. The notes were redeemable for the principal amount together with accrued interest at the option of the note holder on November 25, 2001. Certain note holders exercised their redemption right on their notes for the principal amount totalling EUR 3 million. The notes are convertible into Adecco S.A. shares assuming a share price of CHF 107.24 and an exchange rate of CHF 1.6084 per Euro. The remaining balance of the notes is convertible into 5,361,150 shares of Adecco S.A.
Adecco S.A. has unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed the convertible notes of EUR 360 million (CHF 576 million) originally issued by Adecco Finance BV. See also Note 7 "Financing Arrangements" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – as of December 29, 2002.
The Adecco Group has several stock option plans whereby employees and directors receive the option to purchase shares. There are global and country specific plans in place.
Certain options granted under the plans are tradeable at the SWX Swiss Exchange (virt-x). The options are granted to employees or directors of the Adecco Group and give the optionee a choice of selling the option on the public market or exercising the option to receive an Adecco S.A.'s share. If the option holder chooses to sell the option on the open market, options may be held by a non-emploee or director of the Adecco Group. The trading of the tradable options is managed by a Swiss bank.
The purpose of the plans is to furnish incentives to selected employees and directors, to encourage employees to continue employment with the Adecco Group and to encourage selected employees and directors to own shares and to align with shareholder interests. Upon exercise of options, conditional capital of up to 6,560,330 shares is reserved for the purpose of granting options or shares bought back in the open market may be used.
The Board of Directors shall determine who shall be granted options and the size of the option grant for each optionee, the conditions, the exercise price and the date of granting. The exercise price for one share is fixed at the fair market value at the date of grant. Depending on the conditions of the plans, options vest with certain waiting periods of usually up to five years and are subsequently exercisable over five years. Options may be exercised at any time within the exercise period except for limitations set forth in the Adecco Group Insider Trading Statement of Policy.
Except under certain circumstances, un-vested options granted under the plan lapse upon termination of employment or Board membership. The Board of Directors may modify, amend, suspend or discontinue the plans.
| Exercise | Weighted Average | Weighted Average Exercise | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price per Share | Number | Remaining Life | Price per Share | ||
| CHF | 17 - 53 | 1,757,610 | 3.6 | CHF | 50 |
| 54 - 99 | 8,144,819 | 6.6 | 74 | ||
| 100 - 145 | 4,111,955 | 4.4 | 105 | ||
| 146 - 191 | 34,446 | 4.8 | 175 | ||
| 192 - 237 | 20,767 | 4.6 | 236 | ||
| 238 - 298 | 4,971 | 2.7 | 285 | ||
| CHF | 17 - 298 | 14,074,568 | 5.6 | CHF | 80 |
Options outstanding as of December 31, 2002 were:
For further details, see Note 9 "Stock Option Plans" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – as of December 29, 2002.
Areas of responsibility of the Board of Directors and of Management are defined by law and by the Articles of Incorporation of Adecco S.A. (Internet: http://aoi.adecco.com).
The Board of Directors of Adecco S.A. currently consists of nine members.
Under Swiss law, a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of a Swiss company must be citizens of Switzerland and be domiciled in Switzerland. Adecco S.A. is exempt from this requirement.
The following table sets forth the name, entry date and terms of office, nationality, professional education and principal positions of those individuals who currently serve as members of the Board of Directors:
| John Bowmer 1 | • Chairman of the Board of Directors; member of the Board of Directors since April 2002; term of office ends April 16, 2003. • British nationality. • Studied at Keele University, England, and graduated with a degree in Economics and Politics; holds a Masters degree from the London School of Business Studies. • Chief Executive Officer of the Adecco Group from August 1996 to April 2002, when he became Chairman of the Board. Chief Executive Officer of Adia from January 1992 to August 1996. Zone Manager for Adia's Asia Pacific operations from 1989 to 1991. • Board memberships: CP Ships, Canada (Member)3 • Other functions: Regional Advisory Board of London Business School (Member). |
|---|---|
| Miguel Alfageme 1 | • Member of the Board of Directors since April 2002; term of office ends April 16, 2003. • Spanish nationality. • Degree in Business Administration from ICADE (Universidad Pontificia Comillas), Spain. • Until his Board appointment in 2002, Mr Alfageme had been member of the Executive Committee for the Adecco Group since 1998 as General Manager Southern Europe and Latin America. Before he had been General Manager Spain since 1990. Mr Alfageme was previously with the BNP Group. • Board memberships: Adecco Foundation for Labour Integration (Member); Adecco Iberia S.A. (Chairman). |
| Philippe Foriel-Destezet 2 • Member of the Board of Directors since August 1996; term of office ends April 16, 2003. • French nationality. • Graduated from HEC Paris; Honorary Chevalier of the Légion d'Honneur. • Founder of Ecco S.A. in France in 1964. Joint Chairman of the Board of Directors of Adecco S.A. from August 1996 to April 2002. • Board memberships: Akila Finance S.A Luxembourg (Chairman); Securitas AB, Sweden (Member)3 , Carrefour S.A. France (Member)3 |
|
| Christian Jacobs 2 | • Member of the Board of Directors since April 2002; term of office ends April 16, 2003. • German nationality. • PhD in Law; Completed studies in Law and Business Administration at the Universities of Freiburg in Breisgau and Munich, Germany and Aix-en-Provence, France. • Partner in the law firm White & Case, Feddersen, Hamburg; previously a partner with attorneys Huth Dietrich Hahn in Hamburg. Practised corporate, capital markets, antitrust and European law with Büsing, Müffelmann & Theye in Bremen. • Board memberships: KJ Jacobs AG, Zurich (Chairman); Barry Callebaut AG, Zurich (Vice Chairman)3 ; Stollwerck AG, Germany, (Chairman)3 ; Boards & More AG, Zurich (Member); Stiftung der Deutschen Kakao- und Schokoladenwirtschaft, Germany (Member); Jacobs Foundation, Zurich (Member). |
1 Executive member of the Board of Directors.
2 Non-executive member of the Board of Directors; has not been a member of the management of the Adecco Group in the three financial years preceeding fiscal year 2002 and does not have important business connections with Adecco S.A. or with any of the Adecco Group companies.
3 Listed Company.
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| Philippe Marcel 1 | • Member of the Board of Directors since April 2002; term of office ends April 16, 2003. • French nationality. • Graduated from the Ecole Supérieure de Commerce, Lyon, France. • Until his Board appointment in 2002, Mr Marcel was a member of the Senior Management team of the Adecco Group. In the Executive Committee, he was Zone Manager for France, Morocco, and South Africa. He was Chairman of Adecco South Africa and Adecco Morocco and CEO of Adecco France. • Board memberships: Adecco France (Chairman); Adecco Germany (Chairman); April Group France (Member)3 |
|---|---|
| Conrad Meyer 2 | • Member of the Board of Directors since May 2001; term of office ends April 16, 2003. • Swiss nationality. • Graduated in Business Administration from the University of Zurich. Full Professor of Accounting, Control and Risk Management and Director of the Institute of Accounting and Control at the University of Zurich. • Board memberships: Neue Zürcher Zeitung AG, Zurich (Chairman); ATAG Asset Management, Basel (Chairman); KJ Jacobs AG, Zurich (Member); BDO Visura, Solothurn (Member); Akademie für Wirtschaftsprüfung, Zurich (Member); Board of the Prince of Liechtenstein Foundation, Liechtenstein (Member). • Other functions: President of the Commission of the Swiss Accounting and Reporting Recommendations (ARR); President of the Panel of Experts for Reporting Requirements at SWX Swiss Exchange. |
| Yves Perben2 | • Member of the Board of Directors since August 1996; term of office ends April 16, 2003. • Swiss and French nationality. • Graduated in Business Administration from the HEC, Paris (MBA). Graduated in Political Sciences and International Relations at the IEP Paris (MA). Qualified as a Chartered Public Accountant at the D.E.C.S. • Chairman and CEO of Corpofina-Geneva. Previously Mr Perben worked with Corpofina-Paris, Indosuez (Corporate Banking), Paribas (Corporate Banking) and Unilever Group. • Board memberships: UEB - United European Bank (Switzerland), Geneva (Member of the Board and Member of the Audit Committee); Qualis SCA, Paris (Member of the Board and Chairman of the Audit Committee). |
| Andreas Schmid2 | • Member of the Board of Directors since April 1999; term of office ends April 16, 2003. • Swiss nationality. • Masters degree in Law from the University of Zurich, Switzerland. • CEO of Barry Callebaut AG from 1999 to 2002, having previously been CEO of Jacobs AG and before that the CEO of the Mövenpick Consumer Goods Division. • Board memberships: Barry Callebaut AG, Zurich (Chairman)3 ; Kuoni Reisen Holding AG, Zurich (Chairman)3 ; Unique Flughafen Zurich AG (Chairman)3 |
| Ernst Tanner 2 | • Member of the Board of Directors since April 2000; term of office ends April 16, 2003. • Swiss nationality. • Graduated from business school in Switzerland; completed studies at Columbia University, New York, and Harvard University, Cambridge, USA. • Since 1993, CEO of Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG, Kilchberg, Switzerland, and since 1994 Chairman of the Board and CEO of Lindt & Sprüngli3 . Before 1993 Mr Tanner was with Johnson & Johnson for 25 years. • Board memberships: The Swatch Group AG, Biel (Member)3 ; Credit Suisse Group, Zurich (Member)3 ; Zürcher Handelskammer, Zurich (Member). |
1 Executive member of the Board of Directors.
2 Non-executive member of the Board of Directors; has not been a member of the management of the Adecco Group in the three financial years preceeding fiscal year 2002 and does not have important business connections with Adecco S.A. or with any of the Adecco Group companies.
3 Listed Company.
Cross-involvements at the level of the Board of Directors of Adecco S.A. and other listed companies exist according to the information provided in the above table.
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Members of the Board of Directors are elected for the term of office of one year, until the date of the next ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders; and may be re-elected for successive terms. Adecco S.A.'s Articles of Incorporation do not limit the number of terms a member may be re-elected to the Board of Directors. Candidates to be elected or re-elected to the Board of Directors are proposed by the Board by means of co-optation to the General Meeting of Shareholders. The Board of Directors operates under the direction of the Chairman who is appointed by the Board of Directors. As of December 31, 2002, neither a Vice Chairman nor a Delegate of the Board of Directors has been appointed. The Board holds four to six meetings per year. Each board meeting usually lasts for approximately six hours. For specific subjects, members of the Senior Management are present and for specific matters and on a case-by-case basis, the Board of Directors consults external advisors. The following Board Committees also assist the Board of Directors: the Audit and Finance Committee (AFC) and the Nomination and Compensation Committee (NCC).
The Audit and Finance Committee's primary responsibility is to assist the Board in carrying out its responsibilities as they relate to the organisation's accounting policies, internal controls and financial reporting practice. The committee is primarily responsible for the adequacy of the following functions:
• financial planning, including finance strategy and treasury policy. The AFC holds approximately five meetings per year. For specific subjects, members of the Senior Management are present, in particular the CEO and the CFO. The head of Internal Audit and the lead partner of the external auditors usually participate in the meetings.
The following table sets forth the name, year of entry to the Adecco Group, nationality, professional education and principal positions of As of December 31, 2002, the members of the AFC were:
| Name | Position |
|---|---|
| Conrad Meyer | Chairman of the AFC |
| Philippe Foriel-Destezet | Member |
| Andreas Schmid | Member |
The Nomination and Compensation Committee is primarily responsible for the adequacy of the following functions:
The NCC holds approximately three to five meetings per year. For specific subjects, members of the Senior Management are present, in particular the CEO and the CFO.
As of December 31, 2002, the members of the NCC were:
| Name | Position | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yves Perben | Chairman of the NCC | ||||
| Christian Jacobs | Member | ||||
| Ernst Tanner | Member |
The Board of Directors has delegated the day-to-day management of the Company to the Senior Management of the Adecco Group, except for specific items, such as acquisitions, long term financial commitments, management structure, budget approval, compensation policy, corporate identity policy, guidelines and policy statements.
The Board of Directors' instruments of information and control towards the Management consist of the following main elements:
those individuals who served as members of the Senior Management of the Adecco Group as of December 2002:
Internal Audit, reporting to the Chairman of the Audit and Finance Committee, which includes regular reporting on risk management matters.
Jérôme Caille French nationality.
17238 Adecco AR finan. TRIPA 28/2/03 12:00 Página 44
| Felix A. Weber | • Swiss nationality. • Graduated from the University of St Gallen in Switzerland in Finance and with a PhD in Marketing. • Chief Financial Officer of the Adecco Group since February 1998, President of the e-HR Services Division since December 2002. Mr Weber held Associate and Partner positions with McKinsey & Company, Switzerland from 1986 to 1998. Before 1986 CEO Swiss Aluminium South Africa and previously head of Sales and Marketing with Swiss Aluminium Limited. Mr Weber commenced his career with Asea Brown Boveri AG. • Board membership: Syngenta AG, Basel (Member) since November 2000. |
|---|---|
| Stephen G. Harrison | • American nationality. • MBA with honours from the University of Cincinnati, USA. • Group Chief Human Resources Officer and CEO of the Career Services Division of the Adecco Group since November 2001, president of Lee Hecht Harrison since 1986. Previously, Mr Harrison was a partner with the Center for Diagnostic Medicine in New York and spent 14 years at Tenneco, specialising in labour relations and HR management. • Board membership: Jobs for America's Graduates (Member Executive Committee). |
| Luis Sánchez de León | • Spanish nationality. • Graduated in Economic Science from the University Complutense, Madrid. • Chief Sales, Marketing and Business Development Officer of the Adecco Group since November 2001. Sales and Marketing Director of Southern Europe and Latin America from 1995 to 2001 and President of the HR Support Services Division since December 2002. Sales and Marketing Director of Adecco Spain from 1993 to 1995. Regional Manager of Adecco Spain from 1990 to 1993. • Prior to 1990, Mr Sánchez de León was a Regional Controller for Southern Europe and Latin America with Rhône-Poulenc, Paris. |
| Ray Roe | • American nationality. • Bachelor of Science from United States Military Academy, West Point, and a Masters of Science in Systems Management from the University of Southern California, USA. • Chief Executive Officer of the Professional Staffing and Services Division since May 2002. Chief Executive Officer Adecco Asia Pacific from July 1998 to May 2002. Chief Operating Officer Lee Hecht Harrison USA from 1993 to July 1998. • Mr Roe commenced his career with the US Army, retiring as a Brigadier General in 1993 after 26 years. |
There are no significant management contracts between the Adecco Group and external providers of services.
The Adecco Group's compensation philosophy is based on pay for performance. Accordingly, individual and business unit contributions to the Company's success are overriding considerations. The Adecco Group's compensations programmes are designed to attract, retain, motivate and reward employees to achieve the Company's financial and strategic objectives while ensuring the total compensation opportunity is internally equitable and externally competitive.
The Adecco Group's compensation programme for Senior Management includes the following five key components:
Base salary/fringe benefits: Annual base salary and fringe benefits are payments for doing the job. Both are determined based on local market conditions and the practices of the industry. It is the intention to pay a base salary which is in line with the market.
Bonus: It is through the bonus system that managers can maximise their short-term earning potential. Only through increasing Company profits and growth can managers maximise earning potential and therefore earn substantially more than their base compensation.
Stock Option Plan: Stock options are considered the long-term element to maintaining loyalty over an extended period. In addition, they encourage plan participants to increase shareholder value.
In order to pay competitively, the Adecco Group reviews market conditions on a continuing basis. Numerous conditions impact on how employees are paid, including geographic location, industry, competition and general business climate. Pay conditions vary from country to country as business climate, cost of living, competition for jobs and local industries vary. In order to pay competitively, the Adecco Group's country organisations conduct annual local salary surveys and review country specific economic data to determine their merit increase guidelines.
The total of all compensation conferred during the fiscal year 2002 to the executive members of the Board of Directors and to the Senior Management amounted to CHF 10.9 million. This amount includes honorariums, salaries, credits, bonuses and benefits in kind. It also includes payments conferred to members of governing bodies who gave up their function during the fiscal year 2002. The respective sum conferred to the non-executive members of the Board of Directors amounted to CHF 0.8 million. The above figures do not include bonus payments effectuated in 2002 for the fiscal year 2001, whilst bonus payments due in 2003 for the fiscal year 2002 are included.
No additional payments were conferred during the fiscal year 2002 to members of the Board of Directors or to members of the Senior Management who gave up their function during the fiscal year 2002 or before.
No shares were allocated during the fiscal year 2002 to acting members of governing bodies.
As of December 31, 2002, the members of the Senior Management and the executive members of the Board of Directors (including closely linked parties) held 110,064 shares of Adecco S.A. The nonexecutive members of the Board of Directors held 6 shares of Adecco S.A. Not included in these amounts are the 34,163,580 shares held by Akila Finance S.A., which is owned and controlled by Philippe Foriel-Destezet, and the 28,427,880 shares held by KJ Jacobs AG to which Christian Jacobs (Chairman) and Conrad Meyer are members of the Board of Directors.
Total of stock options granted and exercised since the merger of Adia and Ecco in 1996 and held as of December 31, 2002:
| 1997/ 2006 |
1998/ 2008 |
1999/ 2008 |
2000/ 2011 |
2001/ 2011 |
2002/ 2010 |
Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48.40 | 43.00 | 45.85 | 53.50 | 66.70 | 102.20 | 108.00 | 109.50 | 88.20 | 60.00 | |||
| A. Executive members of the Board of Directors and Senior Management | ||||||||||||
| 700,000 | 33,750 | 65,000 | 795,000 | 10,000 | 1,397,300 | 27,500 | 1,755,000 | 0 | 1,152,500 | 6,236,050 | ||
| (8,000) | 0 | 0 | (83,334) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | (575,634) | ||||
| 480,000 | 6,450 | 25,000 | 598,000 | 2,000 | 1,397,300 | 27,500 | 1,671,666 | 0 | 1,152,500 | 5,660,416 | ||
| B. Non-executive members of the Board of Directors and Senior Management1 | ||||||||||||
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 30,000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 40,000 | ||
| (220,000) (27,300) | (40,000) (197,000) | 85.27 107.30 0 10,000 |
200,000 100,000 200,000 100,000 |
1 No options exercised.
The figures indicated are net of options lapsed. One option entitles to the purchase of one Adecco S.A.'s share under the conditions as outlined in the respective plan.
For additional information on stock options, see chapter 2 "Capital Structure".
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Additional honorariums (including consultancy honorariums, other contracts/agreements) and other remunerations were conferred by the Adecco Group for services performed during 2002 to members of the Board of Directors and closely linked parties: under an Executive Services Fee agreement, the Adecco Group paid for the period January 1, 2002 to April 16, 2002 fees of CHF 1.5 million each both to the Akila Group which is owned and controlled by Philippe Foriel-Destezet, and to KJ Jacobs AG, of which Christian Jacobs (Chairman) and Conrad Meyer are members of the Board of Directors. No additional honorariums and remunerations were conferred to members of the Senior Management and closely linked parties.
See also the Articles of Incorporation of Adecco S.A. (Internet: http://aoi.adecco.com).
Swiss law allows any shareholder to seek information from the Board of Directors during the General Meeting of Shareholders provided no preponderant interests of the Company including business secrets, are at stake and the information requested is required for the exercise of shareholders rights. Shareholders may only obtain access to the books and records of the Company if authorised by the Board of Directors or the General Meeting of Shareholders. Should the Company refuse to provide the information requested, shareholders may seek a court order to gain access to such information. In addition, if the shareholder's inspection and information rights prove to be insufficient, each shareholder may petition the General Meeting to appoint a special commissioner who shall examine certain specific transactions or any other facts in a so-called special inspection. If the General Meeting approves such a request, the Company or any shareholder may ask the court of competent jurisdiction at the Company's registered office to appoint a special commissioner within 30 days. Should the General Meeting deny such a request, one or more shareholders who hold at least 10% of the equity capital, or shares with an aggregate nominal value of at least CHF 2 million, may petition a court of competent jurisdiction to order the appointment of a special commissioner. Such request must be granted and a special commissioner appointed if such court finds prima facie evidence that the Board of Directors breached the law or did not act in accordance with the Company's Articles of Incorporation. The costs of the investigation are generally allocated to the Company and only in exceptional cases to the petitioner(s).
Under Swiss corporate law, an ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders must be held within six months after the end of each fiscal year. Extraordinary General Meetings of Shareholders may be called by the Board of Directors or, if necessary, by the Adecco Group statutory auditors. In addition, an extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders may be called by a resolution of the shareholders adopted during any prior General Meeting of Shareholders or, at any time, by holders of shares representing at least 10% of the share capital.
The highest total sum of compensation and stock option allotments conferred to a member of the Board of Directors during 2002 amounted to CHF 2.2 million and to 500,000 stock options.
The Adecco Group, for the fiscal year 2002, has no guarantees and loans outstanding, advances or credits granted to members of the Board of Directors or to members of the Senior Management, including to parties closely linked to such persons.
The Swiss Code of Obligations is applicable to the right to request that a specific item be put on the agenda of the General Meeting of Shareholders and discussed and voted upon. Holders of Adecco S.A. shares with a nominal value of at least CHF 1 million have the right to request that a specific proposal be discussed and voted upon at the next General Meeting.
Notice of a General Meeting must be provided to the shareholders by publishing a notice of such meeting in the Swiss Commercial Gazette (Schweizerisches Handelsamtsblatt) at least 20 days before the meeting. The notice must state the items on the agenda and the proposals of the Board of Directors and the shareholders who demanded that a general meeting be called. Admission to the General Meeting is granted to any shareholder being registered in the Company's share register.
Shareholders will be registered in the share register of Adecco S.A. according to the invitation to a General Meeting of Shareholders, to be published in the Swiss Commercial Gazette (Schweizerisches Handelsamtsblatt). Only registered shareholders are entitled to vote.
Adecco S.A.'s Articles of Incorporation limit the voting rights of shareholders (including nominees) to no more than 5% of Adecco S.A. shares. (See art. 4 sec. 3 of the Articles of Incorporation). The limitation may be abolished by resolution of the shareholders' meeting with at least two-thirds of the votes represented and the absolute majority of the represented par value of the shares. Corporate bodies and partnerships or other groups of persons or joint owners who are interrelated to one another through capital ownership, voting rights, uniform management or otherwise linked as well as individuals or corporate bodies and partnerships who act in concert to circumvent the regulations concerning the limitation of participation or the nominees (especially as syndicates), are treated as one single person or nominee with regard to the voting limitation. See art. 4 sec. 4 of the Articles of Incorporation.
A shareholder may only be represented by (i) the shareholder's legal representative, (ii) another shareholder with the right to vote, (iii) a corporate body of Adecco S.A., (iv) an independent proxy or (v) a depository. See art. 17 sec. 2 of the Articles of Incorporation. At a General Meeting of Shareholders, votes are taken on a show of hands unless a ballot is ordered by the Chairman of the meeting or
requested by holders of Adecco S.A. shares representing at least 5% of Adecco S.A.'s share capital.
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There is no provision in the Articles of Incorporation or under Swiss law requiring a quorum for the holding of the General Meeting of Shareholders. Holders of at least a majority of Adecco S.A. shares represented in the General Meeting must vote in favour of a resolution in order for such a resolution to be adopted. In addition, in order to adopt resolutions regarding:
• dissolution of Adecco S.A. without liquidation,
holders of at least two-thirds of Adecco S.A.'s shares represented at such General Meeting must vote in favour of such resolutions.
In addition to the powers described above, the General Meeting has the power to vote on amendments to Adecco S.A.'s Articles of Incorporation (including the conversion of registered shares to bearer shares), to elect the directors, the statutory auditors and any special auditor for capital increases, to approve the annual report, including the statutory financial statements and the annual group accounts, and to set the annual dividend. In addition, the General Meeting has competence in connection with the special inspection and the liquidation of Adecco S.A.
The rights of shareholders may only be changed by a resolution of a General Meeting, which in certain cases must be passed with a supermajority of at least two-thirds of Adecco S.A. shares being represented at such General Meeting.
There are no statutory quorums with a greater majority than that set out by applicable law with the following exception: at least a two thirds majority of the votes represented and an absolute majority of the nominal values of the shares represented is required for the adoption of a resolution concerning the removal of restrictions on transfer of registered shares. See sec. 3 of the Articles of Incorporation.
Swiss law requires that Adecco S.A. retains at least 5% of its annual net profits as general reserves as long as such reserves amount to less than twenty percent of Adecco S.A.'s nominal paid-in share capital. Any remaining net profits may be distributed as dividends, pursuant to a shareholders resolution. A claim for payment of dividends declared is time-barred after a period of five years. Pursuant to Swiss law, Adecco S.A. is permitted to make only one dividend payment, if any, per fiscal year. Interim dividends may only be paid with shareholder approval.
The payment and amount of dividends on Adecco S.A. shares are subject to the recommendation of Adecco S.A.'s Board of Directors and to the approval of holders of Adecco S.A. shares at the General Meeting of Shareholders. The amounts of capital, reserves, and retained earnings for purposes of determining allowable dividend or retention of reserves are fixed in accordance with Swiss law.
Dividends paid to holders of ADRs who are U.S. holders generally will be subject to Swiss withholding tax. These holders may be entitled to a refund of a portion of these taxes from Swiss taxing authorities, as well as a tax credit for United States income tax liability.
The Articles of Incorporation do not limit the Company's duration. Swiss law requires that any proceeds from a liquidation of Adecco S.A., after all obligations to its creditors have been satisfied, be used first to repay the nominal equity capital of Adecco S.A. Thereafter, any remaining proceeds are to be distributed to holders of Adecco S.A. shares in proportion to the nominal value of those Adecco S.A. shares.
Adecco S.A. may be dissolved at any time by a resolution of a General Meeting taken by at least two-thirds of the votes represented and the absolute majority of the par value of Adecco S.A. shares represented. Under Swiss law, Adecco S.A. may also be dissolved by a court order upon the request of holders of Adecco S.A. shares representing at least 10% of Adecco S.A.'s share capital who assert significant grounds for the dissolution of Adecco S.A., such as the misuse of a shareholder's majority position. The court may also grant other relief such as a forced acquisition at fair market value of all Adecco S.A. shares held by minority shareholders of Adecco S.A. The court may at all times request that a shareholder or obligee decree the dissolution of Adecco S.A. if the required corporate bodies are missing. If the rules regarding the nationality and domicile of the members of the Board of Directors are no longer fulfilled, the Commercial Register Registrar shall set a time limit for Adecco S.A. to regularise the situation and may, after expiration without compliance, declare Adecco S.A. dissolved. Adecco S.A. may also be dissolved by adjudication of bankruptcy.
Adecco S.A.'s share capital is fully paid up. Hence, the shareholders have no liability to provide further capital to the Company.
Under Swiss law, holders of Adecco S.A. shares have pre-emptive rights to subscribe for any issuance of new Adecco S.A. shares in proportion to the nominal amount of Adecco S.A. shares held by that holder. Any new issuance of Adecco S.A. shares, whether for a cash or non-cash consideration, must be approved by the shareholders in a General Meeting. A resolution adopted at a General Meeting with a supermajority may suspend these pre-emptive rights for significant and material reasons only.
17238 Adecco AR finan. TRIPA 28/2/03 12:00 Página 48
Mandatory Bid Rules: Pursuant to the applicable provisions of the SWX Swiss Exchange Act, if any person acquires shares of Adecco S.A., whether directly or indirectly or together with another person, which exceed the threshold of 33 1 /3% of the voting rights of Adecco S.A., irrespective of whether the voting rights are exercisable or not, that person must make a bid to acquire all of the listed shares of Adecco S.A. There is no obligation to make a bid under the foregoing rules if the voting rights in question are acquired as a result of a gift, succession or partition of an estate, a transfer based upon matrimonial property law or execution proceedings.
The Articles of Incorporation of Adecco S.A. do not define opting-up or opting-out clauses in the sense of art. 32 of the Swiss Stock Exchange Law, in connection with a shareholder's obligation to present a bid.
Adecco S.A.'s Articles of Incorporation do not contain any provision other than the ones mentioned in this disclosure report (see section "Limitations on registration, nominee registration and transferability") that would have an effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of the Company.
The Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of Adecco S.A. elects the auditors and the group auditors each year. On April 17, 2002, the General Meeting re-elected Arthur Andersen AG, Zurich as auditors and group auditors of the Adecco Group for the financial year ending December 31, 2002.
However, as Arthur Andersen AG's operations ceased, and in accordance with the decision of the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of April 17, 2002, Ernst & Young AG, Zurich were registered on August 15, 2002 as auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2002.
Ernst & Young AG's lead auditor, Mike Sills, who was formerly with Arthur Andersen AG, has supervised the audit of Adecco S.A.'s statutory financial statements and the Adecco Group's consolidated financial statements since 1999 and 2000 respectively.
For the fiscal year 2002, the total fee for the Group audit of Adecco S.A. and for the statutory audits of the Adecco Group companies amounted to CHF 4.7 million.
For the fiscal year 2002, additional fees of CHF 1.6 million were charged for:
The Audit Committee oversees the Company's financial reporting process on behalf of the Board of Directors. In this capacity, the Committee reviewed with the independent auditors, who are responsible for expressing an opinion on the conformity of those audited financial statements with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, their judgments as to the quality, not just the acceptability, of the Company's accounting principles and such other matters as are required to be discussed with the committee under auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. In addition, the Committee has discussed with the independent auditors the auditors' independence from management and the Company, including the matters in the written disclosures required by the Independence Standards Board and considered the compatibility of non-audit services with the auditors' independence.
The Committee discussed with the Company's independent auditors the overall scope and plans for its audit. The Committee also had meetings with the independent auditors, with and without management present, to discuss the results of their examinations, their evaluations of the Company's internal control, and the overall quality of the Company's financial reporting.
Adecco S.A. Annual General Meeting of Shareholders The Annual General Meeting of Shareholders for the fiscal year 2002 will be held on April 16, 2003 at Hotel Beau-Rivage Palace in Lausanne-Ouchy, Switzerland.
Calendar of events may be found in Investor Information section on page 50. For further information, see the contact addresses as listed in the Operational Review section of the Annual Report (Internet: http://contacts.adecco.com).
Adecco S.A. is subject to the informational requirements of the US Exchange Act. In accordance with these requirements, Adecco S.A. files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These materials, including this Annual Report, may be inspected and copied at the public reference
facilities the SEC maintains at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Copies of all or any part of these materials can be obtained from the SEC upon the payment of certain fees prescribed by the SEC. For further information, see http://www.sec.gov, a website maintained by the SEC.

| Share information1 | 5-year Compound |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Growth Rate |
2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | |
| Basic net income / (loss) per share (CHF) | 1.90 | (2.30) | (2.33) | (1.01) | (1.16) | (1.52) | |
| Diluted net income / (loss) per share (CHF) | 1.88 | (2.30) | (2.33) | (1.01) | (1.16) | (1.52) | |
| Basic net income / (loss) before cumulative effect of change | |||||||
| in accounting principle (CHF) | 1.90 | (2.25) | (2.33) | (1.01) | (1.16) | (1.52) | |
| Diluted net income / (loss) before cumulative effect of | |||||||
| change in accounting principle (CHF) | 1.88 | (2.25) | (2.33) | (1.01) | (1.16) | (1.52) | |
| Income per share before amortisation of goodwill and | |||||||
| other intangibles and restructuring costs (basic)2 (CHF) | 0.7% | 1.94 | 3.77 | 4.06 | 3.07 | 2.4 | 1.87 |
| Income per share before amortisation of goodwill and other | |||||||
| intangibles and restructuring costs (fully diluted)2 (CHF) | 0.9% | 1.91 | 3.68 | 3.92 | 2.92 | 2.39 | 1.83 |
| Cash dividends paid per share (CHF) | 1.00 | 1.00 | 0.84 | 0.70 | 0.55 | 0.50 | |
| Basic weighted average common shares | 2.5% | 186,527,178 | 185,880,663 | 183,735,340 | 172,128,580 167,900,250 | 164,594,310 | |
| Fully diluted shares | 2.9% | 193,469,123 | 192,832,231 | 192,269,392 | 180,553,760 168,938,020 | 167,799,390 | |
| Outstanding shares | 2.6% | 186,697,162 | 186,174,880 | 185,387,000 | 178,140,456 170,368,500 | 164,110,790 |
1 All share and earnings per share figures have been adjusted for the 10 for 1 share split which took place in May 2001.
2 These figures are not meant to portray net income or cash flow in accordance with U.S. GAAP or to represent cash available to shareholders. Prior to 2002, income before amortisation of goodwill and other intangibles and restructuring costs does include tax benefits associated with the amortisation of goodwill.
See Chapter 1 "Structure and Shareholders of the Adecco Group" of the Corporate Governance section.
As of December 31, 2002, the market capitalisation of Adecco S.A., based on outstanding shares, amounted to approximately CHF 10.13 billion.
See Chapter 1 "Structure and Shareholders of the Adecco Group" of the Corporate Governance section.
For the fiscal year 2002, Adecco S.A.'s Board of Directors proposes a dividend of CHF 0.60 per registered share (and the proportional amount translated into US dollars for registered ADR holders). The dividend will be paid out for registered shares on April 28, 2003 and for registered ADR on May 29, 2003.
will be held on April 16, 2003 at 14.00 hrs at Hotel Beau-Rivage Palace in Lausanne-Ouchy, Switzerland.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| April 16, 2003 | Annual General Meeting of Shareholders |
| April 16, 2003 | Q1 2003 Earnings Release |
| July 23, 2003 | Q2 2003 Earnings Release |
| October 22, 2003 | Q3 2003 Earnings Release |
| February 4, 2004 | FY 2003 Earnings Release |
| Chairman |
|---|
Andreas Schmid 1 Ernst Tanner 2 1 Member of the Audit & Finance Committee (Chairman: Conrad Meyer)
2 Member of the Nomination & Compensation Committee (Chairman: Yves Perben)
| Chief Executive Officer |
|---|
| & President Staffing Services Division |
| Chief Financial Officer & President e-HR Services Division |
| CEO Career Services Division & Group Chief HR Officer |
| CEO Professional Staffing and Services Division |
| Chief Sales, Marketing and Business Development Officer |
| & President HR Support Services Division |
17238 Adecco AR finan. TRIPA 28/2/03 12:00 Página 50
Michael Agoras Switzerland Ulf Bergström Sweden Andres Cano Divisional Finance Jo Collier Australia Mark Du Ree Asia Pacific Gitte Elling Denmark Per-Arne Gulbrandsen Norway Elmar Hoff Germany Jean Louis Joly Adia France Sergio Picarelli Central Europe Gilles Quinnez France & North Africa Enrique Sanchez Iberia & Latin America Mark de Smedt Benelux
Julio Arrieta NAFTA (USA-Canada-Mexico) Richard MacMillan United Kingdom & Republic of Ireland Carlo Scatturin Italy & South Eastern Europe
Luis-Felipe Campuzano Continental Europe Ray Dixon Asia Pacific Roy Haggerty Consulting and Communications North America Paul Jacobs Ajilon Office Angels United Kingdom Neil Lebovitz Finance, Office and Legal North America Peter Searle United Kingdom Karine Storm Divisional Controller Lionel Terral France
Career Services Peter Alcide Divisional Finance
e-HR Services Division Chris Funk Germany Davide Villa Europe (except Germany)
Senior Corporate Executives Hans R. Brütsch Corporate Secretary Patrick Dobler Treasury Mark Eaton Controlling Raymund Gerardu Tax Franco Gianera IT Helena Rasetti Investor Relations Marcel Schmocker Legal Michel Tcheng Audit & Risk
Auditors Ernst & Young Ltd Zurich, Switzerland
Edouard Comment Lee Hecht Harrison Europe China Gorman Lee Hecht Harrison Worldwide
Enrique de la Rubia Regulations, Public Affairs & CSR François Vassard Marketing & Communications
Registered Office
17238 Adecco AR fin. CUBIERTA 28/2/03 12:03 Página 1
1275 Chéserex Switzerland
Contact Details
consulting S.A. Sägereistrasse 10 PO Box CH - 8152 Glattbrugg Switzerland Tel: +41 1 878 88 88 Fax: +41 1 829 88 88
Tel: +41 1 878 88 37 Fax: +41 1 829 88 39 [email protected]
Tel: +41 1 878 88 84 Fax: +41 1 829 88 84 [email protected]
Adecco on the Internet http://www.adecco.com
Lee Hecht Harrison on the Internet http://www.LHH.com
A full office address list can be found on www.adecco.com

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