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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 


FORM 10-Q

 

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

For the quarterly period ended January 31, 2006 or

 

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

For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission File Number 001-14505

 


KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   95-2623879

(State of other jurisdiction

of incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

1900 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 2600, Los Angeles, California 90067

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

(310) 552-1834

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 


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, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer  x                 an accelerated filer  ¨                 or a non-accelerated filer  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes  ¨    No  x

The number of shares outstanding of our common stock as of March 8, 2006 was 42,377,901.

 



Table of Contents

KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

Table of Contents

 

     Page

PART I.

   FINANCIAL INFORMATION   

Item 1.

   Financial Statements   
   Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 31, 2006 and April 30, 2005.    3
   Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2006 and 2005    4
   Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended January 31, 2006 and 2005    5
   Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements    6

Item 2.

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    12

Item 3.

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    20

Item 4.

   Controls and Procedures    20

PART II.

   OTHER INFORMATION   

Item 6.

   Exhibits    22

SIGNATURE

   23

CERTIFICATIONS

  

 

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

(unaudited)

 

    

As of

January 31, 2006

   

As of

April 30, 2005

 
ASSETS     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 212,285     $ 199,133  

Marketable securities

     19,843       7,815  

Receivables due from clients, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $8,931 and $7,307

     89,809       68,942  

Income tax and other receivables

     10,721       6,004  

Deferred income taxes

     9,526       8,864  

Prepaid expenses

     13,561       13,710  
                

Total current assets

     355,745       304,468  

Property and equipment, net

     19,717       18,287  

Cash surrender value of company owned life insurance policies, net of loans

     69,307       65,047  

Deferred income taxes

     35,788       30,889  

Goodwill

     107,110       107,014  

Deferred financing costs, investments and other

     8,209       8,463  
                

Total assets

   $ 595,876     $ 534,168  
                
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY     

Accounts payable

   $ 8,473     $ 7,196  

Income taxes payable

     26,186       15,400  

Compensation and benefits payable

     90,731       107,009  

Other accrued liabilities

     24,342       28,792  
                

Total current liabilities

     149,732       158,397  
                

Deferred compensation and other retirement plans

     69,298       59,134  

Long-term debt

     45,099       44,949  

Other liabilities

     7,724       7,991  

7.5% Convertible mandatorily redeemable preferred stock, net of unamortized discount and issuance costs, redemption value $11,387

     10,942       10,795  
                

Total liabilities

     282,795       281,266  
                

Stockholders’ equity

    

Common stock: $0.01 par value, 150,000 shares authorized, 43,275 and 41,268 shares issued and 41,774 and 39,888 shares outstanding, as of January 31, 2006 and April 30, 2005, respectively

     357,000       330,745  

Retained deficit

     (43,454 )     (82,584 )

Unearned restricted stock compensation

     (8,625 )     (4,355 )

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     8,736       9,679  
                

Stockholders’ equity

     313,657       253,485  

Less: Notes receivable from stockholders

     (576 )     (583 )
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     313,081       252,902  
                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 595,876     $ 534,168  
                

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

 

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KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

(unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended January 31,    Nine Months Ended January 31,
     2006    2005    2006    2005

Fee revenue

   $ 129,626    $ 116,885    $ 377,616    $ 328,198

Reimbursed out-of-pocket engagement expenses

     7,191      6,737      21,229      17,148
                           

Total revenue

     136,817      123,622      398,845      345,346

Compensation and benefits

     86,936      74,616      246,100      208,501

General and administrative expenses

     21,305      22,736      68,034      64,982

Out-of-pocket engagement expenses

     7,684      6,825      22,569      17,983

Depreciation and amortization

     2,177      2,341      6,597      6,723
                           

Total operating expenses

     118,102      106,518      343,300      298,189
                           

Operating income

     18,715      17,104      55,545      47,157

Interest and other income, net

     6,332      861      8,867      1,637

Interest expense

     2,510      2,749      7,591      8,021
                           

Income before provision for income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries

     22,537      15,216      56,821      40,773

Provision for income taxes

     6,375      5,897      19,164      15,288

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries

     451      505      1,473      1,420
                           

Net income

   $ 16,613    $ 9,824    $ 39,130    $ 26,905
                           

Basic earnings per common share

   $ 0.41    $ 0.25    $ 0.98    $ 0.70
                           

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

     40,248      38,726      39,895      38,309
                           

Diluted earnings per common share

   $ 0.37    $ 0.23    $ 0.88    $ 0.62
                           

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding

     47,484      46,974      47,226      46,832
                           

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

 

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KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

     Nine Months Ended January 31,  
     2006     2005  

Cash from operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 39,130     $ 26,905  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     6,597       6,723  

Interest paid in kind and amortization of discount on convertible securities

     591       1,178  

Loss (gain) on disposition of property and equipment

     52       (8 )

Provision for doubtful accounts

     4,793       6,380  

Gain on cash surrender value of life insurance policies

     (4,189 )     (4,442 )

Realized gains on marketable securities

     (1,064 )     —    

Recovery on investment loss

     (4,535 )     —    

Deferred income taxes

     (5,561 )     (3,493 )

Tax benefit from exercise of stock options

     3,641       3,278  

Non-cash compensation arrangements

     4,030       2,006  

Change in other assets and liabilities:

    

Deferred compensation

     10,164       3,618  

Receivables

     (25,841 )     (31,406 )

Prepaid expenses

     149       (3,194 )

Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries

     (2,227 )     (1,505 )

Income taxes payable

     10,614       14,145  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     (20,062 )     19,278  

Other

     (413 )     (2,374 )
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     15,869       37,089  
                

Cash from investing activities:

    

Purchase of property and equipment

     (8,203 )     (5,305 )

Purchase of marketable securities

     (9,910 )     (7,568 )

Business acquisitions

     (1,049 )     (419 )

Premiums on life insurance policies

     (1,545 )     (1,582 )

Proceeds from life insurance policy benefits

     —         339  

Dividends received from unconsolidated subsidiaries

     2,479       1,119  
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (18,228 )     (13,416 )
                

Cash from financing activities:

    

Payments on life insurance policy loans

     —         (3,891 )

Borrowings under life insurance policies

     1,474       3,591  

Purchase of common stock

     (1,974 )     (2,341 )

Proceeds from issuance of common stock upon exercise of employee stock options and in connection with an employee stock purchase plan

     16,834       15,973  

Receipts on stockholders’ notes

     7       25  
                

Net cash provided by financing activities

     16,341       13,357  
                

Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

     (830 )     4,209  
                

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     13,152       41,239  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period

     199,133       108,102  
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period

   $ 212,285     $ 149,341  
                

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

 

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KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2006 and 2005 include the accounts of Korn/Ferry International and all of its wholly and majority owned domestic and international subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”). The consolidated financial statements are unaudited, but include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals and any other adjustments that management considers necessary for a fair presentation of the results for these periods. These financial statements have been prepared consistently with the accounting policies described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2005 (“Annual Report”) and should be read together with the Annual Report.

Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles 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 financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. As a result, actual results could differ from these estimates. The most significant areas that require management judgment are revenue recognition, deferred compensation and the carrying values of goodwill and deferred income taxes.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers cash equivalents to be only those investments which are highly liquid, readily convertible and mature within three months from the date of purchase.

Available for Sale Securities

The Company considers its marketable securities as available-for-sale as defined in SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities.” These investments are recorded at fair value and are classified as marketable securities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of January 31, 2006 and April 30, 2005. The changes in fair values, net of applicable taxes, are recorded as unrealized gains (losses) as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity. Investments are made based on the Company’s investment policy which restricts the types of investments that can be made.

Stock Based Compensation

On December 16, 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Statement No. 123 (revised 2004) (“Statement 123(R)”), Share-Based Payment, which is a revision of FASB Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (“Statement 123”). Statement 123(R) supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees (“APB Opinion No. 25”), and amends FASB Statement No. 95, Statement of Cash Flows.

Statement 123(R) is required to be adopted in fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. The Company expects to adopt Statement 123(R) on May 1, 2006, using the modified prospective method, as described in the statement.

The Company currently accounts for share-based payments to employees using APB Opinion No. 25’s intrinsic value method and, as such, generally recognizes no compensation cost for employee stock options. Accordingly, the adoption of Statement 123(R)’s fair value method will have a significant impact on the Company’s results of operations, although it will have minimal impact on the

 

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KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -

(Continued)

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

Company’s overall financial position, and no impact on cash flow. The impact of adoption of Statement 123(R) cannot be predicted at this time as it depends on levels of share-based payments granted in the future. However, had the Company adopted Statement 123(R) in prior periods, the impact of that standard would have approximated the impact of Statement 123 as described in the disclosure of pro forma net income and earnings per share in the table below. Statement 123(R) also requires that the benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation cost be reported as a financing cash flow, rather than as an operating cash flow as required under current literature. This requirement will reduce net operating cash flows and increase net financing cash flows in periods after adoption. While the Company cannot estimate what those amounts will be in the future as they depend on, among other things, when employees exercise stock options, the amount of tax benefit recognized in operating cash flow was $3,641 and $3,278 for the nine months ended January 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share as if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of Statement 123(R):

 

    

Three Months Ended

January 31,

   

Nine Months Ended

January 31,

 
     2006     2005     2006     2005  

Net income, as reported

   $ 16,613     $ 9,824     $ 39,130     $ 26,905  

Stock-based employee compensation charges, net of related tax effects:

        

Employee stock compensation expense included in net income, as reported

     997       516       2,576       1,178  

Employee stock compensation expense determined under the fair-value based method

     (2,359 )     (1,932 )     (7,087 )     (6,194 )
                                

Net income, as adjusted

   $ 15,251     $ 8,408     $ 34,619     $ 21,889  
                                

Interest expense on convertible securities, net of related tax effects

     785       785       2,354       2,344  
                                

Net income adjusted for computation of diluted EPS, as adjusted

   $ 16,036     $ 9,193     $ 36,973     $ 24,233  
                                

Basic EPS

        

As reported

   $ 0.41     $ 0.25     $ 0.98     $ 0.70  

Pro forma

   $ 0.38     $ 0.22     $ 0.87     $ 0.57  

Diluted EPS

        

As reported

   $ 0.37     $ 0.23     $ 0.88     $ 0.62  

Pro forma

   $ 0.34     $ 0.20     $ 0.78     $ 0.52  

The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with a zero dividend rate. The following assumptions were used by the Company for options granted in the respective periods:

 

     Quarter Ended January 31
     2006   2005

Expected volatility

   50.0%   63.1%

Risk-free interest rate

   3.83%   3.69%

Expected option life (in years)

   4.50   4.50

The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options. The assumptions used in option valuation models are subjective. For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair values of the options are amortized over the options’ vesting periods.

 

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KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -

(Continued)

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

Common Stock

The Company issued approximately 699 and 1,417 common shares as a result of the exercise of stock options and 77 and 183 common shares in conjunction with the Company’s employee stock purchase plan in the three and nine months ended January 31, 2006, respectively. The Company issued 577 and 1,324 common shares as a result of the exercise of stock options and 55 and 153 common shares in conjunction with the Company’s employee stock purchase plan in the three and nine months ended January 31, 2005, respectively.

Reclassifications

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

2. Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per common share (“basic EPS”) was computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per common share (“diluted EPS”) reflects the potential dilution that would occur if all in-the-money outstanding options or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted and was computed by dividing adjusted net income, after assumed conversion of subordinated notes and preferred stock, by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus dilutive common equivalent shares. The following is a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator (shares in thousands) used in the computation of basic and diluted EPS:

 

    

Three Months Ended

January 31,

  

Nine Months Ended

January 31,

     2006    2005    2006    2005

Net income (Numerator):

           

Net income for basic EPS

   $ 16,613    $ 9,824    $ 39,130    $ 26,905

Interest expense on convertible securities, net of related tax effects

     785      785      2,354      2,344
                           

Net income for diluted EPS

   $ 17,398    $ 10,609    $ 41,484    $ 29,249
                           

Shares (Denominator):

           

Weighted average shares for basic EPS

     40,248      38,726      39,895      38,309

Effect of: convertible subordinated notes

     4,470      4,470      4,470      4,470

  convertible preferred stock

     1,117      1,117      1,117      1,117

  warrants

     98      274      89      274

  restricted stock

     153      138      223      155

  stock options

     1,396      2,246      1,422      2,499

  employee stock purchase plan

     2      3      10      8
                           

Adjusted weighted average shares for diluted EPS

     47,484      46,974      47,226      46,832
                           

Basic earnings per share

   $ 0.41    $ 0.25    $ 0.98    $ 0.70
                           

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 0.37    $ 0.23    $ 0.88    $ 0.62
                           

Assumed exercises or conversions have been excluded in computing the diluted earnings per share when their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.

 

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KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -

(Continued)

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

3. Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income is comprised of net income and all changes to stockholders’ equity, except those changes resulting from investments by owners (changes in paid in capital) and distributions to owners (dividends).

Total comprehensive income is as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended January 31,     Nine Months Ended January 31,
     2006    2005     2006     2005

Net income

   $ 16,613    $ 9,824     $ 39,130     $ 26,905

Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net of taxes

     563      (34 )     620       1,106

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     1,085      6,595       (1,563 )     12,983
                             

Comprehensive income

   $ 18,261    $ 16,385     $ 38,187     $ 40,994
                             

The accumulated other comprehensive income at January 31, 2006 includes foreign currency translation adjustments and gains on marketable securities, net of taxes, of $8,082 and $654, respectively.

4. Deferred Compensation, Pension Plan and Executive Capital Accumulation Plan

The Company has several deferred compensation plans for vice-presidents that provide defined benefit payments to participants based on the deferral of current compensation subject to vesting and retirement or termination provisions. The components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended January 31,    Nine Months Ended January 31,

Components of net periodic benefit costs:

   2006    2005    2006    2005

Service cost

   $ 419    $ 435    $ 1,258    $ 1,305

Interest cost

     786      803      2,359      2,409

Amortization of actuarial gain

     104      114      313      342
                           

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 1,309    $ 1,352    $ 3,930    $ 4,056
                           

In fiscal 2005, the Company implemented the Executive Capital Accumulation Plan (“ECAP”). ECAP is intended to provide certain employees an opportunity to defer salary and/or bonus on a pre-tax basis, or make an after-tax contribution. The Company made an $8,188 ECAP contribution in the nine months ended January 31, 2006. The Company contribution vests and is expensed ratably over the 3 year vesting period.

The Company also has a defined benefit pension plan, referred to as the Worldwide Executive Benefit Plans (“WEB” plans), covering certain executives in the United States and foreign countries. The components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended January 31,     Nine Months Ended January 31,  

Components of net periodic benefit costs:

   2006     2005     2006     2005  

Interest cost

   $ 42     $ 50     $ 127     $ 150  

Amortization of actuarial loss

     (36 )     (38 )     (107 )     (114 )
                                

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 6     $ 12     $ 20     $ 36  
                                

5. Mandatorily Redeemable Convertible Securities

In June 2002, the Company issued 7.5% Convertible Subordinated Notes in an aggregate principal amount of $40.0 million and 10,000 shares of 7.5% Convertible Series A Preferred Stock at an aggregate purchase price of $10.0 million. The notes and preferred stock have priority over common stockholders. The notes and preferred stock are convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock at $10.19 per share. The Company also issued warrants to purchase 274,207 shares of its common stock at an exercise price of $11.94. The warrants expire in 2012. The warrants were recorded at fair value resulting in discounts on the notes and preferred stock

 

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KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -

(Continued)

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

(together “the securities”) of $1.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively, and are amortized over the life of the securities.

The securities may be redeemed at the option of the purchasers after June 13, 2008, the sixth anniversary of the closing date, at a price equal to 101% of the issuance price plus all accrued interest and dividends. The securities are mandatorily redeemable if still outstanding on June 13, 2010, at a price equal to 101% of the issuance price plus accrued interest and dividends. From the third to the sixth year, the securities are subject to optional redemption by the Company at 200% to 250% of the then outstanding principal balance.

Interest and dividends are payable semi-annually in either additional securities or cash at the option of the Company. The Company also incurred issuance costs of $4.3 million that have been deferred and are being amortized over the life of the securities as interest expense with $3.4 million allocated to the notes and $0.9 million allocated to the preferred stock.

6. Business Segments

The Company operates in two global business segments in the retained recruitment industry: executive recruitment and Futurestep. These segments are distinguished primarily by the candidates’ level of compensation. The executive recruitment business segment is managed by geographic regional leaders. Revenue from leadership development solutions and other consulting engagements is included in executive recruitment. Futurestep’s worldwide operations are managed by the Chief Executive Officer of Futurestep. The executive recruitment geographic regional leaders and the Chief Executive Officer of Futurestep report directly to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The Company also operates a Corporate segment to record global expenses of the Company.

A summary of the Company’s results of operations by business segment are as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended January 31,    Nine Months Ended January 31,
     2006    2005    2006    2005

Fee revenue:

           

Executive recruitment:

           

North America

   $ 64,371    $ 55,330    $ 188,852    $ 162,643

Europe

     28,934      31,210      83,801      79,865

Asia Pacific

     13,930      13,125      41,941      39,181

South America

     4,417      2,897      11,450      7,501
                           

Total executive recruitment

     111,652      102,562      326,044      289,190

Futurestep

     17,974      14,323      51,572      39,008
                           

Total fee revenue

   $ 129,626    $ 116,885    $ 377,616    $ 328,198
                           

7. Subsequent Event

On February 16, 2006 the Internal Revenue Service completed an audit of the Company’s Federal Income Tax returns from April 30, 1997 to April 30, 2003. As a result of the audit, the Company will record a one-time tax benefit in the fourth quarter of the current fiscal year.

 

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KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -

(Continued)

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     Three Months Ended January 31,     Nine Months Ended January 31,  
     2006     2005     2006     2005  

Total revenue:

        

Executive Recruitment:

        

North America

   $ 68,372     $ 59,011     $ 200,639     $ 172,449  

Europe

     29,973       32,251       86,696       82,646  

Asia Pacific

     14,288       13,570       43,069       40,264  

South America

     4,481       3,065       11,889       7,892  
                                

Total executive recruitment

     117,114       107,897       342,293       303,251  

Futurestep

     19,703       15,725       56,552       42,095  
                                

Total revenue

   $ 136,817     $ 123,622     $ 398,845     $ 345,346  
                                
     Three Months Ended January 31,     Nine Months Ended January 31,  
     2006     2005     2006     2005  

Operating income (loss):

        

Executive recruitment:

        

North America

   $ 15,260     $ 10,540     $ 44,666     $ 34,596  

Europe

     5,470       6,521       16,065       15,104  

Asia Pacific

     2,745       2,316       8,632       7,578  

South America

     941       431       1,888       983  
                                

Total executive recruitment

     24,416       19,808       71,251       58,261  

Futurestep

     1,396       1,970       4,793       6,263  

Corporate

     (7,098 )     (4,674 )     (20,499 )     (17,367 )
                                

Total operating income

   $ 18,714     $ 17,104     $ 55,545     $ 47,157  
                                

 

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Forward-looking Statements

This quarterly report on Form 10-Q may contain certain statements that we believe are, or may be considered to be, “forward-looking” statements, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by use of statements that include phrases such as “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “plan”, “foresee”, “may”, “will”, “estimates”, “potential”, “continue” or other similar words or phrases. Similarly, statements that describe our objectives, plans or goals also are forward-looking statements. All of these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the relevant forward-looking statement. The principal risk factors that could cause actual performance and future actions to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, dependence on attracting and retaining qualified and experienced consultants, portability of client relationships, local political or economic developments in or affecting countries where we have operations, ability to manage growth, restrictions imposed by off-limits agreements, competition, risks related to the growth and results of Futurestep, reliance on information processing systems, and employment liability risk. Readers are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this Form 10-Q are made only as of the date of this report and we undertake no obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

The following presentation of management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with our consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q.

Executive Summary

We are the leading provider of executive search, outsourced recruiting and leadership development solutions with the broadest global presence in the recruitment industry. Our services include executive recruitment, middle-management and outsourced recruitment through Futurestep, leadership development solutions and executive coaching. Over half of the executive recruitment searches we performed in fiscal 2005 were for board level, chief executive and other senior executive positions. Our 4,160 clients in fiscal 2005 included approximately 47% of the Fortune 500 companies. We have established strong client loyalty; more than 82% of the executive recruitment assignments we performed in fiscal 2005 were on behalf of clients for whom we had conducted assignments in the previous three fiscal years.

In an effort to achieve our long-term vision of being the leading provider of executive search, outsourced recruiting and leadership development solutions, our strategic focus for fiscal 2006 is centered upon increasing market share and further increasing the cross-selling and utilization of our multi-product strategy. We continue to explore new products and services, enhance our technology and aggressively leverage our brand through thought leadership and intellectual capital projects as a means of delivering world-class service to our clients.

Fee revenue increased 11% in the third quarter of fiscal 2006 to $129.6 million compared to prior year third quarter primarily due to an 11% increase in the number of engagements opened in the executive search segment, in addition to an increase in engagements opened in Futurestep. The North American region experienced the largest dollar increase in fee revenue in executive recruitment, as revenue increased 16% due to an 8% increase in the number of engagements opened in the quarter combined with a 6% increase in average fees per engagement. Futurestep experienced a 25% increase in fee revenue over the prior year’s quarter as engagements opened in the period increased versus the prior year quarter. In the third quarter of fiscal 2006, we earned operating income of $18.7 million, with operating income of $24.4 million and $1.4 million from executive recruitment and Futurestep, respectively, offset by corporate expenses of $7.1 million.

Our total long-term debt at January 31, 2006 was $45.1 million. Our working capital increased $59.9 million to $206.0 million at January 31, 2006 compared to $146.1 million at April 30, 2005. Major factors contributing to increases in working capital include

 

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cash inflows of $16.8 million resulting from increased stock option exercises and purchases in our ESPP during the fiscal year as well as increased receivables of $20.9 million resulting from increased revenue generated during the fiscal year.

Critical Accounting Policies

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and operating results are based on our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. Preparation of this Form 10-Q requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results may differ from those estimates and assumptions. In preparing our interim financial statements and accounting for the underlying transactions and balances, we apply our accounting policies as disclosed in our Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. We consider the policies related to revenue recognition, deferred compensation and the carrying values of goodwill and deferred income taxes as critical to an understanding of our interim financial statements because their application places the most significant demands on management’s judgment. Specific risks for these critical accounting policies are described in our Fiscal 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Results of Operations

The following table summarizes the results of our operations for the three and nine month periods ended January 31, 2006 and 2005 as a percentage of fee revenue:

 

     Three Months Ended January 31,     Nine Months Ended January 31,  
     2006     2005     2006     2005  

Fee revenue

   100 %   100 %   100 %   100 %

Reimbursed out-of-pocket engagement expenses

   6     6     6     5  
                        

Total revenue

   106 %   106 %   106 %   105 %

Compensation and benefits

   67     64     65     64  

General and administrative expenses

   16     19     18     20  

Out-of-pocket engagement expenses

   6     6     6     5  

Depreciation and amortization

   2     2     2     2  
                        

Operating income

   14     15     15     14  
                        

Net income

   13     8     10     8  
                        

The following tables summarize the results of our operations by business segment. Operating income (loss) is calculated as a percentage of fee revenue of the respective segment (Dollars in thousands).

 

     Three Months Ended January 31,     Nine Months Ended January 31,  
     2006     2005     2006     2005  
      Dollars    %     Dollars    %     Dollars    %     Dollars    %  

Fee revenue

                    

Executive recruitment:

                    

North America

   $ 64,371    50 %   $ 55,330    47 %   $ 188,852    50 %   $ 162,643    50 %

Europe

     28,934    22       31,210    27       83,801    22       79,865    24  

Asia Pacific

     13,930    11       13,125    11       41,941    11       39,181    12  

South America

     4,417    3       2,897    3       11,450    3       7,501    2  
                                                    

Total executive recruitment

     111,652    86       102,562    88       326,044    86       289,190    88  

Futurestep

     17,974    14       14,323    12       51,572    14       39,008    12  
                                                    

Total fee revenue

   $ 129,626    100 %   $ 116,885    100 %     377,616    100 %   $ 328,198    100 %

Reimbursed out-of-pocket engagement expenses

     7,191        6,737        21,229        17,148   
                                    

Total revenue

   $ 136,817      $ 123,622      $ 398,845      $ 345,346   
                                    

 

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     Three Months Ended
January 31,
    Nine Months Ended January 31,  
     2006     2005     2006     2005  
      Dollars     %     Dollars     %     Dollars     %     Dollars     %  

Operating income (loss)

                

Executive recruitment:

                

North America

   $ 15,260     24 %   $ 11,423     21 %     $44,666     24 %   $ 35,479     22 %

Europe

     5,470     19       6,867     22       16,065     19       15,450     19  

Asia Pacific

     2,745     20       2,343     18       8,632     21       7,605     19  

South America

     941     21       431     15       1,888     16       983     13  
                                        

Total executive recruitment

     24,416     22       21,064     21       71,251     22       59,517     21  

Futurestep

     1,396     8       714     5       4,793     9       5,007     13  

Corporate

     (7,098 )       (4,674 )       (20,499 )       (17,367 )  
                                        

Total operating income

   $ 18,714     14 %   $ 17,104     15 %   $ 55,545     15 %   $ 47,157     14 %
                                        

Three Months Ended January 31, 2006 Compared to Three Months Ended January 31, 2005

Fee Revenue. Fee revenue increased $12.7 million, or 11%, to $129.6 million in the three months ended January 31, 2006 compared to $116.9 million in the three months ended January 31, 2005. Engagements opened increased as did the total number of engagements billed in the period. An increase in average fees on engagements billed also contributed to the increase in fee revenue.

Executive Recruitment – Executive Recruitment fee revenue increased $9.1 million, or 9%, to $111.7 million due to an 11% increase in the number of new engagements opened in the period, and a 13% increase in the number of engagements billed. North America fee revenue increased $9.0 million, or 16%, to $64.5 million in the current quarter primarily due to a 9% increase in the number of engagements billed combined with a 6% increase in average fees per engagement billed. Europe reported a decrease in revenue of $2.3 million or 7%, to $28.9 million from $31.2 million in the same period last year, primarily due to exchange rates unfavorably impacting European fee revenue by $3.1 million in the current quarter. Asia Pacific fee revenue increased $0.8 million, or 6%, to $13.9 million compared to the same period last year due to an increase in the number of engagements billed. Exchange rates unfavorably impacted Asia Pacific fee revenue by $0.4 million in the current quarter. South America reported fee revenue of $4.4 million, an increase of $1.5 million, or 52%, compared to last year due to a 21% increase in the number of engagements opened, as well as a 34% increase in the average fee on engagements billed. Exchange rates favorably impacted fee revenue by $0.4 million in the current quarter.

Futurestep - Fee revenue increased $3.7 million, or 25%, to $18.0 million in the three months ended January 31, 2006 compared to $14.3 million in the three months ended January 31, 2005. The improvement in fee revenue, reflected across all regions, is due to an increase in the number of new engagements billed, which increased by 78%. Much of this increase was attributable to one project in North America which saw 650 active positions during the quarter. This one project accounted for 50% of the positions opened in Futurestep in the quarter.

Compensation and Benefits. Compensation and benefits expense increased $12.3 million, or 16%, to $86.9 million in the three months ended January 31, 2006 compared to $74.6 million in the three months ended January 31, 2005. The increase in compensation and benefits expense reflects the hiring of new consultants globally in addition to development of internal resources in response to increasing demand for the Company’s services. The Company increased its number of consultants to 497 as of January 31, 2006, which was an increase of 53 consultants or 12% over the same period last year.

Executive recruitment compensation and benefits expenses of $69.8 million increased by 9%, or $5.9 million, as compared to $63.9 million recorded in same period last year. Executive recruitment compensation and benefits expense, as a percentage of fee revenue increased slightly to 63%, as compared to 62% in the prior year quarter. The number of consultants in executive recruitment increased 12% over the prior year quarter.

Futurestep compensation and benefits expense increased $3.6 million, or 40%, to $12.5 million from $8.9 million in the prior year due to internal resource development as well as continuing investment in our people. Futurestep headcount increased to 355 employees at January 31, 2006, an increase of 88 employees, or 33%, over the past year. Futurestep compensation and benefits expense, as a percentage of fee revenue, increased to 70% from 62% in the prior year.

 

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Corporate compensation and benefits expense increased $2.8 million to $4.6 million in the current quarter, primarily reflective of the increased liability for the Company’s ECAP plan due to gains in participant’s underlying investments. Compensation expense also increased $1.2 million related to the Company Owned Life Insurance (“COLI”) policies, resulting from decreased performance on certain policies as compared to the same period last year.

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses decreased $1.4 million, or 6%, to $21.3 million in the three months ended January 31, 2006 compared to $22.7 million in the same period last year. Exchange rates impacted general and administrative expenses favorably by $0.6 million in the current quarter.

In executive recruitment, general and administrative expenses decreased $1.6 million using constant exchange rates, due mainly to decreased meeting, travel and bad debt expense, offset by smaller increases in other administrative expenses, including premise and business development expense. Bad debt expense decreased by $1.1 million, noted mainly in North America and Europe, due to improved collections. Meetings and travel expense decreased by $1.0 million mainly due to the timing of regional meetings in the current year versus the prior year. These decreases were offset by an increase of $0.5 million in premises and business development expense, disbursed throughout the regions. As a percentage of fee revenue, general and administrative expenses improved to 14% from 17% in the prior year.

Futurestep general and administrative expense increased $0.5 million, or 17%, to $3.4 million, primarily due to increased premise and office expense of $0.4 million. Futurestep general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of fee revenue, decreased to 19% from 20% in the prior year.

Corporate general and administrative expenses decreased $0.3 million, or 10%, over the prior year due to decreased administrative expenses of $0.2 million resulting from reduced costs in relation to the worldwide implementation of Sarbanes-Oxley as compared to the same period last year, along with decreased business development expense of $0.1 million.

Out-of-Pocket Engagement Expenses. Out-of-pocket engagement expenses are comprised of expenses incurred by candidates and our consultants that are generally billed to clients. Out-of-pocket engagement expenses of $7.7 million increased $0.9 million, or 13%, over the prior year as a result of a 13% increase in executive recruitment engagements in the period. As a percentage of fee revenue, out-of-pocket engagement expense was 6% in both the current and prior year periods.

Depreciation and Amortization Expenses. Depreciation and amortization expense was $2.2 million in the three months ended January 31, 2006, consistent with the three months ended January 31, 2005 of $2.3 million. Expense relates mainly to depreciation on computer equipment and software, furniture and fixtures, as well as leasehold improvements.

Operating Income. Operating income increased $1.6 million, or 9%, to $18.7 million in the current quarter compared to $17.1 million in the prior year. Operating income as a percentage of fee revenue was 14.4% in the current period, compared to 14.6% in the same period last year.

Executive recruitment operating income increased $3.4 million, or 16%, to $24.4 million in the three months ended January 31, 2006 compared to $21.1 million in the three months ended January 31, 2005. The improvement in executive recruitment operating income is primarily a result of increased revenue offset by additional compensation expense as discussed. Executive recruitment operating income, as a percentage of fee revenue, increased to 22% from 21% last year.

Futurestep operating income was $1.4 million versus $0.7 million in the three months ended January 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Futurestep operating income, as a percentage of fee revenue, increased to 8% from 5% in the prior year period, resulting from revenue generated mainly from the increased billings resulting from several placements in the North America region during the period.

 

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Corporate expenses for the three months ended January 31, 2006 were $7.1 million, an increase of $2.4 million, as compared to $4.7 million in the same quarter last year. Corporate expenses in the current period increased primarily due to additional amortization on the Company’s ECAP contribution as well as decreased performance on the investments underlying certain COLI polices.

Interest Income and Other Income, Net. Interest income and other income, net includes interest income and income resulting from the loss recovery on an investment sold by the Company in the current period that had previously been impaired. Interest income and other income, net totaled $6.3 million for the three months ended January 31, 2006, which was a $5.4 million increase as compared to $0.9 million in the same period in 2005, due to realization of a loss recovery of $4.5 million on an investment that had previously been impaired, as well as interest and dividend income resulting from various accounts and our ECAP plan of $1.5 million. The remaining $0.3 million variance is disbursed throughout the remaining regions.

Interest Expense. Interest expense was $2.5 million in the current quarter, versus $2.7 million in the same period last year. Interest expense of $2.3 million related to borrowings under our convertible securities and COLI policies in our Corporate segment, with the remaining $0.2 million distributed throughout the remaining segments.

Provision for Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes was $6.4 million for the three months ended January 31, 2006 compared to $5.9 million for the same period last year. The provision for income taxes reflects a 28% effective tax rate for the current quarter. Excluding the income booked as a result of the loss recovery on a previously impaired investment, which management considers a non-recurring event, the effective tax rate for the three months ended was 35%, compared to a 37% effective tax rate in the same period last year. When the investment was originally impaired in fiscal 2002, a deferred tax asset was booked with a 100% valuation allowance due to the uncertainty regarding the company’s ability to realize a capital loss deduction after sale of the investment. As a result, there was no tax expense booked on the loss recovery in the current quarter.

Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Subsidiaries. Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries is comprised of our less than 50% shareholder interest in our Mexican subsidiaries. We report our interest in earnings or loss of the Mexican subsidiaries on the equity basis as a one line adjustment to net income, net of taxes. Equity in earnings was $0.5 million in both the three months ended January 31, 2006 and 2005.

Nine Months Ended January 31, 2006 Compared to Nine Months Ended January 31, 2005

Fee Revenue. Fee revenue increased $49.4 million, or 15%, to $377.6 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2006 compared to $328.2 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2005. The improvement in fee revenue is attributable to an increase in the number of engagements billed and average fees. The number of engagements billed increased by 22% over the same period last year, with the larger increases noted especially in North America executive search and Futurestep. Exchange rates unfavorably impacted fee revenues by $1.5 million in the current year.

Executive Recruitment - Executive Recruitment fee revenue increased $36.9 million, or 13%, due to an increase in both the number of engagements billed and average fees. On a year-to-date basis, executive recruitment engagements billed have increased by 12% as compared to the same period last year. North America fee revenue increased $26.2 million, or 16%, to $188.9 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2006 primarily due to an increase in the number of engagements billed as well as a 5% increase in the average engagement fee. Europe reported fee revenue of $83.8 million, an increase of $3.9 million, or 5%, compared to last year due to a 12% increase on the number of engagements billed. Asia Pacific fee revenue increased $2.8 million, or 7%, to $41.9 million compared to the same period last year due to a 15% increase in the number of engagements billed. Exchange rates favorably impacted Asia Pacific fee revenue by $0.3 million in the current period. South America reported fee revenue of $11.5 million, an increase of $3.9 million, or 52%, compared to $7.5 million last year due to an increase of 100 new engagements opened in the current period and a 14% increase engagements billed as compared to the same period last year. Exchange rates favorably impacted South American fee revenue by $1.2 million in the current period.

Futurestep - Fee revenue increased $12.6 million, or 32%, to $51.6 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2006 compared to $39.0 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2005. The improvement in fee revenue, reflected across all regions, is due to an increase in the number of new engagements opened, which increased by 47% since the same period last year, combined with our successful strategic shift to recruitment process outsourcing.

 

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Compensation and Benefits. Compensation and benefits expense increased $37.5 million, or 18%, to $246.1 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2006 compared to $208.5 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2005. The increase in compensation and benefits expense is due to a 12% increase in the number of new consultants since the same period last year in addition to increased profitability and retention awards. Executive recruitment compensation and benefits costs of $199.7 million increased $24.6 million, or 14%, compared to last year primarily due to 46 new consultants hired over the past year, a 12% increase as compared to last year. Executive recruitment compensation and benefits expense, as a percentage of fee revenue remained steady at 61% in both years. Futurestep compensation and benefits expense increased $10.0 million, or 41%, to $34.3 million from $24.3 million in the prior year due to significant investments in our people which increased Futurestep’s headcount by 33% or 88 employees over the past year. Futurestep compensation and benefits expense, as a percentage of fee revenue, increased to 67% from 62% in the prior year. Corporate compensation and benefits expense increased by $2.8 million to $12.0 million at January 31, 2006 as compared to $9.2 million in the same period last year. Increased compensation and benefits expense in the Corporate sector related mainly to a $2.7 million increase in deferred compensation expense, resulting from additional amortization on the ECAP of $1.7 million, as well as increased liability on the Company’s ECAP plan of $0.8 million, resulting from investment gains. The remaining increase related to an additional expense of $0.2 million on the Company’s other worldwide executive benefit plans.

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses increased $3.0 million, or 5%, to $68.0 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2006 compared to $65.0 million in the same period last year.

In executive recruitment, general and administrative expenses decreased $0.4 million, from $50.1 million in the prior year to $49.7 million in the current year using constant exchange rates. Decreases in bad debt expense of $1.4 million were noted as a result of improved collections, especially in both the European and North American regions. Other administrative expenses also decreased by $0.6 million resulting from decreased allocations from regional centers. These were offset by increased premise and office expense of $0.9 million, noted mainly in North America, due to increased rent expense, along with increased business development expense of $0.7 million, as executive recruitment continues to expand. Executive recruitment general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of fee revenue, improved to 15% from 17% in the prior year.

Futurestep general and administrative expense increased $2.9 million, or 41%, primarily due to increased premises and office expense of $1.3 million, noted across all regions, resulting from increased rent expense and the opening of new offices in Europe and Asia. Travel, meetings, and administrative expense increased $1.2 million in the current year. Factors contributing to this increase include higher regional IT allocations to Futurestep Europe, increased global and regional meetings held to continue to develop internal strategies to maintain business growth, as well as increased travel costs related to additional client activity in the current year. Business development expense increased by $0.4 million worldwide, as the expansion of Futurestep’s business continues. Futurestep general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of fee revenue, increased to 20% from 18% in the prior year.

Corporate general and administrative expenses increased $0.5 million, or 6%, over the prior year due to increased legal expenses of $1.1 million. This was offset by decreased premise, meeting and administrative expenses of $0.6 million, primarily due to decreased rent charges in the current year as well as a decrease in costs related to worldwide Sarbanes-Oxley compliance measures implementation.

Out-of-Pocket Engagement Expenses. Out-of-pocket engagement expenses are comprised of expenses incurred by candidates and our consultants that are generally billed to clients. Out-of-pocket engagement expenses of $22.6 million increased $4.6 million, or 26%, over the prior year as a result of increased engagements of 12% as compared to last year. As a percentage of fee revenue, out-of-pocket engagement expense was 6% compared to 5% in the prior year.

Depreciation and Amortization Expenses. Depreciation and amortization expense was $6.6 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2006, a slight decrease of $0.1 million from the prior year amount of $6.7 million at January 31, 2005. Depreciation expense relates mainly to computer equipment and software, furniture and fixtures, as well as leasehold improvements.

 

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Operating Income. Operating income increased $8.3 million, or 18%, to $55.5 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2006 compared to $47.2 million in the prior period. Operating income, as a percentage of fee revenue, improved to 15% from 14% in the prior period, resulting from the 15% revenue increase in the current fiscal year.

Executive recruitment operating income increased $11.8 million, or 20%, to $71.3 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2006 compared to $59.5 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2005. The improvement in executive recruitment operating income is primarily a result of increased revenue offset by additional compensation expense. Executive recruitment operating income, as a percentage of fee revenue, improved to 22% from 21% last year.

Futurestep operating income was $4.8 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2006, a decrease of $0.2 million as compared to $5.0 million in the same period of 2005. Futurestep operating income, as a percentage of fee revenue, declined to 9% from 13% in the prior year. Compensation and benefits costs related to increased headcount and general and administrative expenses contributed to the decline in operating income during the current year.

Corporate expenses were $20.5 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2006, an increase of $3.1 million, compared to $17.4 million in the same period last year, attributable mainly to deferred compensation expense.

Interest Income and Other Income, Net. Interest income and other income, net of $8.9 million increased by $7.3 million from $1.6 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2005. The increase is due to the realization of a loss recovery of $4.5 million on an investment that had previously been impaired, as well as $2.8 million in interest and other income, mainly from the Corporate sector, resulting from higher cash balances and interest rate growth.

Interest Expense. Interest expense, primarily related to the borrowings under our convertible securities and COLI policies, was $7.6 million in the current year, a slight decrease of $0.4 million compared to $8.0 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2005.

Provision for Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes was $19.2 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2006 compared to $15.3 million last year. The provision for income taxes reflects a 34% effective tax rate for the current year. Excluding the income booked as a result of the loss recovery on a previously impaired investment, which management considers a non-recurring event, the effective tax rate for the nine months ended was 37%, which is consistent with the nine months ended January 31, 2005. When the investment was originally impaired in fiscal 2002, a deferred tax asset was booked with a 100% valuation allowance due to the uncertainty regarding the company’s ability to realize a capital loss deduction after sale of the investment. As a result, there was no tax expense booked on the loss recovery in the third quarter of the current fiscal year.

Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Subsidiaries. Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries is comprised of our less than 50% shareholder interest in our Mexican subsidiaries. We report our interest in earnings or loss of the Mexican subsidiaries on the equity basis as a one line adjustment to net income, net of taxes. Equity in earnings was $1.5 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2006, an increase of $0.1 million, compared to $1.4 million, in the same period in 2005.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash provided by operating activities was $15.9 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2006 compared to $37.4 million last year. The decrease in cash provided by operating activities is primarily due to the timing of payments and accruals of the company’s fiscal 2004 and 2005 bonuses in July 2004 and 2005, respectively. In the nine months ended January 31, 2005, the accrual of fiscal 2005 bonus was greater than the fiscal 2004 bonus that was paid in July of 2004. Conversely, in the nine months ended January 31, 2006, the accrual of fiscal 2006 bonus was less than the fiscal 2005 bonus that was paid in July of 2005. This trend is due in large part to the significant improvement in performance that the company experienced in fiscal 2005 over 2004. The company also experienced an increase in receivables as revenue increased. These items were offset by increases in net income and in deferred compensation expense. The Company’s deferred compensation liability increased $10.1 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2006, compared to $3.6 million in prior year period, as the Company has moved from stock option grants to restricted stock grants and ECAP contributions.

 

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Cash used in investing activities was $18.2 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2006, compared to $13.4 million in the prior year, an increase in cash used of $4.8 million. In the nine months ended January 31, 2006 we invested $9.9 million in marketable securities in conjunction with our ECAP program, an increase of $2.3 million over prior year period. Capital expenditures for the nine months ended January 31, 2006 and January 31, 2005 totaled $8.2 million and $5.3 million, respectively, resulting in an increase of $2.9 million. Increases were noted throughout the company due to the continuing expansion of our Futurestep business as well as due to new offices launched or relocated in Europe and North America, in addition to capital expenditures related to new hires in the executive recruitment segment.

Cash provided by financing activities was $16.3 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2006 compared to $13.1 million last year. In the nine months ended January 31, 2006 we received $16.8 million from exercises of employee stock options and in conjunction with the semi-annual offerings under our ESPP in July and December. This was offset by treasury stock repurchases, mainly from the second quarter of this fiscal year, totaling $2.0 million.

Total outstanding borrowings under our COLI policies were $58.1 million and $56.6 million as of January 31, 2006 and April 30, 2005, respectively. Generally, we borrow under our COLI policies to pay related premiums. Such borrowings do not require principal payments, bear interest at primarily variable rates and are secured by the cash surrender value of the life insurance policies of $127.4 million and $121.1 million as of January 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Borrowings under our COLI policies are netted against the cash surrender value of the life insurance policies in our balance sheet.

As of January 31, 2006, we had approximately $45.0 million outstanding in aggregate principal amount of 7.5% Convertible Subordinated Notes due in June 2010 and 7.5% Convertible Series A Preferred Stock with an aggregate liquidation preference of $11.4 million.

We have a Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility with a $50 million borrowing capacity and no borrowing base restrictions. The credit facility is secured by substantially all of our assets including certain accounts receivable balances and guarantees by and pledges a portion of the capital stock of our significant subsidiaries. We are required to meet certain financial condition covenants on a quarterly basis. As of January 31, 2006, we had no outstanding borrowings on our credit facility.

We believe that cash on hand, borrowings available under our credit facility and funds from operations will be sufficient to meet our anticipated working capital, debt service requirements, capital expenditures and general corporate requirements. However, adverse changes in our revenue could require us to cut costs or obtain financing to meet our cash needs.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements and have not entered into any transactions involving unconsolidated, limited purpose entities.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

On December 16, 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Statement No. 123 (revised 2004) (Statement 123(R)), Share-Based Payment, which is a revision of FASB Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (Statement 123). Statement 123(R) supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and amends FASB Statement No. 95, Statement of Cash Flows. Generally, the approach in Statement 123(R) is similar to the approach described in Statement 123. However, Statement 123(R) requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the income statement based on their fair values. Pro forma disclosure is no longer an alternative. Statement 123(R) is required to be adopted in fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. We expect to adopt Statement 123(R) on May 1, 2006 using the modified-prospective method.

As permitted by Statement 123, we currently account for share-based payments to employees using APB Opinion No. 25’s intrinsic value method and, as such, generally recognize no compensation cost for employee stock options.

 

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Accordingly, the adoption of Statement 123(R)’s fair value method will have a significant impact on our results of operations, although it will have no impact on our overall financial position. The impact of adoption of Statement 123(R) cannot be predicted at this time as it depends on levels of share-based payments granted in the future. However, had we adopted Statement 123(R) in prior periods, the impact of that standard would have approximated the impact of Statement 123 as described in the disclosure of pro forma net income and earnings per share in Note 1 to our condensed consolidated financial statements. Statement 123(R) also requires the benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation cost be reported as a financing cash flow, rather than as an operating cash flow as required under current literature. This requirement will reduce net operating cash flows and increase net financing cash flows in periods after adoption.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

As a result of our global operating activities, we are exposed to certain market risks, including foreign currency exchange fluctuations and fluctuations in interest rates. We manage our exposure to these risks in the normal course of our business as described below. We have not utilized financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes, nor do we trade in derivative financial instruments.

Foreign Currency Risk

Substantially all our foreign subsidiaries’ operations are measured in their local currencies. Assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange in effect at the end of each reporting period and revenue and expenses are translated at average rates of exchange during the year. Resulting translation adjustments are reported as a component of comprehensive income in our Statement of Stockholders’ Equity.

Transactions denominated in a currency other than the reporting entity’s functional currency may give rise to transaction gains and losses that impact our results of operations. In the nine months ended January 31, 2006, we recognized foreign currency gains of $0.2 million, primarily related to our Europe operations in our Statement of Operations.

Our primary exposure to exchange losses is based on outstanding inter-company loan balances denominated in U.S. dollars. If the U.S. dollar strengthened 15%, 25% and 35% against Pounds Sterling, the Euro, the Canadian dollar, the Australian dollar and the Yen, the Company ‘s exchange loss would have been $1.0 million, $1.7 million and $2.3 million, respectively, based on outstanding balances at January 31, 2006.

Interest Rate Risk

As of January 31, 2006, we had no outstanding balance on our credit facility. We have $58.1 million of borrowings against the cash surrender value of COLI contracts as of January 31, 2006 bearing interest primarily at variable rates. The risk of fluctuations in these variable rates is minimized by the fact that we receive a corresponding adjustment to our borrowed funds crediting rate on the cash surrender value on our COLI contracts.

As of January 31, 2006, we have approximately $45.0 million of 7.5% Convertible Debt and $11.4 million liquidation value of 7.5% Convertible Preferred Stock that is mandatorily redeemable by us if still outstanding on June 13, 2010.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

Based on their evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures conducted as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act) are effective.

 

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(b) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting.

During the fiscal quarter ended January 31, 2006, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibit
Number
  

Description of Exhibit

3.1    Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, dated December 15, 1999, and incorporated herein by reference.
3.2    Certificate of Designations of 7.5% Convertible Preferred Stock, filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated June 18, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference.
3.3    Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, filed as Exhibit 3.3 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated July 29, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference.
31.1    Chief Executive Officer Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Exchange Act, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2    Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Exchange Act, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1    Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

 

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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements 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.

 

   

KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL

Date: March 10, 2006

   

By:

 

/s/ GARY D. BURNISON

       

Gary D. Burnison

Chief Operating Officer and

Chief Financial Officer

 

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