Item 1. BUSINESS
Introduction
Triad Systems Corporation ("Triad" or the "Company") is a leading provider of business and information management solutions for the Automotive Aftermarket and the Hardlines and Lumber industry. Triad offers new and existing customers a variety of proprietary database products with periodic updates, software and hardware products, financing and ongoing support services.
On October 17, 1996, the Company signed a definitive merger agreement with Cooperative Computing, Inc., a Texas corporation ("CCI") under which an acquisition company owned jointly by CCI and the investment firm of Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst would acquire the Company. See "SUBSEQUENT EVENT - Execution of Merger Agreement."
Triad's installed base provides significant recurring revenues, accounting for 74% of its annual revenues in fiscal 1996. Of the recurring revenues, 49% is from service and support agreements, 26% from sales of hardware and software upgrades and add-ons to existing customers and 25% from subscription fees for Triad's proprietary database products. Triad's principal strategy is to expand its presence and generate increasing recurring revenues in its primary markets by marketing a growing family of database, hardware and software products in its two key markets, by penetrating adjacent segments of those markets and by geographic expansion.
Markets
The Company's markets consist of numerous independent businesses which require management of large quantities of data. These businesses are increasingly needing information management products and services targeted to their specific industries. Triad is providing a growing family of database products and information management services to existing and new customers in response to these market requirements. See "BUSINESS-Information Services."
Automotive Aftermarket. The Automotive Aftermarket consists of four principal levels of distribution: manufacturers, warehouse distributors, parts stores ("jobbers and retailers") and auto repair shops ("service dealers"). Manufacturers distribute automotive parts through warehouse distributors, jobbers and retailers, who stock and sell the automobile parts used by service dealers and consumers. Today, these channels of distribution are blurring with many warehouses selling directly to service dealers and retailers and many jobbers also selling at wholesale. 	 The Company had approximately 11,000 Automotive customers spanning small and large businesses as of September 30, 1996. Triad's installed base provides a source of recurring revenue through sales of applications software packages, peripherals, hardware upgrades, information services, business products and customer support services. Due to the high level of automation among traditional jobbers segment and the lower per-unit cost of systems being sold to smaller Automotive Aftermarket customers, the Company does not anticipate significant growth in revenues from system sales to domestic jobbers segment.
The Company has developed new products and approaches to expand its customer base in adjacent segments. The Company typically offers its software products and databases in conjunction with system sales, and also markets selected software products and databases separately. Triad has gained access to several leading retail chains, as well as jobbers utilizing non-Triad systems with these products. Further, the Company has reached retail chains, service dealers and small jobbers through products such as the LaserCat and ServiceCat workstations and software and database products. See "BUSINESS- Triad Hardware Systems and Software Products" and "-Information Services." The ServiceCat workstation is directed at the 185,000 automotive repair businesses, while the Triad ServiceWriter system is aimed at the 75,000 targeted segment of the larger, more sophisticated businesses.
Triad markets its Automotive products in the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, France and Puerto Rico. See "BUSINESS-Marketing and Sales." The Company's strategy is to expand its customer base through the development and marketing of database products for the automotive parts and service aftermarket in the United States, Canada and selected European Community countries. See "BUSINESS-Information Services."
Triad markets systems to the warehouse distributor segment. More than 160 mid-range and large warehouse distributors have installed the Paperless Warehouse, the UNIX-based DIS Warehouse System and the Triad Ultimate System. The UNIX-based Warehouse System is targeted at the traditional warehouse distributor who primarily services independent jobbers. The Triad Ultimate System is for larger distributors who wish to operate their warehouses and stores from a single Central Processing Unit (CPU). The Paperless Warehouse utilizes Bar-Code Scanning and Radio Frequency technology to enhance efficiency and productivity in the warehouse operations. Additionally, smaller warehouse distributors and larger jobbers have purchased the Company's jobber system. See "BUSINESS-Triad Hardware Systems and Software Products."
Hardlines and Lumber. Triad's Hardlines and Lumber operation offers integrated business systems to a market of approximately 49,000 hardware stores and home centers, lumber/building supplies stores, paint and decorating retailers, and farm supply dealers with annual sales of between $300 thousand and $200 million. At September 30, 1996, the Company had approximately 5,400 customers in these markets.
There is a lower level of automation in the Hardlines and Lumber market compared to the Automotive Aftermarket. The Company believes that independent hardlines retailers are increasingly recognizing the advantages of automation as they face increased competition. Hardlines and Lumber trade journals have encouraged automation, and some major hardlines wholesalers and cooperatives strongly endorse automation to their member dealers. Approximately half of the top 60 hardware distributors endorse Triad products and services, along with five of the seven leading lumber and building materials groups. In addition, Triad has developed and currently maintains strong relationships with the four major hardlines cooperatives. See "BUSINESS-Marketing and Sales."
Technological advancements in Triad's interactive UNIX-based Eagle, Eagle LS and IMS systems allow for product offerings suitable for hardlines and building materials chains with up to 99 stores and $200 million in annual sales. See "BUSINESS-Triad Hardware Systems and Software Products."
Information Services
Triad licenses its proprietary databases in return for a license fee and monthly subscription fees entitling customers to periodic updates. These database products generate recurring revenues through monthly subscription fees and add value to the Company's products, thus contributing to new system sales. The Company offers special databases to its Automotive customers and has a database catalog product for hardware stores affiliated with Cotter & Company (True Value).
Electronic Catalog. Triad's Electronic Catalog product provides more than 20 million automobile parts applications. This database minimizes the time-consuming and cumbersome use of printed catalogs and is designed to increase productivity and accuracy in parts selection and handling. Proprietary software on Triad's jobber systems integrates information from the Electronic Catalog and the Telepricing databases so that for a given automotive repair, parts required are identified, along with updated prices and inventory levels. Additional prompts enable the jobber to recommend related parts that the customer may need in addition to the parts requested. Triad charges a monthly subscription fee for the Electronic Catalog database and provides the customer with periodic updates. At September 30, 1996, approximately 5,800 customers had licensed the Electronic Catalog database. Telepricing. The Telepricing service provides price updates for automotive parts following a manufacturer's price change, minimizing a customer's need to input this data manually. Telepricing service customers pay an initial license fee and a monthly subscription fee for this updating service. This database had 3,000 subscribers at September 30, 1996.
LaborGuide Database. The LaborGuide database provides estimations of labor hours for car repairs and is based on labor estimating data from Mitchell International, Inc. There were approximately 6,700 units generating monthly fees for this database at September 30, 1996. This database is targeted to approximately 185,000 service dealers in the United States and permits users to comply more easily with regulations in many states that require written estimates of repair costs. During fiscal 1996, Triad added a new dimension to this database with its introduction of Major Service Intervals for domestic automobiles. The data includes detailed labor time and parts recommendations as defined by the automobile manufacturer, enabling subscribers to schedule regular maintenance appointments for their customers.
LaserGuide. The LaserGuide database is a reconfiguration of Electronic Catalog and allows a jobber to determine which automobiles (by make and year) the identified automotive parts will fit. The database also assists the jobber in making decisions on inventory levels. There were approximately 300 customers using this database at September 30, 1996.
Workstation Products. Triad offers several products which are designed to make its proprietary databases available to businesses with or without Triad systems. These products, including the LaserCat and ServiceCat, make Triad's proprietary database products available through CD-ROM technology and are designed to operate as stand-alone terminals or integrated as terminals in Triad systems or many competitors' systems. See "BUSINESS-Triad Hardware Systems and Software Products." The Company's Information Services Division also markets the software and database products to new customers separately from Triad's hardware systems.
Databases for Retailers. Triad markets its database products to large automotive retail chains (i.e., Goodyear, Western Auto, Penske and Sears) with multiple national or regional sites. These chains use a variety of hardware platforms and applications software on their systems. Triad's proprietary databases are integrated into these systems. Triad's applications software may, but need not, be included in these packages.
Databases for Manufacturers. Triad markets database services utilizing Triad's database products to auto parts manufacturers. In addition to the full Telepricing database, manufacturers may select only certain categories of parts, or may choose the Competitive Analysis service, which compares price levels and number of applications to a competitor's product line. Triad's new transaction analysis service, MarketPACE for the Automotive Aftermarket, reports product movement information based on point of sale (POS) data collected at the independent retail levels in the respective markets. MarketPACE services supply comprehensive POS information and inventory analysis providing the decision support tools required to increase sales, boost productivity, improve distribution and enhance customer service for warehouses and auto parts stores.
Databases for International Markets. In 1992, Triad established a wholly-owned subsidiary in Longford, Ireland, to create, maintain and distribute database products for automotive business management systems marketed by Triad and third parties in the United Kingdom and Ireland. This project is supported, in part, by grants from the Industrial Development Authority of Ireland ("IDA"), subject to maintaining minimum capitalization and employment levels for the subsidiary. The facility began distributing database products in 1993 and its Electronic Catalog product is marketed in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Triad also markets automotive database products in Canada and Puerto Rico and developed a product for the French market which was introduced in late 1995.
Hardlines and Lumber. In addition to its Automotive Aftermarket databases, the Company also markets databases to the Hardlines and Lumber industry.
Cotter & Company Database. Triad introduced the Cotter & Company database product in 1991 as a catalog of products available from the Cotter & Company (True Value) cooperative warehouses. The database is marketed to Cotter affiliated members. See "BUSINESS-Triad Hardware Systems and Software Products."
Databases for Manufacturers. VISTA is the new transaction analysis service for the Hardlines and Lumber industry. VISTA provides product manufacturers with ongoing measurement of brand and item movement with major product classifications using POS business analysis data from independent hardware stores, home centers and lumber and building materials outlets. Information from VISTA services provide manufacturers with insight into how a given product or brand performs against its competitors and the market in general.
Triad Hardware Systems and Software Products
Triad's applications software and business computer systems, together with its database products, provide comprehensive business solutions targeted to its two key segments. The Company provides a different set of standard applications programs for each segment that include user options allowing the selective structuring of applications files and reports to meet customers' specific requirements. These software products also allow Triad customers to access the Company's proprietary databases. See "BUSINESS- Information Services."
Systems developed for each specific market are generally field-upgradable to meet customers' future growth needs. Hardware components include central processing units (CPUs), disk drives, video display terminals, CD-ROM storage devices, point of sale terminals, communication devices, printers and other peripherals. Triad's systems also have communication capabilities allowing users to exchange purchase orders and pricing and inventory information with suppliers and, in some cases, customers.
Automotive Aftermarket. Triad's Warehouse Systems have the potential for a larger number of application enhancements and offer increased processor speed to serve businesses with high transaction volumes. The enhanced database management features allow the user flexibility in information retrieval. The Paperless Warehouse from Triad eliminates manual entry of parts-related information and enables warehouse operators to update inventory records, dramatically changing the way warehouses manage the flow of parts. This product enables employees to utilize hand-held computers equipped with bar-code scanners and radio transmitters to perform every warehouse task from receiving to stocking and from order picking to shipping, transmitting the data to the host Triad computer. Triad's UNIX- based Warehouse System merges the latest UNIX/RISC technology to provide users with total warehouse management capabilities and gives users a powerful relational database to access any information they require. Triad Prism is a UNIX-based system featuring a fully-integrated relational database on Intel Pentium Pro and other Intel processors. In 1996, the Company focused its marketing efforts of the Triad Prism products on the medium to large sophisticated automotive parts distributors. At about the same time, the marketing effort for the Triad Eclipse system, developed by the Company's loadSTAR subsidiary, was expanded to cover the general market of the automotive parts distributors. Triad's Series 11, Triad Eclipse, and Triad Prism track inventory, perform accounting functions, and execute such point of sale operations as invoicing and billing and catalog. Smaller warehouse distributors also use these systems with applications software designed to serve their particular information management requirements. Triad's Series 11 systems use a microcomputer manufactured by Triad with a proprietary operating system. All these Triad systems enable customers to use the Electronic Catalog database and Triad's other automotive database products. See "BUSINESS-Information Services."
The Company also markets the TelePart terminal to its jobber customers, who generally place the terminal on-site with their service dealer customers. The TelePart terminal allows service dealers to electronically order parts by communicating directly with that jobber's Triad system equipped with the Electronic Catalog product. At September 30, 1996, Triad had installed more than 1,800 TelePart terminals.
Triad ServiceWriter is the latest addition to its growing family of information management solutions. A version of the service dealer system which operates under Microsoft WindowsTM was introduced in the fourth quarter of this year. Triad ServiceWriter blends Triad's unique databases of 20 million parts applications, detailed labor estimates and recommended vehicle service intervals with the latest in workstation technology. Triad ServiceWriter also creates printed work estimates, automated work orders and maintains individual customer records and vehicle maintenance histories, enabling users to notify customers of required preventive maintenance and create other special promotions. Utilizing Triad's unique TelePart feature, Triad ServiceWriter electronically orders required parts. ServiceWriter can also be expanded to include inventory management, point of sale and general accounting applications.
The ServiceCat workstation is marketed to the service dealer segment of the automotive parts aftermarket. The ServiceCat product includes the Electronic Catalog and LaborGuide databases and TelePart software. It permits service dealers to estimate the cost of an entire repair job, including parts and labor, for customers, a service which is mandatory in several states. See "BUSINESS Information Services." Triad's Information Services Division also markets the Catalog databases separately from the workstation.
In 1996, the Company, acquired certain assets of Pace Automotive Systems Ltd. of Canada, including the Pace Business Manager, a business management software system directed at service dealers.
The Company also markets various terminals and workstations which provide access to Triad's proprietary databases. Triad's LaserCat product is marketed to customers requiring the complete Electronic Catalog database product, regardless of whether they own a Triad jobber system, a competitor's system or are not automated. The LaserCat product is an independent PC-based workstation using CD-ROM technology to provide access to Triad's Electronic Catalog database product, resulting in recurring revenues from monthly subscription fees. See "BUSINESS-Information Services." LaserCat workstations function as stand-alone units and also can be integrated as a terminal with any Triad Jobber System or with numerous competitors' jobber systems. Triad's Information Services Division also markets the LaserCat software and databases separately from the workstation. See "BUSINESS-Information Services."
Hardlines and Lumber Industry. Triad Hardlines and Lumber systems automate inventory control, point of sale functions, invoicing, billing, payroll, accounting and electronic communications to affiliated cooperatives, distributors and manufacturers.
The UNIX-based Intel Pentium and Pentium Pro driven Eagle series of systems is designed for small and mid- to large sized Hardlines dealers. These systems have greater power and functionality and therefore have expanded access to larger Hardlines dealers. Existing Triad customers are able to upgrade to an Eagle system and utilize the newly incorporated technological advancements.
The Company's Eagle LS blends the power and flexibility of Triad's UNIX- based business and information management system with applications and features created to meet the unique needs of lumber and building materials operations. The Eagle LS system manages the flow of a typical transaction, including estimating, ordering and inventory management, shipping, invoicing and tracking accounts receivable. More than 3,750 Eagle and Eagle LS systems, including upgrades and new systems, have been sold since 1991. In 1996, the Company purchased Computer System Dynamics (CSD) and its assets. CSD was founded in 1975 and is headquartered in Denver, Colorado. It is recognized as one of the leaders in providing specialized computer solutions to the building materials industry which is comprised of 600 firms in 1,100 locations nationwide. CSD's product, IMS, is a UNIX-based system designed for large sized lumber and building material dealers. The product is being driven by Intel Pentium and IBM RS/6000 hardware and has functionality to handle very large lumber dealers.
The True Start(TM) product, an entry level catalog and ordering system, includes the Cotter and Company database product. It is designed as a stand alone system and is marketed and sold by Cotter and Company to its members. Business Products. Triad markets a wide line of business products to the Automotive Aftermarket and Hardlines and Lumber industry through catalogs and telemarketing services.
Customer Support and Services
The Company's Customer Support Services organization, representing approximately 32% of the Company's full-time employees at September 30, 1996, provides service, training and support to Triad's domestic and international customers. System support agreements are a significant source of recurring revenue for Triad. Triad system owners are principally small business proprietors without the internal staffing or expertise to train users or to maintain computer systems on a consistent basis. These customers require a high level of service, training and support. Management believes its service organization represents a major competitive advantage.
Hardware Maintenance and Software Support. Triad typically provides a limited warranty on its systems. Triad also sells a variety of post-sale support programs through its system support agreements, including preventive and remedial maintenance, hardware engineering modifications and daily system operating support by phone. Triad's customers can call the Company's Advice Line service giving them access to trained personnel able to perform on-line diagnostics or to dispatch field engineers if on-site service is necessary.
Virtually all new system customers enter into system support agreements at the time of purchase and most retain such service agreements as long as they own the system. Monthly domestic fees vary with system size. At September 30, 1996, the Company had 181 field engineers and managers, and 73 customer education representatives (CERs) and managers in 115 domestic and 17 foreign field service offices.
Customer Training. Customer training is offered in Triad facilities, including 42 education centers nationwide. The Company also provides on-site training for new and existing customers. In addition to training in system operations and software enhancements, Triad offers seminars and workshops to assist customers in understanding the capabilities of their systems.
Pre-Delivery Services and Installation. Triad's sales representatives provide a number of pre-delivery services to Triad's customers, including a cost-justification analysis, visits to current Triad users, site planning and preparation, training for management and employees and installation planning. Triad's Zapstart product pre-loads an individual automotive customer's inventory, pricing and parts applications data into its Triad system upon installation, saving customers significant data-entry time. The Company also offers hardware retailers a similar capability to pre-load inventory files provided by certain cooperatives or distributors. Marketing and Sales
The Company markets its automotive and hardlines products and services through a 225-person direct sales organization as of September 30, 1996. The Company's products and services are marketed through direct sales calls, telephone sales and by system demonstrations in customer facilities or in Company sales offices. Sales prospects are generated by telemarketing, customer referrals, trade publication advertising and trade show demonstrations. Triad's national accounts sales force solicits endorsements and other marketing arrangements with regional and national associations, distributors and cooperatives.
In addition, the Company markets its database products directly by telemarketing and direct sales, or indirectly through value-added resellers, to jobbers, service dealers and hardlines distribution chains. Triad reaches potential customers who do not own Triad computer systems by marketing its database information products through value-added resellers who offer other systems or products in Triad's markets.
The Company began marketing certain products and services in the Automotive Aftermarket in the United Kingdom and Canada in the early 1980s. Marketing efforts were expanded to Ireland through the United Kingdom subsidiary in 1989 and France in 1996. In 1995 the Company began selling the Hardlines and Lumber product in Canada. Sales in foreign countries are generally priced in local currencies and are therefore subject to currency exchange fluctuations.
For the years ended September 30, 1994, 1995 and 1996, no customer other than Triad Systems Financial Corporation ("Triad Financial"), accounted for 10% or more of Triad's revenues, and no end user accounted for more than 10% of Triad's revenues. Historically, the Company's business has been seasonal, with the Company generally experiencing a decline in revenues in the first quarter of each year from the final quarter of the preceding year, with revenues usually building as the year progresses.
Triad Systems Financial Corporation
Triad formed Triad Systems Financial Corporation in August 1978 to provide lease financing to the Company's customers. Leases are full-payout, noncancellable leases with terms from one to six years. Triad Financial provided lease financing for approximately 65% of domestic business systems sales in the year ended September 30, 1996.
The Company believes that its ability to offer lease financing to its customers through Triad Financial shortens the sales cycle and provides a competitive advantage in marketing Triad products. From its inception through September 30, 1996, Triad Financial purchased and leased $564 million of Triad equipment, including $39 million during fiscal 1996. Triad Financial also provides lease financing to independent third parties in the markets that Triad serves, and since 1984 has financed $70 million under these programs, including $18 million in 1996. It is actively pursuing additional third party opportunities.
Triad Financial discounts most of its lease receivables on either a full or limited recourse basis to banks and lending institutions under discounting agreements. Under the agreements, Triad Financial is contingently liable for losses in the event of lessee nonpayment for discounted leases. The contingent liability for losses was $25.9 million at September 30, 1996. The discounting agreements provide for limited recourse of up to 15% or full recourse at 100% of discounted proceeds, depending on the credit risk associated with specific leases. At September 30, 1996, the Company had $16 million invested in its lease portfolio and, if needed, maintains discounting lines to sufficiently liquidate the principal of this investment into cash.
The discounting agreements contain restrictive covenants that must be maintained in order to discount. In the event of non-compliance, the banks and lending institutions could assume administrative control of the lease portfolio and could prohibit further discounting under the available credit facilities. The most restrictive covenant requires that both Triad and Triad Financial be profitable every quarter. The Company failed to meet this covenant at June 30, 1996, and received a waiver. At September 30, 1996, the Company is in compliance with the restrictive covenants. Under the terms of an operating and support agreement with Triad Financial, the Company is obligated, if required, to make equity contributions or subordinated loans to enable Triad Financial to fulfill its obligations under the equipment financing agreements.
Product Development
Triad's newest products are based on open systems design architecture. This allows the use of latest technology hardware and industry standard software for rapid development of products and services. Triad typically integrates its application software with industry standard operating systems and hardware platforms. Triad uses its system integration expertise to deliver reliable systems with the appropriate performance and scalability for future enhancements. The open design environment allows the Company to focus its development efforts on applications that provide business solutions for each market segment and custom design when current technology does not offer a solution. During 1994, 1995 and 1996, Triad's respective product development expenditures including capitalized costs were $11.2 million, $11.1 million and $11.9 million.
The Company capitalized $3.1 million, $2.9 million and $3.5 million of software development costs in 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively. Amortization of capitalized software costs begins when the products are available for general release to customers. Costs are amortized over the expected product lives and are calculated using the greater of the straight- line method, generally over a three, five or seven year period, or a cost per unit sold basis. During 1996, the Company repositioned certain products within the Automotive Aftermarket and wrote off $7,500,000 in capitalized costs for Triad Prism.
At September 30, 1996, the Company employed 128 persons in product development. Separate teams of Company analysts and programmers are dedicated to each of the Company's markets. Common hardware and operating system expertise provides support to each market-oriented development team. In addition, Triad uses industry-specific advisory councils, representing a cross-section of its customers, to review its development plans and give advice on software applications features and priorities as they relate to their automation needs.
Manufacturing
Triad's Manufacturing operation consists primarily of systems integration, including third party hardware and software with the Company's application software. Triad assembles and tests systems or peripherals from standard components and third party subassemblies at the Livermore facility. In addition, Triad provides manufacturing and test services for third party companies to optimize capacity and material planning operations.
Purchased parts and standard assemblies normally account for approximately 96% of hardware overhead cost, with subassembly, assembly and test costs representing the balance. The Company had 45 manufacturing employees at September 30, 1996. Standard systems are typically shipped in the same quarter the orders are received. The backlog of orders is not a significant factor in understanding the Company's business.
Most of the components and peripherals used in the Company's systems are available from a number of different suppliers, although the Company generally purchases such major items as peripherals from a single source of supply. The Company believes that alternative sources could be developed, if required, without significant disruption or delay of shipments.
Product Protection
Triad regards its software and databases as proprietary and attempts to protect them with copyrights, trade secret law and internal nondisclosure safeguards, as well as restrictions on disclosure and transferability that are incorporated into its license agreements. Despite these restrictions, it may be possible for competitors or users to copy aspects of the Company's products or to obtain information which the Company considers to be a trade secret.
Triad has obtained licenses from various sources covering operating systems, utilities and applications programs and databases used in its current and future products. The Company is not aware that the manufacture and sale of its current hardware, software and database products requires any licenses from others not already secured. Triad has three patents pending and may seek additional patent protection related to new hardware or software products as appropriate.
Competition
Triad experiences competition for its applications software and database products from a variety of firms, ranging from small, independent applications software producers to partnerships of the largest software producers, information services and computer systems suppliers. Some of Triad's competitors customize general-purpose business management software and market it for use on industry-standard hardware. The Company also faces competition in both the Automotive Aftermarket and Hardlines and Lumber segments from large distributors and large cooperatives that market computer systems to their members. Competition for the Company's higher-priced warehouse systems and database products comes from both customers developing their own systems in-house, and from large, well-established businesses that offer general-purpose business computers and custom programming. Entry into the markets for the Company's products is not unusually difficult, and new competition is expected from traditional suppliers of systems to retailers, from parts manufacturers and from others.
The Company believes that the key competitive factors in each of the Company's markets are information management capability, product features and functions, quality and quantity of data, price, ease of use, reliability, technical support, customer service and financing. The Company believes that it operates in a highly competitive environment, marked by a significant consolidation among its traditional customer base. Triad is developing new products and improvements to meet these competitive challenges.
Litigation
The Company is involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course of business and in litigation to protect its proprietary rights. Triad is party to various legal proceedings, primarily in connection with deficiencies from customer-financed leases for products and services and related contract defenses such as breach of warranty. Alleged damages vary widely and some actions involve claims against the Company for damages, including punitive damages. In the opinion of management, after consultation with legal counsel, these matters will be resolved without material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations or financial position.
Triad, in compliance with the Hart-Scott-Rodino antitrust Improvements Act, notified the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Department of Justice of the pending tender offer for shares by Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst Incorporated. See "SUBSEQUENT EVENT - Execution of Merger Agreement." The FTC has since initiated a review of the transaction. The parties do not believe the transaction raises any competitive concerns and are cooperating fully in this review.
Employees
At September 30, 1996, Triad had 1,503 full-time employees. Persons with programming skills and experience are in great demand in the information management industry. The loss of a substantial number of these personnel, or an inability in the future to obtain sufficient additional qualified personnel, would have an adverse effect on the Company's business. The Company considers its employee relations good and is not party to any collective bargaining agreements.
Subsequent Event - Execution of Merger Agreement
On October 17, 1996, the Company signed a definitive merger agreement with Cooperative Computing, Inc., a Texas corporation ("CCI"), under which CCI Acquisition Corp. ("CAC"), a Delaware corporation jointly owned by CCI and Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst Incorporated, a private investment firm located in Dallas, Texas, would acquire the Company.
Pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement, CAC commenced a cash tender offer for all outstanding shares of the Company at a price of $9.25 per share on October 23, 1996. The tender offer, which was to have expired at 12:00 Midnight, New York City time, November 20, 1996, has been extended until 12:00 midnight, New York City time, on Friday, January 3, 1997. When the tender offer is completed, it will be followed by a merger transaction, in which any shares of the Company's common stock that remain outstanding after the tender offer will be exchanged for cash at the same price as the tender offer price. The tender offer is not expected to be completed until the Federal Trade Commission completes its currently pending review of the transaction and certain other conditions to closing are satisfied. In addition to the cash consideration to be received by the Company's shareholders pursuant to the tender offer or the merger transaction, the merger agreement provides that the Company's shareholders of record immediately prior to the consummation of the tender offer will receive a dividend consisting of their pro rata share of the equity of a newly formed company whose assets will consist of all the Company's owned real property located in Livermore, California, including its corporate headquarters buildings and land held for sale in the Triad Park development in Livermore. The spun-off real estate entity, which the Company expects to be a public company, will assume all the indebtedness currently secured by the spun-off real estate and will lease the corporate headquarters buildings to the Company's post merger successor. Over time, the real estate entity is expected to liquidate its real estate portfolio, with proceeds used to pay expenses (including taxes), repay secured debt and distribute any remaining proceeds to its equity holders. The Company's ability to market this property is dependent upon interest rates, general economic and market conditions, the prospective purchaser's ability to develop the property and the purchaser's ability to obtain a variety of governmental approvals, none of which is assured and all of which are subject to objections from the public.
Item 2.

Item 2. Properties
The Company owns substantially all of its real property and the equipment used in its business. Corporate headquarters is located on a portion of its Livermore, California properties. Operations are consolidated in three buildings aggregating 220,000 square feet. Title to the headquarters buildings and the land on which they sit is held by a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, which leases the premises to the Company for approximately $209,000 per month. The property and the lease are pledged as security on a 15-year term loan made by an insurance company to the subsidiary in the principal amount of $15.5 million with an initial interest rate of 97/8% that may be adjusted at the option of the lender in 1998.
At September 30, 1996, the Company was leasing sales and service space in 116 cities in the United States and 16 foreign sites.
In 1984, the Company purchased Triad Park, an aggregate of 398 contiguous acres in the City of Livermore, for a total purchase price of $15.8 million. The Company subsequently reconveyed approximately 10 acres of Triad Park to the sellers under the terms of the original purchase agreement. Since 1984, the Company has also conveyed approximately 12.8 acres to Livermore for roadways which Triad developed in Triad Park. A portion of Triad Park consisting of 110 acres is zoned "open space" and currently may only be used for agricultural purposes.
The Company sold an aggregate of 59.1 acres of Triad Park from fiscal years 1987 through 1996 for $11.3 million and as of September 30, 1996, intended to market 161.1 acres of Triad Park for resale during the next several years. During first quarter 1997, the Company decided to sell an additional 36 acres previously classified in Property, Plant and Equipment. Approximately 14.6 acres of property have been rezoned for retail use, 28.1 acres for residential, 25.4 acres for retail or industrial use and the balance of the property is zoned for research and development purposes. As part of this rezoning process, the Company entered into an agreement with the City of Livermore canceling the former development agreement for the Triad Park and eliminating any further obligations by the Triad Park owners, including Triad, to construct or participate in any assessment district to fund construction of two freeway interchanges and a water storage facility. However, all future construction in the Triad Park will require payment to the City of its current traffic impact fees required in connection with issuance of building permits.
Improvements are financed through municipal bonds. Two series of municipal bonds were sold by an assessment district from November 1985 through September 1988 to finance $11.5 million in improvements. A community facilities district was formed in 1990 that replaced the function of the assessment district under which $2.4 million in improvements were financed in September 1990. The community facilities district is authorized to finance a total of $17 million in bonds to provide funds to pay costs of the acquisition and construction of certain public facilities and services related to Triad Park. In 1993, the assessment district debt was refinanced to take advantage of lower interest rates.
The liens of the assessment district and community facilities district securing those bonds is segregated on a pro rata basis among all developable parcels of Triad Park and thus, except with respect to parcels retained by Triad for its own use, will be assumed by buyers of individual parcels. Principal and interest payments are required to be made by Triad (or by subsequent purchasers of parcels of Triad Park) as additional bonds up to the $17 million authorized are sold. With respect to $9.6 million in assessments outstanding, the Company made $864,000 in interest payments on the bonds in fiscal 1994, $832,000 in fiscal 1995 and $816,000 in fiscal 1996.
The Company intends to sell those portions of the Livermore acreage which are in excess of the Company's long-term facilities requirements.
Item 3.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings
See "Item 1 - Litigation."
Item 4.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
The Company did not submit any matters to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended September 30, 1996.
Item E.O. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The Company's Executive Officers and Operating Management as of December 15, 1996 are as follows: Name Age Position - ---- --- -------- James R. Porter 61 President, Chief Executive Officer, and 				Director Shane Gorman 53 Executive Vice President, Automotive Operations Chad A. Schneller 55 Vice President, Hardlines and Lumber Operations Stanley F. Marquis 53 Vice President, Finance, Chief Financial 				Officer, Corporate Secretary and Treasurer; 				President, Triad Systems Financial Corporation Dan F. Dent 49 Vice President and General Manager, Customer 				Support Services Division Thomas A. King 52 Vice President, Product Development and 				Manufacturing M. Edward Molkenbuhr 49 Vice President and General Manager, Service 				Dealer Division Thomas J. O'Malley 61 Vice President, Administration Bruce M. Blanco 47 Corporate Controller and General Manager, 				Triad Systems Financial Corporation Patrick J. Bormann 40 General Manager, Automotive Distributor Systems
Mr. James R. Porter joined the Company as President and Chief Executive Officer and was elected a director of the Company in September 1985.
Mr. Shane Gorman joined the Company as a sales representative in 1972 and has held several progressive management positions, including General Manager, Automotive Division, General Manager, Dental Division and Vice President and General Manager, Automotive Division. He became Executive Vice President in September 1992.
Mr. Chad A. Schneller joined the Company as Vice President and General Manager, Hardlines and Lumber Division in July 1994. Prior to joining Triad, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Harvest Software from January 1991 to December 1993.
Mr. Stanley F. Marquis joined the Company in January 1980 as Director of Triad Systems Financial Corporation. In August 1983, he was elected President, Triad Systems Financial Corporation and in September 1987, he was elected Treasurer of Triad. In December 1994, he was promoted to Vice President, Finance, Chief Financial Officer and became Corporate Secretary.
Mr. Dan F. Dent joined the Company in January 1993 as Director of Field Operations and became General Manager, Customer Support Services Division in October 1994. He was promoted as Vice President and General Manager, Customer Support Services Division in October 1995. Prior to joining Triad, he was Vice President, Customer Support Services at Ultimate from July 1991 to December 1992.
Mr. Thomas A. King joined the Company in April 1989 as Vice President, Product Development and became Vice President, Product Development and Manufacturing in October 1993.
Mr. M. Edward Molkenbuhr joined the Company in September 1993 as Vice President and General Manager of the Company's new Service Dealer Division. Prior to joining Triad, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Amicus Information Services from November 1992 to May 1993. From January 1983 to November 1992, he served in a number of key senior positions with ADP, Inc. where his most recent position was Senior Vice President of Data Services.
Mr. Thomas J. O'Malley joined the Company in January 1981 as Director of Administration and was elected Vice President, Administration in August 1983.
Mr. Bruce M. Blanco joined the Company in April 1984 as Financial Manager of Triad Systems Financial Corporation. In January 1985, he was promoted to Revenue Systems Manager. He has been the Controller since May 1988. In October 1996, he assumed the responsibilities of General Manager of Triad Systems Financial Corporation.
Mr. Patrick J. Bormann joined the Company in September 1978 as a Marketing Applications Representative and has progressed through a series of sales, support, marketing and customer service assignments. In February 1991, he assumed complete responsibility for Warehouse Systems operations and was promoted to General Manager in October 1995. In October 1996, he was promoted to General Manager, Automotive Distributor Systems.
Officers serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors. There is no understanding between any of the Company's officers and any other person pursuant to which such officer is or was to be selected.
Part II
Item 5.

Item 5. Market for the Registrant's Common Stock and Related Security 	Holder Matters
Triad common stock is traded on the over-the-counter market under the NASDAQ National Market System symbol TRSC. As of September 30, 1996, there were 1,245 record holders of the Company's common stock. Below are the quoted prices for the stock's high and low sales prices:
FY 1996 High Low - ----------------------------------------------------------------- First Quarter $ 6 3/8 $ 5 1/4 Second Quarter 6 3/4 5 1/2 Third Quarter 6 7/8 5 1/4 Fourth Quarter 6 5/8 4 3/4
FY 1995 High Low - ----------------------------------------------------------------- First Quarter $ 5 3/8 $ 4 5/8 Second Quarter 6 5 Third Quarter 7 5/8 5 5/8 Fourth Quarter 7 5/8 5 1/8
The Company has declared no dividends on its common stock since incorporation and anticipates it will continue to retain its earnings for use in its business.
Item 6.

Item 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND 	RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Results of Operations
Revenues for fiscal 1996 of $175.7 million increased slightly over 1995 revenues of $175.1, which were 5% above the $167.3 million of 1994. Gross profit of $81.9 million declined 5% or $4.7 million from 1995, while increasing 5% or $4.1 million over 1994.
A restructuring charge of $9.0 million, related to an Automotive product issue and realignment of Automotive Aftermarket operations, was included in the 1996 operating profit of $5.5 million compared to operating income of $20.5 million in 1995 and $19.4 million in 1994.
Net income was $1.2 million in 1996 compared with $8.0 million in 1995 and $7.2 million in 1994. Net income in 1996 reflected the $9.0 million restructuring charge, proceeds from the sale of the Company's investment in the Alldata Corporation of $1.8 million, the sale of four parcels in Triad Park for $1.1 million and a net charge of $.4 million after taxes related to the refinancing of debt. Net income in 1995 and 1994 also reflected a net charge of $.4 million and $.1 million after taxes, respectively, also related to the early retirement of debt.
Fully diluted earnings per share were 7 cents in 1996, 45 cents in 1995 and 42 cents in 1994.
Automotive Aftermarket Revenues
The Automotive Aftermarket consists of manufacturers, warehouse distributors, parts stores and independent and chain repair outlets. Revenues are primarily derived from the sale and financing of systems and information and support services related to those systems. Automotive Aftermarket revenues of $101.2 million were 10% below 1995 revenues of $112.2 million. Revenues in 1995 remained relatively consistent with 1994. Systems sales in 1996 decreased 22% to $31.6 million from $40.7 million in 1995, a decline of 9% from $44.7 million in 1994. In 1995, the Company's jobber system sales were affected by the implementation of a controlled rollout of the second phase of the Triad Prism(R) product due to certain software-related problems. In the third quarter of 1996, recognizing slower than anticipated aftermarket acceptance of the Triad Prism system and its product performance issues, management:
- Reduced and repositioned the automotive product line to more closely match the configuration of the aftermarket while decreasing the complexity and costs associated with a broader product line. The Triad Prism system remains a contributing member of the automotive product line, marketed to a specific segment of the aftermarket.
- Resized the automotive sales force and management structure to reflect aftermarket changes and current sales.
- Initiated a review of the research and development spending process to ensure that ongoing spending is a profitable investment for Triad stockholders. As a result, a restructuring charge of $9.0 million was recorded for the third quarter of 1996.
As part of the restructuring, there was an increased focus on the large account segment that resulted in record systems revenue of $9.5 million, an increase of 34% from $7.1 in 1995.
Customer support revenues were down $2.5 million to $34.2 million in 1996 from $36.7 million in 1995. Revenues decreased by $.5 million in 1995 from 1994 revenues of $37.2 million The 1995 decline was attributed to a reduction in the customer base as well as shifting customers to lower priced service options and more reliable product technology The 1996 decline was related to lower-than-planned new automotive systems sales and a reduction of the customer base due to continuing consolidation within the aftermarket.
Information services revenues grew 10% to $29.5 million in 1996 which was 13% greater than 1994. Customers utilizing Triad's information products increased in 1996, 1995 and 1994. In addition, national automotive chain customers began subscribing during 1994. MarketPACE point of sale (POS) operation continues to develop. These emerging businesses inter-relate with the Company's products and other services from manufacturers to end-users. Triad Systems Financial Corporation ("Triad Financial", a wholly-owned subsidiary) revenues were $5.9 million in 1996, down 27% or $2.1 million from 1995. Finance revenues for 1995 were $8.0 million, up 14% or $1.0 million over 1994. The decline in 1996 was due mainly to a lower-earning portfolio and lower discounting yields related to rising interest rates.
Hardlines & Lumber Market Revenues
The Hardlines & Lumber Market consists of manufacturers, hardware stores, home centers, lumber and building supply outlets and paint and decorating centers. Revenues increased by 24% or $13.5 million to $69.8 million from 1995 to 1996 and increased 12% or $6.0 million to $56.3 million from 1994 to 1995. Contributing to the overall increase in revenues was the Company's acquisition of Computer System Dynamics (CSD) in June 1996. (See the Liquidity and Capital Resources section.)
Systems revenues increased $7.2 million to $36.4 million for 1996 and $3.0 million to $29.2 million for 1995. Triad continues to become more closely affiliated with major co-ops and wholesale distributors and this activity is reflected in the revenue growth from 1994 to 1996.
Customer support revenues increased 21% to $27.3 million in 1996 and 11% to $22.6 million in 1995. This growth is a direct result of increases in the customer base.
Information services revenues increased to $2.3 million in 1996 compared to $1.3 million in 1995 and $.6 million in 1994. Triad's Vista point of sale (POS) services continue to contribute to this growth as its customer base expands.
Triad Systems Financial Corporation revenues were fairly consistent from 1994 to 1996.
Gross Margin
Gross margins for the Automotive Aftermarket of 46% declined 5% from 1995 and increased slightly from 1994 to 1995. The 1996 decline was due primarily to higher Triad Prism system returns and the cost of shifting customers to lower margin products. Also contributing was a change in the product mix, along with a higher percentage of fixed costs. Gross margins for the Hardlines and Lumber Market have remained relatively consistent at 49% in 1996, 51% in 1995 and 50% in 1994.
Consolidated Expenses and Other Income
Marketing expense of $48.7 million increased slightly as a percentage of revenue over the prior year due to an increase in lease loss reserves in the automotive aftermarket. In 1995, marketing expense of $46.9 million also increased slightly as a percentage of revenues over 1994 due to an increase in the sales force and continued investment in the Automotive and Hardlines and Lumber markets.
Product development expenses, after capitalization of software development, were $8.4 million in 1996, $8.1 million in 1995 and $8.0 million in 1994. As a percentage of revenue, product development expense remained consistent at 5% over the three years.
General, administrative and other operating expenses decreased 6.7% to $10.2 million and decreased in 1995 compared to 1994 by 1.1% from $11.0 million. The 1996 cost reflects reduced litigation expenses, initiated by the Company to protect its intellectual property rights, along with containment of operating costs.
The restructuring charge of $9.0 million included a $7.5 million write-off relating to the Triad Prism system software the Company had previously capitalized, along with $1.0 million in reserves for related product issues. Also included was $.5 million in costs associated with the realignment of aftermarket sales and support personnel to address increasing aftermarket consolidation.
Interest and other expense decreased by $1.0 million to $5.9 million in 1996 and by $.5 million to $6.9 million in 1995 compared to 1994. In the fourth quarter of 1995, the Company retired $3.8 million and refinanced $11.8 million in floating rate notes at a lower interest cost, which is reflected in the interest decrease in 1996. The Company's retirement of debt also contributed to the decline in interest expense in 1995 and 1994.
Other income of $2.9 million in 1996 consisted of the sale of marketable securities and land held for resale. The Company realized $1.8 million in income related to the sale of its investment in AllData Corporation, an automotive database marketer that was purchased by Autozone in March 1996. In September 1996, the Company recognized a gain of $1.1 million in the sale of 25 acres of land held for resale. The Company sold an 11-acre parcel to Lincoln Properties Company, which plans to erect an office and research and development building, a 9.2-acre parcel to HHH Investment and Supply Company, which plans to house dental laboratories, a 1.8-acre parcel to D'Ambrosio Brothers Investment Company, which plans to build a restaurant and a 3.4-acre parcel to Tri-Valley Office Limited Partnership, which plans to erect an office building.
In July of 1996, $10.1 million of senior fixed-rate notes were retired early. This generated an extraordinary charge of $377,000 ($.02 per share) that included a premium of $379,000, unamortized debt costs of $229,000, less taxes of $231,000.
Subsequent Event
On October 17, 1996, the Company signed a definitive merger agreement with Cooperative Computing, Inc. ("CCI"), a Texas corporation, under which CCI Acquisition Corp. ("CAC"), a Delaware corporation jointly owned by CCI and Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst Incorporated, a private investment firm located in Dallas, Texas, would acquire the Company. Pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement, CAC commenced a cash tender offer for all outstanding shares of the Company at a price of $9.25 per share on October 23, 1996. The tender offer, which was to have expired at 12:00 Midnight, New York City time, November 20, 1996, has been extended until 12:00 midnight, New York City time, on Friday, January 3, 1997. When the tender offer is completed, it will be followed by a merger transaction, in which any shares of the Company's common stock that remain outstanding after the tender offer will be exchanged for cash at the same price as the tender offer price. The tender offer is not expected to be completed until the Federal Trade Commission completes its currently pending review of the transaction and certain other conditions to closing are satisfied.
In addition to the cash consideration to be received by the Company's shareholders pursuant to the tender offer or the merger transaction, the merger agreement provides that the Company's shareholders of record immediately prior to the consummation of the tender offer will receive a dividend consisting of their pro rata share of the equity of a newly formed company whose assets will consist of all the Company's owned real property located in Livermore, California, including its corporate headquarters buildings and land held for sale in the Triad Park development in Livermore. The spun-off real estate entity, which the Company expects to be a public company, will assume all the indebtedness currently secured by the spun-off real estate and will lease the corporate headquarters buildings to the Company's post merger successor. Over time, the real estate entity is expected to liquidate its real estate portfolio, with proceeds used to pay expenses (including taxes), repay secured debt and distribute any remaining proceeds to its equity holders. The Company's ability to market this property is dependent upon interest rates, general economic and market conditions, the prospective purchaser's ability to develop the property and the purchaser's ability to obtain a variety of governmental approvals, none of which is assured and all of which are subject to objections from the public.
Future Operating Results
Future operating results will depend upon conditions in its markets that may affect demand for its products, and upon the Company's ability to introduce products and enhancements on a timely basis. Results will also be affected by seasonal changes in product demand, market acceptance of new products and enhancements, the size and experience of the sales force and the mix of products sold. All could cause operating results to fluctuate, especially on a quarterly basis.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Management believes available cash resources, primarily generated from operations, marketable securities, lease discounting and credit lines, will provide adequate funds to finance foreseeable operating needs. The Company maintains $26.9 million in a bank line of credit and there were outstanding borrowings of $15.8 million at September 30, 1996.
Triad Financial financed $42.2 million in Triad equipment during 1996 in addition to $17.7 million in non-Triad equipment through client lease programs. Triad Financial received $73.6 million of proceeds from discounting leases during 1996.
Limited and full-recourse discounting agreements are maintained with banks and lending institutions. Discounting agreements contain certain restrictive covenants that allow Triad Financial to discount only while in compliance with such covenants. In the event of non-compliance, the banks and lending institutions could assume administrative control of the Company's lease portfolio and prohibit further discounting under the available credit facilities. The Company failed to meet the quarterly profitability covenant in the third quarter and received a waiver of this requirement. Under the discounting agreements, Triad Financial is contingently liable for losses in the event of lessee nonpayment. The agreements provide for limited recourse of up to 15% or full recourse at 100% of discounting proceeds, depending on the credit risk associated with specific leases.
Capital equipment expenditures, excluding capitalized leases, were $2.9 million during 1996.
On June 27, 1996, the Company acquired Computer System Dynamics, Inc. (CSD), a Colorado supplier of systems and software products to the high-end user in the Hardlines and Lumber market. The acquisition expanded Triad's Hardlines and Lumber customer base to more than 5,400 customers with approximately 6,100 locations. The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method. The purchase includes contingent deferred payment obligations based on attainment of future performance objectives.
On September 30, 1996, the Company acquired certain assets of Pace Automotive Systems, Ltd., the leading provider of automated information management systems in the Canadian service dealer market. The acquisition expanded the Service Dealers customer base by 1,200 customers.
During fiscal 1994, the Company established a Stock Ownership By Management policy to further align the executive officers' interests with those of the Corporation's shareholders. The stock ownership equivalent is based upon 1993 compensation, ranging from 100% of base compensation to 200% of total compensation, depending upon the position held within the Company. Each officer must meet his respective stock ownership level within a three-to five-year period. All of the current executive officers required to meet the stock ownership target by October 1, 1996 had done so as of September 30, 1996.
During March 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of," (SFAS No. 121), which requires the review for impairment of long-lived assets, certain identifiable intangibles, and goodwill related to those assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In certain situations, an impairment loss would be recognized. The Company does not believe that adoption of SFAS No. 121, which will become effective for the Company's fiscal year 1997, will have a material impact on its financial condition or operating results.
During October 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No. 123 (SFAS No. 123), "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation." This statement, which establishes a fair value-based method for stock-based compensation plans, also permits an election to continue following the requirements of APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," with disclosures on a pro forma net income and earnings per share under the new method. The Company is required to adopt SFAS No. 123 by fiscal year 1997, and upon adoption, will elect to continue to measure compensation cost for its employee stock compensation plans using the intrinsic value based method of accounting prescribed by APB Opinion No. 25. Pro forma disclosure of net income and earnings per share will reflect the difference between compensation cost included in net income and the related cost measured by the fair value-based method defined in SFAS No. 123, including tax effects, that would have been recognized in the consolidated statement of operations if the fair value-based method had been used. During June 1996, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No. 125 (SFAS No. 125), "Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities." This standard establishes consistent standards for distinguishing transfers of financial assets that are sales from transfers that are secured borrowings. The Company is reviewing the requirements of this pronouncement and its effect on lease discounting including any administrative organizational changes to insure continued sales accounting treatment for these transactions. SFAS No. 125 will become effective for transactions that the Company enters into after December 31, 1996.
Item 8.

Item 9. Disagreements on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Not applicable.
				 PART III
Item 10.

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
There is incorporated herein by reference the information under the caption "Right to Designate Directors: Parent's Designees," "Directors of the Company" and "Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934" in the Information Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 8, 1996 pursuant to Regulation 14(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 14f-1 thereunder ("Information Statement"). Information with respect to executive officers may be found on pages 12 to 13, under the caption "Executive Officers of the Registrant" in this Form 10-K.
Item 11.

Item 11. Executive Compensation
There is incorporated by reference the information under the captions "Executive Compensation and Other Matters," "Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation," "Comparison of Stockholder Return," "Compensation of Directors," "Termination and Change-of-Control Arrangements" and "Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation" set forth in the Information Statement referred to above.
Item 12.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
There is incorporated by reference the information under the caption of "Stock Ownership Of Certain Beneficial Owners And Management" set forth in the Information Statement referred to above.
Item 13.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
There is incorporated by reference the information under the caption "Executive Compensation And Other Matters" set forth in the Information Statement referred to above.
For the purposes of complying with the amendments to the rules governing Form S-8 (effective July 13, 1990) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes as follows, which undertaking shall be incorporated by reference into the Registrant's Registration Statements on Form S-8, Nos. 333-06247 (filed June 18, 1996), 33-52101 (filed January 31, 1994), 33-60320 (filed March 30, 1993), 33-40945 (filed May 30, 1991), 33-40875 (filed May 29, 1991), 33-38540 (filed January 7, 1991), 2-88436 (filed December 15, 1983), 33-2427 (filed November 24, 1985), 33-15219 (filed June 19, 1987), 33-20239 (filed February 22, 1988), 33-33553 (filed February 21, 1990) and 33-33554 (filed February 21, 1990).
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
				 PART IV Item 14.

Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) Financial Statements, Schedules and Exhibits
(1) Consolidated Financial Statements
The following consolidated financial statements of Triad Systems Corporation and subsidiaries (including Triad Financial), and related notes, together with the report thereon of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., independent accountants, are included in Item 8 and are incorporated herein by reference:
	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 	 	Consolidated Balance Sheet 	 	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 	 	Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity 	 	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
	Corporate Responsibility Statement
	Report of Independent Accountants
							Page Number 							----------- (2) Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule in Form 10K Report 	II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts 43
In accordance with the rules of Regulation S-X, the other required schedules are not submitted because (a) they are not applicable or required, or (b) the information required to be set forth therein is included in the financial statements, or notes thereto.
Separate financial statements of the Registrant are omitted because the Registrant is primarily an operating company and all consolidated subsidiaries are totally held and are not indebted to any person, other than the Registrant, in an amount that is in excess of 5% of total consolidated assets.
(3) Exhibits
See Index to Exhibits, pages 44 to 46.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
The Company did not file any reports on Form 8-K during the last quarter of the fiscal year ended September 30, 1996.
				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.
					TRIAD SYSTEMS CORPORATION 					 December 19, 1996 By: /s/ JAMES R. PORTER - ----------------- -------------------- Date James R. Porter 						President
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/ JAMES R. PORTER President December 19, 1996 (James R. Porter) (Principal Executive 				 Officer)
/s/ STANLEY F. MARQUIS Vice President December 19, 1996 (Stanley F. Marquis) (Principal Financial 				 Officer)
/s/ BRUCE M. BLANCO Corporate Controller December 19, 1996 (Bruce M. Blanco) (Principal Accounting 				 Officer)
/s/ WILLIAM W. STEVENS Chairman of the Board December 19, 1996 (William W. Stevens)
/s/ HENRY M. GAY Director December 19, 1996 (Henry M. Gay)
/s/ GEORGE O. HARMON Director December 19, 1996 (George O. Harmon)
/s/ RICHARD C. BLUM Director December 19, 1996 (Richard C. Blum)
		TRIAD SYSTEMS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 				 SCHEDULE II 		 VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(Dollars in thousands) =========================================================================== 	 COL A COL B COL C COL D COL E - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
				 Additions 			 Balance at Charged to Balance at 			 Beginning Costs and End of Description of Period Expenses Deductions Period - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Year ended September 30, 1994:
Allowance for doubtful accounts and system returns $1,777 $6,819 $6,445 (A) $2,151 			 ====== ====== ====== ====== Product warranty costs (B) $562 $1,079 $1,380 $261 			 ==== ====== ====== ==== Inventory valuation $938 $595 $875 $658 			 ==== ==== ==== ====
Year ended September 30, 1995:
Allowance for doubtful accounts and system returns $2,151 $7,590 $7,492 (A) $2,249 			 ====== ====== ====== ====== Product warranty costs (B) $261 $773 $835 $199 			 ==== ==== ==== ==== Inventory valuation $658 $685 $784 $559 			 ==== ==== ==== ====
Year ended September 30, 1996:
Allowance for doubtful accounts and system returns $2,249 $10,456 (C) $10,503 (A) $2,202 			 ====== ======= ======= ====== Product warranty costs (B) $199 $710 $714 $195 			 ==== ==== ==== ==== Inventory valuation $559 $236 $4 $791 			 ==== ==== == ====
- ----------------------
(A) Balances written off during the year and transfer of reserves to other liabilities to provide for recourse on discounted leases.
(B) The estimated cost of warranty repairs is added to the reserve at the time the products are sold and actual costs deducted as incurred.
(C) Includes $70,000 balance transferred from the acquisition of Computer Systems Dynamics, Inc. and $146,839 receivables allowance transferred due to the acquisition of certain assets of Pace Automotive Systems, Ltd.
			EXHIBIT INDEX FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 			 ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
								 Sequentially Exhibit Numbered Number Page - ------- ------------
3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation.
3.2 Triad Systems Corporation, a Delaware corporation, 	Amended and Restated Bylaws incorporated by reference 	from Exhibit 3.4 to the Company's Registration Statement 	on Form S-4 (33-53038) (the "Form S-4").
4.1 Senior Floating Rate Note Indenture dated as of 	August 1, 1992, between the Company and Security Pacific 	National Trust Company (New York), as Trustee, including 	form of Fixed Rate Notes, incorporated by reference from 	Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K 	filed August 17, 1992.
4.2 Amended and Restated Rights Agreement dated as of 	December 6, 1993, between the Company and Chemical Bank 	of California, as Rights Agent (including as exhibits the 	form of Rights Certificate and the form of Summary of 	Rights to Purchase Common Stock).
4.3 Purchase Agreement dated July 2, 1992, between the Company 	and purchasers of 12.25% Senior Notes due 1999, as amended 	by the Amendment and Consent to Documents dated as of 	August 3, 1992, incorporated by reference from 	Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K 	filed August 17, 1992.
4.4 Purchase Agreement dated July 2, 1992, between the Company 	and purchasers of Floating Rate Senior Notes due 1997, 	incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to the 	Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 17, 1992.
4.5 Consent Agreement between Triad Systems Corporation and 	certain holders of the Fixed Rate Notes dated 	March 31, 1995, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 2 	to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed 	May 11, 1995.
4.6 Consent Agreement between Triad Systems Corporation and 	the holder of the Floating Rate Notes dated March 31, 1995, 	incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3 to the Company's 	Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 11, 1995.
4.7 First Supplemental Indenture between Triad Systems 	Corporation and BankAmerica National Trust Company dated 	March 31,1995, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4 	to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed 	May 11, 1995.
4.8 First Supplemental Indenture between Triad Systems 	Corporation and Chase Manhattan Bank N.A. dated 	March 31,1995, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 5 	to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed 	May 11, 1995.
4.9 Triad Systems Corporation Amended Senior Floating Rate 	Note Due 1997 dated March 31,1995, incorporated by 	reference from Exhibit 7 to the Company's Current Report 	on Form 8-K filed May 11,1995.
* 10.1 Triad Systems Corporation Amended and Restated 1982 	Stock Option Plan as amended on October 22, 1993, 	incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the 	Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year 	ended September 30, 1993.
10.2 Form of Indemnification Agreement, incorporated by 	reference from Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Registration 	Statement on Form S-2 (File No. 33-2966) filed July 3, 	1989 (the "1989 Form-2 Registration Statement").
* 10.3 Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement between the Company 	and James R. Porter dated January 13, 1987, incorporated 	by reference from Exhibit 10.5 to the 1987 Form S-2 	Registration Statement, (File No. 33-13599) (the "1987 	Company's Form S-2 Registration Statement").
10.4 Mortgage between Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company 	and 3055 Triad Drive dated August 23, 1988, incorporated 	by reference from Exhibit 10.6 to the Company's Annual 	Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended 	September 30, 1988 (the "1988 Form 10-K").
* 10.5 Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement between the Company 	and James R. Porter dated as of February 17, 1987, 	incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.7 of the 1988 	Form 10-K.
* 10.6 Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement between the Company 	and James R. Porter dated November 12, 1988, incorporated 	by reference from Exhibit 10.8 of the 1988 Form 10-K.
* 10.7 Triad Systems Corporation 1990 Stock Option Plan as 	amended on October 22, 1993, incorporated by reference 	from Exhibit 10.9 to the Company's Annual Report on 	Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1993.
* 10.8 Triad Systems Corporation Amended and Restated Outside 	Directors Stock Option Plan, incorporated by reference 	from Exhibit 10.10 to the Company's Annual Report on 	Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1991.
10.9 Revolving Credit Loan Agreement dated as of June 30, 1992, 	as amended, between the Company and Plaza Bank of Commerce, 	incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.3 to the 	Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 17, 1992.
10.10 Unit Purchase Agreement dated as of July 2, 1992, between 	the Company, Richard C. Blum & Associates, Inc. and 	certain purchasers, together with the First Amendment to 	Unit Purchase Agreement dated as of August 3, 1992, and 	the form of irrevocable Proxy, incorporated by reference 	from Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Current Report on 	Form 8-K filed August 17, 1992.
10.11 Registration Rights Agreement between the Company and 	certain purchasers under the Unit Purchase Agreement dated 	as of August 3, 1992, incorporated by reference from 	Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K 	filed August 17, 1992.
10.12 Grant Agreement between the Industrial Development 	Authority and Triad Systems Ireland Limited, Triad Systems 	Corporation and Tridex Systems Limited and related 	agreements, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.15 	to the 1992 Form S-4 Registration Statement.
10.13 Cancellation of Development Agreement between the Company 	and the City of Livermore dated July 15, 1993, 	incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.16 to the 	Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year 	ended September 30, 1993.
10.14 Amended and Restated Subdivision Improvement Agreement 	between the Company and the City of Livermore dated 	May 12, 1993, incorporated by reference from 	Exhibit 10.17 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K 	for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1993.
* 10.15 Supplemental Deferred Compensation Plan between the 	Company and a select group of Triad Key Employees and 	their beneficiaries dated April 1, 1994, incorporated by 	reference from Exhibit 10.18 to the Company's Form 10-Q 	for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 1994.
* 10.16 Amendment to the Amended and Restated 1982 Stock Option 	Plan dated April 25, 1994, incorporated by reference from 	Exhibit 10.19 to the Company's Form 10-Q for the fiscal 	quarter ended June 30, 1994.
10.17 Amendment No. Three to Revolving Credit Loan Agreement 	and Consent (to Exchange Agreement) between Triad Systems 	Corporation, Triad Systems Financial Corporation and 	Comerica Bank-California dated March 31, 1995, incorporated 	by reference from Exhibit 6 to the May 11, 1995 Form 8-K.
10.18 Exchange Agreement and Second Amendment to Unit Purchase 	Agreement by and among Triad Systems Corporation, 	Richard C. Blum & Associates, L.P. and certain holders 	dated March 31, 1995, incorporated by reference from 	Exhibit 1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K 	filed May 11, 1995.
10.19 Warehousing Credit Agreement between Triad Systems 	Financial Corporation and the First National Bank of 	Boston dated August 29, 1995, incorporated by reference 	from Exhibit 10.19 to the Company's Annual Report on 	Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1995. 	 10.20 Amendment No. Four to Revolving Credit Loan Agreement and 	Consent (to Exchange Agreement) between Triad Systems 	Corporation, Triad Systems Financial Corporation and 	Comerica Bank-California dated May 23, 1996, incorporated 	by reference from Exhibit 10.20 to the Company's Form 10-Q 	for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 1996.
10.21 Amendment No. Five to Revolving Credit Loan Agreement and 	Consent (to Exchange Agreement) between Triad Systems 	Corporation, Triad Systems Financial Corporation and 	Comerica Bank-California dated June 28, 1996, incorporated 	by reference from Exhibit 10.21 to the Company's Form 10-Q 	for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 1996.
* 10.22 Triad Systems Corporation Amendment to the Amended and 	Restated 1982 Stock Option Plan dated February 8, 1996, 	incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.22 to the 	Company's Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended 	June 30, 1996.
* 10.23 Triad Systems Corporation Amended and Restated Outside 	Directors Stock Option Plan dated April 30, 1996, 	incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.23 to the 	Company's Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended 	June 30, 1996.
10.24 Agreement and Plan of Merger among Cooperative Computing 	Incorporated, CCI Acquisition Corporation and Triad 	Systems Corporation dated October 17, 1996, incorporated 	by reference from Exhibit 5 to the Company's 	Schedule 14D-9 filed October 23, 1996.
11.1 Computation of Earnings per share. 	 12.1 Statement regarding computation of ratio of earnings to 	fixed charges, incorporated by reference from 	Exhibit 12.1 to the 1992 Form S-4 Registration Statement.
20.1 Information Statement Pursuant to Section 14(f) of the 	Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 14f-1 dated 	November 13, 1996.
20.2 Amendment to the Information Statement dated 	November 15, 1996.
21.1 Subsidiaries. 	 23.1 Consent of Independent Accountants. 	 27 Financial Data Schedule, filed by electronic submission 	only.
- ------------------------ * Compensatory or employment agreement.
							 Exhibit 11.1 			TRIAD SYSTEMS CORPORATION 		 COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE 		 For The Three Years Ended September 30,
					1994 1995 1996 				 ------ ------ ------ (Amounts in thousands except per share data)
Calculation of number of shares entering into computations
Weighted average shares outstanding 12,995 17,159 17,570
Assumed conversion of preferred stock and exercise of warrants 3,137 - - 				 ------ ------ ------ 				 16,132 17,159 17,570
Net effect of dilutive stock options and warrants based on the average stock price 1,286 615 - 				 ------ ------ ------ Average primary shares outstanding 17,418 17,774 17,570
Net effect of dilutive stock options and warrants based on the ending stock price 3 199 - 				 ------ ------ ------ Average fully diluted shares outstanding 17,421 17,973 17,570 				 ====== ====== ======
Income before extraordinary charge $7,379 $8,426 $1,559
Net interest costs associated with assumed retirement of debt 63 - -
Preferred stock conversion dividend - 151 - 				 ------ ------ ------ Adjusted income before extraordinary charge 7,442 8,577 1,559
Extraordinary charge 143 396 377 				 ------ ------ ------ Adjusted net income $7,299 $8,181 $1,182 				 ====== ====== ====== Earnings per share Primary Income before extraordinary charge $ .43 $ .48 .09 Net income .42 .46 .07
Fully diluted Income before extraordinary charge $ .43 $ .48 .09 Net income .42 .45 .07
								Exhibit 21.1 			TRIAD SYSTEMS CORPORATION 				SUBSIDIARIES
						State or Other 						Jurisdiction of 						Incorporation or Name Organization - ---- ----------------
Triad Systems Financial Corporation California
Tridex Systems Limited United Kingdom
Tridex Leasing Limited United Kingdom
Triad Systems Ireland Limited Ireland
Triad Systems Canada Limited Canada
Triad Systems France, S.A.R.L. France
3055 Triad Drive Corporation California
								Exhibit 23.1
		 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements of Triad Systems Corporation and subsidiaries on Form S-8 (File Nos. 333-06247, 33-52101, 33-60320, 33-40945, 33-40875, 33-38540, 33-33554, 33-33553, 33-20239, 33-15219, 33-2427 and 2-88436) of our report dated October 23, 1996, on our audits of the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule of Triad Systems Corporation and subsidiaries as of September 30, 1995 and 1996, and for the years ended September 30, 1996, 1995 and 1994, which report is included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K. 	 						COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
San Jose, California December 19, 1996
Triad and the stylized logo, LaserCat(R), ServiceCat(R), LaserGuide(R), MarketPACE(R), TelePart(R), Telepricing(R), Triad Prism(R) and Triad ServiceWriter(R) are registered trademarks of Triad Systems Corporation.
LaserStation(TM), Electronic Catalog(TM), LaborGuide(TM), Competitive Analysis(TM), AdviceLine(TM), Vista(TM),
Eagle(TM), Eagle LS(TM), Pace Business Manager(TM), Triad Ultimate(TM), Triad Eclipse(TM) and Quick Assist(SM) are trademarks or service marks of Triad Systems Corporation.
Interactive(TM) is a trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc.
Pentium(TM) and Pentium Pro(TM) are trademarks of Intel Corporation.
The Paperless Warehouse(R) is a registered trademark of Management Technology International, Inc.
True Value(R) is a registered trademark of Cotter & Company.