DHI GROUP, INC. - Quarter Report: 2019 September (Form 10-Q)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
______________________________________________
FORM 10-Q
______________________________________________
(Mark One)
☑ | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarter ended September 30, 2019
______________________________________________
OR
☐ | TRANSITION PERIOD PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM TO
Commission File Number: 001-33584
____________________________________________
DHI Group, Inc.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)
______________________________________________
Delaware | 20-3179218 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | |
1450 Broadway, 29th Floor | ||
New York, New York | 10018 | |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
(212) 725-6550
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
_______________________________________________
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: | ||
Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered |
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share | DHX | New York Stock Exchange |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☑ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☑ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ☐ Accelerated filer ☑ Non-accelerated filer ☐ Smaller Reporting Company ☑ Emerging Growth Company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☑
As of November 1, 2019, there were 53,898,380 shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $.01 per share, outstanding.
DHI GROUP, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | |||
PART I. | FINANCIAL INFORMATION | ||
Item 1. | Unaudited Financial Statements | ||
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 | |||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 | |||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 | |||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 | |||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 | |||
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements | |||
Item 2. | |||
Item 3. | |||
Item 4. | |||
PART II. | OTHER INFORMATION | ||
Item 1. | |||
Item 1A. | |||
Item 2. | |||
Item 5. | |||
Item 6. | |||
SIGNATURES | |||
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | |||
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | |||
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | |||
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
1
PART I
ITEM 1. Financial Statements
DHI GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)
September 30, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | ||||||
ASSETS | |||||||
Current assets | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 4,454 | $ | 6,472 | |||
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $758 and $647 | 15,425 | 22,850 | |||||
Income taxes receivable | 945 | 2,203 | |||||
Prepaid and other current assets | 3,178 | 7,330 | |||||
Total current assets | 24,002 | 38,855 | |||||
Fixed assets, net | 18,922 | 15,890 | |||||
Acquired intangible assets, net | 39,000 | 39,000 | |||||
Capitalized contract costs | 6,299 | 7,939 | |||||
Goodwill | 151,949 | 153,974 | |||||
Deferred income taxes | 80 | 136 | |||||
Operating lease right-of-use asset | 15,865 | — | |||||
Other assets | 2,563 | 2,591 | |||||
Total assets | $ | 258,680 | $ | 258,385 | |||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | |||||||
Current liabilities | |||||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ | 16,209 | $ | 25,030 | |||
Operating lease liabilities | 3,846 | — | |||||
Deferred revenue | 50,147 | 54,723 | |||||
Income taxes payable | 819 | 1,168 | |||||
Total current liabilities | 71,021 | 80,921 | |||||
Long-term debt, net | 7,398 | 17,288 | |||||
Deferred income taxes | 10,953 | 10,444 | |||||
Deferred revenue | 950 | 1,363 | |||||
Accrual for unrecognized tax benefits | 1,999 | 1,680 | |||||
Operating lease liabilities | 12,653 | — | |||||
Other long-term liabilities | 421 | 1,334 | |||||
Total liabilities | 105,395 | 113,030 | |||||
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 11) | |||||||
Stockholders’ equity | |||||||
Convertible preferred stock, $.01 par value, authorized 20,000 shares; no shares issued and outstanding | — | — | |||||
Common stock, $.01 par value, authorized 240,000; issued 69,254 and 87,522 shares, respectively; outstanding: 54,047 and 53,396 shares, respectively | 693 | 876 | |||||
Additional paid-in capital | 225,658 | 383,123 | |||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (33,360 | ) | (31,236 | ) | |||
Accumulated earnings | 80,465 | 71,435 | |||||
Treasury stock, 15,207 and 34,126 shares, respectively | (120,171 | ) | (278,843 | ) | |||
Total stockholders’ equity | 153,285 | 145,355 | |||||
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 258,680 | $ | 258,385 |
See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
2
DHI GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | ||||||||||||
Revenues | $ | 37,176 | $ | 38,917 | $ | 111,655 | $ | 123,583 | |||||||
Operating expenses: | |||||||||||||||
Cost of revenues | 4,250 | 4,424 | 11,991 | 14,330 | |||||||||||
Product development | 4,121 | 5,219 | 12,708 | 15,811 | |||||||||||
Sales and marketing | 13,615 | 13,974 | 41,668 | 46,628 | |||||||||||
General and administrative | 7,502 | 8,843 | 23,220 | 28,012 | |||||||||||
Depreciation | 2,415 | 2,540 | 7,201 | 7,155 | |||||||||||
Amortization of intangible assets | — | — | — | 482 | |||||||||||
Disposition related and other costs (Note 13) | — | 2,085 | 1,700 | 5,214 | |||||||||||
Total operating expenses | 31,903 | 37,085 | 98,488 | 117,632 | |||||||||||
Gain (loss) on sale of businesses, net (Note 4) | — | (365 | ) | (537 | ) | 3,435 | |||||||||
Operating income | 5,273 | 1,467 | 12,630 | 9,386 | |||||||||||
Interest expense and other | (188 | ) | (335 | ) | (512 | ) | (1,370 | ) | |||||||
Other expense | — | (9 | ) | — | (42 | ) | |||||||||
Income before income taxes | 5,085 | 1,123 | 12,118 | 7,974 | |||||||||||
Income tax expense | 704 | 193 | 3,088 | 3,746 | |||||||||||
Net income | $ | 4,381 | $ | 930 | $ | 9,030 | $ | 4,228 | |||||||
Basic earnings per share | $ | 0.09 | $ | 0.02 | $ | 0.19 | $ | 0.09 | |||||||
Diluted earnings per share | $ | 0.08 | $ | 0.02 | $ | 0.18 | $ | 0.09 | |||||||
Weighted-average basic shares outstanding | 48,974 | 48,780 | 48,668 | 48,589 | |||||||||||
Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding | 52,137 | 50,390 | 51,598 | 49,707 |
See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
DHI GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(unaudited)
(in thousands)
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | ||||||||||||
Net income | $ | 4,381 | $ | 930 | $ | 9,030 | $ | 4,228 | |||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment | (1,863 | ) | (894 | ) | (2,124 | ) | (2,431 | ) | |||||||
Total other comprehensive loss | (1,863 | ) | (894 | ) | (2,124 | ) | (2,431 | ) | |||||||
Comprehensive income | $ | 2,518 | $ | 36 | $ | 6,906 | $ | 1,797 |
See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
DHI GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(unaudited)
(in thousands)
Convertible Preferred Stock | Common Stock | Additional Paid-in Capital | Treasury Stock | Accumulated Earnings (Loss) | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares Issued | Amount | Shares Issued | Amount | Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2018 | — | $ | — | 87,522 | $ | 876 | $ | 383,123 | 34,126 | $ | (278,843 | ) | $ | 71,435 | $ | (31,236 | ) | $ | 145,355 | |||||||||||||||||
Net income | 1,588 | 1,588 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income | 1,416 | 1,416 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock based compensation | 1,458 | 1,458 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Restricted stock issued | 1,456 | 15 | 15 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Restricted stock forfeited or withheld to satisfy tax obligations | (113 | ) | (1 | ) | 214 | (532 | ) | (533 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units eligible to vest | 680 | 7 | 7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units forfeited | (10 | ) | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Retirement of treasury stock (see Note 12) | (20,000 | ) | (200 | ) | (161,600 | ) | (20,000 | ) | 161,800 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchase of treasury stock under stock repurchase plan | 250 | (491 | ) | (491 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2019 | — | $ | — | 69,535 | $ | 697 | $ | 222,981 | 14,590 | $ | (118,066 | ) | $ | 73,023 | $ | (29,820 | ) | $ | 148,815 | |||||||||||||||||
Net income | 3,061 | 3,061 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss | (1,677 | ) | (1,677 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock based compensation | 1,620 | 1,620 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Restricted stock issued | 411 | 4 | 4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Restricted stock forfeited or withheld to satisfy tax obligations | (114 | ) | (1 | ) | 165 | (518 | ) | (519 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units eligible to vest | 60 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units forfeited | (10 | ) | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2019 | — | $ | — | 69,882 | $ | 700 | $ | 224,601 | 14,755 | $ | (118,584 | ) | $ | 76,084 | $ | (31,497 | ) | $ | 151,304 | |||||||||||||||||
Net income | 4,381 | 4,381 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss | (1,863 | ) | (1,863 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock based compensation | 1,057 | 1,057 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Restricted stock issued | 234 | 2 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Restricted stock forfeited or withheld to satisfy tax obligations | (214 | ) | (2 | ) | 85 | (316 | ) | (318 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units eligible to vest | (548 | ) | (6 | ) | (6 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units forfeited | (100 | ) | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchase of treasury stock under stock repurchase plan | 367 | (1,271 | ) | (1,271 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2019 | — | $ | — | 69,254 | $ | 693 | $ | 225,658 | 15,207 | $ | (120,171 | ) | $ | 80,465 | $ | (33,360 | ) | $ | 153,285 |
See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
DHI GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(unaudited)
(in thousands)
Convertible Preferred Stock | Common Stock | Additional Paid-in Capital | Treasury Stock | Accumulated Earnings (Loss) | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares Issued | Amount | Shares Issued | Amount | Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2017 | — | $ | — | 83,125 | $ | 831 | $ | 375,537 | 32,645 | $ | (276,173 | ) | $ | 59,776 | $ | (27,330 | ) | $ | 132,641 | |||||||||||||||||
Net income | 3,503 | 3,503 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | 2,322 | 2,322 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock based compensation | 2,510 | 2,510 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Restricted stock issued | 1,507 | 16 | 16 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Restricted stock forfeited or withheld to satisfy tax obligations | (91 | ) | (1 | ) | 188 | (325 | ) | (326 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cumulative-effect of new accounting principle | 4,485 | 4,485 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2018 | — | $ | — | 84,541 | $ | 846 | $ | 378,047 | 32,833 | $ | (276,498 | ) | $ | 67,764 | $ | (25,008 | ) | $ | 145,151 | |||||||||||||||||
Net loss | (205 | ) | (205 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | (3,859 | ) | (3,859 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock based compensation | 1,579 | 1,579 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Restricted stock issued | 2,257 | 22 | 22 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Restricted stock forfeited or withheld to satisfy tax obligations | (80 | ) | — | 86 | (148 | ) | (148 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchase of treasury stock under stock repurchase plan | 55 | (95 | ) | (95 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2018 | — | $ | — | 86,718 | $ | 868 | $ | 379,626 | 32,974 | $ | (276,741 | ) | $ | 67,559 | $ | (28,867 | ) | $ | 142,445 | |||||||||||||||||
Net income | 930 | 930 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | (894 | ) | (894 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock based compensation | 1,273 | 1,273 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Restricted stock issued | 6 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Restricted stock forfeited or withheld to satisfy tax obligations | (179 | ) | (2 | ) | 36 | (75 | ) | (77 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchase of treasury stock under stock repurchase plan | 347 | (721 | ) | (721 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unclaimed shareholder liability (see Note 12) | 980 | 980 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2018 | — | $ | — | 86,545 | $ | 866 | $ | 381,879 | 33,357 | $ | (277,537 | ) | $ | 68,489 | $ | (29,761 | ) | $ | 143,936 |
See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
6
DHI GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)
(in thousands)
Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||
2019 | 2018 | ||||||
Cash flows from (used in) operating activities: | |||||||
Net income | $ | 9,030 | $ | 4,228 | |||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from (used in) operating activities: | |||||||
Depreciation | 7,201 | 7,155 | |||||
Amortization of intangible assets | — | 482 | |||||
Deferred income taxes | 573 | 1,830 | |||||
Amortization of deferred financing costs | 110 | 146 | |||||
Stock based compensation | 4,135 | 5,362 | |||||
Change in accrual for unrecognized tax benefits | 319 | 382 | |||||
(Gain) loss on sale of businesses, net | 537 | (3,435 | ) | ||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | |||||||
Accounts receivable | 7,244 | 15,772 | |||||
Prepaid expenses and other assets | 66 | 1,709 | |||||
Capitalized contract costs | 1,602 | (1,587 | ) | ||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | (8,144 | ) | (4,180 | ) | |||
Income taxes receivable/payable | 923 | (1,021 | ) | ||||
Deferred revenue | (4,774 | ) | (18,622 | ) | |||
Other, net | 166 | 469 | |||||
Net cash flows from operating activities | 18,988 | 8,690 | |||||
Cash flows from (used in) investing activities: | |||||||
Net cash received from sale of businesses | 2,683 | 17,542 | |||||
Purchases of fixed assets | (10,345 | ) | (6,604 | ) | |||
Net cash flows from (used in) investing activities | (7,662 | ) | 10,938 | ||||
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities: | |||||||
Payments on long-term debt | (25,000 | ) | (30,000 | ) | |||
Proceeds from long-term debt | 15,000 | 5,000 | |||||
Payments under stock repurchase plan | (1,762 | ) | (828 | ) | |||
Purchase of treasury stock related to vested restricted stock units | (1,366 | ) | (547 | ) | |||
Net cash flows used in financing activities | (13,128 | ) | (26,375 | ) | |||
Effect of exchange rate changes | (216 | ) | (662 | ) | |||
Net change in cash and cash equivalents for the period | (2,018 | ) | (7,409 | ) | |||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | 6,472 | 12,068 | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ | 4,454 | $ | 4,659 | |||
See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
7
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of DHI Group, Inc. (“DHI” or the “Company”) have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and disclosures normally included in annual audited consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) have been omitted and condensed pursuant to such rules and regulations. In the opinion of the Company’s management, all adjustments (consisting of only normal and recurring accruals) have been made to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company for the periods presented. Although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 (the “Annual Report on Form 10-K”). Operating results for the nine month period ended September 30, 2019 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be achieved for the full year.
Preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. Management believes the most complex and sensitive judgments, because of their significance to the condensed consolidated financial statements, result primarily from the need to make estimates about the effects of matters that are inherently uncertain. Actual results could differ materially from management’s estimates reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto. There have been no significant changes in the Company’s assumptions regarding critical accounting estimates during the nine month period ended September 30, 2019.
2. NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued ASU No. 2014-09 (“Topic 606”), Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Topic 606 supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Accounting Standards Codification Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and requires entities to measure and recognize revenue and the related cash flows it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers and requires an entity to recognize the incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer as an asset if the entity expects to recover those costs over time. Topic 606 became effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Topic 606 provides companies with two implementation methods. Companies can choose to apply the standard retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented (full retrospective application) or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings of the annual reporting period that include the date of initial application (modified retrospective application). The Company chose the modified retrospective application method and has implemented Topic 606 effective January 1, 2018.
The Company has determined that the January 1, 2018 cumulative effect to its revenue streams was an increase of approximately $0.2 million to deferred revenues, and the cumulative effect to its contract acquisition costs was an increase to contract acquisition cost assets of approximately $6.1 million, with a net after tax increase to retained earnings of approximately $4.5 million. The cumulative impact on contract acquisition costs was computed based on contracts in force as of December 31, 2017 using average commission rates on both new business sales to be amortized over approximately two years and the remaining sales contracts to be amortized over approximately one year. See Note 3 to the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases. The new standard has requirements on how to account for leases by both the lessee and the lessor and adds clarification for what constitutes a lease, among other items. The updated standard became effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods the following year. The new standard must be applied using a modified retrospective transition. In July 2018, the FASB issued updated guidance which allows an additional transition method to adopt the new standard at the adoption date, as compared to the beginning of the earliest period presented, and recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the beginning balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. DHI has implemented the new standard effective January 1, 2019, under the modified retrospective method with the available practical expedients. Adoption of this standard has resulted in a right-of-use asset of $17.2 million, net of accrued rent and lease exit costs, and related operating lease liability of $18.0 million being established on the Company's balance sheet as of January 1, 2019, with no cumulative-effect adjustments to retained earnings. Right-of-Use ("ROU") assets represent the Company's right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the obligation to make payments arising from the lease.
8
The Company has implemented processes and tools to assist in the ongoing lease data collection and analysis, and has updated accounting policies and internal controls as a result of adopting this standard.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. ASU 2016-13 changes how entities will account for credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value through net income. The guidance replaces the current "incurred loss" model with an "expected loss" model that requires consideration of a broader range of information to estimate expected credit losses over the lifetime of a financial asset. ASU 2016-13 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022 for Smaller Reporting Companies. The Company is evaluating the expected impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software: Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract. The new standard requires entities that are customers in cloud computing arrangements to defer implementation costs if they would be capitalized by the entity in software licensing arrangements under the internal-use software guidance. ASU No. 2018-15 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within those years and early adoption is permitted. The amendments allow either a retrospective or prospective approach to all implementation costs incurred after adoption. The Company is evaluating the expected impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements.
3. REVENUE RECOGNITION
On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted Topic 606 applying the modified retrospective method to all contracts that were not completed as of January 1, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under Topic 606, while prior period amounts were not adjusted and will continue to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for the period presented.
We recorded a net increase to opening retained earnings of $4.5 million as of January 1, 2018 due to the cumulative impact of adopting Topic 606.
The Company recognizes revenue when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our customers at an amount that reflects the consideration to which we expect to receive in exchange for those goods or services. Revenue is recognized net of customer discounts ratably over the service period. Customer billings delivered in advance of services being rendered are recorded as deferred revenue and recognized over the service period. The Company generates revenue from recruitment packages, advertising, classifieds, data services, and career fair and recruitment event booth rentals.
Disaggregation of revenue
Our brands serve various economic professions, such as technology, financial, and energy (sold the RigLogix portion of the Rigzone business on February 20, 2018 and transferred majority ownership of the remaining Rigzone business to Rigzone management on August 31, 2018). The following table provides information about disaggregated revenue by brand and includes a reconciliation of the disaggregated revenue with reportable segments (in thousands):
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 | Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 | |||||||||||||||||||
Tech-Focused | Other | Total | Tech-Focused | Other | Total | |||||||||||||||
Dice | $ | 22,915 | $ | — | $ | 22,915 | $ | 23,715 | $ | — | $ | 23,715 | ||||||||
ClearanceJobs | 6,320 | — | 6,320 | 5,422 | — | 5,422 | ||||||||||||||
eFinancial Careers | 7,941 | — | 7,941 | 8,388 | — | 8,388 | ||||||||||||||
Dice Europe (1) | — | — | — | 461 | — | 461 | ||||||||||||||
Rigzone (2) | — | — | — | — | 931 | 931 | ||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 37,176 | $ | — | $ | 37,176 | $ | 37,986 | $ | 931 | $ | 38,917 | ||||||||
(1) The Company ceased Dice Europe operations on August 31, 2018. | ||||||||||||||||||||
(2) The Company sold the RigLogix portion of the Rigzone business on February 20, 2018 and transferred majority ownership of the remaining Rigzone business to Rigzone management on August 31, 2018. |
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Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 | Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 | |||||||||||||||||||
Tech-Focused | Other | Total | Tech-Focused | Other | Total | |||||||||||||||
Dice | $ | 69,276 | $ | — | $ | 69,276 | $ | 70,486 | $ | — | $ | 70,486 | ||||||||
ClearanceJobs | 18,116 | — | 18,116 | 15,359 | — | 15,359 | ||||||||||||||
eFinancial Careers | 24,263 | — | 24,263 | 25,418 | — | 25,418 | ||||||||||||||
Dice Europe (1) | — | — | — | 3,008 | — | 3,008 | ||||||||||||||
Hcareers (2) | — | — | — | — | 5,329 | 5,329 | ||||||||||||||
Rigzone (2) | — | — | — | — | 3,771 | 3,771 | ||||||||||||||
BioSpace (2) | — | — | — | — | 212 | 212 | ||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 111,655 | $ | — | $ | 111,655 | $ | 114,271 | $ | 9,312 | $ | 123,583 | ||||||||
(1) The Company ceased Dice Europe operations on August 31, 2018. | ||||||||||||||||||||
(2) The Company sold the RigLogix portion of the Rigzone business on February 20, 2018 and transferred majority ownership of the remaining Rigzone business to Rigzone management on August 31, 2018. Hcareers was sold on May 22, 2018 and the Company transferred majority ownership of BioSpace to BioSpace management on January 31, 2018. |
Contract Balances
The following table provides information about opening and closing balances of receivables and contract liabilities from contracts with customers as required under Topic 606 (in thousands):
As of September 30, 2019 | As of December 31, 2018 | ||||||||
Receivables | $ | 15,425 | $ | 22,850 | |||||
Short-term contract liabilities (deferred revenue) | 50,147 | 54,723 | |||||||
Long-term contract liabilities (deferred revenue) | 950 | 1,363 |
We receive payments from customers based upon contractual billing schedules; accounts receivable is recorded when customers are invoiced per the contractual billings schedules. As the Company's standard payment terms are less than one year, the Company elected the practical expedient, where applicable. As a result, the Company did not consider the effects of a significant financing component. Contract liabilities include customer billings delivered in advance of performance under the contract, and associated revenue is realized when services are rendered under the contract.
Receivables increase due to customer billings and decrease by cash collected from customers along with business divestitures. Included in January 1, 2018 is $4.4 million of receivables related to businesses divested during the year ended December 31, 2018. Contract liabilities increase due to customer billings and are decreased as performance obligations are satisfied under the contracts. Included in January 1, 2018 is $8.4 million of short-term contract liabilities related to the businesses divested during the year ended December 31, 2018.
The Company recognized the following revenues as a result of changes in the contract liability balances in the respective periods (in thousands):
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | ||||||||||||||
September 30, 2019 | September 30, 2018 | September 30, 2019 | September 30, 2018 | ||||||||||||
Revenue recognized in the period from: | |||||||||||||||
Amounts included in the contract liability at the beginning of the period | $ | 27,122 | $ | 28,933 | $ | 49,653 | $ | 69,897 |
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The following table includes estimated deferred revenue expected to be recognized in the future related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied at the end of the reporting period (in thousands):
Remainder of 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | Total | ||||||||||||
Tech-focused | $ | 26,742 | $ | 23,883 | $ | 472 | $ | 51,097 |
4. SALE OF BUSINESSES
The Company transferred a majority ownership of the Rigzone business to Rigzone management on August 31, 2018. The Company retained a 40% common share interest in Rigzone. The Company incurred approximately $0.4 million in selling costs and recognized a $0.4 million loss on sale in the third quarter of 2018.
The Company sold the Hcareers business on May 22, 2018 for $16.5 million and incurred approximately $1.5 million in selling costs, with $1.7 million of the purchase price placed in escrow (recorded in prepaid and other current assets), to be released twelve months after the closing date, subject to the terms and conditions of the transaction agreement, including certain contingencies. Additionally, the Company recorded a receivable of $0.2 million related to working capital, subject to the terms and conditions of the transaction agreement. Net cash proceeds of $14.0 million were received on the date of sale of Hcareers. As a result of the sale, a $0.8 million loss was recognized in the second quarter of 2018. During the second quarter of 2019, the escrow of $1.7 million and working capital terms and related contingencies were finalized resulting in the Company recording an additional loss on sale of $0.5 million and receiving cash of $0.7 million from the escrow and $0.2 million from working capital.
The Company sold the RigLogix portion of the Rigzone business on February 20, 2018 for $4.2 million and incurred approximately $0.6 million in selling costs. $0.4 million of the purchase price was placed in escrow, which was released to the Company in the first quarter of 2019. As a result of the sale, a $4.6 million gain was recognized in the first quarter of 2018. The gain on sale exceeded net proceeds as liabilities transferred in the transaction exceeded assets, primarily due to deferred revenues of $1.2 million.
The Company transferred a majority ownership of the BioSpace business to BioSpace management on January 31, 2018. The Company retained a preferred share interest in BioSpace, Inc., representing a 20% diluted interest. The Company incurred approximately $0.3 million in selling costs and recognized a $0.5 million loss on sale during the year ended December 31, 2018.
The Company sold the Health eCareers business on December 4, 2017 for $15.0 million and incurred approximately $0.6 million of selling costs. $1.5 million of the purchase price was placed in escrow, which was released to the Company in the second quarter of 2019.
5. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
The FASB ASC topic on Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and requires certain disclosures for each major asset and liability category measured at fair value on either a recurring or nonrecurring basis. As a basis for considering assumptions, a three-tier fair value hierarchy is used, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:
• | Level 1 – Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets. |
• | Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-derived valuations, in which all significant inputs are observable in active markets. |
• | Level 3 – Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions. |
The carrying amounts reported in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, other assets, accounts payable and accrued expenses and long-term debt approximate their fair values. The fair value of the long-term debt was estimated using present value techniques and market based interest rates and credit spreads. The estimated fair value of long-term debt is based on Level 2 inputs.
Certain assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. These assets include investments (included in other assets), goodwill and intangible assets which result as acquisitions occur. Items valued using such internally generated valuation techniques are classified according to the lowest level input or value driver that is significant to the valuation. Thus, an
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item may be classified in Level 3 even though there may be some significant inputs that are readily observable. Such instruments are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances, for example, when there is evidence of impairment.
6. INVESTMENTS
At January 1, 2018, the Company held preferred stock representing a 10.0% interest in the fully diluted shares of a leading tech skills assessment company. During 2018, the skills assessment company completed an additional equity offering, lowering DHI's total interest to 7.6%. The Company did not adjust the recorded value of the investment because the shares issued under the new share offering were not similar to the Company's share rights. As of September 30, 2019, it was not practicable to estimate the fair value of the preferred stock as the shares are not traded. The investment is carried at its original cost of $2.0 million, which is included in the other assets section of the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
On January 31, 2018, the Company transferred a majority ownership of the BioSpace business to BioSpace management with zero proceeds received from the transfer. The Company retained a 20% preferred share interest in the BioSpace business. The fair value of the investment was estimated to be zero at the time of the transfer. As of September 30, 2019, it was not practicable to estimate the fair value of the preferred stock investment as the shares are not traded. The investment is recorded at cost, which is zero. Upon a liquidation, sale or change in control of BioSpace within five years of January 31, 2018, the Company has the right to the first $1.0 million of proceeds or the option to convert its 20% preferred stock interest to a 20% common stock interest. On January 31, 2023, the 20% preferred share interest will convert to a 20% common share interest.
Rigzone is a website dedicated to delivering online content, data, and career services in the oil and gas industry in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific. Oil and gas companies, as well as companies that serve the energy industry, use Rigzone to find talent for roles such as petroleum engineers, sales professionals with energy industry expertise and skilled tradesmen. On August 31, 2018, the Company transferred a majority ownership of the Rigzone business to Rigzone management, while retaining a 40% common share interest, with zero proceeds received from the transfer. The Company has evaluated the 40% common share interest in the Rigzone business and has determined the investment meets the definition and criteria of a variable interest entity ("VIE"). The Company evaluated the VIE and determined that the Company does not have a controlling financial interest in the VIE, as the Company does not have the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance. The common share interest is being accounted for under the equity method of accounting as the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over Rigzone. As accumulated earnings of the VIE have been approximately zero since the date of transfer, the investment is recorded at zero at September 30, 2019.
7. LEASES
On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), applying the modified retrospective transition. Periods beginning after January 1, 2019 will be presented under Topic 842, while prior period amounts will not be adjusted and continue to be reported under the accounting standards in effect prior to January 1, 2019.
We have operating leases for corporate office space and certain equipment. Our leases have terms from one year to eight years, some of which include options to renew the lease, and are included in the lease term when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise the option. No leases include options to purchase the leased property. Our lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. We do not have any lease agreements with related parties.
Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at the commencement date of the lease based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Based on the present value of the lease payments for the remaining lease term of the Company's existing leases, the Company recorded operating ROU assets of approximately $17.2 million and operating lease liabilities of $18.0 million as of January 1, 2019. Operating ROU assets and liabilities commencing after January 1, 2019 are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. When readily available, the Company uses the implicit rate in determining the present value of the lease payments. When leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on information available at the commencement of the lease, including the lease term. Because the implicit rate in each lease is not available, the Company used its incremental borrowing rate to determine the present value of lease payments. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet. All operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
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The components of lease cost were as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 | Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 | |||||||
Operating lease cost* | $ | 1,073 | $ | 3,381 | ||||
Sublease income | (332 | ) | (986 | ) | ||||
Total lease cost | $ | 741 | $ | 2,395 | ||||
* Includes short-term lease costs and variable lease costs, which are immaterial. |
Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows (in thousands):
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 | ||||
Cash paid for amounts included in measurement of lease liabilities: | ||||
Operating cash flows from operating leases | $ | 3,405 | ||
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations: | ||||
Operating leases | $ | 1,653 |
Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows (in thousands, except lease term and discount):
September 30, 2019 | ||||
Operating lease right-of-use-assets | $ | 15,865 | ||
Operating lease liabilities - current | 3,846 | |||
Operating lease liabilities - non-current | 12,653 | |||
Total operating lease liabilities | $ | 16,499 | ||
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term (in years) | ||||
Operating leases | 5.26 | |||
Weighted Average Discount Rate | ||||
Operating leases | 4.32 | % |
As of September 30, 2019, future operating lease payments were as follows (in thousands):
Operating Leases | ||||
October 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019 | $ | 1,158 | ||
2020 | 4,319 | |||
2021 | 3,707 | |||
2022 | 2,679 | |||
2023 | 2,433 | |||
2024 and Thereafter | 4,235 | |||
Total lease payments | $ | 18,531 | ||
Less imputed interest | 2,032 | |||
Total | $ | 16,499 |
As of September 30, 2019, the Company has no additional operating or finance leases that have not yet commenced.
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Future minimum lease commitments as of December 31, 2018, under Accounting Standard Codification Topic 840, the predecessor to Topic 842, are as follows (in thousands):
Operating Leases | ||||
2019 | $ | 4,244 | ||
2020 | 3,710 | |||
2021 | 3,097 | |||
2022 | 2,540 | |||
2023 | 2,300 | |||
2024 and thereafter | 4,524 | |||
Total minimum payments | $ | 20,415 |
8. ACQUIRED INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET
As a result of the sale of Hcareers (sold May 22, 2018), the Company disposed of all its remaining unamortized finite-lived acquired intangible assets. Acquired intangible assets disposed of in conjunction with the sale had costs of $12.9 million and accumulated amortization of $6.7 million. As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the net value of all finite-lived acquired intangible assets was zero.
As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company had an indefinite-lived acquired intangible asset of $39.0 million related to the Dice trademark and brand name. The Company evaluates whether the carrying value of recorded indefinite-lived acquired intangible assets is impaired on an annual basis or more frequently if indicators of potential impairment exist. The Company is currently performing its annual impairment testing analysis as of October 1, 2019. No impairment has been recorded during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018.
The impairment review process compares the fair value of the indefinite-lived acquired intangible assets to its carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, an impairment loss is recorded. The impairment test performed as of October 1, 2018 utilized a relief from royalty rate method to value the Dice trademarks and brand name using a royalty rate of 6.0% based on comparable industry studies and improving operating margins and a discount rate of 15.3%. The test resulted in the fair value of the Dice trademark and brand name exceeding the carrying value by 2%.
Revenue attributable to the Dice trademarks and brand name declined during the year ended December 31, 2018 due to competition in the technology recruiting market, challenges in developing and introducing new products and product enhancements to the market and the Company’s ability to attribute value delivered to customers. Revenues related to the Dice trademarks and brand name declined, excluding Dice Europe (which ceased operations on August 31, 2018) 7% for the year ended December 31, 2018 and declined 2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The rate of revenue decline narrowed throughout 2018 and into the first three quarters of 2019. Revenue projections for the year ended December 31, 2019 and beyond are approximately flat and then increase compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. The Company’s ability to achieve these revenue projections may be impacted by, among other things, the factors noted above that have contributed to the decline in recent periods. Cash flows attributable to the Dice trademarks and brand name declined during 2018 as a result of the lower revenue, as well as increased spending focused on new and enhanced products and consulting fees related to expense reduction strategies and changes in invoicing terms. Operating expenses, excluding amortization expense, impairment charges and disposition related and other costs, are projected to slightly decline for the year ended December 31, 2019 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2018 and initially increase at higher levels as the Company invests for future growth and then at levels that allow for modest operating margin improvements. Operating margins since the October 1, 2018 testing date have improved and are in line with the margins used in the projections. As a result of these factors, the Company believes it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the Dice trademark is less than the carrying value as of September 30, 2019. If future cash flows attributable to the Dice trademark are not achieved, the Company could realize an impairment in a future period.
The determination of whether or not indefinite-lived acquired intangible assets have become impaired involves a significant level of judgment in the assumptions underlying the approach used to determine the value of the indefinite-lived acquired intangible assets. Fair values are determined using a profit allocation methodology which estimates the value of the trademark and brand name by capitalizing the profits saved because the company owns the asset. We consider factors such as historical performance,
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anticipated market conditions, operating expense trends and capital expenditure requirements. Changes in our strategy and/or market conditions could significantly impact these judgments and require adjustments to recorded amounts of intangible assets.
9. GOODWILL
The following table shows the carrying amount of goodwill as of December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2019 and the changes in goodwill for the nine month period ended September 30, 2019 (in thousands):
Goodwill at December 31, 2018 | $ | 153,974 | |
Foreign currency translation adjustment | (2,025 | ) | |
Goodwill at September 30, 2019 | $ | 151,949 |
The Company is currently performing its annual impairment testing analysis as of October 1, 2019. The annual impairment test for the Tech-focused reporting unit, which was performed as of October 1, 2018, resulted in the fair value of the reporting unit exceeding the carrying value by 40%. Results for the Tech-focused reporting unit for the periods since October 1, 2018 and estimated future results as of September 30, 2019 are consistent with the October 1, 2018 analysis. As a result, the Company believes it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value as of September 30, 2019. Therefore, no interim impairment testing was performed as of September 30, 2019.
The amount of goodwill as of September 30, 2019 allocated to the Tech-focused reporting unit was $151.9 million. Determining the fair value of a reporting unit is judgmental in nature and requires the use of estimates and key assumptions, particularly assumed discount rates and projections of future operating results. The discount rate applied for the Tech-focused reporting unit was 14.3% An increase to the discount rate applied or reductions to future projected operating results could result in future impairment of the Tech-focused reporting unit’s goodwill. It is reasonably possible that changes in judgments, assumptions and estimates the Company made in assessing the fair value of goodwill could cause the Company to consider some portion or all of the goodwill of the Tech-focused reporting unit to become impaired. In addition, a future decline in the overall market conditions and/or changes in the Company’s market share could negatively impact the estimated future cash flows and discount rates used to determine the fair value of the reporting unit and could result in an impairment charge in the foreseeable future.
The Tech-focused reporting unit has gone through a period of revenue declines, resulting from competition in the technology recruiting market, challenges in developing and introducing new products and product enhancements to the market, the Company’s ability to attribute value delivered to customers, and market slowness in the U.K. due to Brexit. These disruptions and uncertainties could decrease demand for finance and technology professionals in the markets we serve. This decline in demand and any future declines in demand could significantly decrease the use of our finance and technology industry job posting websites and related services, which may adversely affect the Tech-focused reporting unit's financial condition and results of operations. If recruitment activity is slow in the industries in which we operate during the remainder of 2019 and beyond, our revenues and results of operations may be negatively impacted. As a result of these factors, in the third quarter, the Company further evaluated the fair value of the Tech-focused reporting unit and believes it is not more likely than not that the fair value is less than the carrying value. If events and circumstances change resulting in significant reductions in actual operating income or projections of future operating income, the Company will test this reporting unit for impairment prior to the annual impairment test.
10. INDEBTEDNESS
Credit Agreement—In November 2018, the Company, together with Dice, Inc. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Dice Career Solutions, Inc. (collectively, the “Borrowers”), entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), which matures in November 2023, and replaced the previously existing credit agreement dated November 2015. The Credit Agreement provides for a revolving loan facility of $90 million, with an expansion option up to $140 million, as permitted under the terms of the Credit Agreement. The Company borrowed $18 million to repay, in full, all outstanding indebtedness, including accrued interest, under the previous credit agreement and to pay certain costs associated with the Credit Agreement. Unamortized debt issuance costs of $0.2 million were recorded to interest expense at the time of reduction.
Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest, at the Company’s option, at a LIBOR rate or a base rate plus a margin. The margin ranges from 1.75% to 2.50% on LIBOR loans and 0.75% to 1.50% on base rate loans, determined by the Company’s most recent consolidated leverage ratio. The Company incurs a fee, 0.30% and 0.35% at September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, on any unused capacity under the revolving loan facility. The facility may be prepaid at any time without penalty.
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The Credit Agreement contains various customary affirmative and negative covenants and also contains certain financial covenants, including a consolidated leverage ratio and a consolidated interest coverage ratio. Borrowings are allowed under the Credit Agreement to the extent the consolidated leverage ratio, calculated on a pro forma basis, is equal to or less than 2.50 to 1.00. Negative covenants include restrictions on incurring certain liens; making certain payments, such as stock repurchases and dividend payments; making certain investments; making certain acquisitions; making certain dispositions; and incurring additional indebtedness. Restricted payments are allowed under the Credit Agreement to the extent the consolidated leverage ratio, calculated on a pro forma basis, is equal to or less than 2.00 to 1.00, plus an additional $5.0 million of restricted payments. The Credit Agreement also provides that the payment of obligations may be accelerated upon the occurrence of customary events of default, including, but not limited to, non-payment, change of control, or insolvency. As of September 30, 2019, the Company was in compliance with all of the financial covenants under the Credit Agreement.
The obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by two of the Company’s U.S. based wholly-owned subsidiaries and secured by substantially all of the assets of the Borrowers and the guarantors and stock pledges from certain of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries.
The amounts borrowed as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
September 30, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | ||||||
Amounts borrowed: | |||||||
Revolving credit facility | $ | 8,000 | $ | 18,000 | |||
Less: deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization of $135 and $25 | (602 | ) | (712 | ) | |||
Total borrowed | $ | 7,398 | $ | 17,288 | |||
Available to be borrowed under revolving facility, subject to certain limitations | $ | 82,000 | $ | 72,000 | |||
Interest rates: | |||||||
LIBOR rate loans: | |||||||
Interest margin | 1.75 | % | 1.75 | % | |||
Actual interest rates | 3.81 | % | 4.25 | % |
There are no scheduled principal payments until maturity of the Credit Agreement in November 2023.
11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Litigation
The Company is subject to various claims from taxing authorities, lawsuits and other complaints arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company records provisions for losses when claims become probable and the amounts are reasonably estimable. Although the outcome of these legal matters, except as described below and recorded in the condensed consolidated financial statements, cannot be determined, it is the opinion of management that the final resolution of these matters will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition, operations or liquidity.
During the first quarter of 2018, the Company recorded a $1.0 million liability related to a class action lawsuit regarding the applicability of provisions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (the "FCRA") to one of our products. The lawsuit was brought by Ian Douglas, individually, as a representative of the class and on behalf of the general public, against DHI Group, Inc. and Dice Inc. asserting six claims under the FCRA that the Company’s Open Web profiles are “consumer reports” and Dice is a “consumer reporting agency” under the FCRA, including claims pursuant to the private right of action in 15 U.S.C. Section 1681n for alleged willful violations of the FCRA. The action was originally filed in a federal district court on July 26, 2017, but as a part of the settlement process, the action was re-filed in the Superior Court of Santa Clara County, California (Case No. 18CV331732). The recorded liability reflected a settlement, which became final and was paid in the third quarter of 2019, that resolved all remaining claims subject to the lawsuit.
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Tax Contingencies
The Company operates in a number of tax jurisdictions and is routinely subject to examinations by various tax authorities with respect to income taxes and indirect taxes. The determination of the Company’s worldwide provision for taxes requires judgment and estimation. The Company has reserved for potential examination adjustments to our provision for income taxes and accrual of indirect taxes in amounts which the Company believes are reasonable.
12. EQUITY TRANSACTIONS
Stock Repurchase Plans—The Company's Board of Directors ("Board") approved a stock repurchase program that permits the Company to repurchase its common stock. Management has discretion in determining the conditions under which shares may be purchased from time to time. The following table summarizes the Stock Repurchase Plans approved by the Board:
May 2018 to May 2019 | May 2019 to May 2020 | ||
Approval Date | May 2018 | April 2019 | |
Authorized Repurchase Amount of Common Stock | $7 million | $7 million |
As of September 30, 2019 the value of shares that may yet be purchased under the current plan was $5.7 million.
Purchases of the Company's common stock pursuant to the Stock Repurchase Plans were as follows:
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | ||||||||||||
Shares repurchased[1] | 367,155 | 347,280 | 617,300 | 402,297 | |||||||||||
Average purchase price per share[2] | $ | 3.46 | $ | 2.08 | $ | 2.86 | $ | 2.03 | |||||||
Dollar value of shares repurchased (in thousands) | $ | 1,271 | $ | 721 | $ | 1,762 | $ | 816 |
[1] No shares of our common stock were purchased other than through a publicly announced plan or program.
[2] Average price paid per share includes costs associated with the repurchases.
There were no unsettled share repurchases as of September 30, 2019 and 26,337 unsettled share repurchases as of December 31, 2018.
The Company's Board approved the retirement of 20 million shares of treasury stock during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and, as a result, the Company reduced additional paid in capital by $161.6 million and Common Stock by $0.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2019. The value of treasury stock retired was computed based on the average repurchase price of all treasury shares as of March 31, 2019, which was $8.09 per share.
Unclaimed Shareholder Liability - Prior to the third quarter of 2018, other long-term liabilities included $1.0 million due to former shareholders of the Company under a Joint Plan of Reorganization that was agreed to by the Company and two of its creditors, and confirmed by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court of the Southern District Court of New York on June 24, 2003. During the three-month period ending September 30, 2018, the Company concluded the amounts owed were no longer due and payable and further, the amounts owed represent additional equity of the Company. Accordingly, the Company reclassified $1.0 million from other long-term liabilities to additional paid-in capital during the third quarter of 2018.
13. DISPOSITION RELATED AND OTHER COSTS
In May 2017, the Company announced plans to divest a number of its non-tech businesses to achieve greater focus and resource allocation toward its core tech-focused business. The divestitures included: Health eCareers (sold December 4, 2017), BioSpace (transferred majority ownership to BioSpace management on January 31, 2018), Hcareers (sold May 22, 2018), and Rigzone (sold the RigLogix portion of the Rigzone business on February 20, 2018 and transferred majority ownership of the remaining Rigzone business to Rigzone management on August 31, 2018). Additionally, the Company ceased the Dice Europe operations on August 31, 2018 and vacated certain offices during 2018. In connection with the divestitures and focus on the tech business, the Company incurred certain severance, reorganization, and other related costs to further these strategic objectives. The activities associated with disposition related and other costs were substantially complete as of September 30, 2019.
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The following table displays a roll forward of the disposition related and other costs and related liability balances (in thousands):
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 | Accrual at June 30, 2019 | Expense | Cash Payments | Accrual at September 30, 2019 | |||||||||||
Severance and retention | $ | 817 | $ | — | $ | (292 | ) | $ | 525 | ||||||
Professional fees and other costs | 59 | — | (37 | ) | 22 | ||||||||||
Lease exit and related asset impairment costs | 590 | — | (175 | ) | 415 | ||||||||||
Total disposition related and other costs | $ | 1,466 | $ | — | $ | (504 | ) | $ | 962 |
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 | Accrual at June 30, 2018 | Expense | Cash Payments | Accrual at September 30, 2018 | |||||||||||
Severance and retention | $ | 1,522 | $ | 932 | $ | (711 | ) | $ | 1,743 | ||||||
Professional fees and other costs | 451 | 508 | (557 | ) | 402 | ||||||||||
Lease exit and related asset impairment costs | 259 | 645 | (308 | ) | 596 | ||||||||||
Total disposition related and other costs | $ | 2,232 | $ | 2,085 | $ | (1,576 | ) | $ | 2,741 |
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 | Accrual at December 31, 2018 | Expense | Cash Payments | Accrual at September 30, 2019 | |||||||||||
Severance and retention | $ | 1,089 | $ | 1,258 | $ | (1,822 | ) | $ | 525 | ||||||
Professional fees and other costs | 1,271 | 442 | (1,691 | ) | 22 | ||||||||||
Lease exit and related asset impairment costs | 947 | — | (532 | ) | 415 | ||||||||||
Total disposition related and other costs | $ | 3,307 | $ | 1,700 | $ | (4,045 | ) | $ | 962 |
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 | Accrual at December 31, 2017 | Expense | Cash Payments | Non-Cash Impairment | Accrual at September 30, 2018 | ||||||||||||||
Severance and retention | $ | 1,237 | $ | 2,702 | $ | (2,196 | ) | $ | — | $ | 1,743 | ||||||||
Professional fees and other costs | 825 | 1,440 | (1,863 | ) | — | 402 | |||||||||||||
Lease exit and related asset impairment costs | — | 1,072 | (308 | ) | (168 | ) | 596 | ||||||||||||
Total disposition related and other costs | $ | 2,062 | $ | 5,214 | $ | (4,367 | ) | $ | (168 | ) | $ | 2,741 |
14. STOCK BASED COMPENSATION
Under the 2012 Omnibus Equity Award Plan, the Company has granted stock options, restricted stock and Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units (“PSUs”) to certain employees and directors.
The Company recorded total stock based compensation expense of $1.1 million and $4.1 million during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2019, respectively, and $1.3 million and $5.4 million during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018, respectively. At September 30, 2019, there was $10.0 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested awards, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.5 years.
In connection with the employment agreement for the Company's new Chief Executive Officer, the Company granted, as Inducement Grants Under NYSE Rule 303A.08, 1,750,000 shares of restricted stock during the second quarter of 2018 and 750,000 performance based restricted stock units during the fourth quarter of 2018 to the Company's new Chief Executive Officer.
Restricted Stock—Restricted stock is granted to employees of the Company and its subsidiaries, and to non-employee members of the Company’s Board. These shares are part of the compensation plan for services provided by the employees or Board members. The closing price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant is used to determine the fair value of the grants. The expense related to the restricted stock grants is recorded over the vesting period as described below. There was no cash flow impact resulting from the grants.
The restricted stock vests in various increments either quarterly or on the anniversaries of each grant, subject to the recipient’s continued employment or service through each applicable vesting date. Vesting occurs over one year for Board members and over two to four years for employees.
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A summary of the status of restricted stock awards as of September 30, 2019 and 2018 and the changes during the periods then ended is presented below:
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 | Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 | ||||||||||||
Shares | Weighted- Average Fair Value at Grant Date | Shares | Weighted- Average Fair Value at Grant Date | ||||||||||
Non-vested at beginning of the period | 4,549,079 | $ | 2.31 | 4,896,447 | $ | 2.48 | |||||||
Granted | 233,000 | $ | 3.50 | 7,440 | $ | 2.05 | |||||||
Forfeited | (213,875 | ) | $ | 2.40 | (180,000 | ) | $ | 3.63 | |||||
Vested | (215,026 | ) | $ | 1.80 | (118,690 | ) | $ | 2.92 | |||||
Non-vested at end of period | 4,353,178 | $ | 2.39 | 4,605,197 | $ | 2.41 |
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 | Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 | ||||||||||||
Shares | Weighted- Average Fair Value at Grant Date | Shares | Weighted- Average Fair Value at Grant Date | ||||||||||
Non-vested at beginning of the period | 4,518,932 | $ | 2.32 | 2,393,257 | $ | 5.48 | |||||||
Granted | 2,100,790 | $ | 2.65 | 3,770,440 | $ | 1.68 | |||||||
Forfeited | (441,500 | ) | $ | 2.75 | (350,375 | ) | $ | 4.25 | |||||
Vested | (1,825,044 | ) | $ | 2.43 | (1,208,125 | ) | $ | 5.73 | |||||
Non-vested at end of period | 4,353,178 | $ | 2.39 | 4,605,197 | $ | 2.41 |
PSUs—PSUs are granted to employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. These shares are granted under two compensation agreements that are for services provided by the employees. Under the first agreement, with a grant during the year ended December 2017, the fair value of PSUs are measured using the Monte Carlo pricing model. The expense related to these PSUs are recorded over the vesting period. These shares will vest on the dates the Compensation Committee certifies the Company’s achievement of stock price performance relative to the Russell 2000 Index, provided that the recipient remains employed through such date. Performance will be measured over three separate measurement periods: a one-year measurement period, a two-year measurement period and a three-year measurement period. For performance periods one and two, vesting is not to exceed the total grant divided by three. For performance period three, vesting is no less than zero and no greater than 150% of the initial grant less shares vested in performance periods one and two. As of September 30, 2019, there were 252,500 unvested shares related to the first agreement.
Under the second agreement, the fair value of the PSUs are measured at the grant date fair value of the award, which was determined based on an analysis of the probable performance outcomes. The performance period is over one year and is based on the achievement of bookings targets during the year ended December 31, 2019, as defined in the agreement. The earned shares will then vest over a three year period, one-third on each of the first, second, and third anniversaries of the grant date, or if later, the date the Compensation Committee certifies the performance results with respect to the performance period. As of September 30, 2019, there were 1,370,000 unvested shares related to the second agreement.
There was no cash flow impact resulting from the grants.
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A summary of the status of PSUs as of September 30, 2019 and 2018 and the changes during the periods then ended is presented below:
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 | Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 | ||||||||||||
Shares | Weighted- Average Fair Value at Grant Date | Shares | Weighted- Average Fair Value at Grant Date | ||||||||||
Non-vested at beginning of the period | 1,722,500 | $ | 2.48 | 505,000 | $ | 6.24 | |||||||
Granted | — | $ | — | — | $ | — | |||||||
Forfeited | (100,000 | ) | $ | 2.35 | — | $ | — | ||||||
Non-vested at end of period | 1,622,500 | $ | 2.49 | 505,000 | $ | 6.24 |
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 | Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 | ||||||||||||
Shares | Weighted- Average Fair Value at Grant Date | Shares | Weighted- Average Fair Value at Grant Date | ||||||||||
Non-vested at beginning of the period | 1,255,000 | $ | 3.45 | 760,003 | $ | 6.92 | |||||||
Granted | 740,000 | $ | 2.40 | — | $ | — | |||||||
Forfeited | (372,500 | ) | $ | 5.56 | (255,003 | ) | $ | 8.27 | |||||
Non-vested at end of period | 1,622,500 | $ | 2.49 | 505,000 | $ | 6.24 |
Stock Options—The fair value of each option grant is estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. This valuation model requires the Company to make assumptions and judgments about the variables used in the calculation, including the fair value of the Company’s common stock, the expected life (the period of time that the options granted are expected to be outstanding), the volatility of the Company’s common stock, a risk-free interest rate and expected dividends. The expected life of options granted is derived from historical exercise behavior. The risk-free rate for periods within the expected life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury rates in effect at the time of grant. The stock options vest 25% after one year, beginning on the first anniversary date of the grant, and 6.25% each quarter following the first anniversary. There was no cash flow impact resulting from the grants. No stock options were granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018.
A summary of the status of options previously granted as of September 30, 2019 and 2018, and the changes during the periods then ended, is presented below:
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 | ||||||||||
Options | Weighted-Average Exercise Price | Aggregate Intrinsic Value | ||||||||
Options outstanding at beginning of the period | 193,000 | $ | 8.28 | $ | — | |||||
Options outstanding at end of period | 193,000 | $ | 8.28 | $ | — | |||||
Exercisable at end of period | 193,000 | $ | 8.28 | $ | — |
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 | ||||||||||
Options | Weighted-Average Exercise Price | Aggregate Intrinsic Value | ||||||||
Options outstanding at beginning of the period | 807,562 | $ | 8.67 | $ | — | |||||
Forfeited | (472,187 | ) | $ | 8.90 | $ | — | ||||
Options outstanding at end of period | 335,375 | $ | 8.35 | $ | — | |||||
Exercisable at end of period | 334,125 | $ | 8.35 | $ | — |
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Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 | ||||||||||
Options | Weighted-Average Exercise Price | Aggregate Intrinsic Value | ||||||||
Options outstanding at beginning of the period | 327,000 | $ | 8.35 | $ | — | |||||
Forfeited | (134,000 | ) | $ | 8.46 | $ | — | ||||
Options outstanding at end of period | 193,000 | $ | 8.28 | $ | — | |||||
Exercisable at end of period | 193,000 | $ | 8.28 | $ | — |
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 | ||||||||||
Options | Weighted-Average Exercise Price | Aggregate Intrinsic Value | ||||||||
Options outstanding at beginning of the period | 1,101,875 | $ | 9.28 | $ | — | |||||
Forfeited | (766,500 | ) | $ | 9.68 | $ | — | ||||
Options outstanding at end of period | 335,375 | $ | 8.35 | $ | — | |||||
Exercisable at end of period | 334,125 | $ | 8.35 | $ | — |
The weighted-average remaining contractual term of options exercisable at September 30, 2019 is 1.0 years. The following table summarizes information about options outstanding as of September 30, 2019:
Exercise Price | Options Outstanding and Exercisable | Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life | ||
(in years) | ||||
$ 7.00 - $ 7.99 | 110,000 | 1.4 | ||
$ 8.00 - $ 8.99 | 13,000 | 1.6 | ||
$ 9.00 - $ 9.99 | 70,000 | 0.4 | ||
193,000 |
15. SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company modified its Tech-focused reportable segment in the first quarter of 2019 to reflect the current Tech-focused operating structure. The change comes as a result of the non-tech businesses being divested during 2018 and, as a result, corporate related costs are now reflected as part of the Tech-focused segment. Accordingly, all prior periods have been recast to reflect the current segment presentation.
The Company has one reportable segment, Tech-focused, which includes the Dice, Dice Europe (ceased operations on August 31, 2018), ClearanceJobs, eFinancialCareers services, and corporate related costs (formerly included in Corporate & Other). Management has organized its reportable segment based upon its internal management reporting.
Prior to 2019, the Company had other services and activities that individually were not significant in relation to consolidated revenues, operating income or total assets. These include Hcareers (sold May 22, 2018), Rigzone (sold the RigLogix portion of the Rigzone business on February 20, 2018 and transferred majority ownership of the remaining Rigzone business to Rigzone management on August 31, 2018), and Biospace (majority ownership transferred to BioSpace management on January 31, 2018), which are recorded in the "Other" category.
The Company’s foreign operations are comprised of the Dice Europe (ceased operations on August 31, 2018) operations and a portion of the eFinancialCareers and Rigzone services (sold the RigLogix portion of the Rigzone business on February 20, 2018 and transferred majority ownership of the remaining Rigzone business to Rigzone management on August 31, 2018), which operate in Europe, the financial centers of the gulf region of the Middle East, and Asia Pacific. The Company’s foreign operations also include Hcareers (sold May 22, 2018), which operated in Canada. During the 2019 periods, the Company changed its method of presenting revenue by geographic region and as such, 2019 is based on the location of each of the Company’s subsidiaries. The
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Company believes this method better reflects the revenue generated from each geographic region. The 2018 periods have been recast to be consistent with the 2019 presentation.
The following table shows the segment information (in thousands and recast for the change in reportable segments):
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | ||||||||||||
By Segment: | |||||||||||||||
Revenues: | |||||||||||||||
Tech-focused(1) | $ | 37,176 | $ | 37,986 | $ | 111,655 | $ | 114,271 | |||||||
Other | — | 931 | — | 9,312 | |||||||||||
Total revenues | $ | 37,176 | $ | 38,917 | $ | 111,655 | $ | 123,583 | |||||||
Depreciation: | |||||||||||||||
Tech-focused(1) | $ | 2,415 | $ | 2,495 | $ | 7,201 | $ | 6,876 | |||||||
Other | — | 45 | — | 279 | |||||||||||
Total depreciation | $ | 2,415 | $ | 2,540 | $ | 7,201 | $ | 7,155 | |||||||
Amortization: | |||||||||||||||
Tech-focused(1) | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||
Other | — | — | — | 482 | |||||||||||
Total amortization | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 482 | |||||||
Operating income (loss): | |||||||||||||||
Tech-focused | $ | 5,273 | $ | 1,867 | $ | 12,630 | $ | 4,907 | |||||||
Other | — | (400 | ) | — | 4,479 | ||||||||||
Operating income | 5,273 | 1,467 | 12,630 | 9,386 | |||||||||||
Interest expense and other | (188 | ) | (335 | ) | (512 | ) | (1,370 | ) | |||||||
Other expense | — | (9 | ) | — | (42 | ) | |||||||||
Income before income taxes | $ | 5,085 | $ | 1,123 | $ | 12,118 | $ | 7,974 | |||||||
Capital expenditures: | |||||||||||||||
Tech-focused(1) | $ | 4,059 | $ | 2,363 | $ | 10,345 | $ | 6,539 | |||||||
Other | — | 41 | — | 221 | |||||||||||
Total capital expenditures | $ | 4,059 | $ | 2,404 | $ | 10,345 | $ | 6,760 | |||||||
(1) Dice Europe ceased operations on August 31, 2018. |
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | ||||||||||||
By Geography: | |||||||||||||||
Revenues: | |||||||||||||||
United States | $ | 29,873 | $ | 30,468 | $ | 89,379 | $ | 90,673 | |||||||
United Kingdom | 4,146 | 5,270 | 13,286 | 17,444 | |||||||||||
EMEA, APAC and Canada (1) | 3,157 | 3,179 | 8,990 | 15,466 | |||||||||||
Non-United States | 7,303 | 8,449 | 22,276 | 32,910 | |||||||||||
Total revenues | $ | 37,176 | $ | 38,917 | $ | 111,655 | $ | 123,583 | |||||||
(1) Europe (excluding United Kingdom), the Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”) and Asia-Pacific (“APAC”). Revenues from Canada ceased May 22, 2018 upon the sale of the Company's Hcareers business. |
The Company's total assets as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 are entirely Tech-focused due to the non-tech businesses being divested during 2018.
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16. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed based on the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Diluted EPS is computed based on the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding plus common stock equivalents assuming exercise of stock options, where dilutive. Stock-based awards of approximately 0.4 million and 0.6 million shares were outstanding during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2019, respectively, and approximately 1.5 million and 2.1 million shares were outstanding during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018, respectively, but were excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS for the periods then ended because the effect of the awards is anti-dilutive. The following is a calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share and weighted-average shares outstanding (in thousands, except per share amounts):
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | ||||||||||||
Net income | $ | 4,381 | $ | 930 | $ | 9,030 | $ | 4,228 | |||||||
Weighted-average shares outstanding—basic | 48,974 | 48,780 | 48,668 | 48,589 | |||||||||||
Add shares issuable from stock-based awards | 3,163 | 1,610 | 2,930 | 1,118 | |||||||||||
Weighted-average shares outstanding—diluted | 52,137 | 50,390 | 51,598 | 49,707 | |||||||||||
Basic earnings per share | $ | 0.09 | $ | 0.02 | $ | 0.19 | $ | 0.09 | |||||||
Diluted earnings per share | $ | 0.08 | $ | 0.02 | $ | 0.18 | $ | 0.09 |
17. INCOME TAXES
The Company’s effective tax rate was 14% and 25% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively, and 17% and 47% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively. The following items caused the effective tax rate to differ from the U.S. statutory rate:
• | Tax benefit of $0.2 million and tax expense of $0.4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, related to the transition tax on the deemed repatriation of foreign earnings. |
• | Tax deficiencies of $0.4 million and $2.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and $0.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2018, related to the vesting or settlement of share-based compensation awards. |
• | Tax benefits of $0.2 million and $1.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, related to the divestiture of businesses. |
Item 2. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this report. See also our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto and the section entitled “Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.
Information contained herein contains forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on those statements because they are subject to numerous uncertainties and factors relating to our operations and business environment, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, information concerning our possible or assumed future results of operations. These statements often include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate” or similar expressions. These statements are based on assumptions that we have made in light of our experience in the industry as well as our perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe are appropriate under the circumstances. Although we believe that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, you should be aware that many factors could affect our actual financial results or results of operations and could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, our ability to execute our tech-focused strategy, competition from existing and future competitors in the highly competitive markets in which we operate, failure to adapt our business model to keep pace with rapid changes in the recruiting and career services business, failure to maintain and develop our reputation and brand recognition, failure to increase or maintain the number of customers who purchase recruitment packages,
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cyclicality or downturns in the economy or industries we serve, geopolitical events such as the uncertainty surrounding the UK’s future departure from the European Union (“EU”), civil unrest in Hong Kong, and uncertainty in respect of the regulation of data protection and data privacy, failure to attract qualified professionals to our websites or grow the number of qualified professionals who use our websites, failure to successfully identify or integrate acquisitions, U.S. and foreign government regulation of the Internet and taxation, our ability to borrow funds under our revolving credit facility or refinance our indebtedness and restrictions on our current and future operations under such indebtedness. These factors and others are discussed in more detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, under the headings “Risk Factors,” “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” Information contained herein contains certain non-GAAP financial measures. These measures are not in accordance with, or an alternative for, measures in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Such measures presented herein include adjusted revenues, adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, non-cash stock based compensation expense, impairment, gain or loss on sale of businesses, and other non-recurring income or expense (“Adjusted EBITDA") and Adjusted EBITDA Margin. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources" for definitions of these measures as well as reconciliations to the comparable GAAP measure.
You should keep in mind that any forward-looking statement made by us herein, or elsewhere, speaks only as of the date on which it is made. New risks and uncertainties come up from time to time, and it is impossible to predict these events or how they may affect us. We have no obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date hereof, except as required by federal securities laws.
Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, proxy and information statements and other material information concerning us are available free of charge on the Investors page of our website at www.dhigroupinc.com. Our reports filed with the SEC are also available by visiting http://www.sec.gov.
Overview
We are a leading provider of data, insights and employment connections through specialized services for technology professionals. Our mission is to empower professionals and organizations to compete and win through specialized insights and relevant employment connections. Employers and recruiters use our websites and services to source and hire the most qualified professionals in select and highly-skilled occupations, while professionals use our websites and services to find the best employment opportunities in, and the most timely news and information about, their respective areas of expertise.
In online recruitment, we target employment categories in which there has been a long-term scarcity of highly skilled, highly qualified professionals relative to market demand. Our websites serve as online marketplaces where employers and recruiters find and recruit prospective employees, and where professionals find relevant job opportunities and information to further their careers.
Our websites offer job postings, news and content, career development and recruiting services tailored to the specific needs of the professional community that each website serves.
The Company modified its Tech-focused reportable segment in the first quarter of 2019 to reflect the current Tech-focused operating structure. The change comes as a result of the non-tech businesses being divested during 2018 and, as a result, corporate related costs are now reflected as part of the Tech-focused segment. Accordingly, all prior periods have been recast to reflect the current segment presentation.
We have been in the recruiting and career development business for more than 25 years. Based on our operating structure, we have identified one reportable segment as follows:
• | Tech-focused— Dice, Dice Europe (ceased operations on August 31, 2018), ClearanceJobs, eFinancialCareers services, and corporate related costs (formerly in Corporate & Other). |
Dice, Dice Europe (ceased operations August 31, 2018), ClearanceJobs, eFinancialCareers services, and corporate-related costs (formerly in Corporate & Other) are aggregated into the Tech-focused reportable segment primarily because the Company does not have discrete financial information for those brands or costs.
Prior to 2019, we had other services and activities that individually were not a significant portion of consolidated revenues, operating income or total assets. These included Hospitality (sold May 22, 2018), Rigzone (sold the RigLogix portion of the Rigzone business on February 20, 2018 and transferred majority ownership of the remaining Rigzone business to Rigzone management on August
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31, 2018), and BioSpace (transferred majority ownership to BioSpace management on January 31, 2018), which are reported in the "Other" category, and are not considered a segment.
Recent Developments
None.
Our Revenues and Expenses
We derive the majority of our revenues from customers who pay fees, either annually, quarterly or monthly, to post jobs on our websites and to access our searchable databases of resumes. Our fees vary by customer based on the number of individual users of our databases of resumes, the number and type of job postings and profile views purchased and the terms of the packages purchased. Our Tech-focused segment sells recruitment packages that can include access to our databases of resumes and job posting capabilities. Hcareers (sold May 22, 2018 and included in Other) sold job postings and access to our resume databases either as part of a package or individually. We believe the key metrics that are material to an analysis of our businesses are our total number of Dice recruitment package customers and the revenue, on average, that these customers generate. Average monthly revenue per recruitment package customer is calculated by dividing recruitment package customer revenue by the daily average count of recruitment package customers during the month, adjusted to reflect a thirty day month. We use the simple average of each month to derive the quarterly amount. At September 30, 2019 and 2018, Dice had approximately 6,100 and 6,200 total recruitment package customers in the U.S., respectively, and the average monthly revenue per U.S. recruitment package customer increased from $1,125 and $1,116 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, to $1,131 and $1,132 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively. Deferred revenue, as shown on the Condensed Consolidated Balance sheets, reflects customer billings made in advance of services being rendered. Backlog consists of deferred revenue plus customer contractual commitments not invoiced representing the value of future services to be rendered under committed contracts. We believe backlog to be an important measure of our business as it represents our ability to generate future revenue. Deferred revenue at September 30, 2019, December 31, 2018, and September 30, 2018 was $51.1 million, $56.1 million, and $56.4 million, respectively. Backlog at September 30, 2019, December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2018 was $73.8 million, $81.9 million and $72.1. million, respectively. Deferred revenue and backlog at September 30, 2019 have decreased from December 31, 2018 due to the normal seasonal decrease from a higher concentration of contract renewals surrounding the end of each calendar year. The deferred revenue decrease from December 31, 2018 and from September 30, 2018 was impacted by more flexible customer billing terms. Backlog at September 30, 2019 was slightly above the same period of 2018.
To a lesser extent, we also generate revenue from advertising on our various websites or from lead generation and marketing solutions provided to our customers. Advertisements include various forms of rich media and banner advertising, text links, sponsorships, and custom content marketing solutions. Lead generation information utilizes advertising and other methods to deliver leads to a customer.
The Company’s revenues declined $1.7 million, or 4%, for the three months ended September 30, 2019 compared to the same period of the prior year. The decline was primarily due to the divested businesses and the closure of the Dice Europe business on August 31, 2018, which together declined $1.4 million. Additionally, foreign exchange contributed $0.3 million of the decline. The on-going Tech-focused segment, which excludes the Dice Europe operations, decreased $0.3 million, or 1%, compared to the third quarter of 2018. ClearanceJobs growth of 17% was offset by a 5% decline at eFinancialCareers and a 3% decline at Dice. The 5% decline at eFinancialCareers was primarily related to foreign exchange and the uncertainty surrounding Brexit. See further discussion in the Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2018.
The Company continues to evolve and present new products and features to attract and engage qualified professionals and match them with employers, such as the Dice Talent Search, Dice Candidate Match, MyDiceHome, Dice Salary Predictor, Dice Job Search and Job Alerts, ClearanceJobs NextGen, ClearanceJobs Pulse, ClearanceJobs BrandAmp and eFinancialCareers Job Search platform. Our ability to grow our revenues will largely depend on our ability to grow our customer bases in the markets in which we operate by acquiring new customers while retaining a high proportion of the customers we currently serve, and to expand the breadth of services our customers purchase from us. We continue to make investments in our business and infrastructure to help us achieve our long-term growth objectives, such as the innovative products noted above.
Other material factors that may affect our results of operations include our ability to attract qualified professionals that become engaged with our websites and our ability to attract customers with relevant job opportunities. The more qualified professionals that use our websites, the more attractive our websites become to employers and advertisers, which in turn makes them more likely to become our customers, resulting positively on our results of operations. If we are unable to continue to attract qualified
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professionals to engage with our websites, our customers may no longer find our services attractive, which could have a negative impact on our results of operations. Additionally, we need to ensure that our websites remain relevant in order to attract qualified professionals to our websites and to engage them in high-value tasks, such as posting resumes and/or applying to jobs.
The largest components of our expenses are personnel costs and marketing and sales expenditures. Personnel costs consist of salaries, benefits, and incentive compensation for our employees, including commissions for salespeople. Personnel costs are categorized in our statement of operations based on each employee’s principal function. Marketing expenditures primarily consist of online advertising, brand promotion and lead generation to employers and job seekers.
Critical Accounting Policies
There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies as compared to the critical accounting policies described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
Revenues
Three Months Ended September 30, | Increase (Decrease) | Percent Change | Foreign Exchange Impact (4) | |||||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||||||
Tech-focused | ||||||||||||||||||
Dice (1) | $ | 22,915 | $ | 23,715 | $ | (800 | ) | (3 | )% | $ | — | |||||||
eFinancialCareers | 7,941 | 8,388 | (447 | ) | (5 | )% | (269 | ) | ||||||||||
ClearanceJobs | 6,320 | 5,422 | 898 | 17 | % | — | ||||||||||||
Tech-focused, excluding Dice Europe | 37,176 | 37,525 | (349 | ) | (1 | )% | (269 | ) | ||||||||||
Dice Europe(2) | — | 461 | (461 | ) | n.m. | — | ||||||||||||
Tech-focused | 37,176 | 37,986 | (810 | ) | (2 | )% | (269 | ) | ||||||||||
Other | ||||||||||||||||||
Rigzone(3) | — | 931 | (931 | ) | n.m. | — | ||||||||||||
Other | — | 931 | (931 | ) | n.m. | — | ||||||||||||
Total revenues | $ | 37,176 | $ | 38,917 | $ | (1,741 | ) | (4 | )% | $ | (269 | ) | ||||||
(1) Includes Dice U.S. and Targeted Job Fairs. | ||||||||||||||||||
(2) Dice Europe ceased operations on August 31, 2018. | ||||||||||||||||||
(3) The Company sold the Riglogix portion of the Rigzone business on February 20, 2018 and majority ownership of the remaining Rigzone business was transferred to Rigzone management on August 31, 2018. | ||||||||||||||||||
(4) Foreign exchange impact is calculated by determining the increase (decrease) in current period revenues where current period revenues are translated using prior period exchange rates. |
For the three months ended September 30, 2019, we experienced a decrease in revenue in the Tech-focused segment of $0.8 million, or 2%, which was driven by Dice Europe's decline of $0.5 million due to its ceasing operations on August 31, 2018. Excluding Dice Europe and impacts for foreign exchange, revenue for the Tech-focused segment for the three months ended September 30, 2019 was in line with the same period of the prior year. Revenue at Dice decreased by $0.8 million, or 3%, compared to the same period in 2018 as recruitment package customers and renewal rates have stabilized. For the three months ended September 30, 2019, revenues for ClearanceJobs increased by $0.9 million, or 17%, as compared to the same period in 2018, primarily driven by continued high demand for professionals with government clearance, and consistent product releases and enhancements driving activity on the site. For the three months ended September 30, 2019, eFinancialCareers revenue decreased by $0.4 million, or 5%, as compared to the same period in 2018 mainly due to uncertainty around Brexit and the impacts of foreign currency exchange.
For the three months ended September 30, 2019, revenues for Other decreased $0.9 million, which was due to Rigzone being divested during 2018.
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Cost of Revenues
Three Months Ended September 30, | Decrease | Percent Change | ||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||||
(in thousands, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||
Cost of revenues | $ | 4,250 | $ | 4,424 | $ | (174 | ) | (4 | )% | |||||
Percentage of revenues | 11.4 | % | 11.4 | % |
Cost of revenues decreased $0.2 million, or 4%. The Tech-focused segment expenses were equivalent to the prior year, with an increase in compensation related costs of $0.3 million, offset by a decrease in technology infrastructure costs. The decrease in Other was due to Rigzone being divested during 2018.
Product Development Expenses
Three Months Ended September 30, | Decrease | Percent Change | ||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||||
(in thousands, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||
Product development | $ | 4,121 | $ | 5,219 | $ | (1,098 | ) | (21 | )% | |||||
Percentage of revenues | 11.1 | % | 13.4 | % |
Product development expenses decreased $1.1 million, or 21%. The Tech-focused segment decreased $0.8 million mainly due to higher utilization of the Company’s employees in the design and development of product enhancements and features for the Company’s sites. The result of this higher utilization was an increase to capitalization rates of internal development costs, which are reflected as purchases of fixed assets in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash flows, and a decrease to operating expenses in the current period. The decrease in Other was due to Rigzone being divested during 2018.
Sales and Marketing Expenses
Three Months Ended September 30, | Decrease | Percent Change | ||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||||
(in thousands, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||
Sales and marketing | $ | 13,615 | $ | 13,974 | $ | (359 | ) | (3 | )% | |||||
Percentage of revenues | 36.6 | % | 35.9 | % |
Sales and marketing expenses decreased $0.4 million, or 3%. The on-going Tech-focused segment increased by $0.3 million, of which $0.6 million was due to an increase in compensation related costs primarily related to higher commissions, and $0.4 million from an increase in consulting and professional fees. These increases were partially offset by $0.8 million in reduced discretionary marketing expenses realized from efficiencies in vendor selection and volumes and a focus on higher yielding investments. Dice Europe expenses decreased $0.2 million due to its ceasing operations on August 31, 2018. The decrease in Other of $0.4 million was due to Rigzone being divested during 2018.
General and Administrative Expenses
Three Months Ended September 30, | Decrease | Percent Change | ||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||||
(in thousands, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||
General and administrative | $ | 7,502 | $ | 8,843 | $ | (1,341 | ) | (15 | )% | |||||
Percentage of revenues | 20.2 | % | 22.7 | % |
General and administrative expenses decreased $1.3 million, or 15%. The Tech-focused segment decreased $1.2 million mainly due to a reduction in consulting costs incurred in 2018 related to spend efficiency projects, while Other decreased $0.1 million due to Rigzone being divested during 2018.
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Depreciation
Three Months Ended September 30, | Decrease | Percent Change | ||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||||
(in thousands, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||
Depreciation | $ | 2,415 | $ | 2,540 | $ | (125 | ) | (5 | )% | |||||
Percentage of revenues | 6.5 | % | 6.5 | % |
Depreciation expense decreased $0.1 million or 5% from the same period in 2018. Depreciation in the on-going Tech-focused segment increased $0.2 million in connection with increased capital expenditures, which was offset by Dice Europe ceasing operations on August 31, 2018.
Disposition Related and Other Costs
Three Months Ended September 30, | Decrease | Percent Change | ||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||||
(in thousands, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||
Disposition related and other costs | $ | — | $ | 2,085 | $ | (2,085 | ) | (100 | )% | |||||
Percentage of revenues | — | % | 5.4 | % |
The disposition related and other costs of $2.1 million in 2018 are primarily due to severance, lease exit, and other related costs in connection with the divestiture process and reorganization to the tech-focused strategy.
Operating Income
Three Months Ended September 30, | |||||||
2019 | 2018 | ||||||
(in thousands, except percentages) | |||||||
Revenue | $ | 37,176 | $ | 38,917 | |||
Operating income | 5,273 | 1,467 | |||||
Percentage of revenues | 14.2 | % | 3.8 | % |
Operating income for the three months ended September 30, 2019 was $5.3 million, a margin of 14%, compared to $1.5 million, a margin of 4%, for the same period in 2018, an increase of $3.8 million. The increased operating income and percentage margin were driven by cost savings initiatives, no disposition related and other costs in the 2019 period, higher utilization of the Company’s employees in the design and development of product enhancements and features for the Company’s sites, and the closure of Dice Europe in 2018, which had a lower operating margin.
Interest Expense and Other
Three Months Ended September 30, | Decrease | Percent Change | ||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||||
(in thousands, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||
Interest expense | $ | 188 | $ | 335 | $ | (147 | ) | (44 | )% | |||||
Percentage of revenues | 0.5 | % | 0.9 | % |
Interest expense decreased $0.1 million, or 44%, primarily due to the lower weighted-average debt outstanding during the three months ended September 30, 2019.
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Income Taxes
Three Months Ended September 30, | |||||||
2019 | 2018 | ||||||
(in thousands, except percentages) | |||||||
Income before income taxes | $ | 5,085 | $ | 1,123 | |||
Income tax expense | 704 | 193 | |||||
Effective tax rate | 13.8 | % | 17.2 | % |
Our effective tax rate of 14% for the three months ended September 30, 2019 was lower than the U.S. federal statutory rate due to tax benefits of $0.2 million from the liquidation of a foreign subsidiary and $0.2 million from an adjustment in the transition tax on deemed repatriation of foreign earnings. The tax rate of 17% for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was lower than the statutory rate mainly due to a $1.0 million tax benefit on losses related to the divestiture of businesses, partially offset by a tax deficiency related to the vesting or settlement of share-based compensation awards and tax expense related to an adjustment in the transition tax on deemed repatriation.
Earnings per Share
Three Months Ended September 30, | |||||||
2019 | 2018 | ||||||
(in thousands, except per share amounts) | |||||||
Net income | $ | 4,381 | $ | 930 | |||
Weighted-average shares outstanding—diluted | 52,137 | 50,390 | |||||
Diluted earnings per share | $ | 0.08 | $ | 0.02 |
Diluted earnings per share was $0.08 and $0.02 for the three month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The improvement in earnings per share was primarily driven by the improved operating income year over year.
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Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
Revenues
Nine Months Ended September 30, | Increase (Decrease) | Percent Change | Foreign Exchange Impact (4) | |||||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||||||
Tech-focused | ||||||||||||||||||
Dice (1) | $ | 69,276 | $ | 70,486 | $ | (1,210 | ) | (2 | )% | $ | — | |||||||
eFinancialCareers | 24,263 | 25,418 | (1,155 | ) | (5 | )% | (1,017 | ) | ||||||||||
ClearanceJobs | 18,116 | 15,359 | 2,757 | 18 | % | — | ||||||||||||
Tech-focused, excluding Dice Europe | 111,655 | 111,263 | 392 | — | % | (1,017 | ) | |||||||||||
Dice Europe(2) | — | 3,008 | (3,008 | ) | n.m. | — | ||||||||||||
Tech-focused | 111,655 | 114,271 | (2,616 | ) | (2 | )% | (1,017 | ) | ||||||||||
Other | ||||||||||||||||||
Hcareers(3) | — | 5,329 | (5,329 | ) | n.m. | — | ||||||||||||
Rigzone(3) | — | 3,771 | (3,771 | ) | n.m. | — | ||||||||||||
BioSpace(3) | — | 212 | (212 | ) | n.m. | — | ||||||||||||
Other | — | 9,312 | (9,312 | ) | n.m. | — | ||||||||||||
Total revenues | $ | 111,655 | $ | 123,583 | $ | (11,928 | ) | (10 | )% | $ | (1,017 | ) | ||||||
(1) Includes Dice U.S. and Targeted Job Fairs. | ||||||||||||||||||
(2) Dice Europe ceased operations on August 31, 2018. | ||||||||||||||||||
(3) Majority ownership of the BioSpace business was transferred to BioSpace management on January 31, 2018, the RigLogix portion of the Rigzone business was sold on February 20, 2018, Hcareers was sold on May 22, 2018, and majority ownership of the remaining Rigzone business was transferred to Rigzone management on August 31, 2018. | ||||||||||||||||||
(4) Foreign exchange impact is calculated by determining the increase (decrease) in current period revenues where current period revenues are translated using prior period exchange rates. |
We experienced a decrease in revenue in the Tech-focused segment of $2.6 million, or 2%, which was driven by Dice Europe's decline of $3.0 million due to its ceasing operations on August 31, 2018. Excluding Dice Europe and impacts for foreign exchange, the Tech-focused segment increased 1%. Revenue at Dice decreased by $1.2 million, or 2%, compared to the same period in 2018 as recruitment package customers and renewal rates have stabilized. Revenue at ClearanceJobs increased by $2.8 million, or 18%, as compared to the same period in 2018, primarily driven by continued high demand for professionals with government clearance, and consistent product releases and enhancements driving activity on the site. eFinancialCareers revenue decreased by $1.2 million, or 5%, compared to the same period in 2018 primarily due to foreign currency exchange.
Revenues for Other decreased $9.3 million, which was due to the non-tech businesses being divested during 2018.
Cost of Revenues
Nine Months Ended September 30, | Decrease | Percent Change | ||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||||
(in thousands, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||
Cost of revenues | $ | 11,991 | $ | 14,330 | $ | (2,339 | ) | (16 | )% | |||||
Percentage of revenues | 10.7 | % | 11.6 | % |
Cost of revenues decreased $2.3 million, or 16%, as the Tech-focused segment decreased $0.9 million and Other decreased $1.4 million. In the Tech-focused segment, $0.4 million of the decrease was due to Dice Europe ceasing operations on August 31, 2018 and $1.1 million of the decrease was primarily related to a decrease in technology infrastructure costs, partially offset by an increase in compensation related costs of $0.4 million. Other decreased $1.4 million due to the non-tech businesses being divested during 2018.
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Product Development Expenses
Nine Months Ended September 30, | Decrease | Percent Change | ||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||||
(in thousands, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||
Product development | $ | 12,708 | $ | 15,811 | $ | (3,103 | ) | (20 | )% | |||||
Percentage of revenues | 11.4 | % | 12.8 | % |
Product Development expenses decreased $3.1 million, or 20%. The Tech-focused segment decreased $1.9 million mainly due to higher utilization of the Company’s employees in the design and development of product enhancements and features for the Company’s sites. The result of this higher utilization was an increase to capitalization rates of internal development costs, which are reflected as purchases of fixed assets in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash flows, and a decrease to operating expenses in the current period. Dice Europe ceasing operations on August 31, 2018 contributed $0.2 million of the decrease in the Tech-focused segment. Other decreased $1.2 million due to the non-tech businesses being divested during 2018.
Sales and Marketing Expenses
Nine Months Ended September 30, | Decrease | Percent Change | ||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||||
(in thousands, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||
Sales and marketing | $ | 41,668 | $ | 46,628 | $ | (4,960 | ) | (11 | )% | |||||
Percentage of revenues | 37.3 | % | 37.7 | % |
Sales and marketing expenses decreased $5.0 million, or 11%. The divested businesses and the Dice Europe closure contributed $3.2 million and $2.3 million, respectively, to the overall decline. The ongoing Tech-focused segment increased by $0.6 million, driven by a $2.9 million increase in compensation related costs, of which $2.5 million related to higher sales commissions, including a transitional impact of adopting ASC 606, and a $1.3 million increase in consulting and professional fees. These increases were partially offset by $3.7 million of reduced discretionary marketing expenses realized from efficiencies in vendor selection and volumes and focus on higher yielding investments.
General and Administrative Expenses
Nine Months Ended September 30, | Decrease | Percent Change | ||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||||
(in thousands, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||
General and administrative | $ | 23,220 | $ | 28,012 | $ | (4,792 | ) | (17 | )% | |||||
Percentage of revenues | 20.8 | % | 22.7 | % |
General and administrative costs decreased $4.8 million or 17%. The Tech-focused segment decreased $3.5 million, of which $1.3 million was due to a decrease in legal contingencies and fees that were recorded in the first half of 2018 regarding the applicability of provisions of the FCRA to one of our products as described in Note 11 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements,$1.1 million of the decrease was due to lower stock based compensation primarily due to the acceleration of vesting related to the Company's former Chief Executive Officer in the 2018 period, $0.6 million was due a decrease in consulting expense, and $0.4 million related to a decrease in occupancy costs. Other decreased $1.3 million, which was due to the non-tech businesses being divested during 2018.
Depreciation
Nine Months Ended September 30, | Increase | Percent Change | ||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||||
(in thousands, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||
Depreciation | $ | 7,201 | $ | 7,155 | $ | 46 | 1 | % | ||||||
Percentage of revenues | 6.4 | % | 5.8 | % |
Depreciation expense had a slight increase compared to the same period in 2018. The on-going Tech-focused segment increased by $0.7 million in connection with increased capital expenditures. Depreciation in Dice Europe decreased $0.4 million due to its
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ceasing operations on August 31, 2018, and depreciation in Other decreased $0.3 million, which was due to the non-tech businesses being divested during 2018.
Amortization of Intangible Assets
Nine Months Ended September 30, | Decrease | Percent Change | ||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||||
(in thousands, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||
Amortization | $ | — | $ | 482 | $ | (482 | ) | (100 | )% | |||||
Percentage of revenues | — | % | 0.4 | % |
Amortization expense decreased by $0.5 million to zero due to the removal of amortizable intangible assets related to the non-tech businesses divested during the year ended December 31, 2018.
Disposition Related and Other Costs
Nine Months Ended September 30, | Decrease | Percent Change | ||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||||
(in thousands, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||
Disposition related and other costs | $ | 1,700 | $ | 5,214 | $ | (3,514 | ) | (67 | )% | |||||
Percentage of revenues | 1.5 | % | 4.2 | % |
The disposition related and other costs of $1.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, as described in Note 13 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, are primarily due to severance and related costs incurred while reorganizing the Tech-focused business.
The disposition related and other costs of $5.2 million in 2018 are primarily due to severance, lease exit, and other related costs in connection with the divestiture process and the reorganization to the tech-focused strategy.
Operating Income
Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||
2019 | 2018 | ||||||
(in thousands, except percentages) | |||||||
Revenue | $ | 111,655 | $ | 123,583 | |||
Operating income | 12,630 | 9,386 | |||||
Percentage of revenues | 11.3 | % | 7.6 | % |
Operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was $12.6 million, for a margin of 11%, as compared to $9.4 million, a margin of 8%, for the same period in 2018. The increased operating income and percentage margin were driven by cost savings initiatives, a reduction in disposition related and other costs in 2019, higher utilization of the Company’s employees in the design and development of product enhancements and features for the Company’s sites, and the closure of Dice Europe in 2018, which had a lower operating margin.
Interest Expense and Other
Nine Months Ended September 30, | Decrease | Percent Change | ||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||||
(in thousands, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||
Interest expense | $ | 512 | $ | 1,370 | $ | (858 | ) | (63 | )% | |||||
Percentage of revenues | 0.5 | % | 1.1 | % |
Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 decreased $0.9 million, or 63%, from the same period in 2018 due to lower weighted-average debt outstanding during the nine months ended September 30, 2019.
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Income Taxes
Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||
2019 | 2018 | ||||||
(in thousands, except percentages) | |||||||
Income before income taxes | $ | 12,118 | $ | 7,974 | |||
Income tax expense | 3,088 | 3,746 | |||||
Effective tax rate | 25.5 | % | 47.0 | % |
Our effective tax rate of 25% for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 exceeded the U.S. federal statutory rate due to a tax deficiency of $0.4 million related to the vesting or settlement of share-based compensation awards.
The tax rate of 47% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 exceeded the statutory rate due to a tax deficiency of $2.2 million related to the vesting or settlement of share-based compensation awards. The rate was also impacted by a tax benefit of $0.7 million related to the sale of businesses and tax expense of $0.4 million from an adjustment in the transition tax on deemed repatriation.
Earnings per Share
Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||
2019 | 2018 | ||||||
(in thousands, except per share amounts) | |||||||
Net income | $ | 9,030 | $ | 4,228 | |||
Weighted-average shares outstanding—diluted | 51,598 | 49,707 | |||||
Diluted earnings per share | $ | 0.18 | $ | 0.09 |
Diluted earnings per share was $0.18 and $0.09 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The 2018 period benefited from a $3.8 million gain on sale while revenue improvement, cost savings initiatives, the closure of Dice Europe in 2018 and lower interest expense drove the improvement in the 2019 period.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We have provided certain non-GAAP financial measures as additional information for our operating results. These measures are not in accordance with, or an alternative for, measures in accordance with U.S. GAAP and may be different from similarly titled non-GAAP measures reported by other companies. We believe the presentation of non-GAAP measures, such as Adjusted Revenues, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin, provides useful information to management and investors regarding certain financial and business trends relating to our financial condition and results of operations.
Adjusted Revenues
Adjusted Revenues is a non-GAAP metric used by management to measure operating performance. Adjusted Revenues represents Revenues less the revenues of divested businesses. We consider Adjusted Revenues to be an important measure to evaluate the performance of our ongoing businesses and provide comparable results excluding our divestitures.
Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin
Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are non-GAAP metrics used by management to measure operating performance. Management uses Adjusted EBITDA as a performance measure for internal monitoring and planning, including preparation of annual budgets, analyzing investment decisions and evaluating profitability and performance comparisons between us and our competitors. The Company also uses this measure to calculate amounts of performance based compensation under the senior management incentive bonus program. Adjusted EBITDA represents net income plus (to the extent deducted in calculating such net income) interest expense, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization, non-cash stock based compensation, losses resulting from certain dispositions outside the ordinary course of business including prior negative operating results of those divested businesses, certain writeoffs in connection with indebtedness, impairment charges with respect to long-lived assets,
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expenses incurred in connection with an equity offering or any other offering of securities by the Company, extraordinary or non-recurring non-cash expenses or losses, transaction costs in connection with the credit agreement, deferred revenues written off in connection with acquisition purchase accounting adjustments, writeoff of non-cash stock based compensation, severance and retention costs related to dispositions and reorganizations of the Company, and losses related to legal claims and fees that are unusual in nature or infrequent, minus (to the extent included in calculating such net income) non-cash income or gains, interest income, business interruption insurance proceeds, and any income or gain resulting from certain dispositions outside the ordinary course of business, including prior positive operating results of those divested businesses, and gains related to legal claims that are unusual in nature or infrequent.
We also consider Adjusted EBITDA, as defined above, to be an important indicator to investors because it provides information related to our ability to provide cash flows to meet future debt service, capital expenditures and working capital requirements and to fund future growth. We present Adjusted EBITDA as a supplemental performance measure because we believe that this measure provides our Board, management and investors with additional information to measure our performance, provide comparisons from period to period and company to company by excluding potential differences caused by variations in capital structures (affecting interest expense) and tax positions (such as the impact on periods or companies of changes in effective tax rates or net operating losses), and to estimate our value.
We understand that although Adjusted EBITDA is frequently used by securities analysts, lenders and others in their evaluation of companies, Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider it in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of our liquidity or results as reported under GAAP. Some limitations are:
• | Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect our cash expenditures, or future requirements for capital expenditures or contractual commitments; |
• | Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs; |
• | Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the significant interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments on our debt; |
• | Although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized often will have to be replaced in the future, and Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements; and |
• | Other companies in our industry may calculate Adjusted EBITDA differently than we do, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure. |
To compensate for these limitations, management evaluates our liquidity by considering the economic effect of excluded expense items independently, as well as in connection with its analysis of cash flows from operations and through the use of other financial measures, such as capital expenditure budget variances, investment spending levels and return on capital analysis.
Adjusted EBITDA Margin is computed as Adjusted EBITDA divided by Adjusted Revenues. Adjusted Revenues, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are not measurements of our financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to revenue, net income, operating income, or any other performance measures derived in accordance with GAAP as a measure of our profitability or liquidity.
A reconciliation of Adjusted Revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 follows (in thousands):
Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||
2019 | 2018 | |||||||
Revenues | $ | 111,655 | $ | 123,583 | ||||
Hcareers (1) | — | (5,329 | ) | |||||
Rigzone (2) | — | (3,771 | ) | |||||
BioSpace (3) | — | (212 | ) | |||||
Other | $ | — | $ | (9,312 | ) | |||
Adjusted Revenues | $ | 111,655 | $ | 114,271 | ||||
(1) The Company sold Hcareers on May 22, 2018. | ||||||||
(2) The Company sold the Riglogix portion of the Rigzone business on February 20, 2018 and transferred majority ownership of remaining Rigzone business to Rigzone management on August 31, 2018. | ||||||||
(3) The Company transferred majority ownership to BioSpace management on January 31, 2018. |
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A reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 follows (in thousands):
Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||
2019 | 2018 | ||||||
Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA: | |||||||
Net income | $ | 9,030 | $ | 4,228 | |||
Interest expense | 512 | 1,370 | |||||
Income tax expense | 3,088 | 3,746 | |||||
Depreciation | 7,201 | 7,155 | |||||
Amortization of intangible assets | — | 482 | |||||
Non-cash stock based compensation | 4,135 | 5,362 | |||||
(Gain) loss on sale of businesses, net | 537 | (3,435 | ) | ||||
Disposition related and other costs | 1,700 | 5,214 | |||||
Legal contingencies and related fees | 163 | 1,777 | |||||
Divested businesses | — | (2,243 | ) | ||||
Other | (61 | ) | 42 | ||||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 26,305 | $ | 23,698 | |||
Reconciliation of Operating Cash Flows to Adjusted EBITDA: | |||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 18,988 | $ | 8,690 | |||
Interest expense | 512 | 1,370 | |||||
Amortization of deferred financing costs | (110 | ) | (146 | ) | |||
Income tax expense | 3,088 | 3,746 | |||||
Deferred income taxes | (573 | ) | (1,830 | ) | |||
Change in accrual for unrecognized tax benefits | (319 | ) | (382 | ) | |||
Change in accounts receivable | (7,244 | ) | (15,772 | ) | |||
Change in deferred revenue | 4,774 | 18,622 | |||||
Disposition related and other costs | 1,700 | 5,214 | |||||
Legal contingencies and related fees | 163 | 1,777 | |||||
Divested businesses | — | (2,243 | ) | ||||
Changes in working capital and other | 5,326 | 4,652 | |||||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 26,305 | $ | 23,698 |
A reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA Margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 follows (in thousands):
Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||
2019 | 2018 | ||||||
Adjusted Revenues | $ | 111,655 | $ | 114,271 | |||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 26,305 | $ | 23,698 | |||
Adjusted EBITDA Margin | 24 | % | 21 | % |
Cash Flows
We have summarized our cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands).
Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||
2019 | 2018 | ||||||
Cash from operating activities | $ | 18,988 | $ | 8,690 | |||
Cash from (used in) investing activities | $ | (7,662 | ) | $ | 10,938 | ||
Cash used in financing activities | $ | (13,128 | ) | $ | (26,375 | ) |
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We have financed our operations primarily through cash provided by operating activities and borrowings under our revolving credit facility. At September 30, 2019, we had cash of $4.5 million compared to $6.5 million at December 31, 2018. Cash held by foreign subsidiaries totaled approximately $1.9 million and $2.2 million at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. Cash and cash equivalent balances and cash generation in the United States, along with the unused portion of our revolving credit facility, are sufficient to maintain liquidity and meet our obligations without being dependent on cash and earnings from our foreign subsidiaries.
Liquidity
Our principal internal sources of liquidity are cash and cash equivalents, as well as the cash flow that we generate from our operations. In addition, we had $82.0 million in borrowing capacity under our $90.0 million Credit Agreement at September 30, 2019, subject to certain availability limits including our consolidated leverage ratio, which generally limits borrowings to 2.5 times annual adjusted EBITDA levels, as defined in the Credit Agreement. We believe that our existing U.S. cash and cash equivalents, cash generated from operations and available borrowings under our Credit Agreement will be sufficient to satisfy our currently anticipated cash requirements through at least the next 12 months and the foreseeable future thereafter. However, it is possible that one or more lenders under the Credit Agreement may refuse or be unable to satisfy their commitment to lend to us, we may violate one or more of our covenants or financial ratios contained in our Credit Agreement or we may need to refinance our debt and be unable to do so. In addition, our liquidity could be negatively affected by a decrease in demand for our products and services. We may also make acquisitions and may need to raise additional capital through future debt financings or equity offerings to the extent necessary to fund such acquisitions, which we may not be able to do on a timely basis or on terms satisfactory to us or at all.
Operating Activities
Net cash flows from operating activities primarily consist of net income adjusted for certain non-cash items, including depreciation, amortization, changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities, stock based compensation, and the effect of changes in working capital. Net cash flows from operating activities were $19.0 million and $8.7 million for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Cash inflow from operations is driven by earnings and is dependent on the amount and timing of billings and cash collection from our customers. Cash provided by operating activities during the 2019 period increased $10.3 million compared to the same period of 2018 due to increased income before changes in working capital and a change in billing terms implemented in the first half of 2018 to bring them in line with market standards, which reduced operating cash flows during the 2018 period. The impact of this change was most significant in the first half of 2018 and then diminished throughout the remainder of the year and has substantially stabilized in 2019.
Investing Activities
During the nine month period ended September 30, 2019, cash used in investing activities was $7.7 million compared to $10.9 million of cash provided in the same period in 2018. Cash used in investing activities in the nine month period ended September 30, 2019 was attributable to the acquisition of fixed assets, including costs of internally developed software, of $10.4 million, partially offset by escrow cash received from the sale of the non-tech businesses of $2.7 million. Cash provided by investing activities during the nine month period ended September 30, 2018 was attributable to the cash received from the sale of businesses of $17.5 million, partially offset by the acquisition of fixed assets, including costs of internally developed software, of $6.6 million. The increase of $3.8 million in the acquisition of fixed assets is driven by increases in internally developed software from the Company's renewed focus on the quarterly delivery of product enhancements and features.
Financing Activities
Cash used in financing activities during the nine month period ended September 30, 2019 was $13.1 million, primarily due to $10.0 million of net repayments on long-term debt and $3.1 million related to share repurchases. Cash used during the nine month period ended September 30, 2018 of $26.4 million was primarily due to net repayments on long-term debt and $1.4 million related to share repurchases.
Credit Agreement
In November 2018, the Company, together with Dice, Inc. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Dice Career Solutions, Inc. (collectively, the "Borrowers") entered into the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement"), which matures in November 2023, and replaced the previously existing credit agreement dated November 2015. The Credit Agreement provides for a revolving loan facility of $90 million, with an expansion option up to $140 million, as permitted under the terms of the Credit Agreement. The Company borrowed $18 million to repay, in full, all
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outstanding indebtedness, including accrued interest, under the previous credit agreement and to pay certain costs associated with the Credit Agreement. Unamortized debt issuance costs of $0.2 million were recorded to interest expense at the time of reduction.
Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest, at the Company’s option, at a LIBOR rate or base rate plus a margin. The margin ranges from 1.75% to 2.50% on LIBOR loans and 0.75% to 1.50% on base rate loans, determined by the Company’s most recent consolidated leverage ratio. The Company incurs a fee on any unused capacity under the revolving loan facility. The facility may be prepaid at any time without penalty.
The Credit Agreement contains various customary affirmative and negative covenants and also contains certain financial covenants, including a consolidated leverage ratio and a consolidated interest coverage ratio. Borrowings are allowed under the Credit Agreement to the extent the consolidated leverage ratio, calculated on a pro forma basis, is equal to or less than 2.50 to 1.00. Negative covenants include restrictions on incurring certain liens; making certain payments, such as stock repurchases and dividend payments; making certain investments; making certain acquisitions; and incurring additional indebtedness. Restricted payments are allowed under the Credit Agreement to the extent the consolidated leverage ratio, calculated on a pro forma basis, is equal to or less than 2.00 to 1.00, plus an additional $5.0 million of restricted payments. The Credit Agreement also provides that the payment of obligations may be accelerated upon the occurrence of customary events of default, including, but not limited to, non-payment, change of control, or insolvency. As of September 30, 2019, the Company was in compliance with all of the financial covenants under the Credit Agreement. Refer to Note 10 in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
The obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by two of the Company's U.S. based wholly-owned subsidiaries and secured by substantially all of the assets of the Borrowers and the guarantors and stock pledges from certain of the Company's foreign subsidiaries.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.
Commitments and Contingencies
The following table presents certain minimum payments due and the estimated timing under contractual obligations with minimum firm commitments as of September 30, 2019:
Payments Due By Period | |||||||||||||||||||
Total | Less Than 1 Year | 1-3 Years | 3-5 Years | More Than 5 Years | |||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||
Credit Agreement | $ | 8,000 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 8,000 | $ | — | |||||||||
Operating lease obligations | 18,531 | 1,158 | 8,026 | 5,112 | 4,235 | ||||||||||||||
Total contractual obligations | $ | 26,531 | $ | 1,158 | $ | 8,026 | $ | 13,112 | $ | 4,235 |
We make commitments to purchase advertising from online vendors which we pay for on a monthly basis. We have no significant long-term obligations to purchase a fixed or minimum amount with these vendors.
Our principal commitments consist of obligations under operating leases for office space and equipment and long-term debt. As of September 30, 2019, we had $8.0 million outstanding under our Credit Agreement. Interest payments are due at varying, specified periods (to a maximum of three months) based on the type of loan (LIBOR or base rate loan) we choose. See Note 10 “Indebtedness” in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to our Credit Agreement.
Future interest payments on our Credit Agreement are variable due to our interest rate being based on a LIBOR rate or a base rate. Assuming an interest rate of 3.81% (the rate in effect on September 30, 2019) on our current borrowings, interest payments are expected to be approximately $0.1 million in 2019, and approximately $0.3 million per year in 2020-2023.
As of September 30, 2019, we had approximately $2.0 million of unrecognized tax benefits as liabilities, and it is uncertain if or when such amounts may be settled. Related to the unrecognized tax benefits considered permanent differences, we have also recorded a liability for potential penalties and interest. Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits at September 30, 2019
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are $2.0 million of tax benefits that if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate. The Company believes it is reasonably possible that as much as $0.2 million of its unrecognized tax benefits may be recognized in the next twelve months.
Cyclicality
The labor market and certain of the industries that we serve have historically experienced short-term cyclicality. However, we believe that online career websites continue to provide economic and strategic value to the labor market and industries that we serve.
Any slowdown in recruitment activity that occurs could negatively impact our revenues and results of operations. Alternatively, a decrease in the unemployment rate or a labor shortage, including as a result of an increase in job turnover, generally means that employers (including our customers) are seeking to hire more individuals, which would generally lead to more job postings and database licenses and have a positive impact on our revenues and results of operations. Based on historical trends, improvements in labor markets and the need for our services generally lag behind overall economic improvements. Additionally, there has historically been a lag from the time customers begin to increase purchases of our recruitment services and the impact to our revenues due to the recognition of revenue occurring over the length of the contract, which can be several months to over a year.
From time to time, we see market slowdowns, which can lead to lower demand for recruiting technology, financial and security cleared professionals. If recruitment activity slows in the industries in which we operate during 2019 and beyond, our revenues and results of operations could be negatively impacted.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
We have exposure to financial market risks, including changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates, and other relevant market prices.
Foreign Exchange Risk
We conduct business serving multiple markets, in four languages, mainly across Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, approximately 20% and 27% of our revenues were earned outside the United States, respectively, and certain of these amounts are collected in local currency. We are subject to risk for exchange rate fluctuations between such local currencies and the British Pound Sterling, primarily, and the United States dollar and the translation of these.
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We currently do not hedge currency risk. A decrease in foreign exchange rates during a period would result in decreased amounts reported in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, Comprehensive Income (loss), and of Cash Flows. For example, if foreign exchange rates between the British Pound Sterling and United States dollar decreased by 1.0%, the impact on our revenues and expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 would have been a decrease of approximately $129,000 and $119,000, respectively.
In connection with Brexit, the global markets and currencies have been adversely impacted, including a decline in the value of the British Pound Sterling as compared to the United States dollar. Volatility in exchange rates may occur as the UK negotiates its exit from the EU. We currently do not hedge our British Pound Sterling exposure and therefore are susceptible to currency risk. In the longer term, any impact from Brexit on us will depend, in part, on the outcome of tariff, trade, regulatory and other negotiations. Although it is unknown what the result of those negotiations will be, it is possible that new terms may adversely affect our operations and financial results. In addition, trade talks or pacts between the United States and other nations could adversely affect our operations and financial results.
The financial statements of our non-United States subsidiaries are translated into United States dollars using current exchange rates, with gains or losses included in the cumulative translation adjustment account, which is a component of stockholders’ equity. As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, our cumulative translation adjustment decreased stockholders’ equity by $33.4 million and $31.2 million, respectively. The change from December 31, 2018 to September 30, 2019 is primarily attributable to the position of the British Pound sterling against the United States dollar.
Interest Rate Risk
We have interest rate risk primarily related to borrowings under our Credit Agreement. Borrowings under our Credit Agreement bear interest, at our option, at a LIBOR rate or base rate plus a margin. The margin ranges from 1.75% to 2.50% on the LIBOR loans and 0.75% to 1.50% on the base rate, as determined by our most recent consolidated leverage ratio. As of September 30, 2019, we had outstanding borrowings of $8.0 million under our Credit Agreement. If interest rates increased by 1.0%, interest expense in 2019 on our current borrowings would increase by less than $0.1 million.
LIBOR is the subject of recent national, international and other regulatory guidance and proposals for reform. These reforms and other pressure may cause LIBOR to disappear entirely or to perform differently than in the past. It is expected that certain banks will stop reporting information used to set LIBOR at the end of 2021 when their reporting obligations cease. This would effectively end the usefulness of LIBOR and may end its publication. The consequences of these developments cannot be entirely predicted but, as noted above, could impact the interest rates of LIBOR loans. If LIBOR is no longer widely available, the Company will pursue alternative interest rate calculations under the Credit Agreement. The Company is evaluating the expected impact of this change on its consolidated financial statements.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We have established a system of controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our periodic reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the Exchange Act and in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). These disclosure controls and procedures have been evaluated under the direction of our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) as of September 30, 2019. Based on such evaluations, our CEO and CFO have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the CEO and CFO, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Controls
No change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2019 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
From time to time we may be involved in disputes or litigation relating to claims arising out of our operations. Except as noted in Part 1, Item 1 of this form 10-Q, we are currently not a party to any material pending legal proceedings.
Item 1A. | Risk Factors |
The U.K.’s impending departure from the EU could adversely affect us.
The U.K. held a referendum on June 23, 2016 on its membership in the E.U., in which a majority of voters in the U.K. voted to exit the E.U. (commonly referred to as “Brexit”). The timeline for the U.K.’s departure from the E.U. is uncertain. Brexit could cause disruptions to and create uncertainty surrounding our business, including affecting our relationships with our existing and future customers and employees based in the U.K. and Europe. For example, if as a result of Brexit, financial institutions move all or a portion of their operations out of the U.K., it may result in decreased demand for jobs in the financial sector in the U.K. and could negatively impact the performance of our eFinancialCareers business. Further, the potential loss of the E.U. “passport,” or any other potential restriction on free travel of U.K. citizens to Europe, and vice versa, could adversely impact the jobs market in general and our operations in Europe.
In addition, Brexit has resulted in significant volatility in the value of the British Pound Sterling and Euro currencies. Since our financial statements are denominated in U.S. dollars and we currently do not hedge currency risk, a decline in the value of the Pound or Euro may have an adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
The ultimate effects of Brexit are uncertain and will depend on any agreements the U.K. makes to retain access to E.U. markets either during a transitional period or more permanently. Brexit could adversely affect European and worldwide economic and market conditions and could contribute to instability in global financial and foreign exchange markets. Uncertainty over the terms of the U.K.’s departure from the E.U. could harm our business and financial results. In addition, other E.U. member countries may consider referendums regarding their E.U. membership. These events, along with any political changes that may occur as a result of Brexit, could cause political and economic uncertainty in Europe. In addition, Brexit is likely to lead to legal uncertainty, including uncertainty regarding data protection, taxation, and potentially divergent national laws and regulations as the U.K. determines which E.U. laws to replace or replicate, including the General Data Protection Regulation (the "GDPR"). Any of these effects of Brexit, and others we cannot anticipate, could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We have disclosed under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K the risk factors which materially affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. As of November 7, 2019, there have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed. You should carefully consider the risk factors set forth in the Annual Report on Form 10-K and the other information set forth elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. You should be aware that these risk factors and other information may not describe every risk facing our Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Repurchases of Equity Securities
Our Board approved a stock repurchase program that permits the Company to repurchase our common stock. Management has discretion in determining the conditions under which shares may be purchased from time to time. The following table summarizes the stock repurchase plans approved by the Board:
May 2018 to May 2019 | May 2019 to May 2020 | ||
Approval Date | May 2018 | April 2019 | |
Authorized Repurchase Amount of Common Stock | $7 million | $7 million |
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During the quarter ended September 30, 2019, purchases of the Company's common stock pursuant to the Stock Repurchase Plan were as follows:
Period | (a) Total Number of Shares Purchased [1] | (b) Average Price Paid per Share [2] | (c) Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs | (d) Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs | ||||||
July 1 through July 31, 2019 | 180,985 | $ | 3.51 | 180,985 | $ | 6,364,082 | ||||
August 1 through August 31, 2019 | 186,170 | $ | 3.41 | 186,170 | $ | 5,728,808 | ||||
September 1 through September 30, 2019 | — | $ | — | — | $ | 5,728,808 | ||||
Total | 367,155 | $ | 3.46 | 367,155 |
[1] No shares of our common stock were purchased other than through a publicly announced plan or program.
[2] Average price paid per share includes costs associated with the repurchases.
Item 5. Other Information
None.
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Item 6. Exhibits
31.1* | ||
31.2* | ||
32.1* | ||
32.2* | ||
101.INS | XBRL Instance Document. | |
101.SCH | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. | |
101.CAL | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. | |
101.DEF | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. | |
101.LAB | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document. | |
101.PRE | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. |
_______________
* | Filed herewith. |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
Date: | November 7, 2019 | DHI Group, Inc. | ||
Registrant | ||||
By: | /S/ Art Zeile | |||
Art Zeile President and Chief Executive Officer | ||||
(Principal Executive Officer) | ||||
/S/ Luc Grégoire | ||||
Luc Grégoire Chief Financial Officer | ||||
(Principal Financial Officer) |
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