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Insight Enterprises

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FY2003 Annual Report · Insight Enterprises
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I N S I G H T

E N T

E R P R I S E S ,

I N C .

Key Financial Charts

Net Sales
(in thousands)

Net Earnings (Loss)
(in thousands)

Diluted Earnings (Loss) 
Per Share

About Insight

Insight Enterprises, Inc. is a leading provider of information technology (IT) products and services to 
businesses in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Our offerings include brand name 
computing products, advanced IT services and outsourcing of business processes. Major brands recognized
by customers are Insight and related Insight-branded subsidiaries, and Direct Alliance Corporation. We have
approximately 4,000 employees worldwide and are currently ranked number 506 on Fortune Magazine’s
2003 Fortune 1000 list.

We have four operating segments:
• Single-source provider of IT products and services – North America (Insight North America) 
• Single-source provider of IT products and services – United Kingdom (Insight UK) 
• Business process outsource provider (Direct Alliance) 
• Internet service provider – United Kingdom (PlusNet)

Insight North America, Insight UK, Direct Alliance and PlusNet represented 83%, 13%, 3% and 1% of our
net sales in 2003, respectively. 

2003

ANNUAL
R E P O R T

 
 
M E S S A G E

F R O M   M A N A G E M E N T

Dear Fellow Stockholder:

For the past two years, we have been focused internally on acquisition integrations,
system  conversions  and  transformation  to  become  a  single-source  business
model. I am very pleased to report that we have now completed these internal
challenges  successfully.  We  ended  the  year  with  a  strong  quarter  and  I 
believe we are well positioned to grow net sales and net earnings during 2004.
Despite  a  tough  economic  environment,  we  performed  well  last  year.  I  believe
strongly  that  these  internal  improvements  and  increasing  efficiencies  across  the
entire organization will pay off for us in 2004 and beyond.

The decline in corporate spending for IT products began late in 2000 and continued
throughout 2003. However, there was some improvement during the second half of
2003, and we ended the year with three consecutive quarters of growth in net sales,
net  earnings  and  earnings  per  share.  Our  strong  performance  during  this  period 
of  economic  uncertainty,  with  our  focus  almost  exclusively  on  internal  initiatives, 
is evidence of the strength of the fundamentals in each of our operating segments. I am
also  encouraged  by  positive  indicators,  such  as  an  increase  in requests for proposals
(RFPs), that suggest a rebound in IT spending may finally be starting.

Our stock made a positive recovery during the year from $8.96 on January 1, 2003 to
$18.80  on  December  31,  2003,  an  increase  for  our  stockholders  of  110%. 
The positive performance by our operating segments coupled with the successful completion
of  our  acquisition  integrations,  system  conversion,  cost  cutting  initiatives  and  turnaround 
of  Insight  UK  provided  growth  in  earnings  per  share.  I  also  believe  this  indicates  that  the
investment  community,  including  you,  our  stockholders,  has  an  increased  confidence  in  our
ability to execute our short-term and long-term business plans.

Insight North America
Our  largest  operating  segment,  Insight  North
America, focused in 2003 on the transforma-
tion  of  our  business  model  to  become  a 
leading  single-source  provider  of  IT  products
and services. We also integrated our acquired
operations  to  operate  under  a  unified  Insight
brand  and  started  collecting  sales  tax  in  all
states.  We  completed  our  largest  project  to
date,  the  IT  systems  conversion  to  our  new
“Maximus”  system.  This  extremely  complex
conversion  has  now  been  completed  in  all 
of  our  Insight  operations  serving  United 
States  customers.  This  tremendous  technical
milestone  will  enable  us  to  realize  cost 
savings,  increase  efficiencies  and  provide  a
greater  level  of  service  to  our  customers. 
In  2004,  we  intend  to  make  additional
enhancements to the system and will introduce
“Maximus”  to  our  United  Kingdom  and
Canadian operations in 2005.

I  am  very  pleased  that  all  of  these  programs
have been successfully accomplished and we
now  have  transitioned  from  strict  product 
fulfillment  to  a  single-source  model  that
includes  service  offerings,  which  I  believe
gives  us  a  significant  competitive  advantage.
We  now  have  the  ability  to  make  total  IT 

solutions available to business customers of all
sizes  in  the  United  States  and  the  United
Kingdom  while  maintaining  personalized 
customer  service  through  a  single  point  of 
contact – the dedicated account executive.

With  the  internal  focus  behind  us,  our  theme
for  2004  is  “Insight  OUT.”  We  are  taking 
the  resources  that  were  dedicated  the  last 
two  years  to  these  internal  projects  and 
redeploying them outward towards areas that
drive  net  sales  and  improve  our  customers’
buying experiences with us. Our top priorities
for  Insight  North  America  in  the  coming 
year include:

• Educating  our  customers  and  account 
executives  on  our  capabilities  which  we
believe  are  more  expansive  than  those  of
any of our direct competitors and constitute
a key differentiator in the marketplace.

• Improving customer service through metrics.
With  the  Maximus  system,  we  have  the
capability to drive metrics into every aspect
of  our  business,  and  we  will  use  these 
metrics 
increase  performance  and 
efficiencies in every department.

to 

• Increasing  marketing,  branding  and  demand  generation
by  using  traditional  marketing  vehicles,  such  as 
advertising and other print media. 

• Enhancing  the  quality  and  functionality  of  our  Web  site 
by integrating it into our entire business processes making
the  customer  experience,  whether  it  is  by  telephone, 
face-to-face or via the Web, as seamless as possible.

With  all  our  resources  focused  on  “Insight  OUT,”  2004 
will be the year to start showing our ability to execute our
single-source business model. 

United Kingdom
2003  was  a  turnaround  year  for  Insight  UK.  With  a  new
management  team  in  place,  Insight  UK  successfully  posted
four quarters of earnings from operations.  The challenges of
2002  for  Insight  UK  are  well  behind  us  and  2003  was  a
year of restructuring and focusing on executing the business
model  in  the  United  Kingdom.  We  are  now  positioning
Insight  UK  as  a  single-source  provider  of  IT  products  and
services under the global Insight brand. I am pleased with
the  results  and  believe  we  have  the  business  model,  focus
and  management  team  to  lead  us  to  future  growth  in  this
operating segment.

Direct Alliance
Our business process outsourcing segment, Direct Alliance,
continued  to  provide  strong  operating  profits  in  2003 
and has been successful in adding several new small clients 
and  programs.  Although  we  continue  to  have  client 
concentration  in  this  segment,  our  relationships  are  strong
and  we  believe  that  improvements  in  the  economy, 
continued trends towards outsourcing and a focus in 2004
on business development should provide an opportunity for
us to grow this operating segment.

PlusNet
PlusNet,  our  United  Kingdom  Internet  service  provider, 
contributed  strong  growth  in  both  net  sales  and  earnings
from operations as we continue to benefit from the shift in the
United Kingdom from dial-up to broadband Internet services.
We  continue  to  be  a  leading  low-cost  provider  of 
broadband Internet service in the UK and proudly received 
several "Best ISP" in the UK media accolades during 2003,
including  the  "Best  ISP  on  the  Planet"  award  from  Internet
Magazine.  Although  it  continues  to  provide  a  positive 
growing contribution to our consolidated results, we still plan
to divest PlusNet when we can obtain what we believe is the
fair value for this operating segment.

Towards  the  end  of  2003,  we  also  made  some  strategic 
senior management changes. Tony Smith returned to Direct
Alliance as president to focus on business development and
I assumed the additional role of president of the company.
In  connection  with  this  change,  the  senior  management 
structure of the company was realigned in order to redeploy
the talents of our current executives in a manner that will best
accomplish our goals for 2004 and beyond. Dino Farfante
was promoted to President of Insight Direct Worldwide and
will oversee all of Insight North America's and Insight United
Kingdom's  sales,  marketing  and  distribution  functions.
Stuart  Fenton,  Managing  Director  for  Insight  UK,  now
reports to Dino. Allowing Dino Farfante and Stuart Fenton to
coordinate  strategic  efforts  and  focus  on  areas  that 
directly affect the customer will help unify the global Insight
brand and help assure that we effectively take advantage of
our competitive positioning as IT spending rebounds.

I  have  had  the  privilege  to  work  with  a  highly  dedicated
board  of  directors  and  I  thank  them  for  their  commitment 
and  service.  The  board’s  diverse  business  knowledge 
and  experience  has  enhanced  the  value  of  our  company. 
I  would  also  like  to  take  the  opportunity  to  welcome  our
newest  board  member  Bennett  Dorrance.  Bennett  brings 
an  extensive  background  in  business  and  finance  and 
has  significant  prior  board  experience  with  Fortune 
500 companies.

Additionally,  I  would  like  to  acknowledge  our  employees
worldwide  for  the  tremendous  job,  hard  work  and 
dedication they have always shown, particularly over these
past  two  years.  The  integration  of  our  acquisitions  and 
conversion  to  Maximus  are  some  of  the  largest  feats  our
company has ever accomplished. You are the champions!

As  we  move  forward,  I  feel  confident  in  our  strategic 
direction and our business plan. All of our business segments
are  ready  for  the  challenges  and  opportunities  that  2004
will bring. With the foundation firmly in place, I believe we
are well positioned for growth in 2004 and beyond.

On  behalf  of  our  employees  and  the  board  of  directors,
thank you for being a stockholder and for your support.

Sincerely, 

Timothy A. Crown
Chief Executive Officer and President
March 12, 2004

Timothy A. Crown 
Chief Executive Officer and
President Insight Enterprises, Inc.

Board of Directors

(Clockwise from top left) Eric J. Crown, Vice President and Chairman of the Board; Michael M. Fisher,
Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee; Stanley Laybourne, Executive Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer, Treasurer and Director; Timothy A. Crown, Chief Executive Officer, President and
Director; Larry A. Gunning, Director and Chairman of the Compensation Committee; Robertson C.
Jones, Director and Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee. Not shown: Bennett
Dorrance, Director

 
M E S S A G E

F R O M   M A N A G E M E N T

Dear Fellow Stockholder:

For the past two years, we have been focused internally on acquisition integrations,
system  conversions  and  transformation  to  become  a  single-source  business
model. I am very pleased to report that we have now completed these internal
challenges  successfully.  We  ended  the  year  with  a  strong  quarter  and  I 
believe we are well positioned to grow net sales and net earnings during 2004.
Despite  a  tough  economic  environment,  we  performed  well  last  year.  I  believe
strongly  that  these  internal  improvements  and  increasing  efficiencies  across  the
entire organization will pay off for us in 2004 and beyond.

The decline in corporate spending for IT products began late in 2000 and continued
throughout 2003. However, there was some improvement during the second half of
2003, and we ended the year with three consecutive quarters of growth in net sales,
net  earnings  and  earnings  per  share.  Our  strong  performance  during  this  period 
of  economic  uncertainty,  with  our  focus  almost  exclusively  on  internal  initiatives, 
is evidence of the strength of the fundamentals in each of our operating segments. I am
also  encouraged  by  positive  indicators,  such  as  an  increase  in requests for proposals
(RFPs), that suggest a rebound in IT spending may finally be starting.

Our stock made a positive recovery during the year from $8.96 on January 1, 2003 to
$18.80  on  December  31,  2003,  an  increase  for  our  stockholders  of  110%. 
The positive performance by our operating segments coupled with the successful completion
of  our  acquisition  integrations,  system  conversion,  cost  cutting  initiatives  and  turnaround 
of  Insight  UK  provided  growth  in  earnings  per  share.  I  also  believe  this  indicates  that  the
investment  community,  including  you,  our  stockholders,  has  an  increased  confidence  in  our
ability to execute our short-term and long-term business plans.

Insight North America
Our  largest  operating  segment,  Insight  North
America, focused in 2003 on the transforma-
tion  of  our  business  model  to  become  a 
leading  single-source  provider  of  IT  products
and services. We also integrated our acquired
operations  to  operate  under  a  unified  Insight
brand  and  started  collecting  sales  tax  in  all
states.  We  completed  our  largest  project  to
date,  the  IT  systems  conversion  to  our  new
“Maximus”  system.  This  extremely  complex
conversion  has  now  been  completed  in  all 
of  our  Insight  operations  serving  United 
States  customers.  This  tremendous  technical
milestone  will  enable  us  to  realize  cost 
savings,  increase  efficiencies  and  provide  a
greater  level  of  service  to  our  customers. 
In  2004,  we  intend  to  make  additional
enhancements to the system and will introduce
“Maximus”  to  our  United  Kingdom  and
Canadian operations in 2005.

I  am  very  pleased  that  all  of  these  programs
have been successfully accomplished and we
now  have  transitioned  from  strict  product 
fulfillment  to  a  single-source  model  that
includes  service  offerings,  which  I  believe
gives  us  a  significant  competitive  advantage.
We  now  have  the  ability  to  make  total  IT 

solutions available to business customers of all
sizes  in  the  United  States  and  the  United
Kingdom  while  maintaining  personalized 
customer  service  through  a  single  point  of 
contact – the dedicated account executive.

With  the  internal  focus  behind  us,  our  theme
for  2004  is  “Insight  OUT.”  We  are  taking 
the  resources  that  were  dedicated  the  last 
two  years  to  these  internal  projects  and 
redeploying them outward towards areas that
drive  net  sales  and  improve  our  customers’
buying experiences with us. Our top priorities
for  Insight  North  America  in  the  coming 
year include:

• Educating  our  customers  and  account 
executives  on  our  capabilities  which  we
believe  are  more  expansive  than  those  of
any of our direct competitors and constitute
a key differentiator in the marketplace.

• Improving customer service through metrics.
With  the  Maximus  system,  we  have  the
capability to drive metrics into every aspect
of  our  business,  and  we  will  use  these 
metrics 
increase  performance  and 
efficiencies in every department.

to 

• Increasing  marketing,  branding  and  demand  generation
by  using  traditional  marketing  vehicles,  such  as 
advertising and other print media. 

• Enhancing  the  quality  and  functionality  of  our  Web  site 
by integrating it into our entire business processes making
the  customer  experience,  whether  it  is  by  telephone, 
face-to-face or via the Web, as seamless as possible.

With  all  our  resources  focused  on  “Insight  OUT,”  2004 
will be the year to start showing our ability to execute our
single-source business model. 

United Kingdom
2003  was  a  turnaround  year  for  Insight  UK.  With  a  new
management  team  in  place,  Insight  UK  successfully  posted
four quarters of earnings from operations.  The challenges of
2002  for  Insight  UK  are  well  behind  us  and  2003  was  a
year of restructuring and focusing on executing the business
model  in  the  United  Kingdom.  We  are  now  positioning
Insight  UK  as  a  single-source  provider  of  IT  products  and
services under the global Insight brand. I am pleased with
the  results  and  believe  we  have  the  business  model,  focus
and  management  team  to  lead  us  to  future  growth  in  this
operating segment.

Direct Alliance
Our business process outsourcing segment, Direct Alliance,
continued  to  provide  strong  operating  profits  in  2003 
and has been successful in adding several new small clients 
and  programs.  Although  we  continue  to  have  client 
concentration  in  this  segment,  our  relationships  are  strong
and  we  believe  that  improvements  in  the  economy, 
continued trends towards outsourcing and a focus in 2004
on business development should provide an opportunity for
us to grow this operating segment.

PlusNet
PlusNet,  our  United  Kingdom  Internet  service  provider, 
contributed  strong  growth  in  both  net  sales  and  earnings
from operations as we continue to benefit from the shift in the
United Kingdom from dial-up to broadband Internet services.
We  continue  to  be  a  leading  low-cost  provider  of 
broadband Internet service in the UK and proudly received 
several "Best ISP" in the UK media accolades during 2003,
including  the  "Best  ISP  on  the  Planet"  award  from  Internet
Magazine.  Although  it  continues  to  provide  a  positive 
growing contribution to our consolidated results, we still plan
to divest PlusNet when we can obtain what we believe is the
fair value for this operating segment.

Towards  the  end  of  2003,  we  also  made  some  strategic 
senior management changes. Tony Smith returned to Direct
Alliance as president to focus on business development and
I assumed the additional role of president of the company.
In  connection  with  this  change,  the  senior  management 
structure of the company was realigned in order to redeploy
the talents of our current executives in a manner that will best
accomplish our goals for 2004 and beyond. Dino Farfante
was promoted to President of Insight Direct Worldwide and
will oversee all of Insight North America's and Insight United
Kingdom's  sales,  marketing  and  distribution  functions.
Stuart  Fenton,  Managing  Director  for  Insight  UK,  now
reports to Dino. Allowing Dino Farfante and Stuart Fenton to
coordinate  strategic  efforts  and  focus  on  areas  that 
directly affect the customer will help unify the global Insight
brand and help assure that we effectively take advantage of
our competitive positioning as IT spending rebounds.

I  have  had  the  privilege  to  work  with  a  highly  dedicated
board  of  directors  and  I  thank  them  for  their  commitment 
and  service.  The  board’s  diverse  business  knowledge 
and  experience  has  enhanced  the  value  of  our  company. 
I  would  also  like  to  take  the  opportunity  to  welcome  our
newest  board  member  Bennett  Dorrance.  Bennett  brings 
an  extensive  background  in  business  and  finance  and 
has  significant  prior  board  experience  with  Fortune 
500 companies.

Additionally,  I  would  like  to  acknowledge  our  employees
worldwide  for  the  tremendous  job,  hard  work  and 
dedication they have always shown, particularly over these
past  two  years.  The  integration  of  our  acquisitions  and 
conversion  to  Maximus  are  some  of  the  largest  feats  our
company has ever accomplished. You are the champions!

As  we  move  forward,  I  feel  confident  in  our  strategic 
direction and our business plan. All of our business segments
are  ready  for  the  challenges  and  opportunities  that  2004
will bring. With the foundation firmly in place, I believe we
are well positioned for growth in 2004 and beyond.

On  behalf  of  our  employees  and  the  board  of  directors,
thank you for being a stockholder and for your support.

Sincerely, 

Timothy A. Crown
Chief Executive Officer and President
March 12, 2004

Timothy A. Crown 
Chief Executive Officer and
President Insight Enterprises, Inc.

Board of Directors

(Clockwise from top left) Eric J. Crown, Vice President and Chairman of the Board; Michael M. Fisher,
Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee; Stanley Laybourne, Executive Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer, Treasurer and Director; Timothy A. Crown, Chief Executive Officer, President and
Director; Larry A. Gunning, Director and Chairman of the Compensation Committee; Robertson C.
Jones, Director and Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee. Not shown: Bennett
Dorrance, Director

 
I N S I G H T

E N T

E R P R I S E S ,

I N C .

Key Financial Charts

Net Sales
(in thousands)

Net Earnings (Loss)
(in thousands)

Diluted Earnings (Loss) 
Per Share

About Insight

Insight Enterprises, Inc. is a leading provider of information technology (IT) products and services to 
businesses in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Our offerings include brand name 
computing products, advanced IT services and outsourcing of business processes. Major brands recognized
by customers are Insight and related Insight-branded subsidiaries, and Direct Alliance Corporation. We have
approximately 4,000 employees worldwide and are currently ranked number 506 on Fortune Magazine’s
2003 Fortune 1000 list.

We have four operating segments:
• Single-source provider of IT products and services – North America (Insight North America) 
• Single-source provider of IT products and services – United Kingdom (Insight UK) 
• Business process outsource provider (Direct Alliance) 
• Internet service provider – United Kingdom (PlusNet)

Insight North America, Insight UK, Direct Alliance and PlusNet represented 83%, 13%, 3% and 1% of our
net sales in 2003, respectively. 

2003

ANNUAL
R E P O R T

 
 
UNITED STATES 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 
Washington, D.C. 20549 

FORM 10-K 

(Mark One) 
/ X/ 

Annual Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934  
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 

/   / 

Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934  
For the transition period from __________ to ___________. 

or 

Commission File Number: 0-25092 

INSIGHT ENTERPRISES, INC. 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 

Delaware 
(State or other jurisdiction of  
incorporation or organization) 

86-0766246 
(IRS Employer  
Identification No.) 

 1305 West Auto Drive, Tempe, Arizona, 85284 
(Address of principal executive offices, Zip Code) 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (480) 902-1001 

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

Title of each class 
None 

Name of each exchange on which registered 
N/A 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: 
Common stock, par value $0.01 
(Title of Class) 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of 
the  Securities  Exchange  Act  of  1934  during  the  preceding  12  months  (or  for  such  shorter  period  that  the  Registrant  was 
required to file such report(s)), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. 
Yes  X   

No ___ 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained 
herein,  and  will  not  be  contained,  to  the  best  of  Registrant’s  knowledge,  in  definitive  proxy  or  information  statements 
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  /   / 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). 

Yes  X   

No ___ 

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the Registrant, 
based upon the closing price of the Registrant’s common stock as reported on the Nasdaq National Market on June 30, 2003, 
the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was $444,395,250. 

The number of outstanding shares of the Registrant’s common stock on February 20, 2004 was 47,846,154. 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 

Portions of the Registrant’s Proxy Statement relating to its 2004 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated 

by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS  

Certain statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including statements in “Business” in Item 1 and 

“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Item 7, are “forward-looking 
statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  These forward-looking statements 
may include: projections of matters that affect net sales, gross profit, operating expenses, earnings from operations or net 
earnings; projections of capital expenditures; projections for growth; hiring plans; plans for future operations; financing 
needs or plans; plans relating to our products and services; statements of belief; and statements of assumptions underlying 
any of the foregoing.  Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be 
predicted or quantified.  Future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or 
underlying the forward-looking information.  Some of the important factors that could cause our actual results to differ 
materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following:   

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

changes in the economic environment and/or IT industry; 
actions of competitors, including manufacturers of products we sell; 
reliance on suppliers for product availability, purchasing incentives and competitive products to sell; 
reliance on a limited number of outsourcing clients; 
disruptions in our information and telephone communication systems;  
risks associated with international operations; 
dependence on key personnel; 
rapid changes in product standards; 
integration and operation of future acquired businesses; 
ability to renew or replace short-term financing arrangements; 
recently enacted and proposed changes in securities laws and regulations;  
results of litigation; 
changes in state sales tax collection;  
intellectual property infringement claims; and 
risks that are otherwise described from time to time in our Securities and Exchange Commission reports, 
including but not limited to the items discussed in “Factors that Could Affect Future Results” set forth in 
“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in  Item 7 of 
this report.  

We assume no obligation to update, and do not intend to update, any forward-looking statements.   

 
 
 
 
 
 
INSIGHT ENTERPRISES, INC. 

FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT 
Year Ended December 31, 2003 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

ITEM 1. 
ITEM 2. 
ITEM 3. 
ITEM 4. 

Business......................................................................................................... 
Properties ....................................................................................................... 
Legal Proceedings.......................................................................................... 
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders ................................... 

PART I 

ITEM 5. 

ITEM 6. 
ITEM 7. 

ITEM 7A. 
ITEM 8. 
ITEM 9. 

ITEM 9A. 

ITEM 10. 
ITEM 11. 
ITEM 12. 

ITEM 13. 
ITEM 14. 

PART II 

Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder  
  Matters ....................................................................................................... 
Selected Consolidated Financial Data ........................................................... 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and 
  Results of Operations................................................................................. 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk ........................ 
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.............................................. 
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and  
  Financial Disclosure................................................................................... 
Controls and Procedures ................................................................................ 

PART III 

Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant ....................................... 
Executive Compensation ............................................................................... 
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management  

and Related Stockholder Matters ............................................................... 
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions............................................ 
Principal Accountant Fees and Services ........................................................ 

ITEM 15. 

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K ............. 

PART IV 

SIGNATURES ....................................................................................................................... 
CERTIFICATIONS................................................................................................................ 

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Item 1. Business 

PART I 

Insight Enterprises, Inc. – General 

Insight Enterprises, Inc. is a holding company organized in the following four operating segments: 

Operating Segment 

Description 

Geography 

Insight North America 

Insight UK 

Single-source provider of information 
technology  (“IT”) products and 
services 

Single-source provider of IT products 
and services 

United States 
and Canada 

United Kingdom 

Direct Alliance 

Business process outsourcing provider 

United States 

PlusNet 

Internet service provider 

United Kingdom 

% of 2003 
Consolidated  
Net Sales 

% of 2003 
Consolidated
Earnings 
from 
Operations 

83% 

13% 

3% 

1% 

59% 

11% 

25% 

5% 

Our core businesses focus on being a leading provider of brand name computing products, IT services and outsourcing of 

business processes primarily to business customers in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.   

We were incorporated in Delaware in 1991 as the successor to an Arizona corporation that commenced operations in 

1988.  We began operations in the United States and expanded into Canada in 1997. 

Acquisitions History 

During 1998, we initiated operations in the United Kingdom and Germany, both through acquisitions.  In the fourth 
quarter of 2001, we acquired additional computer direct marketers in Canada and the United Kingdom and closed down our 
operations in Germany to focus all of our European efforts on the United Kingdom.    

In April 2002, we completed our largest acquisition to date: Comark, Inc. and Comark Investments, Inc. (collectively, 
“Comark”).  Comark, with net sales of $1.5 billion in its fiscal year ended December 29, 2001 (the last fiscal year prior to the 
acquisition), was a computer product reseller similar to Insight North America, except that its primary target customer was 
the medium-to-large enterprise business, serviced primarily by a face-to-face field sales force, and it had significant, 
advanced IT service capabilities that differentiated it from other resellers in the United States.  The former Comark operations 
have been fully integrated into Insight North America, and in early 2004 we successfully converted our operations serving 
United States customers onto one IT system.  

Operating Segments 

The following discussions of our operating segments should be read in conjunction with the operating segment 

disclosures and information regarding geographic operations found in Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in 
Item 8.  A discussion of factors potentially affecting our operations is set forth in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of 
Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Factors that Could Affect Future Results” in Item 7.   

Insight North America and Insight UK – The Insight Brand 

Insight North America and Insight UK (collectively, “Insight”) are reported as separate operating segments.  However, 

they both market products and services principally under the global brand name “Insight” and operate with similarly 
structured business models and strategic positioning as leading single-source providers of IT products and services.  

Insight North America, with operations in the United States and Canada, is our primary operating segment, representing 
83% and 59% of consolidated net sales and earnings from operations, respectively, in 2003.  Target customers are small- to 
medium-sized and large corporate enterprises, as well as government and educational entities.   

 Insight UK represented 13% and 11% of consolidated net sales and earnings from operations, respectively, in 2003, and 
primarily targets small- to medium-sized businesses, as well as government and educational entities, in the United Kingdom. 
1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business Overview   

Insight has grown to be a leading single-source provider of IT products and services to businesses, government and 
educational institutions in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.  In 2003, we began transforming our business 
model and branding efforts to a “single-source” value proposition which focuses on providing total product and service 
solutions.  This transformation is based on what we believe are customers’ business-driven needs, and is a shift from our 
earlier approach of strict product fulfillment.  Although we have service offerings that are more advanced than most 
traditional direct marketers, this still represents a very small percentage of our net sales and net earnings, and we are usually 
referred to as a direct marketer in commentary on the industry.  

We devoted substantial resources and attention in 2003 to implementing changes to our IT systems in the portion of our 

business serving customers in the United States.  These system changes integrated acquired capabilities, improved 
functionality, and we believe strengthen our ability to serve business customers, and facilitate marketing of the full breadth of 
our product and service capabilities across all customer segments.  We believe we are positioned in 2004 to fully deploy the 
single-source business model to our target customers, particularly in the United States. 

Our goal is to be the best source for IT products and services for business and public sector entities by providing a broad, 

competitively-priced product selection and customized services. We believe our single-source business model will help our 
customers maximize return on their IT investments and reduce their total cost of ownership throughout the full technology 
lifecycle.  We also believe that our single-source business model, knowledgeable sales force, targeted marketing strategies, 
streamlined distribution, advanced services capabilities and commitment to total solutions will further differentiate us from 
our competitors.   

Operating Strategy 

The key elements of our operating strategy are as follows: 

Single-Source Business Model.  Our single-source business model offers business customers the advantages of multiple 

vendor product choices, competitive pricing and availability, swift delivery and a vast array of customized services, all 
through a single point of contact.  We are transitioning our business model beyond product fulfillment to include extensive 
service offerings, enabling us to adopt a selling approach focused on providing total solutions for customers’ IT needs.  We 
believe this transition is essential to respond to the changing dynamics of how businesses plan, purchase and implement 
technology.  In addition to a sophisticated product fulfillment engine, we offer service capabilities and can now pursue the 
service level agreements, which allow us to serve as the central project manager for any combination of IT services a 
customer may require from basic warranties and financing options, to custom configuration, network design and 
implementation, asset tagging and asset disposal.  Our value proposition is offering a single-source IT solution that we 
believe will maximize our customers’ return on investment and assist them in effectively managing their IT assets throughout 
the full technology life cycle.  In North America, our largest area of operation, we believe we have a competitive advantage 
in the degree to which we can provide these products and services across all customer groups. 

Integrated Sales and Marketing.  We market and sell IT products and services through a variety of integrated direct 

sales and marketing techniques including: 

• 
• 
• 
• 

• 

a staff of customer-dedicated account executives utilizing proactive outbound telephone-based sales; 
a customer-focused, face-to-face field sales force;  
electronic commerce (primarily the Internet);   
targeted marketing (including electronic marketing and communications, advertising and specialty marketing 
programs); and 
comprehensive product and services catalogs.  

We tailor our marketing model to each customer market.  We design our marketing programs to attract new customers 
and to stimulate additional purchases from existing customers.  Through our marketing programs, we emphasize our broad 
product and services offerings, competitive pricing, fast delivery, customer support and multiple payment options.  A large 
portion of our marketing efforts in 2004 and beyond will be focused on increasing awareness of our service capabilities and 
the value of our single-source business model, as well as increasing Insight brand awareness.   

Components of our sales and marketing strategy include: 

Focus on Businesses, including Government and Educational Entities.  We target businesses as well as government and 

educational entities.  Our target customer employs 50 to 5,000 people that regularly use computing products.   We believe 
this is one of the most valuable segments of the IT products and services market because entities in this segment demand 
leading, high-performance technology products and services, purchase frequently, are value conscious, value well-trained 
account executives and are knowledgeable buyers that require less technical support than the average individual consumer.  
Our operating model, which we can tailor based on the size and complexity of our target customer, positions us to serve this 
segment of the market effectively through our competitive pricing, extensive product availability, advanced service 

2

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
capabilities, well-trained account executives, high level of customer service, cost-effective distribution systems and 
technological innovation.  During 2003, virtually all of our net sales were to business customers, including government and 
educational institutions, and no single customer accounted for more than 3% of our consolidated net sales. 

Recruit, Train and Retain a Quality Sales Force.  The majority of our account executives focus on outbound 

telemarketing by contacting existing customers on a systematic basis to generate additional sales.  In addition, these account 
executives utilize various prospecting techniques in order to increase the size of our customer base.  To support the account 
executives, we maintain an extensive database of customers and potential customers.  We have established dedicated 
outbound sales divisions focusing on small- and medium-sized businesses (generally less than 1,000 PC’s), larger corporate 
businesses (generally at least 1,000 PC’s) and the public sector entities (including government and educational).  Account 
executives in these divisions interact with the sophisticated purchasing agents and information management staffs of 
organizations to establish mutually beneficial relationships within these specific customer targets.  Once established, the one-
on-one relationships between our customers and their account executives are maintained and enhanced primarily through 
frequent telecommunications supplemented by e-marketing materials.  We also enhance our telemarketing operations by 
maintaining a smaller group of face-to-face field account executives in a number of cities throughout the United States, and 
to a lesser extent, in the United Kingdom.  These face-to-face field account executives typically service larger corporate 
accounts, government accounts or accounts that have advanced system and service needs.  Additionally, we have a group of 
knowledgeable account executives dedicated to taking inbound calls.   

We believe that our ability to establish and maintain long-term relationships and to encourage repeat purchases is 
dependent, in part, on the quality of our account executives.  Because our customers’ primary contact with us is through our 
account executives, we focus on recruiting, training and retaining qualified and knowledgeable sales staff.  New account 
executives are required to participate in a multi-week extensive product, system, sales and procedural training program.  This 
program consists of class work focusing on technical product and services information, sales and customer service, and 
supervised inbound and outbound sales experience.  Additionally, in conjunction with product manufacturers, we sponsor 
periodic training sessions introducing new products and emphasizing fast-selling products.  We also have training programs 
that seek to refine sales skills and introduce new policies and procedures.  Ongoing sales skill classes target the positions of 
sales management, account executives and sales support and focus on enhancing existing skills or developing new skills for 
varying aspects of the sales process.   

Each account executive is responsible for building a customer base and proactively servicing the needs of his/her 

established customers.  Our information systems allow on-line retrieval of relevant customer information, including the 
customer’s history and product information, such as price, cost and availability, as well as up-selling and cross-selling 
opportunities.  Additionally, we use data mining tools and analytics to help the account executive establish a portfolio of 
customers that will provide the best selling opportunities.  Account executives are empowered to negotiate sales prices within 
limits established by us, and a large part of their compensation is based upon their gross profit dollars generated.  The more 
experienced the account executive, the greater the latitude to make decisions and the higher the percentage of total 
compensation that is based on gross profit dollars generated.  Compensation programs are designed to promote and reward 
top performers in the organization.   

Information regarding the number and tenure of account executives at Insight North America and Insight UK at 

December 31, 2003 and 2002 follows:   

   Insight North America 

Insight UK 

12/31/03 

12/31/02 

12/31/03 

12/31/02 

Number of account executives ... 
Experience: 
Less than one year  ..................... 
One to two years......................... 
Two to three years ...................... 
More than three years ................. 

1,194 

27% 
13% 
10% 
50% 
100% 

1,268 

24% 
15% 
21% 
40% 
100% 

232 

50% 
11% 
13% 
26% 
100% 

262 

30% 
22% 
14% 
34% 
100% 

Average tenure ........................... 

    3.3 years 

    3.0 years 

    2.2 years 

    2.9 years 

Increase in tenure is important to our business as our statistics show that account executive productivity increases with 

experience.  The increase in average tenure for Insight North America is due primarily to increased retention efforts, 
including performance based incentives and enhanced training programs, a less favorable job market in a sluggish economy 
and headcount reductions based on performance of less experienced account executives.  The decrease in average tenure for 
Insight UK is due primarily to headcount reductions based on performance, including some more senior account executives. 

3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For a discussion of risks associated with our dependence on key personnel, including sales personnel, see 

“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition – Factors That May Affect Future Results and Financial 
Condition – We depend on key personnel,” in Item 7. 

Focus on Customer Service.  We strive to create strong, long-term relationships with our customers, which we believe 

promotes customer satisfaction and ultimately increases the percentage of IT spending awarded to us.  We believe that a key 
to building customer loyalty is to provide customers with a knowledgeable account executive backed by a strong support 
staff.  Most business customers are assigned a trained account executive who understands the customer’s technology needs 
and proactively identifies and processes orders for products and services that meet those needs.  In addition to our account 
executives, we also have technical specialists who support our sales force, creating a team approach to addressing customers’ 
various needs within a total solutions framework.  Although additional support personnel may interact with the customer, 
such as technical specialists or third party service providers, the customer’s dedicated account executive remains the primary 
project manager across all product and services that may be involved when implementing a solution to the customer’s needs.  
We believe that solving customers’ unique business and technology challenges through strong one-to-one sales and project 
management relationships will improve the likelihood that customers will look to us for future product and services 
purchases.   

We realize that fast delivery is also important to our customers.  Customer orders are sent to one of our distribution 

centers or to one of our “direct ship” suppliers for processing immediately after the order is released.  We have integrated 
labeling and tracking systems with major freight carriers into our information system to ensure prompt and traceable delivery.  
Additionally, we have integrated our information system with our “direct ship” suppliers making shipments from these 
suppliers virtually transparent to our customers.  We ship almost all of our orders on the day the orders are released for 
shipment. 

We believe that our efficient customer service is an important factor in customer retention and overall satisfaction and 

that the improvements in our internal IT system will make us more efficient in this area. 

Promote Use of E-Commerce.  We believe that providing the customer with a seamless e-commerce system, supported 

by well-trained account executives results in a highly efficient business model that delivers high customer satisfaction.  
Account executives encourage customers to place online orders via our website, www.insight.com, and we offer selected 
businesses customized web pages that are designed by our electronic marketing team.  These pages allow businesses to 
customize views based on their needs and procurement guidelines and to purchase IT products and services from us at pre-
negotiated volume-based pricing.  We also create awareness of our products and services to customers and prospects through 
graphically rich electronic catalogs, electronic postcards and other branded sales messages transmitted via e-mail.  Through 
the promotion of e-commerce, we hope to increase sales and facilitate our customers’ ease of doing business with us. 

Selectively Employ Specialty Marketing, Catalogs and Advertising.  We continue to increase our national exposure, 
promote local interest and encourage visits to our website through title sponsorship of the “Insight Bowl,” a post-season 
intercollegiate football game.  During the 2003 Insight Bowl, which was telecast live by ESPN on December 26, 2003, we 
aired television commercials showcasing manufacturers’ products offered by us.  These 15-second spots provided 
cooperative advertising opportunities for us and our suppliers and encouraged high-technology business buyers to visit our 
web site at www.insight.com.  We also selectively place targeted advertisements in trade publications in the United States, 
Canada and the United Kingdom.  These advertisements provide detailed product descriptions, manufacturers’ specifications 
and pricing information and emphasize our service and support features.  Additionally, the Insight logo and telephone 
number are included in promotions by selected manufacturers.   In the United Kingdom, we are continuing to provide a 
comprehensive product and services catalog to select customers.  Each catalog provides detailed product descriptions, 
manufacturers’ specifications, pricing and service and support features.  We also send targeted “magalogs” (catalogs 
designed similarly to a magazine) and direct mail brochures showcasing our product and service offerings to customers in the 
United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. 

Broad Selection of Branded Products.  We provide the convenience of one-stop shopping by offering our customers a 

comprehensive selection of more than 200,000 SKUs of brand name IT products in North America, and more than 70,000 
SKUs in the United Kingdom.  We offer products from more than 1,000 manufacturers including Hewlett-Packard (“HP”), 
IBM, Microsoft, Toshiba, Cisco, 3COM, Lexmark and Sony.  Our breadth of product offerings combined with our efficient, 
high-volume and cost-effective direct sales and marketing allows us to offer competitive prices.  We believe that offering 
multiple vendor choices enables us to better serve customers’ needs by providing a variety of product solutions based on 
customer preferences, or other criteria, such as real-time best pricing and availability, or compatibility with existing 
technology.  We have developed “direct-ship” programs with many of our suppliers through the use of electronic data 
interchange (“EDI”) and extensible markup language (“XML”) links allowing us to expand our product offerings without 
further increasing inventory, handling costs or inventory risk exposure.  Convenience and product options among multiple 
brands are key competitive advantages against manufacturers’ direct selling programs, which are generally limited to their 
own brands and may not be able to offer customers a complete or best solution across all product categories.   

4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following provides sales information by product category for Insight North America and Insight UK for each of the 

past three years: 

Percentage of Product Net Sales 
Insight North America 
2002 

2001 

2003 

Percentage of Product Net Sales 
 Insight UK 
2002 

2003 

2001 

Product Categories 
Computers: 
   Notebooks and PDAs .........................     
   Desktops and Servers .........................     

 15% 
 18% 
 33% 

14% 
17% 
31% 

Software ...............................................      

 11% 

16% 

Storage Devices....................................      

  8% 

9% 

Printers .................................................      

 12% 

12% 

Network and Connectivity....................  

 10% 

 10% 

Monitors and Video..............................  

  8% 

Memory and Processors .......................  

  5% 

Supplies and Accessories .....................  

  5% 

Miscellaneous.......................................  

  8% 

 7% 

 5% 

 4% 

 6% 

15% 
15% 
30% 

17% 

10% 

10% 

 9% 

 7% 

 5% 

 5% 

 7% 

18% 
13% 
31% 

16% 

6% 

10% 

8% 

9% 

3% 

10% 

7% 

14% 
13% 
27% 

18% 

6% 

11% 

8% 

8% 

4% 

10% 

8% 

16% 
18% 
34% 

16% 

9% 

11% 

7% 

6% 

5% 

5% 

7% 

The largest product category continues to be computers, representing 33% of product net sales in 2003 for Insight North 

America and 31% of product net sales in 2003 for Insight UK.  Growth in notebooks and PDAs in 2003 was strong as 
businesses focused on increasing the mobility of their workforces. The increase in desktop and server sales in 2003 is due 
primarily to refresh cycles being initiated by businesses.  Additionally, net sales of Microsoft software products were strong 
in 2002 due primarily to the July 31, 2002 deadline for Microsoft’s upgrade programs.  There was no similar catalyst for 
software sales in 2003, and that contributed to a decline in software sales from 2002 levels.  All other product categories, as a 
percentage of product net sales, were fairly consistent from the prior years, and we continue to see increased demand for 
products that provide solutions to customers’ security and data retention needs. 

We select our products based upon existing and proven technology and anticipated customer needs.  Our product 
managers and buyers evaluate the effectiveness of new and existing products and select those products for inclusion in our 
product offerings based upon market demand, product features, quality, reliability, sales trend, price, margins and warranties.  
Because our goal is to offer the latest in technology, we quickly replace slower selling products with new products.   

Most of the products we market are warranted by the manufacturer and it is our policy to request that customers return 
their defective products directly to the manufacturer for warranty service.  On selected products, and for selected customer 
service reasons, we accept returns directly from the customer and then either credit the customer or ship a replacement 
product.  We generally offer a limited 15- to 30-day return policy for unopened products and certain opened products, which 
is consistent with manufacturers’ terms; however, some products may be subject to restocking fees.  Products returned 
opened are quickly processed and returned to the manufacturer or supplier for repair, replacement or credit to us.  We resell 
all unopened products returned to us.  Products that cannot be returned to the manufacturer for warranty processing, but are in 
working condition, are promptly sold to inventory liquidators, end users as “previously sold” or “used” products or are sold 
through other channels, to reduce losses from returned products.   

During 2003, we purchased products from approximately 1,300 suppliers.  Approximately 42% (based on dollar volume) 
of these purchases was directly from manufacturers, with the balance from distributors.  Historically, we have also purchased 
from and sold to other computer resellers in order to offer our customers favorable pricing, to balance our inventory or to 
minimize inventory risk.  Purchases from Ingram Micro, Inc. (“Ingram”) and Tech Data Corporation, which are distributors, 
and HP, a manufacturer, accounted for approximately 21%, 15% and 16%, respectively, of Insight’s aggregate purchases in 
2003.  No other supplier accounted for more than 10% of purchases in 2003.  Our top five suppliers as a group (Ingram; HP; 
Tech Data; International Business Machines Corporation, [“IBM,” a manufacturer]; and Synnex Information Technologies, 
Inc. [“Synnex,” a distributor]) accounted for approximately 67% of Insight’s total product purchases during 2003.   Although 
brand names and individual products are important to our business, we believe that competitive sources of supply are 
available in substantially all of our product categories and, therefore, we are not dependent on any single supplier for 
sourcing product.   

We obtain supplier reimbursements from certain product manufacturers.  We typically receive reimbursements from 
suppliers based upon the volume of sales or purchases of the suppliers’ product.  In other cases, such reimbursements may be 
5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
in the form of discounts, advertising allowances, price protection or rebates.  Manufacturers may also provide mailing lists, 
contacts or leads to us.  We believe that supplier reimbursements allow us to increase our marketing reach and strengthen our 
relationships with leading suppliers.  These reimbursements are important to us, and any elimination or substantial reduction 
would increase our costs of goods sold or marketing expenses and decrease our earnings from operations.  During 2003, sales 
of products manufactured by HP and IBM accounted for approximately 33% and 13%, respectively, of Insight’s net sales in 
2003.  No other manufacturer accounted for more than 10% of Insight’s net sales in 2003.  Sales of product from our top five 
manufacturers as a group (HP, IBM, Microsoft, Cisco and Toshiba) accounted for approximately 63% of Insight’s net sales 
during 2003.  We believe that the majority of IT purchases by our customers are made based on the ability of our total 
product and service offering to meet their IT needs more than on specific brands.  However, consolidation among 
manufacturers (e.g., the merger of HP and Compaq Computer Corporation in 2002) has increased our reliance on some 
manufacturers, particularly HP.   

For a discussion of risks associated with our reliance on suppliers, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of 
Financial Condition – Factors That May Affect Future Results and Financial Condition – We rely on our suppliers for 
product availability, purchasing incentives and competitive products to sell,” in Item 7. 

Advanced IT Services Offering.  Although sales of services are currently a small percentage of our net sales and gross 

profit, we believe our service offering differentiates us from our competitors.  We believe this service offering helps to 
establish strong, deep-rooted relationships with customers as they look to us for more than just product fulfillment and view 
us as partners in creating integrated product and service solutions for their IT needs.  As sales of services increase, services 
will likely become a greater percentage of gross profit because sales of services are generally at a higher gross margin than 
product sales. 

We provide our customers a wide variety of IT services which focus on the following areas: 

•  Custom Configuration – We custom configure servers, desktops, laptops and peripherals, including services 

such as: 

o  asset tagging; 
o  basic testing; 
o  hardware and software configuration; and  
o  software installation. 

•  Advanced Integration – Our ISO 9001: 2000 certified advanced integration lab in the United States provides 

technical operations, resources and expertise to manage and implement large-scale network rollouts, including: 

o  workstations, servers and connectivity equipment; 
o  individual user customization of file servers, switches, routers and racks;  
o  pre-built networks, including IP addressing; and 
o  live network testing and turnkey deployment. 

Our advanced integration service capabilities are more widely available to customers in the United States than 
in Canada or the United Kingdom 

•  Enterprise Consulting – We evaluate, design, implement and manage business technology projects for our 

customers.  Our enterprise consulting competencies include: 

o  infrastructure assessment and design; 
o  wireless LAN design and implementation; 
o  Citrix deployments; 
o  Microsoft implementation; 
o  IP voice and telephony solutions; and 
o  network security. 

•  National Repair Center – Our National Repair Center is dedicated to maintaining our customers’ equipment 

and ensuring optimal performance levels through a variety of services including: 

o  break fix services; 
o  hot swap/spare program; 
o  asset retrieval, refurbishment or redeployment; and 
o  end of lease processing. 

•  Resource Management – We offer highly skilled technical staff to augment customers’ existing IT staffs in 

areas such as: 

o  desk side support; 
o  help desk support; 
o  installs, moves, adds and changes; 
o  LAN administration; and 
o  critical server restoration. 

6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
•  Project Management – We provide customers with experienced project managers who coordinate the planning, 

design, deployment, and support of our customers’ IT projects or ongoing service programs.  

•  National Implementation Programs – Together with selected highly qualified service partners, we provide  

comprehensive, customized implementation services , including:   
o  national implementation and deployment projects;  
o  national service maintenance programs; 
o  wireless LAN implementations; and  
o  service vendor relationship management. 

The vast majority of services provided by Insight North America are delivered through extensive in-house capabilities, 

including services performed in our ISO 9001:2000 certified advanced integration and custom configuration labs.  We 
believe this is a key differentiator from direct competitors in the United States.  Insight UK manages delivery of services by 
contracting with highly-qualified service partners.  In all cases, regardless of delivery methods or geography, the customer’s 
dedicated account executive remains the primary contact throughout the entire sales and service implementation process and 
we offer to maintain the service level agreement to assure consistent quality of service across the project.  This commitment 
to project management is central to our “single-source” value proposition for delivering total product and service solutions, 
and we believe it will enhance the development of strong, long-term relationships with customers.   

Our account executives are supported by technical experts that specialize in select product and service areas.  In North 
America, we refer to these specialty support teams as “Centers of Excellence.”  We currently have specialty support teams 
focused on the following areas: 

•  Connectivity 
•  High Performance Systems 
•  Networking 
•  Security 
•  Storage 
•  Warranties 
•  Wireless 

Historically in the industry, advanced services were available primarily to larger corporate customers, but we are now 
able to provide those services to our small- to medium-sized business customers.  Creating awareness and increasing sales to 
this customer group will be a significant focus in 2004.   

We believe that there is no other reseller able to offer the same breadth and depth of IT products and services that we 

offer across all target customer groups in the United States.  

Efficient Technology Based Operations.  In 2003, a significant focus was the migration of our operations serving United 

States customers to a new, unified IT platform.  This new system, referred to as “Maximus,” is a hybrid system, combining 
SAP R/3 version 4.6 (“SAP”) for back-end support functions and a customized front-end consisting of a set of enhanced 
capabilities developed to make it easier for customers to conduct business with Insight and to increase the productivity of our 
account executives.  These unique and customized front-end capabilities are manifested in four key areas:    

• 

• 

• 
• 

an enhanced graphical account representative user interface designed initially for account executives previously 
operating on Insight’s proprietary system. The user interface is integrated with SAP, with enhanced 
functionality over the previous systems; 
a highly efficient Product Master designed to enhance significantly product data, search capability and search 
speed, allowing both customers and account executives to search and view the same product information; 
a virtual sourcing engine for “direct ship” sourcing; and 
an enhanced Web environment to support our e-commerce initiatives by supplying customers with more 
efficient product searching and enhanced customized landing pages.   

We expect to see many benefits from the Maximus system including: an integrated sales and support engine; an efficient, 
reliable and consistent system to support our business needs; more robust reporting and analysis capabilities; and an increase 
in functionality from a sales perspective. 

We believe our implementation of advanced technological systems provides a barrier to new entrants into our market and 
a competitive advantage by increasing the productivity of our account executives, delivering more efficient customer service 
and reducing order processing and inventory costs.  The migration of our operations serving United States customers to 
Maximus was completed in January 2004, and we currently plan to deploy Maximus to our United Kingdom and Canadian 
operations in 2005. 

7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Although Maximus has enhanced functionality, our information systems in all geographies allow our account executives 

to obtain a wide range of information, including: 
customer information;  
product information;  
product pricing, gross profit and availability;  
product compatibility and alternative product offerings and accessories; and  
order status.   

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

We believe that the information available to our account executives allows them to make better decisions regarding 
product recommendations and pricing, provide superior customer service and increase overall profitability.  We believe that 
our investment in information technology will continue to improve the efficiency of our operations. 

The majority of our United States distribution operations are conducted within a 323,000 square foot distribution facility 

in Hanover Park, Illinois.  Activities performed in our Illinois distribution center include receipt and shipping of inventory, 
returned product processing and repair services.  Additionally, this distribution center houses our advanced integration and 
custom configuration labs.  We also have distribution facilities in Canada and the United Kingdom.  All of our information 
systems have capabilities that integrate our sales, distribution, inventory and accounting functions.  Through our information 
systems, we send orders electronically to one of our distribution centers or to a “direct ship” supplier for processing 
immediately upon order release, and the distribution center or supplier automatically prints a packing slip for order 
fulfillment.  Products received in our distribution centers have a standard UPC code, manufacturer bar code, supplier bar code 
or are issued a bar code and then placed in designated bin locations.  We use systematic checks to ensure accurate fulfillment 
and to provide real-time reduction in inventories.  We have implemented a re-ordering system that calculates lead times and, 
in some instances, automatically re-orders from certain suppliers.  Our system accepts price quotes from several competing 
suppliers and, in most cases, automatically re-orders from the supplier with the most competitive price and availability.  We 
have integrated our order processing, labeling and tracking systems with major freight carriers to ensure prompt and traceable 
delivery.  We utilize a combined physical and virtual distribution model, utilizing “just-in-time” inventory management and 
“direct ship” relationships with suppliers to reduce inventory costs.  We promote the use of EDI or XML links with our 
suppliers, which we believe helps to reduce overhead, simplify the order fulfillment cycle and reduce the use of paper in the 
ordering process.  Our physical distribution capabilities allow us to inventory product as needed to take advantage of product 
allocations, opportunistic purchases or to meet the service requirements of our customers.  Our inventory management 
techniques, utilizing our system capabilities, allow us to offer a greater range of products without increased inventory 
requirements, and to reduce inventory exposure and shorten order fulfillment time.   

Additionally, our telephone system is an important part of our technology-based operations as the majority of our sales, 
marketing and customer service efforts are conducted via the telephone.  Our telephone system is programmed to route calls 
automatically, depending on their originating data, to specific sales groups, or to specific account executives.  Our telephone 
system also uses menu functions that permit the customers to route themselves to the appropriate sales, service or support 
area or to their assigned account executives.   

For a discussion of risks associated with our information and telephone systems, see “Management’s Discussion and 
Analysis of Financial Condition – Factors That May Affect Future Results and Financial Condition – Disruptions in our 
information and telephone communication systems could affect our ability to service our customers and cause us to incur 
additional expenses,” in Item 7. 

Growth Strategy 
Insight’s growth strategy is to increase sales and earnings by:  

Selling Additional Products and Services to Our Existing Customer Base.  We seek to become the primary provider of 

IT products and services for our customers by investing in the development and training of our account executives and 
providing the tools to effectively sell the best IT solution, including products and services, to our customers.  We believe 
proactive account management and assignment of specific account executives dedicated to developing closer relationships 
with active business customers will enable us to increase the volume, frequency, and breadth of sales to these customers.  We 
continue to refine and analyze our customer database to better understand and service our customer, which results in long-
term customer relationships.  In addition, we are focused on improving account executive productivity by providing a 
comprehensive, on-going training program to our account executives, implementing incentive programs that focus on 
rewarding and retaining top performers and automating routine processes.  A focus in 2004 will be training our account 
executives on our service capabilities and on a sales process that anticipates and evaluates our customers’ technology needs, 
both current and future, so that we can capitalize on opportunities to be our customers’ single-source provider of IT products 
and services.  We also will be increasing our marketing initiatives in 2004 relating to demand generation, promotion of our 
single-source business model and brand awareness.  We believe, particularly in the United States, that the full breadth of our 
single-source product and service offerings are a differentiating factor from our competitors.  We also believe that the 
capabilities of our single-source business model are not yet fully understood by our sales executives serving small-to 
medium-sized business customers, government and educational entities, nor by our target customers.  This provides 

8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
opportunity in 2004 for increased training and marketing about our capabilities and should also have a positive effect on 
gross margin, as sales of services are usually conducted at higher gross margins than product sales.  

Expanding Our Customer Base.  We intend to increase our direct sales and targeted marketing efforts in each of our 

customer segments: small- to medium-sized businesses; large corporate enterprises; and government and educational 
institutions.  We seek to acquire new account relationships through proactive outbound telesales, face-to-face field sales, 
electronic commerce, targeted electronic direct marketing and increased advertising focused on Insight brand awareness and 
the differentiating factors of our single-source business model. 

Capitalizing on International Presence.  We seek to capitalize on our international presence in an effort to achieve our 

long-term goal of becoming a global leader for IT products and services.  To that end, we have established operations in 
Canada and the United Kingdom.  Our presence in these countries provides us with an increased customer base, expanded 
product offerings and the ability to leverage our existing infrastructure and supplier relationships.  We intend eventually to 
continue expanding in Europe through the expansion of our existing infrastructure in the United Kingdom.  For a discussion 
of risks associated with international operations, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition – 
Factors That May Affect Future Results and Financial Condition – There are risks associated with international operations 
that are different than those inherent in the United States business,” in Item 7. 

Leveraging Existing Infrastructure.  We have expended considerable resources to develop our infrastructure to support 
planned growth.  In early 2004, we completed the conversion of our operations serving United States customers to Maximus 
and expect to deploy Maximus in our United Kingdom and Canadian operations in 2005.   The new Maximus system adds 
functionality that we believe will better enable us to exceed our customers’ expectations and further differentiate us from our 
competitors.  The benefits we expect to see from the Maximus system will be: an integrated sales and support engine; an 
efficient, reliable and consistent system to support our business needs; more robust reporting and analysis capabilities; and an 
increase in functionality from a sales perspective.  During the conversion to Maximus, Insight North America incurred 
additional expenses relating to redundant support staffs, stay bonuses for employees to encourage retention during the 
conversion and accelerated depreciation related to software that would no longer be used after the conversion.  We expect 
that we will not incur these expenses in 2004, and that we will gradually gain additional efficiencies as our employees 
become more proficient on the system.  We believe that our investments, primarily in technology and facilities, will allow us 
to increase sales at a faster rate than operating expenses.  We expect to reduce operating expenses as a percent of sales and 
improve profitability through the unified IT system platform in the United States, increased productivity of our account 
executives, cost-effective marketing, utilization of electronic commerce, and economies of scale.  In addition, we believe our 
relationships with our suppliers will continue to offset certain expenses through the receipt of supplier reimbursements.  We 
may not be able to achieve all of the potential efficiencies that are possible through the deployment of the new IT system.  
For a discussion of risks associated with our information and telephone systems, see “Management’s Discussion and 
Analysis of Financial Condition – Factors That May Affect Future Results and Financial Condition – Disruptions in our 
information and telephone communication systems could affect our ability to service our customers and cause us to incur 
additional expenses,” in Item 7. 

Making Opportunistic Strategic Acquisitions.   Based on our acquisition experience, capital structure and unified IT 
system platform, we believe we are well positioned to take advantage of any strategic acquisitions that broaden our customer 
base, expand our geographic reach, scale our existing operating structure or enhance our product and service offerings. It is 
part of our growth strategy to evaluate and consider strategic acquisition opportunities if and when they become available.   

For a discussion of risks associated with future acquisitions, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial 

Condition – Factors That May Affect Future Results and Financial Condition – The integration and operation of future 
acquired businesses may disrupt our business, create additional expenses and utilize cash or debt availability,” in Item 7. 

Industry  

Prior to late 2000, the industry experienced strong growth rates amidst a healthy economic environment.  Sales of IT 
products in the following years decreased worldwide due to sluggish economic growth and a lengthening of IT replacement 
cycles.  This slowdown in spending was evident beginning in the fourth quarter of 2000 and signs of an anticipated recovery 
were only first seen through slightly increased activity in the latter half of 2003.  We remain cautiously optimistic that IT 
spending will increase in 2004, although we believe the motivation for purchases has changed from that of the pre-2000 era, 
and we have repositioned ourselves to respond to these changes accordingly so that we may increase market share.  
Additionally, IT products experience continual declines in average selling prices (“ASPs”).  Therefore, in order to increase 
net sales, unit sales must grow at a rate faster than the decline in ASPs.   

We believe the industry is evolving.  The market for IT products and services is served through a variety of distribution 
channels, and intense competition for market share has forced manufacturers to reexamine the psychology behind customers’ 
purchasing behaviors and to seek the most cost effective and efficient channels to distribute their products.  Customers are 
changing the way they plan, purchase and implement technology purchases, and participants in the supply chain, including 

9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
us, are changing in an effort to keep pace with or get ahead of these changes.  We believe three important trends have 
emerged: 

1.  Technology purchases are being made to address business-driven needs, and financial officers are increasingly 
playing greater roles in the final purchasing decisions.  We believe that demand is no longer driven only by 
increased speed and functionality of basic desktop computers, but by the total cost of ownership and return on 
investment of IT expenditures.  Therefore, direct marketers are increasing efforts to include IT services among their 
offerings, and outbound telesales organizations are being complemented by face-to-face field sales.  Insight North 
America has been at the forefront of this trend since acquiring extensive advanced service capabilities in early 2002, 
and other direct marketers have since made efforts to include varying levels of services among their offerings.  We 
believe that we are uniquely positioned to take advantage of this shift in customer purchasing, as we began 
migrating from pure product fulfillment-driven direct marketing strategies to our single-source model of providing 
IT products and services much earlier than other direct marketers.   

2.  Manufacturers are continuing their use of the direct channel, through direct marketers like us and through their own 
internal resources, to market and sell products directly to customers in order to grow sales and lower overall selling 
costs.   

3.  Consolidation is increasing among direct marketers, and as larger direct marketers broaden their customer reach and 
increase the depth and breadth of product and service offerings, we believe that larger direct marketers will continue 
to take market share away from smaller resellers. 

We believe that we will continue to benefit from industry changes as a cost-effective single-source provider of a full 

range of IT products and services.  While purchasing decisions will continue to be influenced by product selection and 
availability, price and convenience, we believe that service offerings, knowledge of account executives and customer service 
will become the differentiators businesses will look at when procuring total solutions that minimize their total cost of 
ownership.  For a discussion of risks associated with uncertain economic conditions and actions of competitors, see 
“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition – Factors That May Affect Future Results and Financial 
Condition – Changes in the economic environment and/or IT industry may reduce demand for the products and services we 
sell; Actions of competitors, including manufacturers of products we sell, can negatively affect our business,” in Item 7. 

Competition 

The IT products and services industry is highly competitive.  We compete with a large number and wide variety of 

marketers and resellers of IT products and services, including: 

• 
• 
• 

product manufacturers, such as Dell, HP and IBM; 
other direct marketers, such as CDW Corporation (North America), PC World Business (United Kingdom); and  
national and regional resellers, including value-added resellers (“VARs”) and specialty retailers, aggregators, 
distributors, national computer retailers, computer superstores, Internet-only computer providers, consumer 
electronics and office supply superstores and mass merchandisers. 

Product manufacturers, in particular, have been increasing their efforts to sell directly to the business customer, 

particularly larger corporate customers.  Manufacturers, however, typically do not offer the breadth of multi-branded product 
offerings that direct marketers such as us offer.  Additionally, most manufacturers, as well as other direct marketers, do not 
provide the advanced level of services that we offer our customers.  We believe that we offer broader product selection and 
availability, competitive prices, and greater purchasing convenience than traditional retail stores or VARs and through 
dedicated account executives offer the necessary support functions (e.g., purchases on credit terms and efficient return 
processes), which Internet-only sellers do not usually provide.  We are not aware of any competitors with both the breadth 
and depth of capabilities we have in the United States.  This allows us to differentiate ourselves with a customer service 
strategy that spans the continuum from fast delivery of competitively priced products to advanced IT solutions, and a selling 
approach that permits us to grow with customers and solidify those relationships.  For a discussion of risks associated with  
actions of competitors, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition – Factors That May Affect 
Future Results and Financial Condition – Actions of competitors, including manufacturers of products we sell, can negatively 
affect our business,” in Item 7. 

We believe that new entrants into the direct marketing channel must overcome a number of significant barriers to entry 

including: 
• 

• 
• 
• 

• 

the time and resources required to build a customer base of sufficient size and a well-trained account executive 
sales base;  
the significant investment required to develop an information and operating infrastructure;  
the advantages enjoyed by established larger competitors with purchasing and operating efficiencies;  
the reluctance of manufacturers and distributors to allocate product and supplier reimbursements and establish 
electronic transactional relationships with additional participants; and  
the difficulty of identifying and recruiting qualified management personnel. 

10

 
 
 
 
 
 
Certain of our competitors have longer operating histories and greater financial, technical, marketing and other resources 

than us.  In addition, some of these competitors may be able to respond more quickly to new or changing opportunities, 
technologies and customer requirements.  Many current and potential competitors also have greater name recognition and 
engage in more extensive promotional marketing and advertising activities, offer more attractive terms to customers and 
adopt more aggressive pricing policies than we do.   

For a discussion of risks associated with the actions of our competitors, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of 
Financial Condition – Factors That May Affect Future Results and Financial Condition – Actions of competitors, including 
manufacturers of products we sell, can negatively affect our business,” in Item 7.   

* * * 
Direct Alliance 

Direct Alliance is our Business Process Outsourcing (“BPO”) organization, representing 3% and 25% of consolidated net 

sales and earnings from operations, respectively, in 2003. 

Business Overview 

In 1993, we sought to leverage core competencies in direct marketing by providing outsourced direct marketing services 
to third parties through the creation of Direct Alliance.  The range of outsourced services has expanded over the years beyond 
direct marketing to include channel solutions, and we currently offer solutions designed to rapidly enable and drive cost-
efficient sales through proprietary systems, processes and expertise that are custom tailored to each client.   

Operating Strategy 

Our BPO services are focused on customized solutions in the following key areas: 

•  Customer Behavior Analytics ─ statistical modeling and analysis using data generated from a variety of 

sources, within a structured customer lifecycle methodology, including: 

o  customer performance metrics; 
o  sales reporting analytics; 
o  campaign management; and 
o  Web analytics.   

•  Direct Marketing ─ traditional direct mail and electronic direct marketing services, including: 

o  transactive e-mail solutions; 
o  client extranet marketing; 
o  interactive marketing; 
o  direct mail; and 
o  catalog design and production. 

•  Direct and Indirect Sales Channels ─ service and technologies that can simultaneously connect clients with 

multiple sales channels, including:  
o  outbound telesales; 
o  inbound telesales; 
o  reseller management; 
o  pre-sales customer support; 
o  internet sales support; and 
o  field sales enhancement. 

•  Financial Services ─ accurate financial information and secure transaction management services, including: 

o  trade credit management; 
o  credit card processing; 
o  fraud detection and prevention; 
o  leasing management; 
o  collections; 
o  sales tax collection and management; 
o  accounts receivable; 
o  accounts payable; and  
o  vendor returns processing. 

11

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
•  Logistics and Supply Chain Management ─ information and support services to improve logistics and supply 

chain management, including:  
o  order management; 
o  fulfillment;  
o  virtual supply chain management; and  
o  reverse logistics management. 

We offer a unique selection of BPO services, technology and direct, as well as channel, expertise.  We can operate as a 
“virtual division” for our clients or as a “dedicated reseller.”  These customized services enable our clients to sell directly to 
customers and/or support existing indirect sales channels in a cost-effective and timely manner.  The services are offered 
through our propriety information systems, which can be successfully integrated with many of today’s most common 
applications, such as SAP, Oracle and Siebel.  Additionally, we may license our multi-lingual, multi-currency proprietary 
systems to assist our clients’ in deploying telesales operations in foreign countries.    

We believe that our combination of services, proprietary technology and direct, as well as channel, expertise allows us to 

provide our clients with: 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

profitable sales growth; 
cost-effectiveness; 
fast deployment of direct and channel focused programs;  
improved customer satisfaction; and  
system capabilities for international and domestic operations.   

Any combination of our service offerings can be employed to provide customized, vertically integrated programs for 
clients.  BPO programs can vary in duration, type and quantity and can run in succession or concurrently, depending on each 
client’s needs.  Some programs may be seasonal in nature, particularly if our clients’ customers have cyclical buying patterns.   

Presently, the majority of our outsourcing arrangements are service fee based, meaning that we derive net sales based 

primarily upon a cost plus arrangement in addition to a percentage of the sales price from products sold.  Revenues from 
service fee based programs and direct costs related to the generation of those revenues are included in our net sales and cost 
of goods sold, respectively.  As an accommodation to select service fee based program clients, we may also purchase and 
immediately resell products to our clients for ultimate sale to their customers.  These pass-through product sales are 
completed at little or no gross margin and are included in net sales and cost of goods sold.  Under certain outsourcing 
arrangements, we may take title to inventories of products and assume credit risk associated with sales to the end user.  
Revenues and the related costs from the sales of such products are included in our net sales and cost of goods sold, 
respectively.  The rate of our future growth in net sales and earnings from operations will likely be affected by the mix of 
type of outsourcing arrangements that are in place from time to time.   

We currently provide BPO services to a limited number of major brand-name manufacturers, primarily in the IT 
industry.  For the year ended December 31, 2003, one outsourcing client accounted for approximately 65% of Direct 
Alliance’s net sales and our three largest outsourcing clients accounted for approximately 90% of net sales.   

For a discussion of risks associated with reliance on outsourcing clients, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of 

Financial Condition – Factors That May Affect Future Results and Financial Condition – We rely on a limited number of 
outsourcing clients,” in Item 7. 

Growth Strategy 

Our goal is to be a leading global provider of such BPO services by: 

 Enhancing Existing Client Relationships and Increasing Industry Penetration.   We currently provide BPO services 

to a limited number of large manufacturers, primarily in the IT industry, and seek to become the system of record for all 
direct channel sales with each of our existing clients by: 

• 

• 
• 

• 

promoting our outsourced services, including our multi-lingual, multi-currency system capabilities, to other 
divisions and product lines within our clients’ organizations;  
expanding the breadth of services offered under current programs; 
seeking to become the most effective sales team in our client’s organization, further supporting the benefit of 
outsourcing sales processes to us; and 
increasing business development efforts to obtain additional clients within the industry. 

12

 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Growing Channel Centric Business Within the IT Industry.  While we continue to see opportunity in providing direct 

program solutions, we are seeing an increase in demand for channel programs.  Opportunities exist to provide lead and 
demand generation activities, channel partner support and more cost efficient supply chain solutions to manufacturers.  We 
are responding to these opportunities by: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

providing our clients with channel partner support through BPO programs that will generate incremental 
channel opportunities, motivate and support existing channel partners to sell our clients’ product lines, and 
provide a system that measurers the programs’ return on investment to our clients; 
utilizing our demand generation capabilities and data analytics to produce a more cost effective channel 
solution; 
offering physical distribution and virtual supply chain solutions to deliver a more cost effective and responsive 
supply model for our clients;  
utilizing our sales organization to identify business opportunities and drive sales through our clients’ channel 
partners; and 
providing both service and dedicated reseller programs for our clients based on their specific needs. 

Expanding Beyond the IT Industry.  Although our areas of expertise have been developed primarily by providing BPO 

services to manufacturers of IT products, our service offerings are not limited in their application.  Our business model, 
services and information system capabilities can be applied to other industries.  In 2004, we intend to evaluate opportunities 
to leverage our sales, marketing, analytics, financial services and logistics capabilities and increase efforts to solicit new 
customers from other industries. 

Marketing Activities.  Based on recent indicators supporting potential increased demand in IT spending and our strong 

performance history with our current clients, we believe there will continue to be growth opportunities within our current 
client programs as well as opportunities to obtain new clients both within and outside of the IT industry.  Marketing efforts to 
target prospective clients include the use of proactive outbound telesales, traditional advertising, electronic and direct mail 
programs, and strategic sponsorship of community-based organizations and minority-owned businesses.   We also maintain a 
website featuring our outsourced business process services at www.directalliance.com. 

Industry  

In response to competitive pressure and market demands for increased productivity and reduced costs, the BPO market is 

rapidly growing and represents an attractive niche within the broad “Services” sector.  BPO is heavily affected by off-shore 
and near-shore influences including Canada, India, Russia, China, the Philippines and other developing countries with lower 
wage costs.  Although international wages and tax preferences are a factor when clients consider BPO for reducing costs, we 
believe that our ability to provide customized, integrated solutions competes well on both a cost-only basis and on total client 
service value.  We do not currently have off-shore BPO operations. 

As more manufacturers desire swift access to the direct market and channel solutions to drive partner sales, we believe 
they may elect to partner with BPO providers to achieve cost-effective solutions.  We believe that we will continue to benefit 
from industry trends toward outsourcing and that our total cost of operation compares favorably with other industry-leading 
companies.  Additionally, we believe that as businesses increase their familiarity with outsourcing front-office sales and 
marketing operations, additional opportunities to outsource back-office operations such as distribution, finance and returns 
management will become more compelling.  As a result, we believe companies will look to consolidate their outsourced 
processes to eliminate redundant costs.  Because we have service capabilities that span the full supply chain, we believe we 
are well positioned to provide cost-effective fully integrated solutions and establish broad and deeply-rooted relationships 
with our clients. 

Competition 

The growing BPO market is an industry characterized by intense competition, and we compete with many companies 

within specific offering categories (e.g., outbound telesales, fulfillment or direct marketing services).  We have seen an 
increase in competitors in the market, including such companies as PFSweb, Modus Media and Convergys.  In many 
instances, our competition is the in-house operations of our potential clients who have not yet made the decision to outsource 
a particular business process.  We believe that our experience establishing best practices for sales and process management, 
as well as the technology developed to support our services, differentiates us from competitors, including in-house 
operations.  For a discussion of risks associated with the actions of our competitors, see “Management’s Discussion and 
Analysis of Financial Condition – Factors That May Affect Future Results and Financial Condition – Actions of competitors, 
including manufacturers of products we sell, can negatively affect our business,” in Item 7.   

* * * 

13

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PlusNet 

PlusNet, our Internet service provider (“ISP”) in the United Kingdom, represented approximately 1% and 5% of our 

consolidated net sales and earnings from operations, respectively, in 2003.   

Business Overview 

PlusNet offers broadband and dial-up Internet access to consumers and businesses in the United Kingdom, targeting the 
experienced and educated Internet user.  Sales are made via our website at www.plus.net or through referral partner websites.    

We acquired PlusNet as part of an acquisition of a United Kingdom direct marketer in 1998.  Because Internet access is 
not part of our core operations, our goal is to maximize stockholder value by divesting PlusNet through a sale, public offering 
of stock, spin-off or another type of transaction when market conditions allow us to realize what we perceive as the fair value 
of this business.  Until such time as PlusNet is divested, we will continue to operate it as a stand-alone operating segment.    

Operating Strategy 

Provide Quality Products and Customer Service at Competitively Low Prices.  In 2003, we received awards in the 
United Kingdom including PC Pro Magazine recognizing us as the “United Kingdom’s Best Broadband ISP” and Internet 
Magazine rating us the “Best ISP on the Planet.”  These awards were over numerous larger competitors and based on our 
ability to provide product offerings and customer service that is competitive in the market place at prices lower than most 
other United Kingdom ISPs.  We offer a range of Internet solutions tailored to the end user, including:  

•  Pay As You Go – provides dial-up connection to the Internet at local call rates.  Service ranges from entry level 
“free” accounts, with no subscription fees, to subscription based accounts with more advanced features such as 
domain hosting and web servers;  

•  Connect Unmetered – provides dial-up connection to the Internet using a modem with no additional local call 

charges; and 

•  Broadband Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (“ADSL”) – provides constant, high speed Internet connection. 

Maintain Low Cost Structure.  Our operating model is centered on delivering an enhanced customer experience at a 
lower cost structure than any of our competitors.  Our low cost structure is achieved through automation of our systems and 
the enablement of full customer self-service.  This not only reduces administrative costs but allows us to deliver high quality 
service by having our employees focus on development areas that enhance the customer experience. 

For a discussion of risks associated with our information and telephone systems, see “Management’s Discussion and 
Analysis of Financial Condition – Factors That May Affect Future Results and Financial Condition – Disruptions in our 
information and telephone communication systems could affect our ability to service our customers and cause us to incur 
additional expenses,” in Item 7. 

Growth Strategy 

Capitalize on Market Shift to Broadband. The ISP market in the United Kingdom is continuing to evolve as dial-up 
customers are migrating to broadband Internet access.  We believe we are well positioned to respond to this market shift and 
have already experienced an increase in the percentage of our net sales generated from broadband Internet access.  Although 
broadband Internet access is sold at a lower gross margin percentage than dial-up, it currently is providing us with a steady 
increase in net sales and earnings from operations.  We are focused on not only acquiring new broadband customers, but also 
on migrating our existing dial-up customers to our broadband service offering.   

Increase Market Share.  We are consistently rated by various sources as the lowest cost classic ADSL provider in the 
United Kingdom.  We believe there is significant opportunity to capture market share among our targeted consumer audience 
and have established referral programs to encourage existing customers to recommend our services.  Additionally, we are 
exploring opportunities to sell our services through IT product and service resellers, such as Insight UK.  The capacity, 
quality and scalability of our network and our low cost operating model will provide us the scale to acquire significant 
customers without a proportionate increase in fixed costs.  

Strategic Acquisitions.   The ISP market is trending toward increased consolidation, and we are well positioned to 
remain an industry growth leader by expanding our customer base organically or by making strategic acquisitions to broaden 
our customer base, scale our existing operating structure or diversify our product offerings.   Strategic acquisitions may allow 
us to divest PlusNet at a higher return to our stockholders. 

Broaden Outsourcing Opportunities.  Given our low cost structure, we have the ability to create and outsource virtual 

ISPs for companies desiring to establish a branded ISP for their employees or customers.  We plan to broaden our marketing 
of these capabilities. 

14

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Increase Value-Added Services.   We will continue to develop value-added services, related primarily to 
communication, productivity and security, that we integrate in our packages to help differentiate our offerings in the 
marketplace. 

Industry 

British Telecom (“BT”), the primary United Kingdom wholesale provider of Internet access, has indicated that the 
number of broadband users will likely double from 2003 figures to reach approximately 5 million subscribers by the end of 
2005.  The rapid rate at which consumers continue to switch from dial-up to broadband Internet service will eventually slow 
with future market saturation of broadband technology.  However, we believe there is significant opportunity to capitalize on 
our low-cost value proposition and continue capturing market share among our targeted consumer audience. 

Competition 

There are a select few large ISPs (including BT Retail, Freeserve and AOL-UK) that currently control about 80% of the 

ISP market in the United Kingdom.  A second-tier group of ISPs, which includes PlusNet, targets the mature Internet user, 
who is more demanding both in terms of quality and price.  For a discussion of risks associated with the actions of our 
competitors, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition – Factors That May Affect Future Results 
and Financial Condition – Actions of competitors, including manufacturers of products we sell, can negatively affect our 
business,” in Item 7.   

* * * 

Employees 
We believe our employee relations are good.  Our employees are not represented by any labor union, and we have not 

experienced any work stoppages.  At December 31, 2003, we had 4,018 employees as follows: 

Management, support services 

and administration..................  
Sales account executives............  
Distribution ................................  
Total....................................  

Insight 
North 
America 

1,272 
1,194 
135 
2,601 

Insight UK

Direct 
Alliance 

PlusNet  Consolidated

262
232    
51    
545    

353
406    
5    
764    

108 
- 
- 
108 

1,995 
1,832 
191 
4,018 

We have invested in our employees’ future and our future through an ongoing program of internal and external training.  

Training programs include new hire orientation, sales training, general industry and computer education, technical training, 
specific product training and ongoing employee and management development programs.  We focus on management 
development and provide our employees and managers with development opportunities through classes relevant to their 
needs.   

Seasonality 

General economic conditions have an effect on our business and results of operations.  We also experience some 

seasonal trends in the sale of our products and services.  For example, sales to the federal government in the United States are 
often stronger in our third quarter, sales in the United Kingdom to large corporate and government entities are often stronger 
in our first quarter, and business customers, particularly large corporate businesses in the United States, tend to spend more in 
our fourth quarter as they utilize their remaining capital budget authorizations.  However, due to our geographic and customer 
diversity, we do not believe seasonality has, or is expected to have, a material effect on our consolidated net sales or results 
of operations. 

Backlog 
The majority of our backlog represents open cancelable purchase orders, and we do not believe that backlog as of any 

particular date is particularly indicative of future results. 

Patents, Trademarks and Licenses 
We do not maintain a traditional research and development group, but we do work closely with computer product 
manufacturers and other technology developers to stay abreast of the latest developments in computer technology.  We have 
obtained licenses for certain third-party provided technology.  We conduct our direct marketing business under the trademark 

15

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
 
and service marks “Insight,” “Insight Public Sector,” “PC Wholesale,” “Insight Global Finance” and their related logos.  We 
conduct our business process outsourcing business under the trademark “Direct Alliance” and its related logo.  We conduct 
our United Kingdom ISP business under the trademarks “PlusNet,” “Force9,” “Freeonline” and their related logos.  We 
believe our trademarks and service marks have significant value and are an important factor in the marketing of our products, 
and we intend to protect them. 

Regulatory and Legal Matters 

We are subject to regulations promulgated by the Federal Trade Commission and various federal and state governmental 
agencies.  We are also subject to regulations in the United Kingdom and Canada.  We believe we are in compliance with such 
regulations and have implemented programs and systems to assure our ongoing compliance. 

Available Information 
Our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to 
reports filed pursuant to Sections 13(a) and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), 
and the reports of beneficial ownership filed pursuant to Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act  are available free of charge on 
our website at www.insight.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file with, or furnish to, the 
Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  Additionally, the public may read and copy any materials that we file with 
the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549.  Information on the operation 
of the SEC’s Public Reference Room is available by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.  The SEC also maintains a website 
at www.sec.gov that contains all of information we file with, or furnish to, the SEC. 

Item 2.  Properties 

Our principal executive offices are located at 1305 West Auto Drive, Tempe, Arizona 85284.  We conduct sales, 
distribution, services, and administrative activities in owned and leased facilities, and some of our face-to-face field account 
executives conduct business from their home offices.  We have renewal rights in most of our property leases, and we 
anticipate that we will be able to extend these leases on terms satisfactory to us or, if necessary, locate substitute facilities on 
acceptable terms.  We believe our facilities are in good condition and are suitable to our needs.  Information about sales, 
distribution, services and administration facilities in use as of December 31, 2003 is summarized in the following table:  

Operating Segment 

Headquarters 

Location 
Tempe, Arizona, USA 

Square 
Footage 

Primary Activities 

21,000  Executive Offices 

Insight North America 

Insight UK 

Tempe, Arizona, USA 
Tempe, Arizona, USA 
Montreal, Quebec, 
Canada 
Montreal, Quebec, 
Canada 
Bloomingdale, Illinois, 
USA 
Hanover Park, Illinois, 
USA 
Hanover Park, Illinois, 
USA 

Sheffield, England 
Sheffield, England 
Greater Manchester, 
England 
Alperton, Brent, 
England 

103,000  Sales and Administration 
86,000  Administration 

100,000  Sales and Administration  

7,000  Distribution 

80,000  Sales and Administration 

323,000  Services and Distribution 

72,000  Distribution 

93,800  Sales and Administration  
53,000  Distribution 
13,000  Sales and Administration 

36,600  Sales and Administration 

Own or 
Lease 
Own  

Own 
Lease 
Own 

Lease 

Lease 

Lease 

Lease 

Own 
Lease 
Lease 

Lease 

Direct Alliance  

Tempe, Arizona, USA 

187,000  Sales, Administration and 

Own 

Distribution 

PlusNet 

Sheffield, England 
Sheffield, England 

11,500  Sales and Administration 
6,000  Administration  

Own 
Lease 

16

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In addition to those listed above, Insight North America has leased sales offices ranging in size from 600 square feet to 

11,000 square feet in various cities across the United States and Canada.  We also have several leased facilities that are no 
longer in use due to the integration of previous acquisitions.  These properties are not included in the table above.   

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings  

We are a defendant in a lawsuit, which is a consolidation of three separate actions brought by stockholders, pending in 

the United States District Court, District of Arizona.  The lawsuit alleges violations of Section 10(b) of the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934 and SEC Rule 10b-5.  The plaintiffs in this action allege we, and certain of our officers, made false 
and misleading statements pertaining to our business, operations and management in an effort to inflate the price of our 
common stock.  The lawsuit also names as co-defendants: Eric J. Crown, the Chairman of our Board of Directors; Timothy 
A. Crown, our Chief Executive Officer and President and a director; and Stanley Laybourne, our Executive Vice President, 
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and a director.  The plaintiffs seek class action status to represent all buyers of our 
common stock from September 3, 2001 through July 17, 2002.  On September 27, 2003, the court granted our motion to 
dismiss plaintiffs' amended complaint, but allowed plaintiffs leave to file an amended complaint, which they did on October 
31, 2003.  On January 9, 2004, we filed a motion to dismiss the second amended complaint, and the Court is scheduled to 
hear oral argument on the motion to dismiss on May 3, 2004.  We will continue to defend the case vigorously.  The costs 
associated with defending the allegations in this lawsuit and the potential outcome cannot be determined at this time and, 
accordingly, no estimate for such costs, other than the deductible amount under our directors and officers liability insurance 
policies has been included in our Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8.  

We are also a party to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business, including asserted preference 

payment claims in customer bankruptcy proceedings and claims of alleged infringement of patents, trademarks, copyrights 
and other intellectual property rights.   

In accordance with SFAS No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies,” we make a provision for a liability when it is both 

probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated.  These provisions are 
reviewed at least quarterly and adjusted to reflect the effect of negotiations, settlements, rulings, advice of legal counsel, and 
other information and events pertaining to a particular case.  Although litigation is inherently unpredictable, we believe that 
we have adequate provisions for any probable and estimable losses.  It is possible, nevertheless, that the results of our 
operations or cash flows could be materially and adversely affected in any particular period by the resolution of a legal 
proceeding. 

Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 

No matters were submitted to a vote of our security holders during our fourth quarter of 2003. 

Item 5. Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters 

PART II 

Market Information  

Our common stock trades under the symbol “NSIT” on the Nasdaq National Market.  The following table shows, for the 

calendar quarters indicated, the high and low closing price per share for our common stock as reported on the Nasdaq 
National Market. 

Common Stock 

  High Price 

  Low Price 

Year 2003 

Fourth Quarter .................................................................  
Third Quarter ...................................................................  
Second Quarter ................................................................  
First Quarter.....................................................................  

Year 2002 

Fourth Quarter .................................................................  
Third Quarter ...................................................................  
Second Quarter ................................................................  
First Quarter.....................................................................  

$19.30 
18.40 
10.16 
8.93 

12.50 
24.05 
28.23 
25.53 

17

$16.10 
9.85 
7.00 
6.68 

6.78 
9.18 
20.00 
21.05 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of February 20, 2004, we had 47,846,154 shares of common stock outstanding held by approximately 179 

stockholders of record.  This figure does not include an estimate of the number of beneficial holders whose shares may be 
held of record by brokerage firms and clearing agencies. 

We have never paid a cash dividend on our common stock, and our credit facility prohibits the payment of cash 
dividends without the lender’s consent.  We intend to retain all of our earnings for use in our business and currently do not 
intend to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.  

All share amounts, share prices and net earnings per share in this Report have been retroactively adjusted to reflect 3-for-

2 stock splits affected in the form of stock dividends on September 18, 2000 and February 18, 1999. 

Item 6. Selected Consolidated Financial Data 

The following selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial 
Statements and the Notes thereto in Item 8 and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results 
of Operations” in Item 7.  The selected consolidated financial data presented below under the captions “Consolidated 
Statements of Operations Data” and “Consolidated Balance Sheet Data” as of and for each of the years in the five-year period 
ended December 31, 2003 are derived from the consolidated financial statements of the Company, which have been audited 
by KPMG LLP, independent certified public accountants.  The consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2003 
and 2002, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2003 and the independent auditors’ report 
thereon, are included in Item 8. 

    2003 

Years Ended December 31, 
2002 
2001 
(in thousands, except per share data) 

2000 

1999 

Consolidated Statements of Operations Data (1) 
Net sales ......................................................................... $  2,914,352 
    2,565,009 
Cost of goods sold ..........................................................
349,343 
Gross profit ...............................................................

Operating expenses: 
Selling and administrative expenses ...............................
Goodwill impairment......................................................
Restructuring expenses ...................................................
Reductions in liabilities assumed in previous 
      acquisition.................................................................
Expenses related to closure of German operation...........
Acquisition integration expenses....................................
Aborted IPO costs...........................................................
Aborted acquisition costs (insurance proceeds)..............
Restricted stock charge...................................................
Amortization...................................................................
Earnings (loss) from operations ................................
Non-operating expense (income), net.............................
Earnings (loss) before income taxes .........................
Income tax expense ........................................................

Net earnings (loss) .................................................... $ 

Earnings (loss) per share (2).............................................
  Basic ......................................................................... $ 
  Diluted ...................................................................... $ 
Shares used in per share calculations (2) 
  Basic .........................................................................
  Diluted ......................................................................

286,419 
- 
3,465 

(2,504) 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
61,963 
4,399 
57,564 
19,810 
37,754 

0.82 
0.81 

46,315 
46,885 

$  2,890,986 
    2,555,376 
335,610 

$  2,082,339 
    1,840,167 
242,172 

$  2,041,086 
    1,801,127 
239,959 

$  1,518,369 
    1,337,370 
180,999 

254,398 
91,587 
1,500 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
1,400 
(13,275) 
4,587 
(17,862) 
24,978 
(42,840) 

(0.96) 
(0.96) 

44,808 
44,808 

167,627 
- 
- 

146,062 
- 
- 

120,265 
- 
- 

- 
10,566 
7,194 
1,354 
- 
- 
1,910 
53,521 
770 
52,751 
18,864 
33,887 

0.82 
0.80 

41,460 
42,388 

$ 

$ 
$ 

- 
- 
- 
- 
(1,850) 
1,127 
1,642 
92,978 
(798) 
93,776 
37,104 
56,672 

1.40 
1.35 

40,461 
41,948 

$ 

$ 
$ 

- 
- 
- 
- 
2,302 
- 
1,211 
57,221 
446 
56,775 
23,188 
33,587 

0.87 
0.83 

38,681 
40,407 

$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 

    2003 

2002 

December 31, 
2001 
(in thousands) 

2000 

1999 

Consolidated Balance Sheet Data (1) 
Working capital .............................................................. $  240,298 
792,124 
Total assets .....................................................................
Short-term debt...............................................................
55,275 
Long-term debt (including line of credit) and capital  

leases, excluding current portion ................................
Stockholders’ equity .......................................................

10,004 
439,369 
18

$  181,331 
773,731 
94,592 

$  164,832 
595,571 
3,009 

$  177,671 
493,900 
1,017 

$  141,527 
375,382 
898 

13,146 
375,291 

54,752 
320,054 

33,223 
264,996 

14,832 
208,764 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
   
   
(1) Our consolidated financial statements above include results of acquisitions from their respective acquisition dates.  See further 

discussion in the Notes to the Consolidated Financials Statements in Item 8.  

 (2) Share amounts and earnings per share have been retroactively adjusted to reflect 3-for-2 stock splits effected in the form of stock 

dividends on September 18, 2000 and February 18, 1999. 

Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes that 
appear elsewhere in Item 8. 

Overview  

We are a leading provider of brand name computing products, IT services and outsourcing of business processes 
primarily to business customers in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.  Our business is organized in the 
following four operating segments: 

•  Single-source provider of IT products and services – North America (“Insight North America”); 
•  Single-source provider of IT products and services – United Kingdom (“Insight UK”); 
•  Business Process Outsourcing provider (“Direct Alliance”); and 
• 

Internet service provider (“PlusNet”). 

For a business overview, as well as discussions about the operating strategy, growth strategy, industry and competition 
related to each of our operating segments, see “Business – Operating Segments,” in Item 1.  We evaluate the performance of 
our operating segments based on results of operations before non-recurring items.  Reconciliations to consolidated results of 
operations can be found in Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8.   

During the year ended December 31, 2003, we were affected negatively by a sluggish economy and cautious IT spending 
in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.  Additionally, a major focus in 2003 of our Insight operations serving 
United States customers was on the successful completion of the IT system conversion.  As of January 2004, all of our 
Insight North America employees serving United States customers now operate on the new system, which we refer to as 
“Maximus.”  We are also cautiously optimistic about IT spending trends, as IT spending began to show some signs of 
improvement toward the end of 2003. Our prior acquisitions are now fully integrated, our system conversion in the United 
States is complete and 2004 will be our year to turn our time and energy away from internal projects to focus on areas that 
enhance the customers’ experience doing business with us.  We will continue to make enhancements to our Maximus system, 
including our websites, and our marketing and training initiatives will emphasize the value of our single-source business 
model.   

Our discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is intended to assist in the understanding of 

our consolidated financial statements, the changes in certain key items in those consolidated financial statements from year to 
year, the primary factors that contributed to those changes, as well as how certain critical accounting policies and estimates 
affect our consolidated financial statements. 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates 

General 

Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in 

the United States of America.  The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and 
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, net sales and expenses.  We base our estimates on historical 
experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which 
form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other 
sources.  Members of our senior management have discussed the development, selection and disclosure of these estimates 
with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors.  Actual results, however, may differ from estimates we have made.  

An accounting policy is deemed to be critical if it requires an accounting estimate to be made based on assumptions 
about matters that are highly uncertain at the time the estimate is made, and either different estimates reasonably could have 
been used, or changes in the accounting estimates are reasonably likely to occur periodically, that could materially affect the 
consolidated financial statements.  We believe the following critical accounting policies reflect our significant estimates and 
assumptions used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. 

19

 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales Recognition 

The majority of our sales are product sales, which are covered by our sales agreements containing our standard terms and 

conditions.  Sales are recognized when the title and risk of loss have passed to the customer, there is persuasive evidence of 
an arrangement for sale, delivery has occurred and/or services have been rendered, the sales price is fixed and determinable 
and collectibility is reasonably assured.  Usual sales terms are free-on-board (“FOB”) shipping point, meaning title and risk 
of loss are passed to the customer and delivery has occurred when the product is shipped.  Persuasive evidence of the 
arrangement and fixed and determinable sales prices are documented via written sales contracts, purchase orders or both.   
Based on these criteria, the majority of our sales represent product sales recognized upon shipment.  From time to time, in 
connection with the sale of products and services, we enter into contracts that contain multiple elements or non-standard 
terms and conditions.  As a result, significant contract interpretation may be required to determine the appropriate accounting, 
including how the price should be allocated among the deliverable elements if there are multiple deliverables, whether the 
delivered item(s) has stand-alone value to the customer and when to recognize the sale.  We recognize sales for delivered 
items only when all of the following criteria are satisfied:  

• 
• 
• 

the delivered item(s) has value to the customer on a stand-alone basis; 
there is objective and reliable evidence of the fair value of the undelivered item(s); and 
if the arrangement includes a general right of return relative to the delivered item, delivery or performance of the 
undelivered item(s) is considered probable and substantially in our control. 

Changes in the allocation of the sales price among deliverables might affect the timing of sales recognition but would not 

change the total sales recognized on the contract.  Additionally, sales of services currently represent a very small percentage 
of our net sales, and the majority of our services are performed in our facilities prior to shipment of the product.  In these 
circumstances, net sales for both the product and services are recognized upon shipment.  In other cases, net sales of services 
are typically recorded as the services are performed.  Net sales attributable to arrangements that include warehousing product 
for our customers are deferred until the product is shipped. 

We also sell certain third party service contracts and certain software licenses for which we are not the primary obligor.  
These sales do not meet the criteria for gross sales recognition because we do not assume the risks and rewards of ownership 
in the transaction and thus are recorded on a net sales recognition basis.  As we enter into contracts with third party service 
providers or vendors, we must evaluate whether the sales of such services should be recorded as gross sales or net sales.  
Under gross sales recognition, we are the primary obligor and the entire selling price is recorded in sales with our cost to the 
third party service provider or vendor recorded in costs of goods sold.  Under net sales recognition, the cost to the third party 
service provider or vendor is recorded as a reduction to sales resulting in net sales equal to the gross profit on the transaction 
with no costs of goods sold.   

We make provisions for estimated product returns that we expect to occur under our return policy based upon historical 
return rates.  Should customers return a different amount of product than originally estimated, future net sales are adjusted to 
reflect historical return rates.  

Restructuring and Acquisition Integration Activities 

We have engaged, and may continue to engage, in restructuring and acquisition integration activities which require us to 

utilize significant estimates related primarily to employee termination benefits, estimated costs to terminate leases or 
remaining lease commitments on unused facilities, net of estimated subleases.  Depending on the characteristics of the 
restructuring or acquisition integration activities, the costs associated will be recorded as expenses or additions to goodwill.  
Should the actual amounts differ from our estimates, adjustments to goodwill or restructuring expense in subsequent periods 
would be necessary.  For Insight UK, any amounts that normally would be recorded as adjustments to goodwill will be 
recorded in the statement of operations because Insight UK recorded a goodwill impairment charge during 2002 which 
eliminated its entire goodwill balance.  A detailed description of our restructuring and acquisition integration activities and 
remaining accruals for these activities at December 31, 2003 can be found in Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial 
Statements in Item 8.   

Taxes on Earnings  

 Our effective tax rate includes the effect of certain undistributed foreign earnings for which no United States taxes have 
been provided because such earnings are planned to be reinvested indefinitely outside the United States.  Earnings remittance 
amounts are planned based on the projected cash flow needs as well as the working capital and long-term investment 
requirements of our foreign subsidiaries and our domestic operations.  Material changes in our estimates of cash, working 
capital and long-term investment requirements could affect our effective tax rate.  

20

 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be 
realized.  We consider past operating results, future market growth, forecasted earnings, historical and projected taxable 
income, the mix of earnings in the jurisdictions in which we operate, prudent and feasible tax planning strategies and 
statutory tax law changes in determining the need for a valuation allowance.  If we were to determine that we would not be 
able to realize all or part of our net deferred tax assets in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax assets would be charged 
to earnings in the period such determination is made.  Likewise, if we later determine that it is more likely than not that the 
net deferred tax assets would be realized, the previously provided valuation allowance would be reversed.    

Valuation of Long-Lived Assets Including Purchased Intangible Assets and Goodwill  

We review property, plant and equipment, and purchased intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in 

circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable.  Our asset impairment review assesses the fair 
value of the assets based on the future cash flows the assets are expected to generate.  An impairment loss is recognized when 
estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset plus net proceeds expected from 
disposition of the asset (if any) are less than the carrying value of the asset.  This approach uses our estimates of future 
market growth, forecasted net sales and costs, expected periods the assets will be utilized and appropriate discount rates.  

Annually, during the fourth quarter of each year, we assess whether goodwill is impaired.  Upon determining the 
existence of goodwill impairment, we measure that impairment based on the amount by which the book value of goodwill 
exceeds its implied fair value.  The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by deducting the fair value of a reporting 
unit’s identifiable assets and liabilities from the fair value of the reporting unit as a whole.  Determining the fair value of 
reporting units, as well as identifiable assets and liabilities, uses our estimates of market capitalization allocation, future 
market growth, forecasted sales and costs and appropriate discount rates.  Additional impairment assessments may be 
performed on an interim basis if we encounter events or changes in circumstances that would indicate that, more likely than 
not, the book value of goodwill has been impaired. 

Such evaluations of impairment of long-lived assets including goodwill and purchased intangible assets are an integral 
part of, but do not constitute all of our actions relating to, our strategic reviews of our business and operations performed in 
conjunction with restructuring actions. When impairment is identified, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to its 
estimated fair value.  Deterioration of our business in a geographic region or within a business segment in the future could 
lead to impairment adjustments as such issues are identified.  

 Allowances for Doubtful Accounts 

We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses on customer and vendor receivables based on 

historical write-offs, evaluation of the aging of the receivables and the current economic environment.   Should our 
customers’ circumstances change or actual collections of customer and vendor receivables differ from our estimates, 
adjustments to the provision for losses on accounts receivable and the related allowances for doubtful accounts would be 
necessary. 

Write-downs of Inventories 

We evaluate inventories for excess, obsolescence or other factors that may render inventories unmarketable at normal 
margins.  Write-downs are recorded so that inventories reflect the approximate net realizable value and take into account our 
contractual provisions with our suppliers governing price protection, stock rotation and return privileges relating to 
obsolescence.  Because of the large number of transactions and the complexity of managing the process around price 
protections and stock rotations, estimates are made regarding adjustments to the carrying amount of inventories.  
Additionally, assumptions about future demand, market conditions and decisions by manufacturers to discontinue certain 
products or product lines can affect our decision to write down inventories.  If our assumptions about future demand change 
or actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected, additional write-downs of inventories may be required.  In 
any case, actual values could be different from those estimated.  

 Business Combinations  

We are required to allocate the purchase price of acquired companies to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and 

liabilities assumed, based on their estimated fair values. The determination of fair values requires us to make significant 
estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to acquired intangible assets.  Critical estimates in valuing certain 
intangible assets include but are not limited to: future expected cash flows from customer contracts; customer lists; brand 
awareness and market position, as well as assumptions about the period of time the brand will continue to be used in our 
product portfolio; and discount rates.  Our estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but 
which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable and, as a result, actual results may differ from estimates.  Other estimates 

21

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
associated with the accounting for acquisitions may change as additional information becomes available regarding the assets 
acquired and liabilities assumed.   

 Consideration Received From Vendors  

We receive payments and credits from vendors, including consideration pursuant to volume sales incentive programs and 

cooperative marketing programs.  Pursuant to Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 02-16, “Accounting by a 
Reseller for Cash Consideration Received from a Vendor,” which we adopted January 1, 2003, vendor consideration received 
pursuant to volume sales incentive programs is classified as a reduction to costs of goods sold and is recognized upon certain 
product sales volume thresholds being met.  Cooperative marketing programs, which represent a reimbursement of specific, 
incremental, identifiable costs, are included as a reduction of the related selling and administrative expenses in the period the 
program takes place.  Consideration that exceeds the specific, incremental, identifiable costs is classified as a reduction of 
costs of goods sold.  Additionally, vendor consideration based on volume purchase incentives, rather than volume sales 
incentives, is also allocated to inventories based on applicable incentives from each vendor. 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

The following table sets forth for the period presented certain financial data as a percentage of net sales: 

Net sales..............................................................
Cost of goods sold ..............................................  
Gross profit .....................................................  

Operating expenses: 
Selling and administrative expenses ...................
Goodwill impairment..........................................
Restructuring expenses .....................................
Reductions in liabilities assumed in previous 

9.9 
- 
0.1 

acquisition .......................................................

(0.1) 

Expenses related to closure of German 

operation..........................................................
Acquisition integration expenses........................
Aborted IPO costs...............................................
Amortization .......................................................
Earnings (loss) from operations ......................
Non-operating expense, net ................................

Earnings (loss) before income taxes................  
Income tax expense.............................................  
Net earnings (loss) ..........................................  

- 
- 
- 
- 
2.1 
(0.1) 
2.0 
0.7 
1.3% 

2003 Compared to 2002 

Years Ended December 31, 
2002 
  100.0% 
  88.4 
  11.6 

2001 
  100.0% 
88.4 
11.6 

2003 
100.0% 
88.0 
12.0  

8.8 
3.1 
0.1 

- 

- 
- 
- 
0.1 
(0.5) 
(0.1) 
(0.6) 
0.9 
  (1.5)%  

8.0 
- 
- 

- 

0.5 
0.3 
0.1 
0.1 
2.6 
(0.1) 
2.5 
0.9 
1.6% 

Net Sales.  Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2003 increased 1% to $2.91 billion from $2.89 billion for the year 
ended December 31, 2002.  The addition of net sales from the April 25, 2002 acquisition of Comark contributed the majority 
of the increase while IT spending overall continued to decline in North America and the United Kingdom, offsetting a portion 
of this increase.  Our net sales by segment were as follows (in thousands): 

Insight North America ....................  
Insight UK ......................................  
Direct Alliance................................  
PlusNet ...........................................  
Consolidated ...................................  

2002 

Years Ended December 31, 
2003 
$  2,430,005 
379,785 
76,257 
28,305 
$  2,914,352 

$  2,397,715 
    382,254 
95,926 
15,091 
$  2,890,986 

  % Change 

1% 
(1%) 
(21%) 
  88% 
1% 

Insight North America increased net sales for the year ended December 31, 2003 by 1% to $2.43 billion from $2.40 
billion for the year ended December 31, 2002.  This increase was attributable to net sales from Comark, which was acquired 
on April 25, 2002 and therefore included in only eight months of operations in 2002 compared to twelve months of 2003.   
This increase was partially offset by a decline in overall IT spending in an uncertain economic and international environment.  
Additionally, net sales of Microsoft software products were stronger in 2002 due primarily to the July 31, 2002 deadline for 
Microsoft’s upgrade programs, which created an increased demand for Microsoft products.  There was no similar catalyst for 
22

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
software sales in 2003.  Insight North America had 1,194 account executives at December 31, 2003 and 1,268 at December 
31, 2002.  The decrease in account executives was due to planned headcount reductions, based on performance, in order to 
reduce costs and increase productivity of remaining account executives. 

Insight UK’s net sales decreased by 1%, to $379.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 from $382.3 million in 

2002.  The decrease is due primarily to a weakened IT spending environment over the past year, particularly in the larger 
corporate enterprises, partially offset by increases in the British pound sterling exchange rates.  These increases in exchange 
rates offset $30.7 million of the decrease in net sales from 2002 to 2003.  Additionally, net sales of Microsoft software 
products were stronger in 2002 due primarily to the July 31, 2002 deadline for Microsoft’s upgrade programs, which created 
an increased demand for Microsoft products.  There was no similar catalyst for software sales in 2003.  Insight UK had 232 
account executives at December 31, 2003 compared to 262 at December 31, 2002.  The decrease in account executives was 
due to planned headcount reductions, based on performance, in order to reduce costs and increase productivity of remaining 
account executives. 

Direct Alliance’s net sales decreased by 21% to $76.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, compared to $95.9 

million for the year ended December 31, 2002 due primarily to the wind-down of one client relationship that ended, as 
scheduled, during the second quarter of 2003.  This client represented approximately 3% of Direct Alliance’s net sales for the 
year ended December 31, 2003 and 14% of Direct Alliance’s net sales for the year ended December 31, 2002.  Additionally, 
in the year ended December 31, 2003, net sales decreased as a result of a reduction in freight services that Direct Alliance 
provides to its clients and a lower level of pass-through product sales compared to the same periods in 2002.  Direct 
Alliance’s net sales are concentrated with a select few manufacturers of IT products.  For the year ended December 31, 2003, 
Direct Alliance’s largest outsourcing client accounted for approximately 65% of Direct Alliance’s net sales compared to 59% 
for year ended December 31, 2002.  For the year ended December 31, 2003, Direct Alliance’s top three outsourcing clients 
accounted for approximately 90% of Direct Alliance’s net sales compared to 93% for the year ended December 31, 2002. 

PlusNet grew net sales 88% to $28.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, compared to net sales of $15.1 
million for the year ended December 31, 2002.  PlusNet continues to experience a shift in the primary source of its net sales 
from dial-up to broadband Internet access customers and expects broadband Internet access to continue to increase as a 
percentage of net sales.  Increases in the British pound sterling exchange rates accounted for $2.4 million of the increase in 
net sales from 2002 to 2003.   

Gross Profit.  Gross profit increased 4%, to $349.3 million in 2003 from $335.6 million in 2002.  As a percentage of 
sales, gross margin increased from 11.6% for the year ended December 31, 2002 to 12.0% for the year ended December 31, 
2003.  The increase in gross margin was due primarily to: 

• 

• 

• 

increases in product margins on sales to small- to medium-sized business customers serviced by Insight 
North America; 
a change in accounting classification for certain funds received from vendors for Insight North America 
and Insight UK; 
increases in service sales, which generally have a higher gross margin than product sales, for Insight North 
America; 
increases in product and freight margins for Insight UK;  

• 
•  decreases in the write-downs of inventories for Insight North America and Insight UK; and 
•  higher fixed performance fees and guarantees from the Direct Alliance client whose program ended in the 
second quarter of 2003 and an existing client program yearly performance guarantee that did not occur in 
2002.   

The increases were offset partially by lower gross margins on sales to large corporate customers added with the acquisition of 
Comark, decreases in supplier reimbursements for Insight North America and Insight UK and decreases in service sales, 
which generally have a higher gross margin than product sales, for Insight UK.   

Effective January 1, 2003, the Company adopted EITF Issue No. 02-16, “Accounting by a Reseller for Cash 

Consideration Received from a Vendor.”  As a result of the adoption of this pronouncement, we recorded approximately $9.6 
million of vendor consideration as a reduction to costs of goods sold during the year ended December 31, 2003 that, prior to 
the adoption, would have been classified as a reduction of selling and administrative expenses.  For the year ended December 
31, 2003, the change in classification resulted in a 0.34% increase in gross margin and a corresponding increase in selling and 
administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales compared to the prior classification. 

23

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Expenses.  

Selling and Administrative Expenses.  Selling and administrative expenses increased 13%, to $286.4 million in 2003 
from $254.4 million in 2002, and increased as a percent of net sales to 9.9% in 2003 from 8.8% in 2002.  The increase in 
selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales in the 2003 compared to 2002 was due primarily to: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

additional costs, including stay bonuses, associated with maintaining duplicate support departments until 
the IT system conversion and final integration of Comark was completed in Insight North America; 
a change in accounting classification of certain funds received from vendors for Insight North America and 
Insight UK; 
accelerated depreciation due to a change in the estimated useful life of certain software assets that will no 
longer be used after the IT systems conversion in Insight North America is completed; and 
increased training expenses associated with the IT systems conversion in Insight North America. 

These increases in expenses were offset partially by expense reductions resulting from the continuing integration of 
Comark’s operations into the operations of Insight North America, cost cutting initiatives and decreases in bad debt expense 
in Insight North America and Insight UK and increased capitalization of salaries and consultant fees in connection with the 
IT systems conversion. 

Restructuring Expenses. During the year ended December 31, 2003, Insight North America recorded $2.9 million in 

restructuring expenses associated with costs incurred to close Insight North America’s distribution facility in Indiana and 
severance associated with the elimination of certain support and management positions.  We closed the Indiana facility in order 
to consolidate warehouse and distribution facilities in Illinois, in accordance with the Comark integration plan.  These 
restructuring expenses primarily represented costs associated with terminated employees, abandoned assets and remaining 
lease obligations.  Also, during the year ended December 31, 2003, Insight UK recorded $543,000 of restructuring expenses 
relating to severance associated with the elimination of service technicians and certain support and management functions.  
See further discussion in Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. 

Reductions in Liabilities Assumed in Previous Acquisition. During the year ended December 31, 2003, Insight UK 

settled certain liabilities assumed in the acquisition of Action in late 2001 for $2.5 million less than the amounts originally 
recorded.  Normally, these items would be recorded as a reduction to goodwill.  However, Insight UK recorded a goodwill 
impairment charge during the fourth quarter of 2002 which eliminated its entire goodwill balance; therefore, the $2.5 million 
reduction in assumed liabilities is recorded in the statement of operations.  The income resulting from the reduction in 
assumed liabilities was not taxable. 

 Non-Operating Expense, Net.  Non-operating expense, net, which consists primarily of interest expense and interest 
income, decreased to $4.4 million in 2003 from $4.6 million in 2002.  Interest expense of $2.6 million and $3.6 million in 
2003 and 2002, respectively, primarily relates to borrowings under our financing facilities, which were used to finance an 
acquisition during 2002.  Interest expense has decreased due to decreases in interest-bearing debt incurred and assumed in 
connection with the acquisition and decreases in interest rates.  Interest income of $885,000 and $386,000 in 2003 and 2002, 
respectively, was generated through short-term investments.  The increase in interest income in 2003 is due to the increase in 
cash invested in the United Kingdom at higher interest rates than the United States, offset partially by declining interest rates 
on short-term investments in the United States.  Non-operating expenses, other than interest expense, of $2.7 million and $1.4 
million in 2003 and 2002, respectively, consist primarily of bank fees associated with financing arrangements and cash 
management.  The increase in other non-operating expenses in 2003 is due primarily to prepayment penalties of $628,000 
and written off capitalized loan origination fees of $173,000 associated with the prepayment of building mortgages in 2003.   

Income Tax Expense.  Our effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 was 34.4% and (139.8%), 
respectively. The negative tax rate for 2002 was due to the inability to recognize a tax benefit on the majority of the goodwill 
impairment charge.  Excluding the impairment of goodwill, net of taxes, the adjusted effective tax rate for 2002 was 38.2%.  
The effective tax rate in 2003 periods was reduced because: 

• 

• 

income resulting from the reduction of certain Insight UK liabilities assumed in connection with a previous 
acquisition was not taxable; 
a tax benefit relating to a UK foreign currency exchange loss in conjunction with an intercompany debt-to-
equity conversion was realized; 

•  net earnings for our United Kingdom operations, which are taxed at lower rates than the United States, 

increased; and 

•  Canadian tax rates were reduced. 

24

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
These reductions were offset partially by higher effective state income tax rates due to the acquisition of Comark in April 
2002, corporate reorganization changes in September 2003 and increases in partially non-deductible expenses, such as meals 
and entertainment.  

2002 Compared to 2001 

Net Sales.  Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2002 increased 39% to $2.89 billion from $2.08 billion for the 

year ended December 31, 2001.  The addition of net sales from acquisitions contributed the vast majority of the increase 
while IT spending overall continued to decline in North America and the United Kingdom.  Our net sales by segment were as 
follows (in thousands): 

Insight North America ....................  
Insight UK ......................................  
Direct Alliance................................  
PlusNet ...........................................  
Insight Germany .............................  
Consolidated ...................................  

Years Ended December 31, 
2001 

  % Change 

2002 
$  2,397,715 
382,254 
95,926 
15,091 
- 
$  2,890,986 

$  1,766,771 
    197,552 
    102,452 
8,942 
6,662 
$  2,082,339 

36% 
94% 
  (6%) 
69% 
(100%) 
39% 

Insight North America increased net sales for the year ended December 31, 2002 by 36% to $2.40 billion from $1.77 
billion for the year ended December 31, 2001.  This increase was attributable to net sales from Comark, which was acquired 
on April 25, 2002, and to a lesser extent, the acquisition of Kortex in October 2001.  Additionally, net sales of Microsoft 
software products were strong in the second and third quarter of 2002 due primarily to the July 31, 2002 deadline for 
Microsoft’s upgrade programs.  This increase was partially offset by a decrease in net sales in our base North American 
operations due to a decline in overall IT spending, an increase in the proportion of certain software products and third-party 
services that are recorded under net sales recognition (as described under Critical Accounting Policies – Sales Recognition) 
and an increased focus on maximizing gross margin by minimizing the volume of unprofitable sales.  Insight North America 
had 1,268 account executives at December 31, 2002 and 1,199 at December 31, 2001.  The increase in account executives 
was due to the acquisition of Comark, offset slightly by some planned reductions in headcount. 

Insight UK increased net sales for the year ended December 31, 2002 by 94%, to $382.3 million in 2002 from $197.6 
million in 2001.  The increase was due to inclusion of an entire year of net sales from Action which was acquired in October 
2001 and increases in the British pound sterling exchange rates, offset by declines in demand for IT products during 2002.  
These exchange rate increases accounted for $14.3 million of the increase in net sales from 2001 to 2002.  Insight UK had 
232 account executives at December 31, 2002 compared to 319 at December 31, 2001.  The decrease in account executives 
was due to planned headcount reductions in order to reduce costs. 

Direct Alliance’s net sales decreased 6% to $95.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, compared to $102.5 

million for the year ended December 31, 2001 due to a reduction in pass-through product sales and a reduction in freight 
services that Direct Alliance provides to some of its clients.   Direct Alliance’s net sales were concentrated with a select few 
manufacturers of IT products.  For the year ended December 31, 2002, Direct Alliance’s largest outsourcing client accounted 
for approximately 59% of Direct Alliance’s net sales compared to 52% for year ended December 31, 2001.  For the year 
ended December 31, 2002, Direct Alliance’s top three outsourcing clients accounted for approximately 93% of Direct 
Alliance’s net sales compared to 92% for the year ended December 31, 2001. 

PlusNet grew net sales 69% to $15.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, compared to net sales of $8.9 
million for the year ended December 31, 2001.  PlusNet experienced a shift in the primary source of its net sales from dial-up 
to broadband Internet access customers.  Although broadband Internet access is sold at a lower gross margin percentage 
compared to dial-up, it provided an increase in net sales and earnings from operations for PlusNet.  Additionally, increases in 
the British pound sterling exchange rates accounted for $743,000 of the increase in net sales from 2001 to 2002.   

Gross Profit.  Gross profit increased 39%, to $335.6 million in 2002 from $242.2 million in 2001.  As a percentage of 
sales, gross margin was 11.6% in 2001 and 2002.  The consistency in our gross margin was due primarily to an increase in: 
sales of certain software products and third-party services with net sales recognition; and  
stabilized product margins on product categories other than software. 

• 
• 

These increases were offset by: 

• 
• 
• 

lower gross margins in sales to large corporate customers contributed by the acquisition of Comark;  
lower gross margins on the increased sales of software licenses; and 
a reduction in supplier reimbursement funds as a percentage of net sales recorded as an offset to cost of 
goods sold.      

25

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Expenses.  

Selling and Administrative Expenses.  Selling and administrative expenses increased 52%, to $254.4 million in 2002 
from $167.6 million in 2001, and increased as a percent of net sales to 8.8% in 2002 from 8.0% in 2001.  The increase was 
due primarily to: 
• 
• 
• 

selling and administrative expenses attributable to acquired entities; 
additional costs associated with the integration of acquired entities; and  
start-up costs of new product and services initiatives.   

Goodwill Impairment.  Effective January 1, 2002, we adopted SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” 

under which goodwill is no longer amortized but instead is assessed for impairment at least annually.  Goodwill was tested 
for impairment upon adoption of SFAS No. 142 as of January 1, 2002 with no resulting impairment of goodwill.  We 
completed our annual assessment of the impairment of goodwill during the fourth quarter of 2002.  As a result of the decline 
in Insight UK’s operating performance, Insight UK’s book value exceeded its market value resulting in an impairment of 
goodwill.  Based on results of the annual assessment, we recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $91.6 million, 
$88.4 million net of taxes, which represented the entire goodwill balance recorded at Insight UK.  See Note 4 to the 
Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8.  

Restructuring Costs. In the third quarter of 2002, we approved and initiated plans to restructure the operations of Insight 
UK.  The restructuring replaced top Insight UK management, prioritized activities to specific customer segments, eliminated 
certain duplicative activities and reduced the cost structure to better align operating expenses with existing general economic 
conditions.  Consequently, we recorded approximately $1.5 million of related costs.  See Note 14 to our Consolidated 
Financial Statements in Item 8 for further discussion.  

Amortization.  In accordance with SFAS No.142, the amortization of goodwill was discontinued as of January 1, 2002 

and therefore there was no goodwill amortization expense recorded for the year ended December 31, 2002.  Goodwill 
amortization expense was $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2001.  The decrease in goodwill amortization was 
offset by $1.4 million of amortization of intangible assets obtained in connection with the acquisition of Comark. 

Non-Operating Expense, Net.  Non-operating expense, net, which consists primarily of interest expense and interest 
income, increased to $4.6 million in 2002 from $770,000 in 2001.  Interest expense of $3.6 million and $2.2 million in 2002 
and 2001, respectively, primarily relates to borrowings associated with our financing facilities, financing of acquisitions and 
the financing of inventory purchases under our line of credit.  Interest expense increased due to the financing of acquisitions 
and the assumption of interest-bearing debt in connection with acquisitions.   Interest income of $386,000 and $1.8 million in 
2002 and 2001, respectively, was generated through short-term investments, some of which were investment grade tax-
advantaged bonds.  The decrease in interest income was due to the decrease in cash available for short-term investments.  
Non-operating expenses other than interest expense of $1.4 million and $438,000 in 2002 and 2001, respectively, consisted 
primarily of bank fees associated with credit facilities and cash management. 

Income Tax Expense.  Our effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2002 and 2001 was (139.8%) and 35.8%, 
respectively.  The negative tax rate for 2002 was due to the inability to recognize a tax benefit on the majority of the goodwill 
impairment charge.  Excluding the charge for impairment of goodwill, the adjusted effective tax rate for the year ended 
December 31, 2002 was 38.2%.  The increase in the effective tax rate, excluding charges for impairment of goodwill, was 
due to higher state tax rates and nondeductible expense amounts for our Chicago-based operations as well as the recognition 
of a tax benefit in the fourth quarter of 2001 as a result of the closure of our operations in Germany.  This increase was 
partially offset by the elimination of losses in Germany (due to the closure of our German operations during the fourth 
quarter of 2001), the elimination of goodwill amortization and a reduction in Canadian tax rates.   

26

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selected Quarterly Financial Information 

The following table sets forth selected unaudited consolidated quarterly financial information for our two most recent 

years: 

Dec. 31, 
  2003 

Quarters Ended 
Sept. 30,  June 30,  Mar. 31,  Dec. 31, 
  2003 

  2002 

  2003 

  2003 

Sept. 30,  June 30,  Mar. 31, 
  2002 
  2002 

  2002 

(in thousands, except per share data) 

  642,838 
    86,752 

  626,286 
    84,985 

Net sales ....................................... $ 748,077  $ 729,590  $ 725,414  $ 711,271  $ 771,955  $ 854,003  $ 737,065  $ 527,963 
  462,393 
  637,153 
Costs of goods sold ......................   658,732 
Gross profit...................................     89,345 
    65,570 
    88,261 
Operating expenses: 
Selling and administrative ............     69,149 
- 
Goodwill impairment ...................    
Restructuring expenses.................    
- 
Reductions in liabilities assumed 
- 
in previous acquisition ..............
Amortization.................................    
- 
Earnings (loss) from operations ...     20,196 
Non-operating expense, net..........     1,344 
Earnings (loss) before income 

- 
467 
   (74,293)      18,557 
    1,590 

    (2,504)
- 
    11,007 
    1,217 

- 
- 
    13,994 
    1,025 

- 
311 
    22,623 
    1,218 

- 
- 
    16,766 
813 

- 
- 
    19,838 
797 

    73,656 
- 
    2,826 

    73,158 
- 
    1,500 

    71,558 
    91,587 
- 

    73,628 
- 
639 

    45,732 
- 
- 

    63,950 
- 
- 

    69,986 
- 
- 

  760,321 
    93,682 

  650,181 
    86,884 

  682,481 
    89,474 

- 
622 

982 

    19,041 
    12,969 
taxes ..........................................     18,852 
Income tax expense ......................     6,891 
    6,976 
    4,800 
Net earnings (loss)........................ $   11,961  $   10,597  $   8,169  $   7,027  $  (78,147)  $   10,099  $   13,143  $   12,065 
Earnings (loss) per share: 
Basic ............................................. $  
Diluted.......................................... $  

   (75,275)      16,967 
    6,868 
    2,872 

(1.70)  $  
(1.70)  $  

    15,953 
    5,356 

    21,405 
    8,262 

    9,790 
    2,763 

0.23  $  
0.22  $  

0.18  $  
0.18  $  

0.29  $  
0.28  $  

0.22  $  
0.22  $  

0.15  $  
0.15  $  

0.26  $  
0.25  $  

0.29 
0.28 

Liquidity and Capital Resources 

The following table sets forth for the period presented certain consolidated cash flow information (in thousands): 

Net cash provided by operating activities....................
Net cash used in investing activities ............................
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities.....
Foreign currency exchange impact on cash flow.........
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents ........
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year ..........
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year.....................

$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 

Cash and Cash Flow 

$ 

$ 

Years Ended December 31, 
2002 
75,185 
(120,958) 
41,958 
2,877 
(938) 
31,868 
30,930 

$ 
$ 
$ 

2003 
60,024 
(25,317) 
(27,095) 
3,355 
10,967 
30,930 
41,897 

$ 
$ 
$ 

2001 
45,607 
(73,669) 
35,055 
(42) 
6,951 
24,917 
31,868 

Our cash balances are held in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.  The cash held in Canada and the 
United Kingdom could be repatriated to the United States, but, under current law, would be subject to United States federal 
income taxes, less applicable foreign tax credits.  Our intent is that the cash balances will remain in these countries for future 
growth and investments, and we will meet any liquidity requirements in the United States through ongoing cash flows, 
external borrowings, or both. 

Our primary use of cash has been to fund our working capital requirements, acquisitions and capital expenditures 

necessitated by our growth.   

Net cash provided by operating activities.  Operating cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2003 resulted 
primarily from net earnings before depreciation, a decrease in accounts receivable, a decrease in other current assets and an 
increase in accrued expenses.  The decrease in accounts receivable is due to a reduction in the growth rate of net sales due to 
a sluggish economy and enhanced collection efforts, while the decrease in other current assets is due primarily to the return of 
a refundable deposit paid in connection with prior financing arrangements that we terminated at the end of 2002.  These 

27

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
  
 
increases to cash flow from operations were offset by decreases in accounts payable and increases in inventories as discussed 
below.  Our consolidated cash flow operating metrics are as follows: 

Days outstanding in ending accounts receivable (“DSOs”).......................
Inventory turns (excluding inventories not available for sale) ..................

Years Ended December 31, 
2001 
2002 
2003 
52 
47 
46 
80 
43 
33 

DSOs decreased in 2002 and 2003 due to enhanced collection efforts.  The decrease in 2003 was offset partially by our 

expanded collection of sales tax in the United States effective September 1, 2003 because sales tax is included in accounts 
receivable but not net sales.  The decrease in annualized inventory turns in 2003 resulted from increases in opportunistic 
purchases, increases in our inventory of certain categories due to anticipated product shortages, changes in a manufacturer’s 
buying programs, and an increase in inventories to service larger corporate customers acquired with the Comark acquisition.  
The decrease in 2002 from 2001 was due primarily to an increase in inventories to service larger corporate customers 
acquired with the Comark acquisition. 

Cash flows from operations for the past three years have exceeded net earnings (loss).  However, if sales increase in the 

future, we expect that cash flow from operations will be used, at least partially, to fund working capital as we typically 
increase balances in our inventories and pay our suppliers, in order to take advantage of supplier discounts, on average terms 
that are shorter than the average terms granted to our customers. 

Net cash used in investing activities.  Capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2003 primarily relate to 
software, hardware and capitalized software development costs associated with the IT system conversion in Insight North 
America.  Capital expenditures for year ended December 31, 2002 primarily relate to capitalized costs of computer software 
developed for internal use, purchases of computer equipment and capital improvements to our facility in the United 
Kingdom, which we purchased in 2001.  In 2002 and 2001, investment activities included acquisitions in the United States, 
Canada and the United Kingdom.  We expect capital expenditures in 2004, primarily relating to purchased software and 
internal development of software enhancements related to our IT systems and purchases of computer equipment, to be 
between $15 million and $20 million. 

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities.  Net borrowings on financing arrangements in 2002 were due 
primarily to the acquisition of Comark.  The total outstanding balance under our line of credit and accounts receivable 
securitization facility was reduced to $65.0 million at December 31, 2003 from $91.2 million at December 31, 2002 due to 
cash flow from operations and cash received from the exercise of stock options.  Additionally in 2003, we prepaid $11.9 
million of building mortgages, with interest rates ranging from 7.15% to 8.02%, with borrowings from our existing financing 
arrangements.   

We anticipate that cash flow from operations and stock option exercises, together with the funds available under our 

financing facilities, will be adequate to support our presently anticipated cash and working capital requirements for 
operations through 2004 and longer if we successfully renew our short-term finance arrangement when its current term ends 
on December 30, 2004.  We may need additional debt or equity financing to continue funding our internal growth beyond 
2004.  In addition, as part of our long-term growth strategy, we intend to consider appropriate acquisition opportunities from 
time to time, which may require additional debt or equity financing.   

Financing Facilities 

  Our financing facilities include a $200 million accounts receivable securitization financing arrangement, a $30 million 

revolving line of credit and a $40 million inventories financing facility. 

We have an agreement to sell receivables periodically to a special purpose accounts receivable and financing entity (the 

“SPE”), which is exclusively engaged in purchasing receivables from us.  The SPE is a wholly-owned, bankruptcy-remote 
entity that we have consolidated in our consolidated financial statements.  The SPE funds its purchases by selling undivided 
interests in up to $200 million of eligible trade accounts receivable to a multi-seller conduit administered by an independent 
financial institution.  The sales to the conduit do not qualify for sale treatment under SFAS No. 140 “Accounting for 
Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishment of Liabilities” as we maintain effective control over the 
receivables that are sold.  Accordingly, the accounts receivable remain recorded on our consolidated financial statements.  At 
December 31, 2003, the SPE owned $323.5 million of accounts receivable that are recorded at fair value and are included in 
our consolidated balance sheet, of which $163.5 million was eligible for funding.  The original financing arrangement 
expired December 30, 2003, and although terms of up to three years were available to us, we elected to renew the financing 
arrangement for one year based on pricing.  Accordingly, the renewed financing arrangement expires December 30, 2004, 
and the $55.0 million outstanding at December 31, 2003 is recorded as short-term debt.  Interest is payable monthly, and the 
interest rate on borrowed funds as of December 31, 2003 was 1.67%.  We also pay a commitment fee on the financing 
arrangement equal to 0.35% of the unused balance.  At December 31, 2003, $108.5 million was available under the financing 
arrangement.   We have no reason to believe the facility will not be renewed at the end of its current term. 

28

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2003, we had $10 million outstanding under our $30 million revolving line of credit.  The line of 
credit bears interest, payable quarterly, at a rate chosen by us among available rates subject to our leverage ratio and other 
terms and conditions.  The available rates are the financial institution’s floating rate or the LIBOR based rate (5.55% and 
2.67%, respectively at December 31, 2003).  Any amounts outstanding are recorded as long-term liabilities.  The credit 
facility expires on December 31, 2005.  We have an outstanding letter of credit that reduces the availability on this line of 
credit by $10 million.  At December 31, 2003, $10 million was available under the line of credit. 

Our $40 million secured inventories financing facility can be used to facilitate the purchases of inventories from certain 
suppliers and amounts outstanding are classified on the consolidated balance sheet as accounts payable.  As of December 31, 
2003, there was $5.6 million outstanding under the inventories financing facility and $34.4 million was available.  This 
facility is non-interest bearing if paid within its terms and expires December 31, 2005. 

Our financing facilities contain various covenants including the requirement that we maintain a specified amount of 
tangible net worth and comply with leverage and minimum fixed charge requirements.  We were in compliance with all such 
covenants at December 31, 2003.   

Contractual Obligations 

At December 31, 2003, our contractual obligations were as follows (in thousands): 

Long-term debt (including line of credit) 
and capital leases, including current 
portion ..................................................... 
Operating lease obligations ..................... 
Restructuring obligations (a) ................... 
Purchase obligations (b) .......................... 
Other contractual obligations (c) ............. 
Total......................................................... 

  Total    

  $ 10,279 
  18,511 
9,650 
- 
- 
  $ 38,440 

Less than 
  1 Year   

Payments due by period 
3-5 
  Years    

1-3 
  Years    

More than 5 
  Years    

$ 

275 
6,748 
9,650 
- 
- 
$ 16,673 

  $ 10,004 
6,720 
- 
- 
- 
  $ 16,724 

  $ 

- 
2,622 
- 
- 
- 
  $  2,622 

  $ 

- 
2,421 
- 
- 
- 
  $  2,421 

(a) As a result of approved restructuring plans, we expect future cash expenditures related to employee termination benefits 
and facilities based costs.  Although the facilities based costs represent contractual payments under long-term leases, we 
are actively pursuing opportunities to negotiate out of these leases and have recorded the obligations as current accrued 
liabilities.  See further discussion in Notes 14 and 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8.  

(b) Although we set purchase targets with our suppliers tied to the amount of supplier reimbursements we receive, we 

have no material contractual purchase obligations.   

(c)  In addition to the contractual obligations noted in the above table, we also have employment agreements with certain 
officers and employees under which severance payments would become payable in the event of specified terminations 
without cause or pursuant to a change in control.  In the event  severance payments under the current employment 
agreements were to become payable, the maximum contingent severance payment calculated as of December 31, 2003 
would be approximately $18.3 million.   

Common Stock Repurchases  

Although we did not repurchase shares of our common stock during the years ended 2003, 2002 and 2001, we have 

repurchased shares of our common stock in the past and may consider doing so again in the future.   

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements 

We have no off-balance sheet financing arrangements. 

Acquisitions 

Our strategy includes the possible acquisition of other businesses to expand or complement our operations.  The 
magnitude, timing and nature of any future acquisitions will depend on a number of factors, including the availability of 
suitable acquisition candidates, the negotiation of acceptable terms, our financial capabilities and general economic and 

29

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
business conditions.  Financing of future acquisitions would result in the utilization of cash, incurrence of additional debt, or 
both.   

Inflation 

We have not been adversely affected by inflation, as technological advances and competition within the IT industry have 

generally caused the prices of the products we sell to decline.  This requires our growth in unit sales to exceed the decline in 
prices in order to have an increase in consolidated net sales.  We believe that most price increases could be passed on to our 
customers, as prices charged by us are not set by long-term contracts; however, as a result of competitive pressure, there can 
be no assurance that the full effect of any such price increases could be passed on to our customers. 

Recently Issued Accounting Standards   

In January 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46 (“FIN 46”), “Consolidation of Variable Interest 
Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 51.”  FIN 46 requires certain variable interest entities to be consolidated by the 
primary beneficiary of the entity if the equity investors in the entity do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial 
interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial 
support from other parties.  FIN 46 is effective for all new variable interest entities created or acquired after January 31, 
2003.  In December 2003, the FASB issued FIN 46R with respect to variable interest entities created before January 31, 
2003, which among other things, revised the implementation date to the first fiscal year or interim period ending after March 
15, 2004, with the exception of Special Purpose Entities (“SPE”). The consolidation requirements apply to all SPE’s in the 
first fiscal year or interim period ending after December 15, 2003.  The provisions of FIN 46 and FIN 46R did not have a 
material effect on our consolidated financial statements.   

In January 2003, the EITF reached a consensus on Issue No. 02-16, “Accounting by a Reseller for Cash Consideration 
Received From a Vendor.”  EITF Issue No. 02-16 provides guidance on how resellers of vendors’ products should account 
for cash consideration received from their vendors.  The provisions of EITF Issue No. 02-16 applies to arrangements, 
including modifications of existing arrangements, entered into after December 31, 2002 and were adopted by us as of January 
1, 2003.  As a result of the adoption of this pronouncement, we recorded approximately $9.6 million of vendor consideration 
as a reduction to costs of goods sold during the year ended December 31, 2003 that, prior to the adoption, would have been 
classified as a reduction of selling and administrative expenses.  For the year ended December 31, 2003, the change in 
classification resulted in a 0.34% increase in gross margin and a corresponding increase in selling and administrative 
expenses as a percentage of net sales compared to the prior classification. 

In April 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 149, “Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging 

Activities.”  SFAS No. 149 amends and clarifies the accounting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative 
instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities under SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative 
Instruments and Hedging Activities.”  SFAS No. 149 is generally effective for contracts entered into or modified after 
September 30, 2003 and for hedging relationships designated after September 30, 2003.  The provisions of SFAS No. 149 did 
not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. 

 In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of 
both Liabilities and Equity.”  SFAS No. 150 requires that certain financial instruments, which under previous guidance were 
accounted for as equity, must now be accounted for as liabilities.  The financial instruments affected include mandatorily 
redeemable stock, certain financial instruments that require or may require the issuer to buy back some of its shares in 
exchange for cash or other assets and certain obligations that can be settled with shares of stock.  SFAS No. 150 is effective 
for all financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003 and must be applied to existing financial instruments 
effective July 1, 2003.  In November 2003, FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 150-3 which deferred the effective dates 
for applying certain provisions of SFAS 150 related to mandatorily redeemable financial instruments of certain non-public 
entities and certain mandatorily redeemable non-controlling interests for public and non-public companies.  For public 
entities, SFAS 150 is effective for mandatorily redeemable financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003 
and is effective for all other financial instruments as of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003.  For 
mandatorily redeemable non-controlling interests that would not have to be classified as liabilities by a subsidiary under the 
exception in paragraph 9 of SFAS 150, but would be classified as liabilities by the parent, the classification and measurement 
provisions of SFAS 150 are deferred indefinitely.  The measurement provisions of SFAS 150 are also deferred indefinitely 
for other mandatorily redeemable non-controlling interests that were issued before November 4, 2003.  For those instruments, 
the measurement guidance for redeemable shares and non-controlling interests in other literature shall apply during the 
deferral period.  The adoption of SFAS No. 150 did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.    

30

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In December 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 132 (revised 2003), "Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other 
Postretirement Benefits, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88 and 106, and a revision of FASB Statement No. 132” 
(SFAS No. 132 (revised 2003)).  This Statement revises employers’ disclosures about pension plans and other postretirement 
benefit plans.  It does not change the measurement or recognition of those plans required by FASB Statements No. 87, 
“Employers’ Accounting for Pensions,” No. 88, “Employers’ Accounting for Settlements and Curtailments of Defined Benefit 
Pension Plans and for Termination Benefits” and No. 106, “Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than 
Pensions.”  The new rules require additional disclosures about the assets, obligations, cash flows and net periodic benefit cost 
of defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans.  The required information will be provided separately 
for pension plans and for other postretirement benefit plans.  This includes expanded disclosure on an interim basis as well.  
The new disclosures are required for years ending after December 15, 2003.  The adoption of SFAS No. 132 (revised 2003) 
did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.  

In December 2003, the Staff of the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 104, Revenue Recognition, which 

supercedes SAB 101, “Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements.”  SAB 104's primary purpose is to rescind accounting 
guidance contained in SAB 101 related to multiple element revenue arrangements, superceded as a result of the issuance of 
EITF 00-21, “Accounting for Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables.”  Additionally, SAB 104 rescinds the 
SEC's “Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements Frequently Asked Questions and Answers” (the “FAQ”) issued with 
SAB 101 that had been codified in SEC Topic 13, “Revenue Recognition.”  Selected portions of the FAQ have been 
incorporated into SAB 104.  While the wording of SAB 104 has changed to reflect the issuance of EITF 00-21, the revenue 
recognition principles of SAB 101 remain largely unchanged by the issuance of SAB 104.  The adoption of SAB 104 did not 
have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.  

Factors That May Affect Future Results and Financial Condition  

Changes in the economic environment and/or IT industry may reduce demand for the products and services we sell.  
Our results of operations are influenced by a variety of factors, including general economic conditions, the condition of the 
IT industry, shifts in demand for or availability of computer and related products and industry introductions of new products, 
upgrades or methods of distribution.  Additionally, the potential for future terrorist attacks, the national and international 
responses to terrorist attacks or perceived threats to national security and other acts of war or hostility have created many 
economic and political uncertainties that could adversely affect our business and results of operations in ways that cannot 
presently be predicted.  The computer industry in general has felt the effects of the slowdown in the United States and 
European economies, and we specifically have seen a decrease in demand for the products and services we sell.  Net sales can 
be dependent on demand for specific product categories, and any change in demand for or supply of such products could have 
a material adverse effect on our net sales if we fail to react in a timely manner to such changes.  Our operating results are also 
highly dependent upon our level of gross profit as a percentage of net sales which fluctuates due to numerous factors, 
including changes in prices from suppliers, reductions in the amount of supplier reimbursements that are made available, 
changes in customer mix, the relative mix of products sold during the period, general competitive conditions, the availability 
of opportunistic purchases and opportunities to increase market share.  In addition, our expense levels, including the costs 
and salaries incurred in connection with the hiring of account executives, are based, in part, on anticipated net sales.  
Therefore, we may not be able to reduce spending in a timely manner to compensate for any unexpected net sales shortfall.  
As a result, comparisons of our quarterly financial results should not be relied upon as an indication of future performance. 

Actions of competitors, including manufacturers of products we sell, can negatively affect our business.  The IT 
products and services industry is intensely competitive.  Competition is based primarily on price, product availability, speed 
of delivery, credit availability, ability to tailor specific solutions to customer needs and quality and breadth of product lines.  
We compete with manufacturers, including manufacturers of products we sell, as well as a large number and wide variety of 
marketers and resellers of IT products and services.  Product manufacturers, in particular, have implemented programs to sell 
directly to the business customer, particularly larger corporate customers and, thus, are a competitive threat to us.  In 
addition, manufacturers may attempt to increase the volume of software products distributed electronically to end-users.  An 
increase in the volume of products sold through any of these competitive programs or distributed electronically to end-users 
could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. 

Additionally, product resellers and direct marketers are combining operations or acquiring or merging with other 
resellers and direct marketers to increase efficiency.  Moreover, current and potential competitors have established or may 
establish cooperative relationships among themselves or with third parties to enhance their products and services.  
Accordingly, it is possible that new competitors or alliances among competitors may emerge and acquire significant market 
share.  Generally, pricing is very aggressive in the industry and we expect pricing pressures to continue.  There can be no 
assurance that we will be able to offset the effects of price reductions with an increase in the number of customers, higher net 
sales, cost reductions or otherwise.  Price reductions by our competitors that we either cannot or choose not to match could 
result in an erosion of our market share and/or reduced sales or, to the extent we match such reductions, could result in 
reduced operating margins, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and 
financial condition.   

31

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Certain of our competitors in each of our operating segments have longer operating histories and greater financial, 
technical, marketing and other resources than we do.  In addition, some of these competitors may be able to respond more 
quickly to new or changing opportunities, technologies and customer requirements.  Many current and potential competitors 
also have greater name recognition and engage in more extensive promotional activities, offer more attractive terms to 
customers and adopt more aggressive pricing policies than we do.  Additionally, some of our competitors have lower 
operating cost structures, allowing them to profitably employ more aggressive pricing strategies.  There can be no assurance 
that we will be able to compete effectively with current or future competitors or that the competitive pressures we face will 
not have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. 

We rely on our suppliers for product availability, purchasing incentives and competitive products to sell.   We acquire 
products for resale both directly from manufacturers and indirectly through distributors.  The loss of a supplier could cause a 
short-term disruption in the availability of products.  The reduction in the amount of credit granted to us by our suppliers 
could increase our cost of working capital and have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and 
financial condition.  Additionally, there is no assurance that as manufacturers continue to sell directly to end users, they will 
not limit or curtail the availability of their product to resellers.  Certain of the products offered from time to time by us may 
become subject to manufacturer allocation, which limits the number of units of such products available to us.  Our inability to 
obtain a sufficient quantity of product or an allocation of products from a manufacturer in a way that favors one of our 
competitors relative to us could cause us to be unable to fill customers’ orders in a timely manner, or at all, which could have 
a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.   

Certain manufacturers provide us with substantial incentives in the form of payment discounts, supplier reimbursements, 
price protections and rebates.  Supplier funds are used to offset, among other things, cost of goods sold, marketing costs and 
other operating expenses.  No assurance can be given that we will continue to receive such incentives or that we will be able 
to collect outstanding amounts relating to these incentives in a timely manner, or at all.  A reduction in, the discontinuance of, 
a significant delay in receiving or the inability to collect such incentives could have a material adverse effect on our business, 
results of operations and financial condition.   

Although product is available from multiple sources via the distribution channel as well as directly from manufacturers, 
we rely on the manufacturers of products we offer for not only product availability and supplier reimbursements, but also for 
development of products that compete effectively with products of manufacturers we do not currently offer, namely Dell.   

We rely on a limited number of outsourcing clients.  Through our Direct Alliance operating segment which represented 
3% and 25% of our consolidated net sales and earnings from operations, respectively, in 2003, we perform business process 
outsourcing services for a small number of manufacturers in the computer and consumer electronics industry pursuant to 
various arrangements.  For the year ended December 31, 2003, one outsourcing client accounted for approximately 65% of 
Direct Alliance’s net sales.  For the year ended December 31, 2003, the top three clients represented 90% of Direct Alliance’s 
net sales.  Although the contracts with these clients are generally multi-year contracts, these clients may cancel their contracts 
under certain circumstances on relatively short notice, elect to not renew them upon expiration or renew them on terms that 
are less favorable to us.  There is no assurance that we will be able to replace any outsourcing clients that terminate or fail to 
renew their relationships with us or that we will be able to renew existing contracts on terms that are as favorable to us as the 
current terms.  Additionally, we seek to expand our offerings both within and outside of the computer industry.  The failure to 
maintain current arrangements or the inability to enter into new ones within or outside the computer industry could have a 
material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.  Substantially all of our current 
outsourcing clients are manufacturers in the computer industry, and, therefore, are subject to the same industry risks as we are 
with respect to our Insight North America and Insight UK operations.  These risks may negatively affect the amount of 
business our clients outsource to us. 

Disruptions in our information and telephone communication systems could affect our ability to service our 
customers and cause us to incur additional expenses.  We believe that our success to date has been, and future results of 
operations will be, dependent in large part upon our ability to provide prompt and efficient service to customers.  Our ability 
to provide such services is largely dependent on the accuracy, quality and utilization of the information generated by our 
information systems, which affect our ability to manage our sales, distribution, inventories and accounting systems and the 
reliability of our telephone communication systems.  In January 2004, we completed the IT system conversion across all of 
Insight’s operations serving United States customers and will be making enhancements to the system during 2004.  In 2005, 
we intend to convert Insight’s United Kingdom and Canadian operations to this software platform.  There can be no 
assurances that these enhancements or conversions will not cause disruptions in our business, and any such disruption could 
have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.  Although we have built redundancy into 
most of our systems, and have comprehensive data backup, we do not have a formal disaster recovery capability; therefore, a 
substantial interruption in our information systems or in our telephone communication systems would have a material adverse 
effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.  

32

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
There are risks associated with international operations that are different than those inherent in the United States 
business.  We currently have operations in the United Kingdom and Canada and may expand operations further into Europe.  
In implementing our international strategy, we face barriers to entry and competition from local companies and other 
companies that already have established global businesses, as well as the risks generally associated with conducting business 
internationally.  These risks include local labor conditions and regulations, the ability to attract and retain suitable local 
management, exposure to currency fluctuations, limitations on foreign investment and the additional expense and risks 
inherent in operating in geographically and culturally diverse locations.  Because we may continue to develop our 
international business through acquisitions, we may also be subject to risks associated with such acquisitions, including those 
relating to the marriage of different corporate cultures and shared decision-making.  There can be no assurance that we will 
succeed in increasing our international business or do so in a profitable manner.   

We depend on certain key personnel.  Our future success will be largely dependent on the efforts of key management 
personnel.  The loss of one or more of these key employees could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of 
operations and financial condition.  We also recently stated our desire to enhance our executive management team through 
the addition of one or more seasoned executives, possibly including a new Company president.  We cannot assure you that 
we will be able to attract or retain highly qualified executive personnel or that any such executive personnel, including a new 
Company president, will be able to integrate into the Company and lead it effectively in directions that will increase 
stockholder value.  We also believe that our future success will be largely dependent on our continued ability to attract and 
retain highly qualified management, sales and technical personnel.  We cannot assure you that we will be able to attract and 
retain such personnel.  Volatility or lack of positive performance in our stock price may also adversely affect our ability to 
retain key employees, all of whom have been granted stock options, or attract additional highly qualified personnel.  Further, 
we make a significant investment in the training of our sales account executives.  Our inability to retain such personnel or to 
train them rapidly enough to meet our expanding needs could cause a decrease in the overall quality and efficiency of our 
sales staff, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. 

Rapid changes in product standards may result in substantial inventory obsolescence.  The IT industry is characterized 
by rapid technological change and the frequent introduction of new products and product enhancements, which can decrease 
demand for current products or render them obsolete.  In addition, in order to satisfy customer demand, protect ourselves 
against product shortages, obtain greater purchasing discounts and react to changes in original equipment manufacturers’ 
terms and conditions, we may carry relatively high inventory levels of certain products that may have limited or no return 
privileges.  There can be no assurance that we will be able to avoid losses related to inventory obsolescence on these 
products. 

The integration and operation of future acquired businesses may disrupt our business, create additional expenses 
and utilize cash or debt availability.  Over the past few years, we completed acquisitions in the United States, the United 
Kingdom and Canada.  These acquired operations have been fully integrated and now comprise a material portion of our 
business.  Our strategy includes the possible acquisition of other businesses to expand or complement our operations.  An 
acquisition involves numerous risks, including difficulties in the conversion of information systems and assimilation of 
operations of the acquired company, the diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns, risks of entering 
markets in which we have had no or only limited direct experience, assumption of unknown liabilities and the potential loss 
of key employees and/or customers of the acquired company, all of which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our 
business, results of operations and financial condition.  The magnitude, timing and nature of any future acquisitions will 
depend on a number of factors, including the availability of suitable acquisition candidates, the negotiation of acceptable 
terms, our financial capabilities and general economic and business conditions.  There is no assurance that we will identify 
acquisition candidates that would result in successful combinations or that any such acquisitions will be consummated on 
acceptable terms.  Any future acquisitions may result in potentially dilutive issuances of equity securities, the incurrence of 
additional debt, the utilization of cash, amortization of expenses related to identifiable intangible assets and future 
impairments of acquired goodwill, all of which could adversely affect our profitability.  

Our principal financing arrangement expires on December 30, 2004 and if we are unable to renew this arrangement 

or replace it on acceptable terms, we may incur higher interest expenses or your equity interest may be diluted.  Our 
financing facilities include a $200 million accounts receivable securitization financing arrangement, a $30 million revolving 
line of credit and a $40 million inventories financing facility.  The availability under each of these facilities is subject to 
formulas based on our eligible trade accounts receivable or inventories.  As of December 31, 2003, the aggregate outstanding 
balance under these facilities was $70.6 million and we had $152.9 million available.  The accounts receivable securitization 
financing arrangement expires December 30, 2004, and the line of credit and inventories facility each expire on December 
31, 2005.  We have no reason to believe the accounts receivable securitization financing arrangement will not be renewed on 
or before December 30, 2004.  However, it is possible that we may be unable to renew our existing accounts receivable 
securitization financing arrangement or secure alternative financing or, if we are able to renew our existing accounts 
receivable securitization financing arrangement or secure alternative financing, it may be on less favorable terms, such as 
higher interest rates.  If we were unable to renew our existing accounts receivable securitization financing arrangement or 
secure alternative financing, we may be required to seek other financing alternatives such as selling additional equity 

33

 
 
 
 
 
 
securities or convertible debt securities that would dilute the equity interests of current stockholders.  We cannot assure you 
that we will be able to obtain such financing on terms favorable to us or at all. 

Recently enacted and proposed changes in securities laws and regulations will increase our costs and divert 

management’s attention from operations.  The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Act”) became law in July 2002 and has 
required changes in some of our corporate governance, public disclosure and compliance practices.  The Act also requires the 
SEC to promulgate new rules on a variety of subjects, some of which are already in place.  In addition, the NASD adopted 
revisions to its corporate governance requirements for companies, like us, that are listed on Nasdaq.  To maintain high 
standards of corporate governance and public disclosure, we have invested and will continue to invest all reasonably 
necessary resources to comply with evolving standards.  This investment increases our legal and financial costs and diverts 
management time and attention from other activities.  The risk of litigation and claims of personal liability for corporate 
action or inaction could make it more difficult for us to attract and retain executive officers and qualified members for our 
board of directors, particularly to serve on the audit committee.   

The results of litigation may affect our operating results.  From time to time we will be made defendants to lawsuits 
both in the ordinary course of business and as a result of other circumstances.  Depending on the claims made and the nature 
of the relief sought, any such lawsuit, if decided against us, could adversely affect our results of operations.  We are a 
defendant in a lawsuit, which is a consolidation of three separate actions brought by stockholders, pending in the United 
States District Court, District of Arizona.  The lawsuit alleges, among others, violations of Section 10(b) of the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934 and SEC Rule 10b-5.  The plaintiffs in this action allege we, and certain of our officers, made false 
and misleading statements pertaining to our business, operations and management in an effort to inflate the price of our 
common stock.  The lawsuit also names as co-defendants: Eric J. Crown, the Chairman of our Board of Directors; Timothy 
A. Crown, our Chief Executive Officer and President and a director; and Stanley Laybourne, our Executive Vice President, 
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and a director.  The plaintiffs seek class action status to represent all buyers of our 
common stock from September 3, 2001 through July 17, 2002.  On September 27, 2003, the court granted our motion to 
dismiss plaintiffs' amended complaint, but allowed plaintiffs leave to file an amended complaint, which they did on October 
31, 2003.  On January 9, 2004, we filed a motion to dismiss the second amended complaint, and the Court is scheduled to 
hear oral argument on the motion to dismiss on May 3, 2004.  We will continue to defend the case vigorously; however, there 
can be no assurances that the court will grant our motion to dismiss or that, if the cases are not dismissed, that we will prevail 
at trial.  No estimate for the costs of defense, other than the deductible amount under our directors and officers liability 
insurance policies has been included in our consolidated financial statements, and any award to plaintiffs in excess of 
coverage under our insurance policies would likely have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.  

Changes in state sales tax collection increase the total amount we invoice customers.  Effective September 1, 2003, we 

began collecting sales tax on sales to all of our customers, including the small- to medium-sized business customers, located 
in states that impose a sales and use tax.  This increased the total amount we charge to our customers in those states in which 
we did not previously collect sales tax and increases our administrative expenses.  Although we have not experienced any 
material negative effects on net sales to date, this may deter current and potential customers from purchasing from us because 
not all resellers of IT products and services charge sales tax in all states that impose a sales tax. 

We may be subject to intellectual property infringement claims, which are costly to defend and could limit our ability 
to provide certain content or use certain technologies in the future.  Many parties are actively developing search, indexing, 
e-commerce and other Web-related technologies, as well as a variety of online business models and methods. We believe that 
these parties will continue to take steps to protect these technologies, including, but not limited to, seeking patent protection. 
As a result, disputes regarding the ownership of these technologies and rights associated with online business are likely to 
arise in the future. In addition to existing patents and intellectual property rights, we anticipate that additional third-party 
patents related to our services will be issued in the future. From time to time, parties assert patent infringement claims against 
us in the form of cease-and-desist letters, lawsuits and other communications  If there is a determination that we have 
infringed the proprietary rights of others, we could incur substantial monetary liability, be forced to stop selling infringing 
products or providing infringing services, be required to enter into costly royalty or licensing agreements, if available, or be 
prevented from using the rights, which could force us to change our business practices in the future.  As a result, these types 
of claims could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. 

We issue options under our stock option plans and sell shares under our employee stock purchase plan, which dilute 

the interest of stockholders and may result in future compensation expense.  We have reserved shares of our common stock 
for issuance under our Employee Stock Purchase Plan, our 1998 Long Term Incentive Plan (the “1998 LTIP”) and our 1999 
Broad–Based Incentive Plan.  As approved by our stockholders, our 1998 LTIP provides that additional shares may be 
reserved for issuance based on a formula contained in that plan.  The formula provides that the total number of shares of 
common stock remaining for grant under the 1998 LTIP and any of our other option plans, plus the number of shares subject 
to unexercised options granted under any stock plan, shall not exceed 20% of the outstanding shares of our common stock at 
the time of calculation of the additional shares.  Therefore, we will reserve additional shares on an ongoing basis for issuance 
under this plan.  At December 31, 2003, we had options outstanding to acquire 7,417,399 shares of common stock with a 

34

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
weighted average exercise price of $15.64.  Based on the 1998 LTIP formula, we had 1,996,263 shares of common stock 
available for grant of stock options at December 31, 2003.   

Additionally, we have reserved shares of common stock of our subsidiaries, Direct Alliance Corporation and PlusNet 
Technologies Limited under the Direct Alliance 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan and the PlusNet Technologies Limited 2000 
Long-Term Incentive Plan.   The amount of shares reserved for issuance under these plans represents 15% of the outstanding 
stock of the respective subsidiaries.  At December 31, 2003, we had options outstanding to acquire 2,777,500 shares of 
common stock of Direct Alliance Corporation at a weighted average exercise price of $1.42 and options to acquire 4,564,500 
shares of common stock of PlusNet Technologies Limited at a weighted average exercise price of $0.33. 

When stock options with an exercise price lower than the current market price are exercised, our stockholders will 
experience dilution in the price of their shares and may experience a dilution of earnings per share due to the increased 
number of shares outstanding.  Also, the terms upon which we will be able to obtain equity capital may be affected, because 
the holders of outstanding options can be expected to exercise them at a time when we would, in all likelihood, be able to 
obtain needed capital on terms more favorable to us than those provided in outstanding options. 

Our stock price has experienced volatility.  The price for our common stock has experienced in the past, and could 

experience in the future, substantial volatility as a result of a number of factors, including: 

• 

• 
• 
• 

quarterly increases or decreases in net sales, gross profit or earnings, and changes in our business, operations or 
prospects of any of our segments; 
announcements by us, our competitors or our vendors;  
changes in net sales or earnings estimates by the investment community; and 
general economic conditions. 

The stock market has also experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations, which have affected the market price of 
many companies and which at times have been unrelated to the operating performance of the specific companies whose stock 
is traded.  Broad market fluctuations, developments in the IT industry, general economic conditions and political and current 
events may adversely affect the market price of our common stock. 

In addition, if our current security holders sell substantial amounts of our common stock, including shares issued upon 
acquisitions or exercise of outstanding options, in the public market, the market price of our common stock could decline. 

Some anti-takeover provisions contained in our certificate of incorporation, bylaws and stockholders rights 

agreement, as well as provisions of Delaware law and executive employment contracts, could impair a takeover attempt.  
We have provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws which could have the effect (separately, or in combination) 
of rendering more difficult or discouraging an acquisition deemed undesirable by our Board of Directors.  These include 
provisions: 
• 

authorizing blank check preferred stock, which could be issued with voting, liquidation, dividend and other rights 
superior to our common stock;  
limiting the liability of, and providing indemnification to, directors and officers;  
limiting the ability of our stockholders to call special meetings;  
requiring advance notice of stockholder proposals for business to be conducted at meetings of our stockholders and 
for nominations of candidates for election to our Board of Directors;  
controlling the procedures for conduct of Board and stockholder meetings and election and removal of directors; and  
specifying that stockholders may take action only at a duly called annual or special meeting of stockholders. 

• 
• 
• 

• 
• 

These provisions, alone or together, could deter or delay hostile takeovers, proxy contests and changes in control or 

management. As a Delaware corporation, we are also subject to provisions of Delaware law, including Section 203 of the 
Delaware General Corporation Law, which prevents some stockholders from engaging in certain business combinations 
without approval of the holders of substantially all of our outstanding common stock. 

On December 14, 1998, each stockholder of record received one Preferred Share Purchase Right (“Right”) on each 

outstanding share of common stock owned.  Each Right entitles stockholders to buy .00148 of a share of our Series A 
Preferred Stock at an exercise price of $88.88.  The Rights will be exercisable if a person or group acquires 15% or more of 
our common stock or announces a tender offer for 15% or more of the common stock.  Should this occur, the Right will 
entitle its holder to purchase, at the Right’s exercise price, a number of shares of common stock having a market value at the 
time of twice the Right’s exercise price.  Rights held by the 15% holder will become void and will not be exercisable to 
purchase shares at the bargain purchase price.  If we are acquired in a merger or other business combination transaction after 
a person acquires 15% or more of the our common stock, each Right will entitle its holder to purchase at the Right’s then 
current exercise price a number of the acquiring company’s common shares having a market value at the time of twice the 
Right’s exercise price. 

35

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additionally, we have employment agreements with certain officers and employees under which severance payments 
would become payable pursuant to a change in control.  In the event these severance payments under the current employment 
agreements, were to become payable, the maximum contingent severance payment calculated as of December 31, 2003 
would be approximately $18.3 million. 

Any provision of our certificate of incorporation, bylaws or employment agreements, or Delaware law that has the effect 

of delaying or deterring a change in control could limit the opportunity for our stockholders to receive a premium for their 
shares of our common stock and also could affect the price that some investors are willing to pay for our common stock. 

Sales of additional common stock and securities convertible into our common stock may dilute the voting power of 
current holders.  We may issue equity securities in the future whose terms and rights are superior to those of our common 
stock.  Our Certificate of Incorporation authorizes the issuance of up to 3,000,000 shares of preferred stock.  These are “blank 
check” preferred shares, meaning our board of directors is authorized to designate and issue the shares from time to time 
without stockholder consent.  No preferred shares are outstanding and we currently do not intend to issue any shares of 
preferred stock in the foreseeable future.  Any shares of preferred stock that may be issued in the future could be given voting 
and conversion rights that could dilute the voting power and equity of existing holders of shares of common stock and have 
preferences over shares of common stock with respect to dividends and liquidation rights.   

Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 

We have interest rate exposure arising from our financing arrangements, which have variable interest rates.  These 
variable interest rates are affected by changes in short-term interest rates.  We manage interest rate exposure by maintaining a 
conservative debt to equity ratio.  At December 31, 2003, the fair value of our long-term debt approximated its carrying 
value.  On October 29, 2003, we prepaid $11.9 million of building mortgages, with fixed interest rates ranging from 7.15% to 
8.02%, with borrowings from existing financing arrangements.  After this prepayment, substantially all of our debt has 
variable interest rates. 

We believe that the effect, if any, of reasonably possible near-term changes in interest rates on our financial position, 

results of operations and cash flows should not be material.  Our financing arrangements expose net earnings to changes in 
short-term interest rates since interest rates on the underlying obligations are variable.  Borrowings outstanding under the 
interest-bearing financing arrangements totaled $65.0 million at December 31, 2003.  A change in net earnings resulting from 
a hypothetical 10% increase or decrease in interest rates would not be material. 

We also have foreign currency translation exposure arising from the operation of foreign entities.  We monitor our 
foreign currency exposure and may from time to time enter into hedging transactions to manage this exposure.  There were 
no hedging transactions during the year ended December 31, 2003 or hedging instruments outstanding at December 31, 2003. 

36

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 

INSIGHT ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

Independent Auditors’ Report............................................................................................... 
Consolidated Balance Sheets – December 31, 2003 and 2002.............................................. 
Consolidated Statements of Operations – For each of the years in the 
  three-year period ended December 31, 2003....................................................................... 
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income (Loss) 
  – For each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2003 ....................... 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – For each of the years in the 
  three-year period ended December 31, 2003....................................................................... 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ......................................................................... 

Page 

38 
39 

40 

41 

42 
43 

37 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders 
Insight Enterprises, Inc. 
Tempe, Arizona 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Insight Enterprises, Inc. and subsidiaries as of 

December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and comprehensive 
income (loss), and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2003.  These consolidated 
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these 
consolidated financial statements based on our audits. 

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America.  Those 

standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial 
statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and 
disclosures in the consolidated financial statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and 
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that 
our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial 
position of Insight Enterprises, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the results of their operations and 
their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2003 in conformity with accounting principles 
generally accepted in the United States of America. 

Phoenix, Arizona 
February 4, 2004, except as to Note 18, 
which is as of February 9, 2004

/s/ KPMG LLP 

38

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INSIGHT ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 
(in thousands, except per share data) 

ASSETS 

Current assets: 

Cash and cash equivalents................................................................................................
Accounts receivable, net of allowances for doubtful accounts of  

$20,175 and $13,759, respectively ............................................................................
Inventories........................................................................................................................
Inventories not available for sale......................................................................................
Deferred income taxes and other current assets ...............................................................
Total current assets .....................................................................................................

Property and equipment, net...........................................................................................................
Goodwill, net...................................................................................................................................
Other assets .....................................................................................................................................

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 

Current liabilities: 

Accounts payable ....................................................................................................................
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities.......................................................................
Short-term financing arrangement..........................................................................................
Current portion of capital lease obligations............................................................................
Current portion of long-term debt...........................................................................................
  Total current liabilities.......................................................................................................

Line of credit...................................................................................................................................
Obligations under long-term capital leases, less current portion...................................................
Long-term debt, less current portion ..............................................................................................
Deferred income taxes ....................................................................................................................

Commitments and contingencies  (See Notes 7, 8, 9, 14 and 15) 

Stockholders’ equity: 

Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 3,000 shares authorized, no shares issued ..........................
Common stock, $.01 par value, 100,000 shares authorized; 47,116 and 46,073 

shares issued and outstanding in 2003 and 2002, respectively.........................................
Additional paid-in capital .......................................................................................................
Retained earnings....................................................................................................................
Accumulated other comprehensive income– foreign currency translation adjustment ........
  Total stockholders’ equity .................................................................................................

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

December 31, 

  2003   

  2002   

$   41,897 

$   30,930 

   381,968 
    89,254 
    22,031 
    35,645 
   570,795 

   120,247 
   100,478 
604 
$  792,124 

   401,173 
    73,387 
    19,808 
    33,269 
   558,567 

   120,732 
    94,110 
322 
$  773,731 

   209,060 
    66,162 
  55,000 
275 
- 
  330,497 

  10,004 
- 
- 
  12,254 
  352,755 

   235,772 
    46,872 
    91,178 
415 
    2,999 
   377,236 

- 
275 
    12,871 
    8,058 
   398,440 

- 

- 

471 
  266,803 
  150,351 
21,744 
  439,369 
$  792,124 

461 
   252,624 
   112,597 
9,609 
   375,291 
$  773,731 

39

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INSIGHT ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS 
(in thousands, except per share data) 

Years Ended December 31, 
2002 

2001 

2003 

Net sales ................................................................................................................ 
Costs of goods sold ............................................................................................... 
Gross profit ............................................................................................ 

$ 2,914,352  $ 2,890,986  $ 2,082,339 
  2,565,009 
  1,840,167 
  2,555,376 
242,172 
335,610 
349,343 

Operating expenses: 
Selling and administrative expenses..................................................................... 
Goodwill impairment............................................................................................      
Restructuring expenses .........................................................................................      
Reductions in liabilities assumed in previous acquisition ...................................      
Expenses related to closure of German operation................................................ 
Acquisition integration expenses.......................................................................... 
Aborted IPO costs................................................................................................. 
Amortization .........................................................................................................      

Earnings (loss) from operations............................................................. 
Non-operating expense, net .................................................................................. 
Earnings (loss) before income taxes...................................................... 
Income tax expense............................................................................................... 
Net earnings (loss) ................................................................................. 

Net earnings (loss) per share: 

Basic ....................................................................................................... 
Diluted.................................................................................................... 

Shares used in per share calculation:  

286,419 
- 
3,465 
(2,504)   

- 
- 
- 
- 
61,963 
4,399 
57,564 
19,810 
37,754  $ 

254,398 
91,587 
1,500 
- 
- 
- 
- 
1,400 
(13,275)   
4,587 
(17,862)   
24,978 
(42,840)  $ 

167,627 
- 
- 
- 
10,566 
7,194 
1,354 
1,910 
53,521 
770
52,751 
18,864 
33,887 

0.82  $ 
0.81  $ 

(0.96)  $ 
(0.96)  $ 

0.82 
0.80 

$ 

$ 
$ 

Basic ....................................................................................................... 
Diluted.................................................................................................... 

46,315 
46,885 

44,808 
44,808 

41,460 
42,388 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

40

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INSIGHT ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) 

(in thousands) 

    1,750 
(812) 

- 
812 

- 
   23,309 

-
   (18,851)

exercised..............................................

- 

Balances at December 31, 2000 ......................
Issuance of common stock under stock 
plans and employee stock purchase 
plan ......................................................

Tax benefit recognized on stock options 

exercised..............................................

Comprehensive income: 

Foreign currency translation 

adjustment, net of tax.....................
Net earnings ........................................
Total comprehensive income.....................
Balances at December 31, 2001 ......................
Issuance of common stock under stock 
plans and employee stock purchase 
plan ......................................................
Retirement of treasury stock......................
Tax benefit recognized on stock options 

Issuance of common stock for purchase 

acquisition ...........................................
Stock registration fees ...............................
Comprehensive income: 

Foreign currency translation 

adjustment, net of tax.....................
Net loss................................................
Total comprehensive loss ..........................
Balances at December 31, 2002 ......................
Issuance of common stock under stock  
plans and employee stock purchase  
plan ......................................................
  Tax benefit recognized on stock options  
Exercised .............................................

  Comprehensive income: 

Foreign currency translation  

Adjustment, net of tax....................
Net earnings.........................................
  Total comprehensive income.....................
Balances at December 31, 2003 ......................

Common Stock 

Treasury Stock 

Shares  Par Value
  $  415 
   41,540 

Shares 
(812)

Par Value
 $(23,309)

Retained 
Earnings 
 $140,401

Other 
Comprehensive 
Income 
  $  (2,844) 

Additional 
Paid in 
Capital 
 $150,333 

Total 
Stockholders’ 
Equity 
 $ 264,996 

    1,195 

12 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

-

-

-
   33,887

- 

- 

510 
- 

   16,893 

   16,905 

3,756 

3,756 

- 
- 

510 
   33,887 
   34,397 
   320,054 

   42,735 

427 

(812)

   (23,309)

   174,288

(2,334) 

   170,982 

18 
(8) 

- 

24 
- 

- 
- 

461 

10 

- 

- 
- 

    2,400 
- 

- 
- 

   46,073 

    1,043 

- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

   28,944 
(4,450)

   28,962 
- 

5,200 

5,200 

   51,976 
(28)

   52,000 
(28) 

-

-
-

-
   (42,840)

  11,943 
- 

- 
- 

   112,597

9,609 

   252,624 

   11,943 
   (42,840) 
   (30,897) 
   375,291 

-

-

- 

- 

   12,267 

   12,277 

1,912 

1,912 

-
   37,754

  12,135 
- 

- 
- 

 $150,351

  $  21,744 

 $266,803 

   12,135 
    37,754 
49,889 
 $ 439,369 

- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

 $ 

- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

   47,116  $ 

471 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

41

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
   
  
  
 
 
   
   
 
   
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
   
  
  
 
 
  
  
   
   
 
   
  
 
 
  
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
  
  
 
 
   
   
 
   
 
 
  
  
   
   
 
   
  
  
 
 
  
  
   
 
   
  
  
 
 
   
   
 
   
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
   
  
  
 
  
   
   
 
   
  
 
 
  
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
   
 
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
   
 
   
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
   
   
 
   
  
 
 
  
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
   
 
INSIGHT ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 
(in thousands) 

Cash flows from operating activities: 
  Net earnings (loss)................................................................................................  
  Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by 

  operating activities: 
  Depreciation and amortization .........................................................................  
  Write-downs of inventories..............................................................................  
  Provision for losses on accounts receivable.....................................................  
  Tax benefit from issuance of common stock ...................................................  
  Deferred income taxes......................................................................................  
  Goodwill impairment .......................................................................................  
  Closure of German operation ...........................................................................  

  Years Ended December 31, 
  2003 
  2001 
  2002 

$  37,754 

$ (42,840)  $  33,887 

30,372 
8,918 
8,424 
1,912 
214 
- 
- 

  21,936 
9,850 
  10,102 
5,200 
(3,608) 
  91,587 
- 

  17,830 
  10,656 
  10,020 
3,756 
2,270 
- 
  10,566 

  Change in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions: 

  Decrease in accounts receivable.......................................................................  
  Increase in inventories......................................................................................  
  Decrease (increase) in other current assets ......................................................  
  (Increase) decrease in other assets ...................................................................  
  Decrease in accounts payable...........................................................................  
  (Increase) decrease in accrued expenses and other current liabilities .............  
  Net cash provided by operating activities ................................................  

19,432 
(26,008) 
2,052 
(4,078) 
(35,429) 
16,461 
60,024 

  38,182 
  (19,992) 
(6,045) 
(374) 
  (15,030) 
  (13,783) 
  75,185 

  73,998 
  (12,348) 
(3,052) 
1,217 
  (98,663) 
(4,530) 
  45,607 

Cash flows from investing activities, net of acquisitions: 

  Purchases of property and equipment ..............................................................  
  Purchase of Comark, Inc. and Comark Investments Inc.  

   (collectively, “Comark”), including stock registration fees .........................  
  Purchase of Action plc (“Action”), net of cash acquired.................................  
  Purchase of Kortex Computer Centre ltd (“Kortex”), net of cash acquired....  
  Net cash used in investing activities.........................................................  

(25,317) 

  (18,507) 

  (31,324) 

- 
- 
- 
(25,317) 

 (102,451) 
- 
- 
 (120,958) 

- 
  (38,860) 
(3,485) 
  (73,669) 

Cash flows from financing activities: 

  Net (repayments) borrowings on short-term financing arrangement and 

lines of credit.................................................................................................  
  Net repayment of long-term debt and capital lease obligations ......................  
  Proceeds from sales of common stock through employee stock plans ...........  
  Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities .................................  

(26,200) 
(13,172) 
12,277 
(27,095) 

  16,266 
(3,270) 
  28,962 
  41,958 

  19,271 
(1,121) 
  16,905 
  35,055 

Foreign currency exchange impact on cash flow......................................................  
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents......................................................  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year........................................................  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year ..................................................................  

3,355 
10,967 
30,930 
$  41,897 

2,877 
(938) 
  31,868 
$  30,930 

(42) 
6,951 
  24,917 
$  31,868 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: 

  Cash paid during the year for interest ..............................................................  
  Cash paid during the year for income taxes.....................................................  

$ 
2,325 
$  31,429 

$  3,556 
$  15,996 

$  2,221 
$  21,181 

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing and investing activity: 

  Common stock issued in connection with acquisition of Comark ..................  
  Common stock issued to settle deferred compensation liability assumed  

in connection with acquisition of Comark ...................................................  

$ 

$ 

- 

- 

$  50,000 

$  2,000 

$ 

$ 

- 

- 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

42

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INSIGHT ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 

(1) Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 

Description of Business 

We are a leading provider of information technology (“IT”) products and services primarily to business customers in the 

United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.  Our offerings include brand name computing products, advanced IT 
services and outsourcing of business processes.  Our business is organized in four operating segments: 

•  Single-source provider of IT products and services – North America (“Insight North America”); 
•  Single-source provider of IT products and services – United Kingdom (“Insight UK”); 
•  Business process outsourcing provider (“Direct Alliance”); and  
• 

Internet service provider (“PlusNet”). 

 For a business overview, as well as discussions about the operating strategy, growth strategy, industry and competition related 
to each of our operating segments, see “Business – Operating Segments,” in Item 1.   

Acquisitions  

On April 25, 2002, we acquired all of the outstanding stock of Comark, a leading provider of IT products and services in 
the United States.  On October 8, 2001, we acquired all of the outstanding common shares of Action, a United-Kingdom based 
direct marketer of IT products.  Additionally, on October 1, 2001, we acquired all of the outstanding common shares of 
Kortex, a direct marketer of IT products in Canada.  Accordingly, we have included the results of each of these acquisitions 
from their respective acquisition dates in our consolidated results of operations.   

Principles of Consolidation and Presentation 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Insight Enterprises, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries.  

All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. 

Use of Estimates 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the 
United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts 
of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements.  
Additionally, these estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of sales and expenses during the reporting period.  
Actual results could differ from those estimates. 

Cash equivalents 

  We consider all highly liquid investments with original maturities at the date of purchase of three months or less to be 
cash equivalents. 

Inventories 

We state inventories, principally purchased computers, hardware and software, at the lower of weighted average cost 
(which approximates cost under the first-in first-out method) or market.  We evaluate inventories for excess, obsolescence or 
other factors that may render inventories unmarketable at normal margins. Write-downs are recorded so that inventories 
reflect the approximate net realizable value and take into account our contractual provisions with suppliers governing price 
protection, stock rotation and return privileges relating to obsolescence.  

Inventories not available for sale are related to product sales transactions in which we are warehousing the product and 
will be deploying the product to customers’ designated locations.  Additionally, we may perform advanced custom imaging 
and configuration services on a portion of the product prior to shipment to our customers and will be paid a fee for doing so.  
Although the product contracts are non-cancelable with terms of net 30 from the date the inventories were segregated in our 
warehouse and invoiced to the customer, and the warranty periods begin on the date of invoice, these transactions do not 
generally meet the sales recognition criteria under GAAP.  Therefore, we have not recorded sales and the inventories remain 
recorded as inventories not available for sale on our balance sheet until the product is shipped to our customers. 

43 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property and Equipment 

We state property and equipment at cost.  We state equipment under capital leases at the present value of the minimum 
lease payments.  We capitalize major improvements and betterments, while maintenance, repairs and minor replacements are 
expensed as incurred.  Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the economic lives of the assets ranging 
from three to twenty-nine years.  Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the underlying lease term or 
asset life.  The cost of computer software developed or obtained for internal use, including internal costs incurred for 
upgrades and enhancements that result in additional functionality, is capitalized and amortized over its estimated useful life 
of three to ten years. 

Reviews are regularly performed to determine whether facts and circumstances exist which indicate that the useful life is 
shorter than originally estimated or the carrying amount of assets may not be recoverable.  We assess the recoverability of our 
assets in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment 
or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” by comparing the projected undiscounted net cash flows associated with the related asset 
or group of assets over their remaining lives against their respective carrying amounts.  Impairment, if any, is based on the 
excess of the carrying amount over the estimated fair value of those assets.  

Goodwill 

Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired.  Goodwill related to acquisitions 
prior to July 1, 2002 was amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected periods to be benefited, generally 20 years.   We 
adopted SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” effective January 1, 2002.  SFAS No. 142 requires that 
goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives no longer be amortized but, instead, be tested for impairment at 
least annually.  SFAS No.142 also requires that intangible assets with definite useful lives be amortized over the respective 
estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values. 

Foreign Currency Translation 

The financial statements of our foreign subsidiaries are translated into United States dollars in accordance with SFAS No. 

52, “Foreign Currency Translation.”  Assets and liabilities of the subsidiaries are translated into United States dollars at the 
exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet dates.  Income and expense items are translated at the average exchange rate for each 
month within the year.  The resulting translation adjustments are recorded directly in other comprehensive income as a separate 
component of stockholders’ equity.  All transaction gains or losses are recorded in the consolidated statement of operations.  
These gains or losses were not material in any of the years presented in the consolidated financial statements. 

Sales Recognition 

We adhere to guidelines and principles of sales recognition described in Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104, “Revenue 
Recognition” (“SAB 104”), issued by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).  Under SAB 104, 
sales are recognized when the title and risk of loss are passed to the customer, there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement 
for sale, delivery has occurred and/or services have been rendered, the sales price is fixed and determinable and collectibility 
is reasonably assured.  Using these tests, the majority of our sales represent product sales recognized upon shipment.  Usual 
sales terms are FOB shipping point, at which time title and risk of loss has passed to the customer and delivery has occurred.  
Additionally, sales of services currently represent a very small percentage of our net sales, and the majority of our services 
are performed in our facilities prior to shipment of the product.  In these circumstances, net sales for both the product and 
services are recognized upon shipment. In other cases, net sales of services are typically recorded as the services are 
performed.  We make provisions for estimated product returns that we expect to occur under our return policy based upon 
historical return rates.   

From time to time, in the sale of products and services, we may enter into contracts that contain multiple elements or 

non-standard terms and conditions.  We recognize sales for delivered items only when all of the following criteria are 
satisfied:  
• 
• 
• 

the delivered item(s) has value to the customer on a stand-alone basis; 
there is objective and reliable evidence of the fair value of the undelivered item(s); and 
if the arrangement includes a general right of return relative to the delivered item, delivery or performance of the 
undelivered item(s) is considered probable and substantially in our control. 

Insight North America and Insight UK sell certain third-party service contracts and software assurance or subscription 
products for which we are not the primary obligor.  These sales do not meet the criteria for gross sales recognition as defined 
in SAB 104 and thus are recorded on a net sales recognition basis.  As we enter into contracts with third-party service 

44 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
providers or vendors, we evaluate whether the subsequent sales of such services should be recorded as gross sales or net sales 
in accordance with the sales recognition criteria outlined in SAB 104 and Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) 99-19, 
“Reporting Revenue Gross as a Principal versus Net as an Agent.”  We must determine whether we act as a principal in the 
transaction and assume the risks and rewards of ownership or if we are simply acting as an agent or broker.  Under gross 
sales recognition, the entire selling price is recorded in sales and our cost to the third-party service provider or vendor is 
recorded in costs of goods sold.  Under net sales recognition, the cost to the third-party service provider or vendor is recorded 
as a reduction to sales resulting in net sales equal to the gross profit on the transaction and there are no costs of goods sold.   

Direct Alliance’s outsourcing arrangements are primarily service fee based whereby we derive net sales based primarily 

upon a cost plus arrangement in which we earn a percentage of the sales price from products sold.  These net sales are 
recorded under the net sales recognition method.  Also, as an accommodation to select clients, Direct Alliance purchases 
product from suppliers and immediately resells the product to clients for ultimate resale to the client’s customer.  These 
product sales (referred to as “pass-through product sales”) to our clients are transacted at little or no gross margin and the 
selling price to our client is recorded in net sales with the cost payable to the supplier recorded in cost of goods sold. 

PlusNet’s net sales are largely derived from subscriptions for access to the Internet and other Internet service provider 

services.  Net sales are recognized over the life of the contract or as services are provided.    

Vendor Consideration 

We receive payments and credits from vendors, including consideration pursuant to volume incentive programs and 
cooperative marketing programs.  Pursuant to Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 02-16, “Accounting by a 
Reseller for Cash Consideration Received from a Vendor,” which we adopted January 1, 2003, vendor consideration received 
pursuant to volume sales incentive programs is classified as a reduction to costs of goods sold and is recognized upon certain 
product volume thresholds being met.  Cooperative marketing programs, which represent a reimbursement of specific, 
incremental, identifiable costs, are included as a reduction of the related selling and administrative expenses in the period the 
program takes place.  Consideration that exceeds the specific, incremental, identifiable costs is classified as a reduction of 
costs of goods sold.  Additionally, vendor consideration based on volume purchase incentives, rather than volume sales 
incentives, is also allocated to inventories based on applicable incentives from each vendor. 

Shipping and Handling 

In accordance with EITF 00-10, “Accounting for Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs,” we record freight billed to our 

customers as net sales and the related freight costs as costs of goods sold. 

Self Insurance 

We are self-insured for medical insurance benefits up to certain stop-loss limits. Such costs are accrued based on known 

claims and an estimate of incurred, but not reported (IBNR) claims.  IBNR claims are estimated using historical lag 
information and other data provided by claims administrators.  

Income Taxes 

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for 
the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and 
liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are 
measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable earnings in the years in which those temporary differences are 
expected to be recovered or settled.  The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in 
earnings in the period that includes the enactment date. 

Net Earnings (Loss) Per Share 

Basic net earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net earnings (loss) available to common stockholders by the 
weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each year.  Diluted net earnings (loss) per share includes the 
impact of stock options assumed to be exercised using the treasury stock method.  The denominator for diluted net earnings per 
share is greater by 569,502 in 2003, equal to the denominator used in basic net earnings (loss) per share in 2002 and greater by 
927,799 shares in 2001.  The number of shares related to stock options excluded from the diluted net earnings per share 
calculation is 3,162,065 in 2003 and 3,014,680 in 2001; the effects of 8,345,936 outstanding stock options have not been 
included in fiscal 2002 diluted net loss per share as their effect would have been anti-dilutive.   

45

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock-Based Compensation 

We apply the intrinsic value-based method of accounting prescribed by Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion 

No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related interpretations including FASB Interpretation No. 44, 
“Accounting for Certain Transactions involving Stock Compensation an interpretation of APB Opinion No. 25” to account 
for our stock-based employee compensation plans.  Under this method, compensation expense related to stock options is 
recorded on the date of grant only if the current market price of the underlying stock exceeded the exercise price.  SFAS No. 
123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” established accounting and disclosure requirements using a fair value-
based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation plans.  As allowed by SFAS No. 123, we have elected 
to continue to apply the intrinsic value-based method of accounting described above and have adopted the disclosure 
requirements of SFAS No. 123.  Accordingly, we do not recognize compensation expense for any of our stock option plans 
because we do not issue stock options at exercise prices below the market value at date of grant.  Had compensation cost for 
our stock option plans been determined consistent with SFAS No. 123, our net earnings (loss) and net earnings (loss) per 
share would have been adjusted to the pro forma amounts indicated below (in thousands, except per share data): 

Net earnings (loss) as reported........................................ 
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation  
expense determined under fair value based   

  method for all awards, net of related tax effects...... 
Pro forma net earnings (loss) .......................................... 
Basic net earnings (loss) per share: 

2003 

  $  37,754 

Years ended December 31, 
2002 
$  (42,840) 

2001 
  $  33,887 

  $ 
5,515 
  $  32,239 

$  10,845 
$  (53,685) 

  $  10,690 
  $  23,197 

As reported ............................................................... 
Pro forma.................................................................. 

  $ 
  $ 

Diluted net earnings (loss) per share: 

As reported ............................................................... 
Pro forma.................................................................. 

  $ 
  $ 

0.82 
0.70 

0.81 
0.69 

$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

(0.96) 
(1.20) 

(0.96) 
(1.20) 

  $ 
  $ 

  $ 
  $ 

0.82 
0.56 

0.80 
0.55 

  We recognize the compensation expense associated with the issuance of restricted stock over the vesting period.  The total 
compensation expense associated with restricted stock represents the value based upon the number of shares awarded multiplied 
by the closing price on the date of grant.  Recipients of restricted stock are entitled to receive any dividends declared on our 
common stock and have voting rights, regardless of whether such shares have vested.  Unvested shares of restricted stock are 
forfeited if the recipient resigns or is terminated without cause. 

Reclassifications   

Certain amounts in the 2002 and 2001 consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2003 

presentation. 

(2)  Fair Value of Financial Instruments 

SFAS No. 107, “Disclosure about Fair Value of Financial Instruments,” requires that we disclose estimated fair values 

for our financial instruments.  The carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents are assumed to be the fair value because of 
the liquidity of these instruments.  The carrying amounts for accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses and 
other current liabilities approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments. 

(3)  Property and Equipment 

  Property and equipment consist of the following (in thousands): 

  December 31, 

Land ..............................................................................................................................  $ 
Leasehold improvements .............................................................................................   
Furniture and fixtures ...................................................................................................   
Equipment.....................................................................................................................   
Buildings.......................................................................................................................   
Software........................................................................................................................   

2003              2002 
5,435 
8,300 
27,607 
39,249 
57,082 
  62,695 
  200,368 
 (80,121) 
Accumulated depreciation and amortization ...............................................................   
Property and equipment, net ........................................................................................  $  120,247 

5,315 
7,953 
27,144 
37,340 
54,667 
43,158 
  175,577 
(54,845) 
$  120,732 

$ 

46

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(4)  Goodwill and Goodwill Impairment 

Effective January 1, 2002, we adopted SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” under which goodwill is 

no longer amortized but is tested for impairment at a reporting unit level on an annual basis and between annual tests if an 
event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its 
carrying value amount. Events or circumstances which could trigger an impairment review include a significant adverse 
change in legal factors or in the business climate, unanticipated competition, a loss of key personnel, significant changes in 
the manner of our use of the acquired assets or the strategy for our overall business, significant negative industry or economic 
trends, significant declines in our stock price for a sustained period or significant underperformance relative to expected 
historical or projected future results of operations.  SFAS No. 142 defines a reporting unit as an operating segment or one 
level below an operating segment.  For purposes of financial reporting and impairment testing in accordance with SFAS 
No. 142, we have determined that our reporting units are the same as our operating segments: Insight North America, Insight 
UK, Direct Alliance and PlusNet.  (See Note 17 for further discussion about our operating segments.)   

        In testing for a potential impairment of goodwill, we first compare the estimated fair value of the reporting unit with 
book value, including goodwill.  If the estimated fair value exceeds book value, goodwill is considered not to be impaired 
and no additional steps are necessary.  If, however, the fair value of the reporting unit is less than book value, then we are 
required to compare the carrying amount of the goodwill with its implied fair value.  The estimate of implied fair value of 
goodwill may require independent valuations of certain internally generated and unrecognized intangible assets such as 
trademarks.  If the carrying amount of our goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss would 
be recognized in an amount equal to the excess.  

Goodwill was tested for impairment upon adoption of SFAS No. 142 as of January 1, 2002 with no resulting impairment 

of goodwill.  We have elected to test impairment annually in the fourth quarter for all reporting units and will perform 
additional impairment tests when triggering events occur.  The results of the fourth quarter 2003 annual assessment indicated 
that the goodwill amounts recorded at Insight North America and PlusNet, the only reporting units with goodwill, were not 
impaired.  Based on results of the fourth quarter 2002 annual assessment, we recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment 
charge of $91,587,000, $88,427,000 net of taxes, which represented the entire goodwill balance recorded at Insight UK.   

Due to the non-amortization of goodwill, our reported results for 2001 are not comparable with 2002 and 2003.  The 
following table is a reconciliation of previously reported net earnings to net earnings, excluding goodwill amortization (in 
thousands): 

Net earnings, as reported .............................................................
Add back: amortization of goodwill, net of taxes* .....................
Net earnings, as adjusted .............................................................

Net earnings per share, as adjusted..............................................
Basic....................................................................................
Diluted ................................................................................

December 31,
2001 

$ 

$ 

$ 
$

33,887 
1,910 
35,797 

0.86 
0.84

* Amortization of goodwill was not deductible for tax purposes; therefore, the tax component of the adjustment for 
amortization of goodwill is $0. 

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by operating segment for the year ended December 31, 2003 are as 

follows (in thousands): 

Balance at December 31, 2002 ...............................
Goodwill adjustments related primarily to 
contingent payments, final integration 
plan and fair value adjustments for the 
acquisitions of Comark and Kortex ...................
Currency translation adjustments ............................
Balance at December 31, 2003 ...............................

Insight 
North 
America 

  $  80,783 

 PlusNet   
  $  13,327 

  Total 
  $  94,110 

4,044 
876 
  $  85,703 

- 
1,448 
  $  14,775 

4,044 
2,324 
  $  100,478 

Certain agreements related to our acquisitions contain provisions that require us to make contingent payments based 
upon profitability of the acquired operations or if specific minimum revenue requirements are met.  These provisions are 
based on various performance measures through December 31, 2003.  During fiscal 2003, contingent payments of $1,764,000 

47

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
related to the acquisitions of Comark and Kortex were determined, paid and recorded as increases to goodwill.  A final 
contingent payment, related to the acquisition of Comark, of up to $2,000,000 will be determined, paid and recorded as 
goodwill in 2004. 

(5)  Financing Facilities  

Our financing facilities include a $200,000,000 accounts receivable securitization financing arrangement, a $30,000,000 

revolving line of credit and a $40,000,000 inventory financing facility. 

We have an agreement to sell receivables periodically to a special purpose accounts receivable and financing entity (the 
“SPE”), which is exclusively engaged in purchasing receivables from us.  The SPE is a wholly-owned, bankruptcy-remote entity 
that we have included in our Consolidated Financial Statements.  The SPE funds its purchases by selling undivided interests in 
up to $200 million of eligible trade accounts receivable to a multi-seller conduit administered by an independent financial 
institution.  The sales to the conduit do not qualify for sale treatment under SFAS No. 140 “Accounting for Transfers and 
Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishment of Liabilities” as we maintain effective control over the receivables that are 
sold.   Accordingly, the accounts receivable remain recorded on our Consolidated Financial Statements.  At December 31, 2003, 
the SPE owned $323,470,000 of accounts receivable that are recorded at fair value and are included in our consolidated balance 
sheet, of which $163,520,000 was eligible for funding.  The original financing arrangement expired December 30, 2003 and 
although terms of up to three years were available to us, we elected to renew the financing arrangement for one year based on 
available pricing.  Accordingly, the renewed financing arrangement expires December 30, 2004 and the $55,000,000 
outstanding at December 31, 2003 is recorded as short-term debt.  Interest is payable monthly and the interest rate on borrowed 
funds as of December 31, 2003 was 1.67%.  We also pay a commitment fee on the facility equal to 0.35% of the unused balance.  
At December 31, 2003, $108,520,000 was available under the facility.   We have no reason to believe the facility will not be 
renewed at the end of its current term. 

As of December 31, 2003, we had $10,004,000 outstanding under our $30,000,000 revolving line of credit.  The line of 
credit bears interest, payable quarterly, at a rate chosen by us among available rates subject to our leverage ratio and other terms 
and conditions.  The available rates are the financial institution’s floating rate or the LIBOR based rate (5.55% and 2.67%, 
respectively at December 31, 2003).  Amounts outstanding are recorded as long-term liabilities.  The credit facility expires on 
December 31, 2005.  We have an outstanding letter of credit that reduces the availability on this line of credit by $10,000,000.  
At December 31, 2003, $9,996,000 was available under the line of credit. 

Our $40,000,000 secured inventories facility can be used to facilitate the purchases of inventories from certain suppliers and 

amounts outstanding are classified on the balance sheet as accounts payable.  As of December 31, 2003, there was $5,600,000 
outstanding under the inventories facility and $34,400,000 was available.  This facility is non-interest bearing if paid within its 
terms and expires December 31, 2005. 

Our facilities contain various covenants including the requirement that we maintain a specified amount of tangible net worth 

and comply with leverage and minimum fixed charge requirements.  We were in compliance with all such covenants at 
December 31, 2003.   

(6)  Long-Term Debt 

Long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands): 

December 31, 
2002 

7.15% first mortgage note payable in monthly installments of $78,249, including interest, 
with final payment due in May 2013, paid in full during 2003. .............................................

 $ 

6,883 

8.02% first mortgage note payable in monthly installments of $44,013, including interest, 
with final payment due in December 2014, paid in full during 2003 .....................................

8.02% first mortgage note payable in monthly installments of $16,266, including interest, 
with final payment due in December 2014, paid in full during 2003 .....................................

4,062 

1,501 

Note  payable  with  imputed  interest  at  5.75%,  payable  in  semi-annual  installments,  due 
January 31, 2004, paid in full during 2003.............................................................................
  Total long-term debt .........................................................................................................
  Less current portion ..........................................................................................................
  Long-term debt, less current portion.......................................................................................

3,424 
15,870 
(2,999) 
 $  12,871 

There were no outstanding balances under long-term debt at December 31, 2003. 

48

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
(7)  Leases  

  We are obligated under a capital lease for furniture that expires in July 2004.  At December 31, 2003, this furniture under 
lease is recorded in furniture and fixtures at a book value of $725,000, net of accumulated depreciation of $1,203,000. 

  We have several non-cancelable operating leases with third-parties, primarily for administrative and distribution center 
space and computer equipment.  Rental expense for these third-party operating leases was $8,766,000, $7,340,000, and 
$4,115,000 for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. 

  We lease an office facility in Bloomingdale, Illinois under an operating lease agreement.  The facility is owned by a 
company whose owners are the former owners of Comark, who have employment agreements with us through June 2004.  
Rental expense for this related party operating lease was $1,000,000 and $596,000 for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 
2002, respectively. 

Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases (with initial or remaining lease terms in excess of 

one year) and future minimum capital lease payments as of December 31, 2003 are as follows (in thousands): 

Years ending December 31, 

2004 ......................... 
2005 ......................... 
2006 ......................... 
2007 ......................... 
2008 ......................... 
Thereafter ..................... 
Total minimum lease payments ..................................................... 
Less amount representing interest at 5.69% .................................. 
Present value of net minimum capital lease payment ................... 
Less current portion of capital lease obligations ........................... 
Capital lease obligations, less current portion ...........................  

Capital Leases 
$    282 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
  282 
7 
  275 
  (275) 
- 

$   

Operating Leases 
$  6,748 
4,729 
1,991 
1,426 
1,196 
2,421 
$  18,511 

(8)  Income Taxes 

Income tax expense consists of the following (in thousands): 

Years Ended December 31, 
2002 

2001 

2003 

Current: 

Federal...........................................................................................................   $  17,198 
1,230 
State and local ...............................................................................................  
1,425 
Foreign ..........................................................................................................  
19,853 

$  25,502 
2,050 
1,034 
28,586 

$  15,338 
678 
578 
16,594 

Deferred: 

Federal...........................................................................................................  
State and local ...............................................................................................  
Foreign ..........................................................................................................  

(733) 
(224)  
914   
(43)  
  $  19,810 

437 
20 
(4,065) 
(3,608) 
$  24,978 

2,364 
208 
(302) 
2,270 
$  18,864 

The effective income tax rates for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 were 34.4%, (139.8%) and 35.8%, 

respectively.  The actual expense differs from the “expected” tax expense (benefit) (computed by applying the United States 
federal corporate income tax rate of 35% in 2003, 2002 and 2001) as follows (in thousands): 

49

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Computed “expected” tax expense (benefit) .......................................................   $  20,147 
Increase in income taxes resulting from: 

2003 

Years Ended December 31, 
2002 
(6,251)  $  18,463 

2001 

$ 

1,006 
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit..................................  
(554) 
Tax benefit related to UK foreign exchange loss.........................................  
(751) 
Non-deductible/ (deductible) goodwill impairment related charges ...........  
- 
Foreign operating losses for which no tax benefit was recognized .............  
- 
Tax benefit related to closure of German operation.....................................  
- 
Non-deductible amortization ........................................................................  
- 
Tax exempt interest.......................................................................................  
Other, net.......................................................................................................  
(38) 
Provision for income taxes ...........................................................................   $  19,810 

2,070 
- 
28,454 
5 
- 
- 
(22) 
722 
$  24,978 

1,415 
- 
- 
4,826 
(6,334) 
478 
(206) 
222 
$  18,864 

At December 31, 2003, United States income taxes have not been provided on the unremitted earnings of subsidiaries 
operating outside the United States.  These earnings, which are considered to be invested indefinitely, would become subject to 
United States income tax if they were remitted as dividends, were lent to us, or if we were to sell our stock in the subsidiaries. 

The significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows (in thousands): 

December 31, 

2003 

2002 

Deferred tax assets: 
  Miscellaneous accruals .................................................................................   $ 
Foreign tax loss carryforwards .....................................................................  
Depreciation allowance carryforwards.........................................................  
Allowance for doubtful accounts and returns ..............................................  
  Write-downs of inventories ..........................................................................  
Intangible assets ............................................................................................  
Accrued vacation and other payroll liabilities..............................................  
Deferred revenue...........................................................................................  
Capital loss carryforward..............................................................................  
Other, net.......................................................................................................  
Gross deferred tax assets .......................................................................  
Valuation allowance .....................................................................................  
Total deferred tax assets........................................................................  

9,718 
9,523 
5,769 
3,823 
3,662 
3,225 
1,404 
554 
446 
396 
38,520 
(16,221) 
22,299 

7,357 
9,316 
3,641 
2,751 
1,582 
3,410 
1,116 
698 
- 
275 
30,146 
(12,392) 
17,754 

Deferred tax liabilities: 

Intangible assets ............................................................................................  
Prepaid expenses...........................................................................................  
Other, net.......................................................................................................  
Total deferred tax liabilities ..................................................................  
Net deferred tax asset ............................................................................   $ 

(14,348) 
(341) 
(21) 
(14,710) 
7,589 

(9,994) 
(214) 
- 
(10,208) 
7,546 

$ 

The net current and non-current portions are as follows (in thousands): 

Net current deferred tax asset...............................................................................   $  19,843 
(12,254) 
Net non-current deferred tax liability...................................................................  
7,589 

Net deferred tax asset....................................................................................   $ 

  2003 

  2002 
$  15,604 
(8,058) 
7,546 

$ 

December 31, 

The net current deferred tax asset is included in deferred income taxes and other current assets on the consolidated balance 

sheets for December 31, 2003 and 2002.   

At December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002, we had deferred tax assets of $15,738,000 and $12,958,000, respectively, 
relating to foreign net operating loss, foreign depreciation allowance and capital loss carryforwards.  The carryforwards do not 
expire but are restricted in the manner in which they are utilized pursuant to applicable jurisdiction requirements.  We have 
provided valuation allowances at December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002 of $14,267,000 and $10,665,000, respectively, 
representing the portions of the carryforwards that we believe is not more likely than not to be realized due to the restrictions.  At 

50

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2002, we recorded a deferred tax asset for the estimated future deductible portion of the goodwill impairment 
charge.  The balance of this deferred tax asset at December 31, 2003 is $2,894,000, net of a valuation allowance of $1,353,000. 

The increase in the valuation allowance from December 31, 2002 to December 31, 2003 is attributed primarily to changes in 

foreign currency exchange rates of $1,934,000, additions of $1,341,000 due to increased foreign depreciation allowances, and a 
$513,000 addition due to capital losses. 

The amount of the deferred tax assets considered realizable could be reduced or increased depending on forecasted earnings 

by jurisdiction, historical and projected taxable income, prudent and feasible tax planning strategies and statutory tax law 
changes.  In the future, if we determine that additional realization of these deferred tax assets is more likely than not, the reversal 
of the related valuation allowance will reduce income tax expense.  

Tax benefits of $1,912,000 in 2003, $5,200,000 in 2002, and $3,756,000 in 2001 related to the exercise of employee 

stock options and other employee stock programs were applied to stockholders’ equity. 

The domestic and foreign components of earnings (losses) before income taxes were as follows (in thousands): 

United States .................................................................................................   $  43,169 
14,395 
Foreign ..........................................................................................................  
$  57,564 

2003 

Years Ended December 31, 
2002 
$  72,432 
(90,294) 

2001 
$  66,436 
(13,685) 
$  (17,862)  $  52,751 

 (9) Benefit Plans 

  We have adopted a defined contribution benefit plan (the “Defined Contribution Plan”) which complies with section 401(k) 
of the Internal Revenue Code.  Under the Defined Contribution Plan, we currently match 25% of the employees’ pre-tax 
contributions up to a maximum 6% of eligible compensation.  Contribution expense under this plan was $1,584,000, $792,000, 
and $654,000 for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. 

Until February 3, 2003, we had an additional defined contribution benefit plan assumed in an acquisition, which also 

complied with section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code.  Under this plan, we matched 100% of employees’ pre-tax 
contributions up to a maximum 2% of eligible compensation.  Effective February 3, 2003, we merged the acquired plan into the 
Defined Contribution Plan and simultaneously moved administration of the Defined Contribution Plan to a new service provider 
and amended certain plan provisions.  Contribution expense under the acquired plan was $667,000 for the 8-month period ended 
December 31, 2002 and $0 for the year ended December 31, 2003.  All employer matching contributions for the year ended 
December 31, 2003 were contributed to Defined Contribution Plan. 

In August 1995, we adopted an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Purchase Plan”).  Under the terms of the Purchase Plan, 

employees other than officers may purchase a total of up to 506,250 shares of common stock.  The purchase price per share is 
85% of the market value per share of common stock determined as of the beginning of the quarterly purchase period as specified 
in the Purchase Plan.  As of December 31, 2003, 376,596 shares have been issued under the Purchase Plan and 129,654 shares 
are available for issuance. 

(10) Stock Plans 

  We have various long-term incentive plans (the “Plans”) including stock option and restricted stock plans in Insight 
Enterprises, Inc. and stock option plans in the following subsidiaries: Direct Alliance and PlusNet Technologies (collectively, 
the “Subsidiary Plans”).  The purpose of the Plans is to benefit and advance our interests by rewarding officers, directors and 
certain employees for their contributions to our success and therefore motivating them to continue to make such contributions in 
the future.  The Plans provide for fixed grants of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options and restricted stock grants.  
The stock options generally vest over a one to five year period from the date of grant and expire 5 to 10 years after the date of 
grant.  

Company Plans 

In November 1994, the stockholders approved the establishment of the 1994 Stock Option Plan (the “1994 Plan”).  The 

1994 Plan provides for the grant to executive officers, other key employees, non-employee directors and consultants of either 
“incentive stock options”, within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code, or nonqualified stock options.  Under the 1994 Plan, 
only employees (including officers) are eligible to receive incentive stock options.  The 1994 Plan is administered by the Board 
of Directors (or a committee of the Board), which determines the terms of options granted under the 1994 Plan, including the 

51

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
exercise price and the number of shares subject to the option.  The 1994 Plan provides the Board of Directors with the discretion 
to determine when options granted thereunder shall become exercisable.  Stock options available for grant under the 1994 Plan 
are included in the total shares of common stock available to grant for awards under the 1998 LTIP, 1994 Plan or 1999 Broad 
Based Plan discussed under the 1998 LTIP below.   

In October 1997, the stockholders approved the establishment of the 1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “1998 LTIP”) for 

officers, employees, directors and consultants or independent contractors.  The 1998 LTIP authorizes grants of incentive stock 
options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance shares, restricted common stock and performance-
based awards.  Effective March 13, 2001, the stockholders approved an amendment to the 1998 LTIP increasing the number of 
shares eligible for awards to 6,000,000.  In addition, the Board of Directors has reserved additional shares such that the number 
of shares of common stock remaining for grant under the 1998 LTIP and any of our other option plans, plus the number of 
shares of common stock granted but not yet exercised under the 1998 LTIP and any of our other option plans, shall not exceed 
20% of the outstanding shares of our common stock at the time of calculation of the additional shares.  As of December 31, 
2003, there were 1,996,263 total shares of common stock available to grant for awards under the 1998 LTIP, 1994 Plan and 
1999 Broad Based Employee Stock Option Plan. 

In September 1998, we established the 1998 Employee Restricted Stock Plan (the “1998 Employee RSP”) for our 

employees.  The total number of restricted common stock shares initially available for grant under the 1998 Employee RSP was 
562,500 and as of December 31, 2003, 434,417 shares of restricted common stock shares were available for grant. 

In December 1998, we established the 1998 Officer Restricted Stock Plan (the “1998 Officer RSP”) for our officers.  The 
total number of restricted common stock shares initially available for grant under the 1998 Officer RSP was 56,250 and as of 
December 31, 2003, 490 shares of restricted common stock were available for grant. 

In September 1999, we established the 1999 Broad Based Employee Stock Option Plan (the “1999 Broad Based Plan”) for 

our employees.  The total number of stock options initially available for grant under the 1999 Broad Based Plan is 1,500,000; 
provided, however, that no more than 20% of the shares of stock available under the 1999 Broad Based Plan may be awarded to 
the Officers.  Stock options available for grant under the 1999 Broad Based Plan are included in the total shares of common 
stock available to grant for awards under the 1998 LTIP, 1994 Plan or 1999 Broad Based Plan discussed under the 1998 LTIP 
above.   

The 1994 Plan, 1998 LTIP, 1998 Employee RSP, 1998 Officer RSP and 1999 Broad Based Plan  (the “Plans”) are 
administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.  Except as provided below, the Compensation 
Committee has the exclusive authority to administer the Plans, including the power to determine eligibility, the types of awards 
to be granted, the price and the timing of awards.  The Plans do, however, provide that our CEO has the authority to grant 
awards to any individual (other than the three highest-ranking executives) and provides further that any grant to an individual 
who is subject to Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 may not be exercisable for at least six months from the date 
of grant.  

Generally, options granted expire in five to ten years, are exercisable during the optionee’s lifetime only by the recipient and 

are non-transferable.  Unexercised options generally terminate seven days after an individual ceases to be an employee.  

  We have issued shares of restricted common stock as incentives to certain officers and employees.  The shares of restricted 
common stock are valued at the date of grant and are amortized over the three-year vesting period.  At December 31, 2003, there 
were 9,578 shares of restricted common stock outstanding, which represents $61,612 of unamortized deferred compensation.  
This balance is recorded as additional paid-in capital. 

For purposes of the SFAS No. 123 pro forma net earnings (loss) and net earnings (loss) per share calculation, the fair value 
of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-
average assumptions used for grants under the Plans in 2003, 2002 and 2001: 

Quarters Ended

Years Ended 

Dividend yield..........................
Expected volatility ...................
Risk-free interest rate...............
Expected lives (in years)..........
Options granted........................

March 31,  
2003 
0% 
87% 
1.9% 
2.6 
1,202,175 

June 30,  
2003 
0% 
81% 
1.5% 
1.5 
749,618 

Sept. 30, 
2003  
0% 
86% 
1.8% 
2.3 
67,924 

Dec. 31, 
2003  
0% 
79% 
1.3% 
0.8 
212 

Dec. 31, 
2002 
0% 
81% 
1.8% 
2.2 
2,445,318 

Dec. 31, 
2001 
0% 
50% 
3.3% 
2.1 
2,976,777 

52

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
During 2003, we started disclosing the SFAS No. 123 pro forma net earnings and net earnings per share calculation in our 
quarterly reports.  As such, the assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option-pricing model were determined quarterly in 2003. 

The following table summarizes our stock option activity under the Plans: 

2003 

Years ended December 31, 
2002 

2001 

Number of 
  Shares 

Balance at the beginning of year .....     8,345,936 
Granted.............................................     2,019,929 
Exercised ..........................................    
(926,408) 
Forfeited  ..........................................    (2,022,058) 
Balance at the end of  year...............     7,417,399 
Exercisable at the end of year..........     5,051,994 
Weighted-average fair value of 
 options granted during the year ......

3.79 

$ 

Weighted 
Average 
Exercise Price 
$ 17.70 
8.15 
11.36 
18.61 
15.64 
17.69 

Number of 
Shares

    8,206,886 
    2,445,318 
   (1,717,408) 
(588,860) 
    8,345,936 
    4,098,945 

$ 

7.67 

Weighted 
Average 
Exercise Price 
$ 17.54 
17.06 
15.57 
19.04 
17.70 
18.18 

Weighted 
Average 
Exercise Price 
$ 17.81 
16.04 
13.43 
20.87 
17.54 
17.56 

Number of 
Shares

  6,833,596 
  2,976,777 
  (1,069,095)
(534,392)
  8,206,886 
  2,887,481 

$ 

4.85 

The following table summarizes the status of outstanding stock options under the Plans as of December 31, 2003: 

Number of 
Options 
Outstanding 

 1,601,096 
 1,868,800 
 1,748,214 
 1,687,282 
  512,007 
 7,417,399 

Options Outstanding 
Weighted Average 
Remaining 
Contractual Life 
(in years) 
4.10 
4.92 
6.56 
4.95 
5.54 
5.18 

Weighted 
Average 
Exercise Price 

$  7.74 
  12.08 
  17.50 
  21.57 
  27.42 
  15.64 

Options Exercisable 

Number of 
Options 
Exercisable 

Weighted 
Average 
Exercise Price 

  362,777 
 1,356,955 
 1,522,133 
 1,375,402 
  434,727 
 5,051,994 

$  8.11 
  13.03 
  17.71 
  21.67 
  27.58 
  17.69 

Range of 
Exercise Prices 

$  1.78  -  8.89 
  8.93 - 14.11 
  14.14 - 18.93 
  19.00 - 23.00 
  23.02 - 41.42 

Subsidiary Plans 

In May 2000, we established the Direct Alliance Corporation 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan (Direct Alliance 2000 

LTIP”), the PlusNet Technologies Limited 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“PlusNet 2000 LTIP”) and the Insight ASP Limited 
2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“Insight ASP 2000 LTIP”).  The total number of stock options initially available for grant 
under these plans, representing 15% of the outstanding shares of the subsidiaries’ common stock, is: Direct Alliance 2000 
LTIP – 4,500,000, PlusNet 2000 LTIP – 7,500,000 and Insight ASP 2000 LTIP – 7,500,000. During 2002, the Insight ASP 2000 
LTIP was terminated and all of the options were cancelled.  As of December 31, 2003, the number of stock options available for 
grant under these plans is: Direct Alliance 2000 LTIP – 1,722,500 and PlusNet 2000 LTIP – 2,935,500. 

Subsidiary Plans, which are currently administered by the respective subsidiary’s Board of Directors, include provisions for 

granting of incentive awards in the form of stock options to the subsidiary’s employees and directors as well as to officers and 
employees of its parent and corporate affiliates. 

The right to purchase shares under the stock option agreements with the subsidiary’s employees and directors vest 100% on 
May 5, 2005 and expire on May 5, 2006.  The vesting and exercisability of the options accelerate in the event of an initial public 
offering or change of control of the subsidiary or of Insight Enterprises, Inc.  Unexercised options terminate seven days after an 
individual ceases to be an employee. 

The right to purchase shares under the stock option agreements with officers or employees of its parent or corporate 

affiliates are 100% vested on the date of grant, however, are not exercisable until May 5, 2005 and expire on May 5, 2006.  The 
exercisability of these options accelerates in the event of an initial public offering or change of control of the subsidiary or us.  
Unexercised options do not terminate after an individual ceases to be an employee. 

53

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For purposes of the SFAS No. 123 pro forma net earnings (loss) and net earnings (loss) per share calculation, the fair value 

of the 2002 PlusNet option grants is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the 
following weighted-average assumptions used for grants under the Subsidiary Plans: expected volatility and dividend yield of 
0%, risk-free interest rate of 2.4% and expected lives of 2.4 years. 

The following table summarizes the stock option activity under the Subsidiary Plans: 

Direct Alliance 

PlusNet 

Balance at 12/31/00................................... 
Granted...................................................... 
Exercised ................................................... 
Forfeited  ................................................... 
Balance at 12/31/01................................... 
Granted...................................................... 
Exercised ................................................... 
Forfeited  ................................................... 
Balance at 12/31/02................................... 
Granted...................................................... 
Exercised ................................................... 
Forfeited  ................................................... 
Balance at 12/31/03................................... 

Number 
  of Shares
    3,410,000 
- 
- 
(170,000) 
    3,240,000 
- 
- 
(327,500) 
    2,912,500 
- 
- 
(135,000) 
    2,777,500 

Weighted-average  fair  value  of  options 
granted during 2001.................................. 
Weighted-average  fair  value  of  options 
granted during 2002.................................. 
Weighted-average  fair  value  of  options 
granted during 2003.................................. 

$ 

$ 

$ 

N/A* 

N/A* 

N/A* 

Weighted 
Average 
Exercise Price 

1.42 
- 
- 
1.42 
1.42 
- 
- 
1.42 
1.42 
- 
- 
1.42 
1.42 

Number 
  of Shares
    5,200,000 
- 
- 
   (1,130,000) 
    4,070,000 
728,000 
- 
(66,000) 
    4,732,000 
- 
- 
(167,500) 
    4,564,500 

$ 

$ 

$ 

N/A* 

0.44**

N/A* 

Weighted 
Average 
Exercise Price** 
0.30 
- 
- 
0.30 
0.30 
0.47 
- 
0.34 
0.33 
- 
- 
0.34 
0.33 

∗  Not applicable as no stock options were granted during the year. 
**  Exercise prices in the PlusNet grant agreements are designated in British pound sterling.  Amounts represented in the table 

are based on the exchange rates on the date of grant. 

The following table summarizes the status of outstanding stock options under the Direct Alliance Plan as of December 31, 

2003: 

Options Outstanding 

Options Exercisable 

Exercise Prices 

Number of 
Options 
Outstanding 

$  1.42 

2,777,500 

Weighted Average 
Remaining 
Contractual Life 
(in years) 
2.34 

Weighted 
Average 
Exercise Price 

Number of 
Options 
Exercisable 

Weighted 
Average 
Exercise Price 

$  1.42 

- 

$ 

- 

The following table summarizes the status of outstanding stock options under the PlusNet Plan as of December 31, 2003: 

Options Outstanding 

Options Exercisable 

Exercise Prices 

$  0.30 
0.47 

Number of 
Options 
Outstanding 

 3,939,000 
  625,500 
 4,564,500 

Weighted Average 
Remaining 
Contractual Life 
(in years) 
2.34
2.34 
2.34 

Weighted 
Average  
Exercise Price** 

Number of 
Options 
Exercisable 

Weighted 
Average 
Exercise Price 

$  0.30 
0.47 
0.33 

54

- 
- 
- 

$ 

- 
- 
- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
**  Exercise prices in the PlusNet grant agreements are designated in British pound sterling.  Amounts represented in the table 

are based on the exchange rates on the date of grant. 

(11) Stockholder Rights Agreement 

  On December 14, 1998, each stockholder of record received one Preferred Share Purchase Right (“Right”) on each 
outstanding share of common stock owned.  Each Right entitles stockholders to buy .00148 of a share of our Series A Preferred 
Stock at an exercise price of $88.88.  The Rights will be exercisable if a person or group acquires 15% or more of our common 
stock or announces a tender offer for 15% or more of the common stock.  Should this occur, the Right will entitle its holder to 
purchase, at the Right’s exercise price, a number of shares of common stock having a market value at the time of twice the 
Right’s exercise price.  Rights held by the 15% holder will become void and will not be exercisable to purchase shares at the 
bargain purchase price.  If we are acquired in a merger or other business combination transaction after a person acquires 15% or 
more of the our common stock, each Right will entitle its holder to purchase at the Right’s then current exercise price a number 
of the acquiring company’s common shares having a market value at the time of twice the Right’s exercise price. 

(12) Non-Operating Expense, Net 

Non-operating expense, net consists primarily of interest expense and interest income.  Interest expense of $2,629,000 and 

$3,569,000 in 2003 and 2002, respectively, primarily relates to borrowings under our credit facilities, which were used to 
finance an acquisition during 2002.  Interest expense has decreased due to decreases in interest-bearing debt incurred and 
assumed in connection with the acquisition and decreases in interest rates.  Interest income of $885,000 and $386,000 in 2003 
and 2002, respectively, was generated through short-term investments.  The increase in interest income in 2003 is due to the 
increase in cash invested in the United Kingdom at higher interest rates than the United States, offset partially by declining 
interest rates on short-term investments in the United States.  Non-operating expenses, other than interest expense, of $2,655,000 
and $1,404,000 in 2003 and 2002, respectively, consist primarily of bank fees associated with financing arrangements and cash 
management.  The increase in other non-operating expense in 2003 is due primarily to prepayment penalties of $628,000 and 
written off capitalized loan origination fees of $173,000 associated with the prepayment of building mortgages in 2003.   

(13) Reductions in Liabilities Assumed in Previous Acquisition 

During the year ended December 31, 2003, Insight UK settled certain liabilities assumed in the acquisition of Action in late 

2001 for $2,504,000 less than the amounts originally recorded.  Normally, these items would be recorded as a reduction to 
goodwill.  However, Insight UK recorded a goodwill impairment charge during the fourth quarter of 2002 which eliminated its 
entire goodwill balance; therefore, the reduction in assumed liabilities is recorded in the statement of operations.  The income 
resulting from the reduction in assumed liabilities was not taxable. (See Note 4 for further discussion about the goodwill 
impairment.) 

(14) Restructuring and Acquisition Integration Activities  

Acquisition-Related Restructuring Costs Expensed in 2003  

During the year ended December 31, 2003, Insight North America recorded $2,283,000 in restructuring expenses associated 

with costs incurred to close Insight North America’s distribution facility in Indiana and $639,000 in connection with the 
elimination of certain support and management positions.  The Indiana facility was closed in order to consolidate warehouse and 
distribution facilities in Illinois in accordance with the Comark integration plan.  The restructuring expenses generally consist 
of employee termination benefits of $820,000, facilities based expenses of $954,000, and non-cash expenses related to 
abandoned assets of $1,148,000.  The facilities based expenses consist of remaining lease obligations and expenses to remove 
leasehold improvements.  Of the $954,000 recorded for facilities based expenses, $531,000 was paid and adjustments of 
$35,000, due to increases in estimated common area maintenance charges offset by reductions in estimated accruals, were 
made leaving an accrual of $458,000 at December 31, 2003, which we expect to pay in 2004.  The employee termination 
benefits relate to severance and termination benefits paid during the year ended December 31, 2003 to 109 employees.  

Also during the year ended December 31, 2003, Insight UK recorded $543,000 of restructuring expenses relating to 

severance associated with the elimination of service technicians and certain support and management functions.  These 
expenses generally consist of employee termination benefits for 26 employees.  During the year ended December 31, 2003, 
$329,000 was paid and adjustments of $168,000, due to decreases in estimated severance costs, were made leaving an accrual 
of $46,000 at December 31, 2003.  We expect to pay the remaining liabilities during 2004. 

55

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We recorded the restructuring expenses in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 146, 

“Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities” or SFAS No. 112, “Employers’ Accounting for Post-
Employment Benefits,” as appropriate. 

The following table details the changes in restructuring liabilities during the year ended December 31, 2003 (in 

thousands): 

Insight North America 

Insight UK 

Restructuring expenses............  
Adjustments ............................  
Cash payments ........................  
Balance at December 31, 2003  

Employee 
Termination 
  Benefits 
  $ 

820 
- 
(820) 
- 

  $ 

$ 

Facilities 
   Based 
$ 

954 
35 
(531) 
458 

Segment 
   Total 
$  1,774 
35 
(1,351)
458 

$ 

Employee 
Termination 
 Benefits 
543 
$ 
(168) 
(329) 
46 

$ 

Segment 
  Total 
$ 

543 
(168) 
(329) 
46 

$ 

Consolidated 
    Total 
$ 

2,317 
(133) 
(1,680) 
504 

$ 

The write-off of abandoned assets of $1,148,000 is not included in the table above as this was a non-cash expense. 

Acquisition-Related Restructuring Costs Capitalized in 2002 as a Cost of Acquisition of Comark 

During 2002, Insight North America recorded $1,819,000 of restructuring costs in connection with the integration of 

Comark.  These costs were accounted for under EITF Issue No. 95-3, “Recognition of Liabilities in Connection with 
Purchase Business Combinations.”  The acquisition-related restructuring costs recorded in 2002 were based on the 
restructuring plans that were committed to by management in 2002.  Accordingly, these costs were recognized as liabilities 
assumed in the purchase business combination and included in the allocation of the costs to acquire Comark.   

The charge of $1,819,000 to restructure the organization consisted of employee termination benefits and facilities based 
costs, of which $595,000 was still accrued at December 31, 2002.  During the year ended December 31, 2003, an additional 
accrual was made to the employee termination benefits related to severance payments and transition bonuses of $1,083,000 
for 29 additional employees who were terminated in connection with the elimination of certain duplicative activities resulting 
from the acquisition.  These adjustments were offset by cash payments of $1,583,000.  Additional facilities based costs of 
$19,000 were accrued during the year related to lease termination costs associated with vacating duplicate facilities.  The 
cash payments for facilities based costs during the year ended December 31, 2003 were $114,000.   

The following table details the changes in these liabilities during the year ended December 31, 2003 (in thousands): 

Balance at December 31, 2002 .............
Adjustments...........................................
Cash payments.......................................

Employee 
Termination 
Benefits 

  $ 

500 
1,083 
(1,583) 

$ 

Facilities
Based 
95 
19 
(114) 

  Total 

  $ 

595 
1,102 
(1,697) 

Balance at December 31, 2003 .............

  $ 

- 

$ 

- 

  $ 

- 

Acquisition-Related Restructuring Costs Capitalized in 2001 as a Cost of Acquisition of Action  

In 2001, Insight UK recorded costs of $18,440,000 relating to restructuring the operations of Action as part of the 
integration of this acquisition.  These costs were accounted for under EITF Issue No. 95-3, “Recognition of Liabilities in 
Connection with Purchase Business Combinations.”  The acquisition-related restructuring costs recorded in 2001 were based on 
the restructuring plans that were committed to by management in 2001.  Accordingly, these costs were recognized as liabilities 
assumed in the purchase business combination and included in the allocation of the costs to acquire Action.  Normally, 
adjustments to these amounts, other than foreign currency translation, would be recorded as a reduction to goodwill.  However, 
Insight UK recorded a goodwill impairment charge during the fourth quarter of 2002 which eliminated its entire goodwill 
balance; therefore, any adjustments in assumed liabilities, other than foreign currency translation, are recorded in the statement 
of operations in the line item “reductions in liabilities assumed in previous acquisition.”  Foreign currency translation 
adjustments continue to be recorded directly in other comprehensive income as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. 

56

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The $18,440,000 cost to restructure the organization consisted of employee termination benefits and facilities based costs 

of $3,532,000 and $14,908,000, respectively, of which $9,721,000 remained accrued at December 31, 2002.  Employee 
termination benefits of $11,000 were paid during the year ended December 31, 2003.  Adjustments to the accrued employee 
termination benefits of $231,000 during the year ended December 31, 2003 primarily represented decreases in estimated 
employee termination benefits.  The facilities based costs primarily consist of remaining lease commitments on unused 
facilities or estimated costs to terminate lease commitments, reduced by estimated subleases.  Adjustments to the accrued 
facilities based costs during the year ended December 31, 2003 of $884,000 primarily represent fluctuations in the British 
pound sterling exchange rates.  Facilities based costs of $1,246,000 were paid during the year ended December 31, 2003, 
resulting in an ending accrual balance at December 31, 2003 of $9,117,000.  Although the facilities based costs represent 
contractual payments under long-term leases, we are actively pursuing opportunities to negotiate out of these leases and have 
recorded the obligations as current accrued liabilities.   

The following table details the change in these liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2003 (in thousands):  

Balance at December 31, 2002 ............ 
Adjustments.......................................... 
Cash payments...................................... 
Balance at December 31, 2003 ............ 

Employee 
Termination 
Benefits 
242 
$ 
(231) 
(11) 
- 

$ 

Facilities 
  Based   
$  9,479 
884 
(1,246) 
$  9,117 

Segment 
  Total 
$  9,721 
653 
(1,257) 
$  9,117 

Acquisition-Related Restructuring Costs Expensed in Fiscal 2001 

In 2001, we recorded expenses relating to restructuring our existing operations as part of the integration of the 
acquisitions of Action and Kortex.  The costs were accounted for under EITF Issue No. 94-3, “Liability Recognition for 
Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity” and have been included as a charge to the results 
of operations for the year ended December 31, 2001.  Accordingly, these costs were recorded based on the restructuring plans 
that were committed to by management in 2001.   

The $3,653,000 charge to restructure the organization in 2001 consisted of employee termination benefits and facilities 
based expenses of $2,641,000 and $1,012,000, respectively.  At December 31, 2002, facilities based costs of $279,000 and 
$19,000 remained accrued at Insight North America and Insight UK, respectively.  The facilities based costs primarily consist 
of remaining lease commitments on unused facilities or estimated costs to terminate lease commitments.  During the year 
ended December 31, 2003, facilities based costs of $91,000 were paid and adjustments of $178,000 were recorded due to 
decreases in estimated lease termination costs, resulting in an ending accrual for Insight North America of $10,000 at 
December 31, 2003.  We expect to pay the remaining liabilities during 2004. 

At December 31, 2003, facilities based costs of $19,000 remained accrued at Insight UK as there were no cash payments 

or adjustments made to the lease commitments associated with UK facilities that are no longer in use.  We expect to pay the 
remaining liabilities during 2004. 

The following table details the changes in the facilities based costs during the year ended December 31, 2003 (in 

thousands): 

Balance at December 31, 2002......... 
Adjustments ..................................... 
Cash payments ................................. 
Balance at December 31, 2003......... 

Insight North 
America  
279 
$ 
(178) 
(91) 
10 

$ 

 (15) Contingencies 

Employment Contracts 

Insight UK  
  $ 

Total 
19   $  298 
(178) 
(91) 
29 

19   $ 

-
-

  $ 

We have employment agreements with certain officers and employees under which severance payments would become 

payable in the event of specified terminations without cause or pursuant to a change in control.  In the event the severance 

57

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
payments under the current employment agreements were to become payable, the maximum contingent severance payment 
calculated as of December 31, 2003 would be approximately $18,300,000. 

Legal Proceedings  

We are a defendant in a lawsuit, which is a consolidation of three separate actions brought by stockholders, pending in 

the United States District Court, District of Arizona.  The lawsuit alleges violations of Section 10(b) of the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934 and SEC Rule 10b-5.  The plaintiffs in this action allege we, and certain of our officers, made false 
and misleading statements pertaining to our business, operations and management in an effort to inflate the price of our 
common stock.  The lawsuit also names as co-defendants: Eric J. Crown, the Chairman of our Board of Directors; Timothy 
A. Crown, our Chief Executive Officer and President and a director; and Stanley Laybourne, our Executive Vice President, 
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and a director.  The plaintiffs seek class action status to represent all buyers of our 
common stock from September 3, 2001 through July 17, 2002.  On September 27, 2003, the court granted our motion to 
dismiss plaintiffs' amended complaint, but allowed plaintiffs leave to file an amended complaint, which they did on October 
31, 2003.  On January 9, 2004, we filed a motion to dismiss the second amended complaint, and the Court will hear oral 
argument on the motion to dismiss on May 3, 2004.  We will continue to defend the case vigorously.  The costs associated 
with defending the allegations in this lawsuit and the potential outcome cannot be determined at this time and, accordingly, 
no estimate for such costs, other than the deductible amount under our directors and officers liability insurance policies has 
been included in these Consolidated Financial Statements.  

We are also a party to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business, including asserted preference 

payment claims in customer bankruptcy proceedings and claims of alleged infringement of patents, trademarks, copyrights 
and other intellectual property rights.   

In accordance with SFAS No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies,” we make a provision for a liability when it is both 
probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated.  These provisions are 
reviewed at least quarterly and adjusted to reflect the impacts of negotiations, settlements, rulings, advice of legal counsel, 
and other information and events pertaining to a particular case.  Although litigation is inherently unpredictable, we believe 
that we have adequate provisions for any probable and estimable losses.  It is possible, nevertheless, that the results of our 
operations or cash flows could be materially and adversely affected in any particular period by the resolution of a legal 
proceeding. 

Contingent Acquisition Payments 

Our acquisition of Comark included provisions that require us to make contingent payments based upon profitability of 

the acquired operations through December 31, 2003.  Contingent payments are recognized when determined and are recorded 
as increases to goodwill.  A final contingent payment, related to the acquisition of Comark, of up to $2,000,000 will be 
determined, paid and recorded as goodwill in 2004. 

(16)  Supplemental Financial Information 

A summary of additions and deductions related to the allowances for doubtful accounts receivable for the years ended 

December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 follows (in thousands): 

Balance at 
Beginning of 
  Period 

  Additions 

Balance at 

Deductions  End of Period 

Allowances for doubtful accounts receivable: 

Year ended December 31, 2003 ......................  

$  13,759 

$  8,424 

$  (2,008) 

$  20,175 

Year ended December 31, 2002 ......................  

$  11,554 

$  10,102 

$  (7,897) 

$  13,759 

Year ended December 31, 2001 ......................  

$  11,813 

$  10,020 

$ (10,279) 

$  11,554 

(17)   Segment Information  

SFAS No. 131 requires disclosures of certain information regarding operating segments, products and services, 

geographic areas of operation and major customers.  The method for determining what information to report under SFAS No. 
131 is based upon the “management approach,” or the way that management organizes the operating segments within a 
company, for which separate financial information if available that is evaluated regularly by the Chief Operating Decision 

58

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Maker (“CODM”) in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance.  Our CODM is our Chief Executive 
Officer. 

  We have the following reportable operating segments:  

•  Single-source provider of IT products and services – North America (“Insight North America”); 
•  Single-source provider of IT products and services – United Kingdom (“Insight UK”); 
•  Business process outsourcing provider (“Direct Alliance”); and  
• 

Internet service provider (“PlusNet”). 

All intercompany transactions are eliminated upon consolidation and there are no differences between the accounting 
policies used to measure profit and loss for our segments and on a consolidated basis.  Net sales are defined as net sales from 
external customers. None of our customers exceeded ten percent of consolidated net sales. 

Insight North America, Insight UK and PlusNet have been disclosed below as separate operating segments for all periods 

presented to conform to their current reportable segment designation.   Prior to the fourth quarter of 2002, the results of 
Insight North America, Insight UK and PlusNet were included in one segment, commonly referred to as “Insight”.  Insight 
Germany is not a segment as its operations were closed in the fourth quarter of 2001, but is included for comparative 
information only. 

  Insight 
  North 
  America   
Net sales ..................................................  $ 2,430,005 
Costs of goods sold..................................    2,162,685 
267,320 
  Gross profit ........................................   
Operating expenses: 
Selling and administrative expenses ........   
Restructuring expenses ............................   
Reductions in liabilities assumed in 

228,129 
2,922 

previous acquisition .............................
- 
Earnings (loss) from operations .........  $   36,269 

(2,504) 
6,905 

 $ 

 $ 

Year ended December 31, 2003 

(in thousands) 

 Insight UK 
 $  379,785 
328,988 
50,797 

  PlusNet   
28,305 
$ 
18,423 
9,882 

  Direct 
  Alliance   
76,257 
 $ 
54,913 
21,344 

Consolidated 
 $ 2,914,352 
   2,565,009 
349,343 

45,853 
543 

6,880 
- 

- 
3,002 

5,557 
- 

286,419 
3,465 

- 
15,787 

 $ 

(2,504) 
61,963 

 $ 

Total assets .............................................. $  771,103 

 $  118,114 

 $ 

30,051 

 $ 

57,914 

 $  792,124* 

Year ended December 31, 2002 

(in thousands) 

Insight 
North 
  America 

Net sales ..................................................  $ 2,397,715 
Costs of goods sold..................................    2,137,687 
  Gross profit ........................................   
260,028 
Operating expenses: 
Selling and administrative expenses ........   
Goodwill impairment...............................   
Restructuring expenses ............................   
Amortization............................................   

196,881 
- 
- 
1,400 
Earnings (loss) from operations .........  $   61,747 

 Insight UK 
 $  382,254  $ 
335,046 
47,208 

  PlusNet   
15,091 
7,890 
7,201 

Insight 
  Germany 
- 
 $ 
- 
- 

Direct 

  Alliance    Consolidated 
 $ 2,890,986 
 $ 
   2,555,376 
335,610 

95,926 
74,753 
21,173 

47,641 
91,587 
1,500 
- 
 $    (93,520)

 $ 

5,404 
- 
- 
- 
1,797 

 $ 

(341)
- 
- 
- 
341 

 $ 

4,813 
- 
- 
- 
16,360 

254,398 
91,587 
1,500 
1,400 
(13,275) 

 $ 

Total assets .............................................. $  758,339 

 $ 

82,305 

 $ 

25,203 

 $ 

64 

 $ 

49,646 

 $  773,731* 

59

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Insight 
North 
 America  
Net sales ..................................................  $ 1,766,771 
Costs of goods sold..................................    1,578,028 
  Gross profit ........................................   
188,743 
Operating expenses: 
Selling and administrative expenses ........   
Expenses related to closure of German 

132,095 

Year ended December 31, 2001 

(in thousands) 

 Insight UK 
 $  197,552 
173,584 
23,968 

  PlusNet   
8,942 
 $ 
3,119 
5,823 

Insight 
  Germany 
6,622 
 $ 
6,102 
520 

Direct 

  Alliance    Consolidated 
 $ 2,082,339 
 $  102,452 
   1,840,167 
79,334 
242,172 
23,118 

22,626 

4,249 

2,208 

6,449 

167,627 

operation ............................................   
Acquisition integration expenses .............   
Aborted IPO costs....................................   
Amortization 

Earnings (loss) from operations .........  $ 

- 
3,571 
- 
538 
52,539 

 $ 

- 
3,623 
- 
222 
(2,503)

 $ 

- 
- 
- 
765 
809 

10,566 
- 
- 
385 
(12,639)

 $ 

- 
- 
1,354 
- 
15,315 

 $ 

 $ 

10,566 
7,194 
1,354 
1,910 
53,521 

Total assets ..............................................  $  427,227 

 $  183,008 

 $ 

18,415 

 $ 

496 

 $ 

53,174 

 $  595,571* 

*Consolidated numbers include net intercompany eliminations and corporate assets of $185,058, $141,826, and $86,749 in 
2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. 

The following is a summary of our geographic operations (in thousands): 

2003 
Net sales ........................................................ 
Total long-lived assets................................... 

2002 
Net sales ........................................................ 
Total long-lived assets................................... 

2001 
Net sales ........................................................ 
Total long-lived assets................................... 

North 
America 

Europe 

Total 

$  2,506,262 
$  177,340 

$  408,090 
$  43,989 

$  2,914,352 
$  221,329 

$  2,493,641 
$  174,232 

$  397,345 
$  40,932 

$  2,890,986 
$  215,164 

$  1,869,223 
97,078 
$ 

$  213,116 
$  117,986 

$  2,082,339 
$  215,064 

Although we could be impacted by the international economic climate, management does not believe material credit risk 
existed at December 31, 2003.  We monitor our customers’ financial conditions and do not require collateral.  Historically, we 
have not experienced significant losses related to accounts receivables from any individual or groups of customers. 

(18)  

Subsequent Event  

On February 9, 2004, Insight UK settled certain liabilities assumed in the acquisition of Action in late 2001 for 

approximately $3,160,000 less than the amounts originally recorded.  Normally, these items would be recorded as a reduction to 
goodwill.  However, Insight UK recorded a goodwill impairment charge during the fourth quarter of 2002 which eliminated its 
entire goodwill balance; therefore, the reduction in assumed liabilities will be recorded in the statement of operations in the first 
quarter of 2004.  The income resulting from the reduction in assumed liabilities will not be taxable. (See Note 4 for further 
discussion about the goodwill impairment.) 

60

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 

There were no disagreements with accountants on accounting and financial disclosure matters during the periods 

reported herein. 

Item 9a. Controls and Procedures  

Disclosure Controls and Procedures.  Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) 
and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term 
is defined in Rule 13a-15  and Rule 15d-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as 
of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based on such evaluation, our CEO and CFO have concluded that, as of the 
end of such period, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, 
on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act.  

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.  There have not been any changes in our internal control over financial 
reporting (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fiscal quarter to which this report 
relates that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.  

PART III 

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant  

The information included under the captions “Information Concerning Directors and Executive Officers”, “Code of 
Ethics” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in our definitive Proxy Statement relating to our 
Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on April 29, 2004 (our “Proxy Statement”) is incorporated herein by reference.  

Item 11. Executive Compensation  

The information under the caption “Executive Compensation” in our Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by 

reference.  

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters  

      The information under the captions “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” and 

“ Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans”
herein by reference.  

 in our Proxy Statement is incorporated 

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions  

      The information under the caption “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” in our Proxy Statement is 
incorporated herein by reference.  

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services  

      The information under the caption “Relationship with Independent Auditors” in our Proxy Statement is incorporated 
herein by reference.  

PART IV 

Item 15.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K 

(a) Financial Statements and Schedules 

The Consolidated Financial Statements of Insight Enterprises, Inc. and subsidiaries and the Independent Auditors’ 

Report are filed herein beginning on page 37 as set forth under Item 8 of this report. 

Financial statement schedules have been omitted since they are either not required, not applicable, or the information is 

otherwise included. 

61

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(b) Reports on Form 8-K 

None. 

(c) Exhibits 

The exhibits list in the Index to Exhibits immediately following the signature page is incorporated herein by reference as 
the list of exhibits required as part of this report. 

62

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SIGNATURES 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly 

caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned; thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Tempe, State of 
Arizona, on this 12th day of March, 2004. 

INSIGHT ENTERPRISES, INC. 

By /s/ Timothy A. Crown 
Timothy A. Crown 
Chief Executive Officer  

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following 

persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. 

Signature 

Title 

Date 

/s/ Timothy A. Crown 
Timothy A. Crown 

Director, Chief Executive Officer  
(Principal Executive Officer) 

March 12, 2004 

/s/ Eric J. Crown 
Eric J. Crown 

/s/ Stanley Laybourne 
Stanley Laybourne 

/s/ Larry A. Gunning 
Larry A. Gunning 

/s/ Robertson C. Jones 
Robertson C. Jones 

/s/ Michael M. Fisher 
Michael M. Fisher 

Bennett Dorrance 

Chairman of the Board, Vice President  

March 12, 2004 

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial   March 12, 2004 
Officer, Treasurer and Director 
(Principal Financial and Accounting 
Officer) 

Director 

March 12, 2004 

Director 

March 12, 2004 

Director 

March 12, 2004 

Director 

March 12, 2004 

63

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 31.1 

I, Timothy A. Crown, certify that:  

1. 

I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Insight Enterprises, Inc.;  

CERTIFICATION 

2.  Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a 

material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were 
made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;  

3.  Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly 

present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, 
and for, the periods presented in this report;  

4.  The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls 
and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 (e) and 15d-15 (e)) for the registrant and have:  

a.  Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be 

designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its 
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the 
period in which this report is being prepared;  

b.  Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this 

report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the 
period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and 

c.  Disclosed in this report any changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that 

occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case 
of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s 
internal control over financial reporting; and  

5.  The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control 
over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or 
persons performing the equivalent function):  

a.  All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over 

financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, 
summarize and report financial information; and  

b.  Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant 

role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.  

Date:  March 12, 2004 

By:  /s/ Timothy A. Crown 

Timothy A. Crown 
Chief Executive Officer 

64

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
CERTIFICATION 

Exhibit 31.2 

I, Stanley Laybourne, certify that:  

1. 

I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Insight Enterprises, Inc.;  

2.  Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a 

material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were 
made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;  

3.  Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly 

present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, 
and for, the periods presented in this report;  

4.  The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls 

and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 (e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:  

a.  Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be 

designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its 
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the 
period in which this report is being prepared;  

b.  Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this 

report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the 
period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and 

c.  Disclosed in this report any changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that 

occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case 
of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s 
internal control over financial reporting; and  

5.  The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control 
over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or 
persons performing the equivalent function):  

a.  All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over 

financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, 
summarize and report financial information; and  

b.  Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant 

role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.  

Date:  March 12, 2004 

By:  /s/ Stanley Laybourne 

Stanley Laybourne 
Chief Financial Officer 

65

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO  
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,  
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO  
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 

Exhibit 32.1 

In connection with the Annual Report of Insight Enterprises, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the period 

ended December 31, 2003 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), we, 
Timothy A. Crown, Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Stanley Laybourne, Chief Financial Officer of the 
Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the 
best of our knowledge: 

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 

1934; and 

 (2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and 

results of operations of the Company. 

By:  /s/ Timothy A. Crown 
Timothy A. Crown 
Chief Executive Officer 
March 12, 2004 

By:  /s/ Stanley Laybourne 

Stanley Laybourne 
Chief Financial Officer 
March 12, 2004 

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or 
otherwise adopting the signatures that appear in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by 
Section 906, has been provided to Insight Enterprises, Inc. and will be retained by Insight Enterprises, Inc. and furnished to 
the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request. 

66

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
INSIGHT ENTERPRISES, INC. 
EXHIBITS TO FORM 10-K 
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003 
Commission File No. 000-25092 

(Unless otherwise noted, exhibits are filed herewith.) 

Exhibit  
No. 

  2.1 

  3.1 

  3.2 

  4.1 

  4.2 

10.1 

10.2 

10.3 

10.4 

10.5 

10.6 

10.7 

10.8 

(1) 

(2) 

(2) 

(2) 

(2) 

(2) 

(2) 

(2) 

Description 
—  Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of April 25, 2002 by and among Insight Enterprises, Inc., 

Comark Inc., Comark Investments, Inc., Phillip E. Corcoran and Charles S. Wolande 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of our current report on Form 8-K filed on May 10, 
2002). 

—  Composite Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of 

our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 filed on April 1, 2002). 
—  Bylaws of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of our annual report on Form 

10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 filed on March 30, 2000). 

—  Specimen Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of our 

Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 33-86142) declared effective January 24, 1995). 

—  Stockholder Rights Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of our current report on 

Form 8-K filed on March 17, 1999). 

—  Form of Indemnification Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 of our 

Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 33-86142) declared effective January 24, 1995). 
—  1994 Stock Option Plan of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 of our 
Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 33-86142) declared effective January 24, 1995). 
—  Predecessor Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33 of our Registration 

Statement on Form S-1 (No. 33-86142) declared effective January 24, 1995). 

—  1995 Employee Stock Purchase Plan of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 

10.30 of our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1995). 

—  Amendment to 1994 Stock Option Plan of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 

10.5 of our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1996 filed on 
September 30, 1996). 

—  1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of our Registration 

Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-110915) declared effective December 4, 2003). 

—  Form of Restricted Stock Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 of our quarterly 
report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1998 filed on November 16, 1998). 

—  Employment Agreement between Insight Enterprises, Inc. and Eric J. Crown dated as of March 

31, 1998 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the 
quarter ended March 31, 1998 filed on May 15, 1998). 

10.9 

(2) 

—  Employment Agreement between Insight Enterprises, Inc. and Timothy A. Crown dated as of 

March 31, 1998 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of our quarterly report on Form 10-Q 
for the quarter ended March 31, 1998 filed on May 15, 1998). 

10.10 

(2) 

—  Employment Agreement between Insight Enterprises, Inc. and Stanley Laybourne dated as of 

March 31, 1998 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of our quarterly report on Form 10-Q 
for the quarter ended March 31, 1998 filed on May 15, 1998). 

10.11 

(2) 

—  1998 Employee Restricted Stock Plan  (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 of our Form S-

10.12 

(2) 

—  1998 Officer Restricted Stock Plan  (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 of our Form S-8 

8 filed on December 17, 1998). 

filed on December 17, 1998). 

10.13 

(2) 

10.14 

(2) 

—  1999 Broad Based Employee Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 of 
our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 filed on March 30, 
2000). 

—  Employment Agreement between Direct Alliance Corporation and Branson (“Tony”) M. Smith 
dated as of July 1, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 of our annual report on 
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 filed on March 27, 2001). 

10.15 

(2) 

—  Direct Alliance Corporation 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to 

Exhibit 10.17 of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 filed on 
March 27, 2001). 

10.16 

(2) 

—  PlusNet Technologies Ltd. 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan  (incorporated by reference to 

Exhibit 10.18 of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 filed on 

67

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 27, 2001). 

Exhibit  
No. 
10.17 

(2) 

10.18 

(2) 

Description 
—  Insight ASP Ltd.  2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan  (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 
of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 200 filed on March 27, 
2001). 

—  Employment Agreement between Insight Enterprises, Inc. and Eric J. Crown dated as of April 1, 
2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year 
ended December 31, 2002 filed on March 27, 2003). 

10.19 

(2) 

—  Amendment to Employment Agreement between Insight Enterprises, Inc. and Stanley 

Laybourne dated as of August 13, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of our 
quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002 filed on August 14, 2002). 

10.20 

(2) 

—  Amendment to Employment Agreement between Insight Enterprises, Inc., Direct Alliance 

10.21 

(2) 

Corporation and Branson M. Smith dated as of July 1, 2001 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 
10.3 of our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002 filed on August 
14, 2002). 

—  Employment Agreement between Insight Direct Worldwide, Inc. and Dino Farfante dated as of 
November 17, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of our quarterly report on Form 
10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002 filed on August 14, 2002). 

10.22 

(2) 

—  Amendment to Employment Agreement between Insight Direct Worldwide, Inc. and Dino 

10.23 

(2) 

10.24 

(2) 

10.25 

(2) 

Farfante dated as of October 9, 2001 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of our quarterly 
report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002 filed on August 14, 2002).  

—  Employment Agreement between Insight Direct Worldwide, Inc. and Joel Borovay dated as of 
November 17, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of our quarterly report on Form 
10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002 filed on August 14, 2002). 

—  Amendment to Employment Agreement between Insight Services Corporation, Insight Direct 
Worldwide, Inc. and Joel Borovay dated as of April 25, 2002 (incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 10.7 of our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002 filed on 
August 14, 2002). 

—  Employment Agreement between Comark, Inc. and Michael V. Wise dated as of April 25, 2002 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter 
ended June 30, 2002 filed on August 14, 2002). 

10.26 

(2) 

—  Employment Agreement between Comark, Inc. and Timothy J. McGrath dated as of April 25, 

10.27 

(2) 

2002 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the 
quarter ended June 30, 2002 filed on August 14, 2002). 

—  Compromise Agreement between Insight Enterprises, Inc. and David Palk dated as of July 17, 
2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 of our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the 
quarter ended June 30, 2002 filed on August 14, 2002). 

10.28 

(2) 

—  Employment Agreement between Insight Enterprises, Inc. and P. Robert Moya dated as of 

10.29 

(2) 

10.30 

(2) 

10.31 

(2) 

October 10, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 of our annual report on Form 10-K 
for the year ended December 31, 2002 filed on March 27, 2003). 

—  Employment Agreement between Insight Direct UK Limited and Stuart Fenton dated September 
12, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 of our annual report on Form 10-K for the 
year ended December 31, 2002 filed on March 27, 2003). 

—  Notice of Evergreen Clause Termination in Employment Agreement to Timothy A. Crown dated 
as of December 31, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 of our annual report on 
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 filed on March 27, 2003). 

—  Notice of Evergreen Clause Termination in Employment Agreement to Stanley Laybourne dated 
as of December 31, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33 of our annual report on 
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 filed on March 27, 2003). 

10.32 

(2) 

—  Notice of Evergreen Clause Termination in Employment Agreement to Branson (“Tony”) M. 

10.32 

(2) 

10.33 

(2) 

Smith dated as of December 31, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 of our annual 
report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 filed on March 27, 2003). 

—  Notice of Evergreen Clause Termination in Employment Agreement to Dino Farfante dated as of 
December 31, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 of our annual report on Form 10-
K for the year ended December 31, 2002 filed on March 27, 2003). 

—  Notice of Evergreen Clause Termination in Employment Agreement to Joel Borovay dated as of 
December 31, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 of our annual report on Form 10-
K for the year ended December 31, 2002 filed on March 27, 2003). 

68

 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit  
No. 
10.34 

(3) 

Description 
—  Receivables Sales Agreement dated as of December 31, 2002 by and among Insight Direct USA, 
Inc., Comark Corporate Sales, Inc., Insight Services Corporation, Comark Government and 
Education Sales, Inc. and Comark, Inc. as originators, and Insight Receivables, LLC, as buyer 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37 of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year 
ended December 31, 2002 filed on March 27, 2003). 

10.35 

(3) 

—  Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of December 31, 2002 among Insight Receivables, 

10.36 

(2) 

LLC, Insight Enterprises, Inc., Jupiter Securitization Corporation, Bank One NA (main office – 
Chicago), and the entities party thereto from time to time as financial institutions (incorporated 
by reference to Exhibit 10.38 of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 
31, 2002 filed on March 27, 2003). 

—  Summary Description of Bonus Agreement between Insight Services Corporation, Insight Direct 
Worldwide, Inc. and Joel Borovay effective January 1, 2003 (incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 10.1 of our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2003 filed 
May 13, 2003). 

10.37 

(2) 

—  Summary Description of Bonus Agreement between Comark Inc. and Timothy McGrath 

10.38 

(2) 

effective January 1, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our quarterly report on 
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2003 filed May 13, 2003). 

—  Separation Agreement and Release between Insight Enterprises, Inc. and Michael V. Wise dated 
February 25, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our quarterly report on Form 10-
Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2003 filed May 13, 2003). 

10.39 

(2) 

—  Second Amendment to Employment Agreement and Consulting Agreement between Insight 

Services Corporation, Insight Direct Worldwide, Inc. and Joel Borovay dated as of April 1, 2003 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter 
ended March 31, 2003 filed May 13, 2003). 

10.40 

—  Amended and Restated Receivables Sale Agreement dated as of September 3, 2003 by and 

among Insight Direct USA, Inc. and Insight Public Sector, Inc. as originators, and Insight 
Receivables, LLC, as buyer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our quarterly report on 
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003 filed November 13, 2003). 

10.41 

—  Amendment No. 1 to Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of September 3, 2003 among 

Insight Receivables, LLC, Insight Enterprises, Inc. and Jupiter Securitization Corporation, Bank 
One NA (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the 
quarter ended September 30, 2003 filed November 13, 2003). 

10.42 

—  Amendment No. 2 to Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of December 23, 2003 among 

Insight Receivables, LLC, Insight Enterprises, Inc. and Jupiter Securitization Corporation, Bank 
One NA. 

10.43 

(2) 

—  Employment Agreement between Insight Enterprises, Inc. and Timothy A. Crown dated as of 

February 14, 2004, to be effective November 1, 2003. 

10.44 

(2) 

—  Employment Agreement between Insight Enterprises, Inc. and Stanley Laybourne dated as of 

10.45 

(2) 

—  Employment Agreement between Insight Enterprises, Inc. and P. Robert Moya dated as of 

February 14, 2004, to be effective November 1, 2003. 

February 14, 2004, to be effective November 1, 2003. 

10.46 

(2) 

—  Employment Agreement between Insight Direct Worldwide, Inc. and Dino D. Farfante dated as 

10.47 

(2) 

14.1 
21  
23.1 
31.1 

31.2 

32.1 

of February 14, 2004, to be effective November 1, 2003. 

—  Summary description of Employment Agreement between Insight Enterprises, Inc., Direct 
Alliance Corporation and Branson (“Tony”) M. Smith effective November 1, 2003. 

—  Code of Ethics for CEO and Financial Executives 
—  Subsidiaries of the Registrant. 
—  Consent of KPMG LLP. 
—  Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Securities and Exchange Act Rule 13a-14, 

as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 

—  Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Securities and Exchange Act Rule 13a-14, as 

Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 

—  Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 
Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant To Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 

__________ 
(1) 

We have entered into a separate indemnification agreement with each of the following directors and executive 
officers that differ only in party names and dates: Eric J. Crown, Timothy A. Crown, Stanley Laybourne, P. Robert 
Moya, Branson M. Smith, Dino D. Farfante, Larry A. Gunning, Robertson C. Jones, Michael M. Fisher and Bennett 

69

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2) 
(3) 

Dorrance.  Pursuant to the instructions accompanying Item 601 of Regulation S-K, the Registrant is filing the form 
of such indemnification agreement. 
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. 
Pursuant to the instructions accompanying Item 601 of Regulation S-K, the Registrant has omitted certain 
agreements with respect to long-term debt not exceeding 10% of consolidated total assets.  The Registrant agrees to 
furnish a copy of such agreements to the SEC upon request. 

70

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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STOCKHOLDER INFORMATION 

ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS 

Thursday, April 29, 2004, 3:00 pm, local time 
Insight Enterprises, Inc. 
1305 West Auto Drive 
Tempe, Arizona  85284 

CORPORATE OFFICES 

Insight Enterprises, Inc. 
1305 West Auto Drive 
Tempe, Arizona  85284 
(480) 902-1001 
www.insight.com 

TRANSFER AGENT 

Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A. 
Shareowner Services 
P.O. Box 64854 
St. Paul, Minnesota  55164 
(800) 468-9716 

INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS 

KPMG LLP 
One Arizona Center 
400 East Van Buren Street 
Phoenix, Arizona  85004 

INVESTOR INFORMATION 

Company background information and all publicly disclosed communications including press releases, SEC filings and financial 
reports are updated in real time and available to view and/or download online on the Investor Relations portion of  
www.insight.com .  Additional hard copies of the Company’s 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K are available to stockholders 
upon request without charge by calling the Investor Relations Hotline at (800) 546-0586 or (480) 902-1001 or by mailing your 
request to: 

Insight Enterprises, Inc. 
Investor Relations 
1305 West Auto Drive 
Tempe, Arizona 85284 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
M E S S A G E

F R O M   M A N A G E M E N T

Dear Fellow Stockholder:

For the past two years, we have been focused internally on acquisition integrations,
system  conversions  and  transformation  to  become  a  single-source  business
model. I am very pleased to report that we have now completed these internal
challenges  successfully.  We  ended  the  year  with  a  strong  quarter  and  I 
believe we are well positioned to grow net sales and net earnings during 2004.
Despite  a  tough  economic  environment,  we  performed  well  last  year.  I  believe
strongly  that  these  internal  improvements  and  increasing  efficiencies  across  the
entire organization will pay off for us in 2004 and beyond.

The decline in corporate spending for IT products began late in 2000 and continued
throughout 2003. However, there was some improvement during the second half of
2003, and we ended the year with three consecutive quarters of growth in net sales,
net  earnings  and  earnings  per  share.  Our  strong  performance  during  this  period 
of  economic  uncertainty,  with  our  focus  almost  exclusively  on  internal  initiatives, 
is evidence of the strength of the fundamentals in each of our operating segments. I am
also  encouraged  by  positive  indicators,  such  as  an  increase  in requests for proposals
(RFPs), that suggest a rebound in IT spending may finally be starting.

Our stock made a positive recovery during the year from $8.96 on January 1, 2003 to
$18.80  on  December  31,  2003,  an  increase  for  our  stockholders  of  110%. 
The positive performance by our operating segments coupled with the successful completion
of  our  acquisition  integrations,  system  conversion,  cost  cutting  initiatives  and  turnaround 
of  Insight  UK  provided  growth  in  earnings  per  share.  I  also  believe  this  indicates  that  the
investment  community,  including  you,  our  stockholders,  has  an  increased  confidence  in  our
ability to execute our short-term and long-term business plans.

Insight North America
Our  largest  operating  segment,  Insight  North
America, focused in 2003 on the transforma-
tion  of  our  business  model  to  become  a 
leading  single-source  provider  of  IT  products
and services. We also integrated our acquired
operations  to  operate  under  a  unified  Insight
brand  and  started  collecting  sales  tax  in  all
states.  We  completed  our  largest  project  to
date,  the  IT  systems  conversion  to  our  new
“Maximus”  system.  This  extremely  complex
conversion  has  now  been  completed  in  all 
of  our  Insight  operations  serving  United 
States  customers.  This  tremendous  technical
milestone  will  enable  us  to  realize  cost 
savings,  increase  efficiencies  and  provide  a
greater  level  of  service  to  our  customers. 
In  2004,  we  intend  to  make  additional
enhancements to the system and will introduce
“Maximus”  to  our  United  Kingdom  and
Canadian operations in 2005.

I  am  very  pleased  that  all  of  these  programs
have been successfully accomplished and we
now  have  transitioned  from  strict  product 
fulfillment  to  a  single-source  model  that
includes  service  offerings,  which  I  believe
gives  us  a  significant  competitive  advantage.
We  now  have  the  ability  to  make  total  IT 

solutions available to business customers of all
sizes  in  the  United  States  and  the  United
Kingdom  while  maintaining  personalized 
customer  service  through  a  single  point  of 
contact – the dedicated account executive.

With  the  internal  focus  behind  us,  our  theme
for  2004  is  “Insight  OUT.”  We  are  taking 
the  resources  that  were  dedicated  the  last 
two  years  to  these  internal  projects  and 
redeploying them outward towards areas that
drive  net  sales  and  improve  our  customers’
buying experiences with us. Our top priorities
for  Insight  North  America  in  the  coming 
year include:

• Educating  our  customers  and  account 
executives  on  our  capabilities  which  we
believe  are  more  expansive  than  those  of
any of our direct competitors and constitute
a key differentiator in the marketplace.

• Improving customer service through metrics.
With  the  Maximus  system,  we  have  the
capability to drive metrics into every aspect
of  our  business,  and  we  will  use  these 
metrics 
increase  performance  and 
efficiencies in every department.

to 

• Increasing  marketing,  branding  and  demand  generation
by  using  traditional  marketing  vehicles,  such  as 
advertising and other print media. 

• Enhancing  the  quality  and  functionality  of  our  Web  site 
by integrating it into our entire business processes making
the  customer  experience,  whether  it  is  by  telephone, 
face-to-face or via the Web, as seamless as possible.

With  all  our  resources  focused  on  “Insight  OUT,”  2004 
will be the year to start showing our ability to execute our
single-source business model. 

United Kingdom
2003  was  a  turnaround  year  for  Insight  UK.  With  a  new
management  team  in  place,  Insight  UK  successfully  posted
four quarters of earnings from operations.  The challenges of
2002  for  Insight  UK  are  well  behind  us  and  2003  was  a
year of restructuring and focusing on executing the business
model  in  the  United  Kingdom.  We  are  now  positioning
Insight  UK  as  a  single-source  provider  of  IT  products  and
services under the global Insight brand. I am pleased with
the  results  and  believe  we  have  the  business  model,  focus
and  management  team  to  lead  us  to  future  growth  in  this
operating segment.

Direct Alliance
Our business process outsourcing segment, Direct Alliance,
continued  to  provide  strong  operating  profits  in  2003 
and has been successful in adding several new small clients 
and  programs.  Although  we  continue  to  have  client 
concentration  in  this  segment,  our  relationships  are  strong
and  we  believe  that  improvements  in  the  economy, 
continued trends towards outsourcing and a focus in 2004
on business development should provide an opportunity for
us to grow this operating segment.

PlusNet
PlusNet,  our  United  Kingdom  Internet  service  provider, 
contributed  strong  growth  in  both  net  sales  and  earnings
from operations as we continue to benefit from the shift in the
United Kingdom from dial-up to broadband Internet services.
We  continue  to  be  a  leading  low-cost  provider  of 
broadband Internet service in the UK and proudly received 
several "Best ISP" in the UK media accolades during 2003,
including  the  "Best  ISP  on  the  Planet"  award  from  Internet
Magazine.  Although  it  continues  to  provide  a  positive 
growing contribution to our consolidated results, we still plan
to divest PlusNet when we can obtain what we believe is the
fair value for this operating segment.

Towards  the  end  of  2003,  we  also  made  some  strategic 
senior management changes. Tony Smith returned to Direct
Alliance as president to focus on business development and
I assumed the additional role of president of the company.
In  connection  with  this  change,  the  senior  management 
structure of the company was realigned in order to redeploy
the talents of our current executives in a manner that will best
accomplish our goals for 2004 and beyond. Dino Farfante
was promoted to President of Insight Direct Worldwide and
will oversee all of Insight North America's and Insight United
Kingdom's  sales,  marketing  and  distribution  functions.
Stuart  Fenton,  Managing  Director  for  Insight  UK,  now
reports to Dino. Allowing Dino Farfante and Stuart Fenton to
coordinate  strategic  efforts  and  focus  on  areas  that 
directly affect the customer will help unify the global Insight
brand and help assure that we effectively take advantage of
our competitive positioning as IT spending rebounds.

I  have  had  the  privilege  to  work  with  a  highly  dedicated
board  of  directors  and  I  thank  them  for  their  commitment 
and  service.  The  board’s  diverse  business  knowledge 
and  experience  has  enhanced  the  value  of  our  company. 
I  would  also  like  to  take  the  opportunity  to  welcome  our
newest  board  member  Bennett  Dorrance.  Bennett  brings 
an  extensive  background  in  business  and  finance  and 
has  significant  prior  board  experience  with  Fortune 
500 companies.

Additionally,  I  would  like  to  acknowledge  our  employees
worldwide  for  the  tremendous  job,  hard  work  and 
dedication they have always shown, particularly over these
past  two  years.  The  integration  of  our  acquisitions  and 
conversion  to  Maximus  are  some  of  the  largest  feats  our
company has ever accomplished. You are the champions!

As  we  move  forward,  I  feel  confident  in  our  strategic 
direction and our business plan. All of our business segments
are  ready  for  the  challenges  and  opportunities  that  2004
will bring. With the foundation firmly in place, I believe we
are well positioned for growth in 2004 and beyond.

On  behalf  of  our  employees  and  the  board  of  directors,
thank you for being a stockholder and for your support.

Sincerely, 

Timothy A. Crown
Chief Executive Officer and President
March 12, 2004

Timothy A. Crown 
Chief Executive Officer and
President Insight Enterprises, Inc.

Board of Directors

(Clockwise from top left) Eric J. Crown, Vice President and Chairman of the Board; Michael M. Fisher,
Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee; Stanley Laybourne, Executive Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer, Treasurer and Director; Timothy A. Crown, Chief Executive Officer, President and
Director; Larry A. Gunning, Director and Chairman of the Compensation Committee; Robertson C.
Jones, Director and Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee. Not shown: Bennett
Dorrance, Director

 
I N S I G H T

E N T

E R P R I S E S ,

I N C .

Key Financial Charts

Net Sales
(in thousands)

Net Earnings (Loss)
(in thousands)

Diluted Earnings (Loss) 
Per Share

About Insight

Insight Enterprises, Inc. is a leading provider of information technology (IT) products and services to 
businesses in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Our offerings include brand name 
computing products, advanced IT services and outsourcing of business processes. Major brands recognized
by customers are Insight and related Insight-branded subsidiaries, and Direct Alliance Corporation. We have
approximately 4,000 employees worldwide and are currently ranked number 506 on Fortune Magazine’s
2003 Fortune 1000 list.

We have four operating segments:
• Single-source provider of IT products and services – North America (Insight North America) 
• Single-source provider of IT products and services – United Kingdom (Insight UK) 
• Business process outsource provider (Direct Alliance) 
• Internet service provider – United Kingdom (PlusNet)

Insight North America, Insight UK, Direct Alliance and PlusNet represented 83%, 13%, 3% and 1% of our
net sales in 2003, respectively. 

2003

ANNUAL
R E P O R T