Information Services Group Inc. - Quarter Report: 2015 June (Form 10-Q)

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

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

 

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2015

 

OR

 

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

 

For the transition period from             to             

 

Commission File Number 001-33287

 

INFORMATION SERVICES GROUP, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Two Stamford Plaza
281 Tresser Boulevard
Stamford, CT 06901
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (203) 517-3100

 

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 x  No o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files).  Yes x  No o

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer  o

Accelerated filer  x

Non-accelerated filer   o

Smaller reporting company  o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  o Yes  x No

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

 

 

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10—Q includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions about us that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “continue,” or the negative of such terms or other similar expressions. The actual results of ISG may vary materially from those expected or anticipated in these forward-looking statements. The realization of such forward-looking statements may be impacted by certain important unanticipated factors.  Because of these and other factors that may affect ISG’s operating results, past performance should not be considered as an indicator of future performance, and investors should not use historical results to anticipate results or trends in future periods. We undertake no obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Readers should carefully review the risk factors described in this and other documents that ISG files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including subsequent Current Reports on Form 8-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Reports on Form 10-K.

 

1

 

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.                        FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

INFORMATION SERVICES GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except par value)

 

		June 30, 2015			December 31, 2014
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$	13,122		$	27,662
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $218 and $234, respectively		46,474			41,148
Deferred tax asset		1,110			1,138
Prepaid expense and other current assets		2,379			2,130
Total current assets		63,085			72,078
Restricted cash		336			364
Furniture, fixtures and equipment, net		3,243			3,478
Goodwill		36,295			36,400
Intangible assets, net		15,595			18,335
Other assets		4,725			3,514
Total assets		$	123,279		$	134,169
LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accounts payable		$	7,138		$	7,312
Current maturities of long-term debt		2,250			3,938
Deferred revenue		4,245			4,898
Accrued expenses		11,969			21,116
Total current liabilities		25,602			37,264
Long-term debt, net of current maturities		49,704			49,434
Other liabilities		4,361			6,007
Total liabilities		79,667			92,705
Commitments and contingencies (Note 6)
Redeemable noncontrolling interest		926			747
Stockholders’ equity
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 10,000 shares authorized; none issued		—			—
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 100,000 shares authorized; 37,943 shares issued and 37,232 shares outstanding at June 30, 2015 and 37,943 shares issued and 36,762 outstanding at December 31, 2014		38			38
Additional paid-in-capital		203,576			204,525
Treasury stock (711 and 1,181 common shares, respectively, at cost)		(2,871		)	(5,244		)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(5,824		)	(4,582		)
Accumulated deficit		(152,233		)	(154,020		)
Total stockholders’ equity		42,686			40,717
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interest and stockholders’ equity		$	123,279		$	134,169

 

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

 

2

 

INFORMATION SERVICES GROUP, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

		Three Months						Six Months
		Ended June 30,						Ended June 30,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
Revenues		$	53,411		$	54,888		$	103,950		$	103,129
Operating expenses
Direct costs and expenses for advisors		32,558			31,497			62,996			61,309
Selling, general and administrative		17,011			16,967			33,421			32,622
Depreciation and amortization		1,838			1,900			3,556			3,638
Operating income		2,004			4,524			3,977			5,560
Interest income		7			7			9			9
Interest expense		(440		)	(504		)	(938		)	(1,022		)
Bargain purchase gain		—			146			—			146
Foreign currency transaction gain (loss)		26			(23		)	400			(37		)
Income before taxes		1,597			4,150			3,448			4,656
Income tax provision		578			1,051			1,522			1,469
Net income		1,019			3,099			1,926			3,187
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		85			(6		)	139			19
Net income attributable to ISG		934			3,105			1,787			3,168
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic		37,199			37,220			37,116			37,302
Diluted		38,971			38,837			38,731			38,849
Earnings per share attributable to ISG:
Basic		$	0.03		$	0.08		$	0.05		$	0.08
Diluted		$	0.02		$	0.08		$	0.05		$	0.08
Comprehensive income:
Net income		$	1,019		$	3,099		$	1,926		$	3,187
Foreign currency translation, net of tax (expense) benefit of $(315), $61, $630 and $126, respectively		197			102			(1,242		)	205
Comprehensive income		1,216			3,201			684			3,392
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		85			(6		)	139			19
Comprehensive income attributable to ISG		$	1,131		$	3,207		$	545		$	3,373

 

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

 

3

 

INFORMATION SERVICES GROUP, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

		Six Months
		Ended June 30,
		2015			2014
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income		$	1,926		$	3,187
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation expense		903			880
Amortization of intangibles		2,653			2,759
Amortization of deferred financing costs		76			76
Bargain purchase gain		—			(146		)
Tax benefit from stock issuances		(178		)	(487		)
Compensation costs related to stock-based awards		2,225			1,212
Change in fair value of contingent consideration		141			289
Changes in accounts receivable allowance		19			44
Deferred tax benefit		(378		)	(92		)
Loss on disposal of furniture, fixtures and equipment		2			21
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable		(5,092		)	(11,808		)
Prepaid expense and other current assets		(1,537		)	(291		)
Accounts payable		(174		)	1,613
Deferred revenue		(653		)	48
Accrued liabilities		(2,645		)	(8,082		)
Net cash used in operating activities		(2,712		)	(10,777		)
Cash flows from investing activities
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired		—			(890		)
Restricted cash		28			(157		)
Purchase of furniture, fixtures and equipment		(695		)	(1,149		)
Net cash used in investing activities		(667		)	(2,196		)
Cash flows from financing activities
Principal payments on borrowings		(1,417		)	(1,688		)
Payment of contingent consideration		(2,322		)	(1,633		)
Equity securities repurchased		(1,169		)	(2,807		)
Installment payment for acquisition of CCI		(661		)	—
Dividend paid		(5,189		)	—
Tax benefit from stock issuances		178			487
Proceeds from issuance of ESPP shares		289			251
Net cash used in financing activities		(10,291		)	(5,390		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash		(870		)	166
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents		(14,540		)	(18,197		)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		27,662			35,085
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		$	13,122		$	16,888
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Noncash financing activities:
Issuance of treasury stock for vested restricted stock awards		$	3,175		$	1,534

 

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

 

4

 

INFORMATION SERVICES GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(tabular amounts in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

NOTE 1—DESCRIPTION OF ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS OPERATIONS

 

Information Services Group, Inc. (the “Company”) was founded in 2006 with the strategic vision to become a high-growth, leading provider of information-based advisory services.  In 2007, we consummated our initial public offering and completed the acquisition of TPI Advisory Services Americas, Inc. (“TPI”).  The Company is a leading technology insights, market intelligence and advisory services company serving more than 500 clients around the world to help them achieve operational excellence.  Based in Stamford, Connecticut, the Company has more than 900 employees and operates in 21 countries.

 

NOTE 2—BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2015 and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial statements and pursuant to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) have been made that are considered necessary for a fair statement of the financial position of the Company as of June 30, 2015, the results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 and the cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014.  The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014 has been derived from the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements.  Operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2015.

 

Certain information and disclosures normally included in the notes to annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been omitted from these interim financial statements pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).  Accordingly, these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, which are included in the Company’s 2014 Form 10-K filed with the SEC.

 

NOTE 3—SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues and expenses during the periods reported. Actual results may differ from those estimates. The complexity of the estimation process and issues related to the assumptions, risks and uncertainties inherent in the application of the proportional performance method of accounting affect the amounts of revenues, expenses, unbilled receivables and deferred revenue. Numerous internal and external factors can affect estimates. Estimates are also used for but not limited to: allowance for doubtful accounts, useful lives of furniture, fixtures and equipment, depreciation expense, contingent consideration, fair value assumptions in analyzing goodwill and intangible asset impairments, income taxes and deferred tax asset valuation, and the valuation of stock based compensation.

 

Fair Value

 

The carrying value of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable, long-term debt, other current liabilities, and accrued interest approximate fair value.

 

Fair value is the price that would be received upon a sale of an asset or paid upon a transfer of a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price).  Market participants can use market data or assumptions in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique.  These inputs can be readily observable, market-corroborated, or generally unobservable. The use of unobservable inputs is intended to allow for fair value determinations in situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date.  Under the fair-value hierarchy:

 

·      Level 1 measurements include unadjusted quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market;

 

·      Level 2 measurements include quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market that have been adjusted for items such as effects of restrictions for transferability and those that are not quoted but are observable through corroboration with observable market data, including quoted market prices for similar assets; and

 

5

 

INFORMATION SERVICES GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(continued)

(tabular amounts in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

·      Level 3 measurements include those that are unobservable and of a highly subjective measure.

 

The Company held investments in cash equivalent money market funds of $20,000 at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. The Company considers the fair value of cash equivalent money market funds to be classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

 

The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our other financial instruments at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014:

 

		June 30, 2015						December 31, 2014
		Carrying Amount			Estimated Fair Value			Carrying Amount			Estimated Fair Value
Liabilities:
Contingent consideration (1)		$	2,591		$	2,591		$	4,825		$	4,825
Long-term debt , including current portion		51,954			51,867			53,371			53,412
		$	54,545		$	54,458		$	58,196		$	58,237

 

(1)         The short-term portion is included in “Accrued expenses.”  The long-term portion is included in “Other liabilities.”

 

The Company’s contingent consideration liability was $2.6 million and $4.8 million at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.  The Company paid $2.3 million related to the contingent consideration during the second quarter of 2015.  The fair value measurement of this contingent consideration is classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy and reflects the Company’s own assumptions in measuring fair values using the income approach.  In developing these estimates, the Company considered certain performance projections, historical results, and industry trends.  This amount was estimated through a valuation model that incorporated probability-weighted assumptions related to the achievement of these milestones and the likelihood of the Company making payments. These cash outflow projections have then been discounted using a rate ranging from 2.3% to 13.5%, which is the after-tax cost of debt financing for market participants.

 

The fair value of debt is classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair values of debt have been estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis based on the Company’s incremental borrowing rate for similar borrowing arrangements.  The incremental borrowing rate used to discount future cash flows ranged from 2.31% to 2.41%.  The Company also considered recent transactions of peer group companies for similar instruments with comparable terms and maturities as well as an analysis of current market conditions.

 

The following table represents the change in the contingent consideration liability during the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014:

 

		Six months Ended June 30,
		2015			2014
Beginning Balance		$	4,825		$	4,085
Payment of contingent consideration		(2,322		)	(1,633		)
Acquisition		—			1,989
Change in fair value of contingent consideration		141			274
Accretion of contingent consideration		90			15
Impact of currency translation		(143		)	(53		)
Ending Balance		$	2,591		$	4,677

 

6

 

INFORMATION SERVICES GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(continued)

(tabular amounts in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

Dividend

 

On December 2, 2014 the Board of Directors authorized a special dividend of $0.14 per share on the Company’s issued and outstanding shares of common stock. This cash dividend of $5.2 million was paid on January 28, 2015 to shareholders of record as of January 15, 2015.  Prior to this special dividend, we had not paid any dividends on our common stock.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new accounting guidance that outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue. Under the guidance, revenue is recognized when a company transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard is effective for public entities with annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016.  On July 9, 2015, the FASB approved the deferral of the effective date of the new revenue guidance by one year to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption being permitted for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach to adopt the guidance. We are currently assessing the effects this guidance may have on our consolidated financial statements, as well as the method of transition that we will use in adopting the new standard.

 

In August 2014, the FASB issued guidance on management’s responsibility to assess an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and provide related footnote disclosures in certain circumstances.  The guidance is effective for the Company’s interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016.  The Company does not believe the adoption of this guidance will impact its consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

 

In April 2015, the FASB issued guidance require the presentation of debt issuance costs in financial statements as a direct reduction of related debt liabilities with amortization of debt issuance costs reported as interest expense. Under current U.S. GAAP standards, debt issuance costs are reported as deferred charges (i.e., as an asset). This guidance is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015 and is to be applied retrospectively upon adoption. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period for financial statements that have not been previously issued. We are currently assessing the effects this guidance may have on our consolidated financial statements, as well as the method of transition that we will use in adopting the new standard. At June 30, 2015, the Company had debt issuance costs of $0.6 million.

 

In April 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standards update with new guidance on whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license and the accounting for such an arrangement. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, then the software license element of the arrangement should be accounted for consistently with the acquisition of other software licenses. If a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, the agreement should be accounted for as a service contract. The standards update is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. We are currently assessing the effects this guidance may have on our consolidated financial statements, as well as the method of transition that we will use in adopting the new standard.

 

NOTE 4—NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE

 

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. The 250,000 contingently issuable shares related to the acquisition of STA Consulting as well as 50,000 contingently issuable shares related to the acquisition of CCI were excluded from basic and diluted earnings per share since the contingency has not been met as of the reporting period.  Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that would share in the net income of the Company.  For the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, the effect of 0.1 million stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) have not been considered in the diluted earnings per share, since the market price of the stock was less than the exercise price during the period in the computation.  In addition, the 0.3 million and 0.4 million restricted shares have not been considered in the diluted earnings per share calculation for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively, as the effect would be anti-dilutive.  For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, the effect of 0.1 million SARs have not been

 

7

 

INFORMATION SERVICES GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(continued)

(tabular amounts in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

considered in the diluted earnings per share calculation, since the market price of the Company’s common stock was less than the exercise price during the period in the computation.

 

The following tables set forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

 

		Three Months						Six Months
		Ended June 30,						Ended June 30,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
Basic:
Net income attributable to ISG		$	934		$	3,105		$	1,787		$	3,168
Weighted average common shares		37,199			37,220			37,116			37,302
Earnings per share attributable to ISG		$	0.03		$	0.08		$	0.05		$	0.08
Diluted:
Net income attributable to ISG		$	934		$	3,105		$	1,787		$	3,168
Interest expense of convertible debt, net of tax		22			25			37			46
Net income, attributable to ISG, as adjusted		$	956		$	3,130		$	1,824		$	3,214
Basic weighted average common shares		37,199			37,220			37,116			37,302
Potential common shares		1,772			1,617			1,615			1,547
Diluted weighted average common shares		38,971			38,837			38,731			38,849
Diluted earnings per share attributable to ISG		$	0.02		$	0.08		$	0.05		$	0.08

 

NOTE 5—INCOME TAXES

 

The Company’s effective tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 was 36.2% and 44.1% based on pretax income of $1.6 million and $3.4 million, respectively.  Our effective tax rate for the quarter is higher than the statutory rate primarily due to state taxes and non-deductible expenses.  This compared to 25.3% and 31.6% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively.  The difference is primarily due to changes in pre-tax income by jurisdiction, the impact of permanent items and state taxes on lower projections of pre-tax book income and certain discrete tax benefits in 2014 related to tax liabilities on unremitted foreign earnings and reversal of reserves for previously unrecognized tax positions for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2014.

 

As of June 30, 2015, the Company had total unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $2.3 million of which approximately $2.3 million of this benefit would impact the Company’s effective tax rate if recognized.  The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the income tax provision in its condensed consolidated statement of operations.  As of June 30, 2015, the Company’s accrual of interest and penalties amounted to $0.6 million.

 

8

 

INFORMATION SERVICES GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(continued)

(tabular amounts in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

NOTE 6—COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

The Company is subject to contingencies which arise through the ordinary course of business.  All liabilities of which management is aware are properly reflected in the financial statements at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

 

STA Consulting Contingent Consideration

 

As of June 30, 2015, we have recorded a liability of $1.6 million representing the estimated fair value of contingent consideration related to the acquisition of STA Consulting, and is classified as current and included in accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheet. During the quarter ended June 30, 2015, the Company paid $1.7 million related to 2014 performance and the remaining contingent liability is expected to be paid in the first quarter of 2016.  The Company also increased the contingent consideration liability by $0.3 million in the second quarter of 2015 based on the latest estimates of future profit level due to completion of new projects.

 

CCI Contingent Consideration

 

As of June 30, 2015, we have recorded a liability of $1.0 million representing the estimated fair value of contingent consideration related to the acquisition of CCI Consulting, of which $0.4 million is classified as current and included in accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheet. The Company paid $0.6 million in April of 2015 related to 2014 performance and the remaining contingent liability is expected to be paid in the second quarter of 2016 and second quarter of 2017.  The Company also decreased the contingent consideration liability by $0.2 million in the second quarter of 2015 based on the latest estimates of future profit level due to completion of new projects.

 

NOTE 7—REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST

 

The following provides a summary of activity in the noncontrolling interest account for the period ended June 30, 2015:

 

Balance as of December 31, 2014		$	747
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest		139
Accretion attributable to noncontrolling interest		39
Impact of currency translation		1
Balance as of June 30, 2015		$	926

 

NOTE 8—SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

 

The Company operates as one reportable segment consisting primarily of fact-based sourcing advisory services. The Company operates principally in the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific.

 

Geographical revenue information for the segment is as follows:

 

		Three Months						Six Months
		Ended June 30,						Ended June 30,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
Revenues
Americas		$	28,628		$	27,665		$	56,244		$	52,098
Europe		18,668			21,423			36,729			41,204
Asia Pacific		6,115			5,800			10,977			9,827
		$	53,411		$	54,888		$	103,950		$	103,129

 

The segregation of revenues by geographic region is based upon the location of the legal entity performing the services. The Company does not measure or monitor gross profit or operating income by geography for the purposes of making operating decisions or allocating resources.

 

9

 

INFORMATION SERVICES GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(continued)

(tabular amounts in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

NOTE 9—FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS AND LONG-TERM DEBT

 

On May 3, 2013 (the “Closing”), the Company entered into a five year senior secured credit facility (the “2013 Credit Agreement”) comprised of a $45.0 million term loan facility and a $25.0 million revolving credit facility.  On May 3, 2013, the Company borrowed $55.0 million under the 2013 Credit Agreement to refinance our existing debt under the Company’s prior credit facility and to pay transaction costs.  The material terms of the senior secured credit facility under the 2013 Credit Agreement are as follows, subject to the amendments to the 2013 Credit Agreement described below:

 

·                  Each of the term loan facility and revolving credit facility has a maturity date of five years from the Closing.

 

·                  The credit facility is secured by all of the equity interests owned by the Company, and its direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries and, subject to agreed exceptions, the Company’s direct and indirect “first-tier” foreign subsidiaries and a perfected first priority security interest in all of the Company’s and its direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries’ tangible and intangible assets.

 

·                  The Company’s direct and indirect existing and future wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries serve as guarantors to the Company’s obligations under the senior secured facility.

 

·                  At the Company’s option, the credit facility bears interest at a rate per annum equal to either (i) the “Base Rate” (which is the highest of (a) the rate publicly announced from time to time by the administrative agent as its “prime rate,” (b) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5% per annum and (c) the Eurodollar Rate, plus 1.0%), plus the applicable margin (as defined below) or (ii) Eurodollar Rate (adjusted for maximum reserves) as determined by the Administrative Agent, plus the applicable margin. The applicable margin is adjusted quarterly based upon the Company’s quarterly leverage ratio.

 

·                  The Term Loan is repayable in eight consecutive quarterly installments of $843,750 each, commencing September 30, 2013, followed by eleven consecutive quarterly installments in the amount of $1,125,000 each, commencing September 30, 2015, and a final payment of the outstanding principal amount of the Term Loan on the Maturity Date.

 

·                  Mandatory repayments of term loans shall be required from (subject to agreed exceptions) (i) 100% of the proceeds from asset sales by the Company and its subsidiaries, (ii) 100% of the net proceeds from issuances of debt and equity by the Company and its subsidiaries, and (iii) 100% of the net proceeds from insurance recovery and condemnation events of the Company and its subsidiaries.

 

·                  The senior secured credit facility contains a number of covenants that, among other things, place restrictions on matters customarily restricted in senior secured credit facilities, including restrictions on indebtedness (including guarantee obligations), liens, fundamental changes, sales or disposition of property or assets, investments (including loans, advances, guarantees and acquisitions), transaction with affiliates, dividends and other payments in respect of capital stock, optional payments and modifications of other material debt instruments, negative pledges and agreements restricting subsidiary distributions and changes in line of business. In addition, the Company is required to comply with a total leverage ratio and fixed charge coverage ratio.  As of June 30, 2015, our maximum total leverage ratio was 3.50 to 1.00 and we were in compliance with all covenants contained in the 2013 Credit Agreement.

 

·                  The senior secured credit facility contains customary events of default, including cross-default to other material agreements, judgment default and change of control.

 

10

 

INFORMATION SERVICES GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(continued)

(tabular amounts in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

The Company is required under the 2013 Credit Agreement to establish a fixed or maximum interest rate covering a notional amount of not less than 50% of the aggregate outstanding indebtedness for borrowed money (other than the total revolving outstanding) for a period of three years from the closing date of our 2013 Credit Agreement. Subsequent to May 3, 2013, the Company entered into an agreement to cap the interest rate at 5% on the LIBOR component of its borrowings under the term loan facility until May 3, 2016.  This interest rate cap is not designated for hedging or speculative purposes.  The expense related to this interest rate cap was not material.

 

On March 18, 2014, the Company’s lenders agreed to amend the 2013 Credit Agreement to allow the Company to complete the acquisition of CCI.  In addition, the Company’s lenders agreed to allow the Company to exclude the acquisition from its $5 million fiscal year permitted acquisition basket and from the calculation of its Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage ratio.  Lastly, the Company’s lenders agreed to increase its permitted acquisition baskets during any fiscal year from $5 million to $10 million and during the term of our Credit Agreement from $15 million to $40 million.  On April 15, 2014, the acquisition of CCI was completed.

 

On May 11, 2015, the Company amended the 2013 Credit Agreement to reduce annual mandatory principal payments, lower borrowing costs and extend the term of the 2013 Credit Agreement by two years, resulting in a maturity date of May 3, 2020.  The Term Loan is repayable in twenty consecutive quarterly installments of $562,500 each, commencing June 30, 2015.  In addition, the amendment also allows the Company to prepay up to $3.5 million of the subordinated convertible notes issued in connection with the Company’s acquisition of Compass in 2011.

 

As of June 30, 2015, the total principal outstanding under the term loan facility and revolving credit facility was $38.5 million and $10.0 million, respectively. Additional mandatory principal repayments totaling $1.1 million and $2.3 million will be due in 2015 and 2016, respectively.

 

Compass Convertible Notes

 

On January 4, 2011, as part of the consideration for the acquisition of Compass, the Company issued an aggregate of $6.3 million in convertible notes to Compass (the “Notes”).  The Notes mature on January 4, 2018 and interest is payable on the outstanding principal amount, computed daily, at the rate of 3.875%  per annum on January 31 of each calendar year and on the seventh anniversary of the date of the Notes.  The Notes were subject to transfer restrictions until January 31, 2013.  If the price of the Company’s common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market exceeds $4 per share for 60 consecutive trading days (the “Trigger Event”), a holder of the Notes may convert all (but not less than all) of the outstanding principal amount of the Notes into shares of our common stock at the rate of 1 share for every $4 in principal amount outstanding.  After the Trigger Event, the Company may prepay all or any portion of the outstanding principal amount of the Notes by giving a holder 30 days written notice.

 

On April 26, 2013, the Company settled a portion of the Notes.  The payee agreed to accept from the Company an amount equal to $650,000 as satisfaction in full of all indebtedness of $1.1 million owing by the Company to such payee.  As a result of this transaction, the Company recognized a gain of $0.5 million in the second quarter of 2013 representing the difference between the fair value of the consideration issued in the settlement transaction and the carrying value of the amounts due to the payee. This amount was recorded in Gain on Extinguishment of Debt in the accompanying consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss).

 

On November 14, 2013, the Company’s lenders agreed to amend the 2013 Credit Agreement to allow the Company to prepay the entire outstanding principal amount of the CPIV S.A. Convertible Note (“CPIV Note”) plus accrued interest and exclude the CPIV Note prepayment from the calculation of our consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio.  On November 25, 2013, the Company settled a portion of the Notes and prepaid the CPIV Note and the payee agreed to accept from the Company an amount equal to the principal of $1.7 million plus accrued interest as satisfaction in full of all indebtedness owing by the Company to such payee. Therefore, there was no gain or loss recorded as a result of this transaction.

 

On March 21, 2014, the Trigger Event occurred.  As a result, a holder of the Notes may convert all (but not less than all) of the outstanding principal amount of the Notes into shares of our common stock at the rate of 1 share for every $4 in principal amount outstanding.  In addition, ISG may elect to prepay all or any portion of the outstanding principal amount of the Notes by giving a holder 30 days written notice; however, such holder shall be given the opportunity to convert the outstanding principal amount into shares as described above. No holder of the Notes has the option to require cash payment as a result of the Trigger Event, hence the Notes are classified as non-current.

 

11

 

INFORMATION SERVICES GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(continued)

(tabular amounts in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

NOTE 10 —SUBSEQUENT EVENT

 

On August 7, 2015, the Company executed an Asset Purchase Agreement (the “Saugatuck Agreement”) by and among Saugatuck Technology Inc. (“Saugatuck”), ISG Information Services Group Americas, Inc. a wholly-owned subsidiary of ISG (“Buyer”), and the other parties thereto and consummated the acquisition of substantially all of the assets, and assumption of certain current liabilities, excluding debt and employee loans of Saugatuck.

 

Under the terms of the Saugatuck Agreement, Buyer acquired the specified assets for aggregate cash and stock consideration of $0.8 million (net of cash received) consisting of $0.6 million in cash and $0.2 million in stock at closing.  In addition, Saugatuck is eligible to receive a minimum of $0 and a maximum of up to $1.2 million of earn-out payments for fiscal years 2015-2018 if certain revenue targets are met, payable in a combination of cash and stock.

 

12

 

ITEM 2.                        MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

You should read the following discussion and analysis in conjunction with our financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this report. Except for historical information, the discussion in this report contains certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and assumptions about future events. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology, such as “may,” “should,” “could,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “future,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “estimate,” “forecast” and similar expressions (or the negative of such expressions.) Forward-looking statements include statements concerning 2015 revenue growth rates and capital expenditures. Forward-looking statements are based on our beliefs as well as assumptions based on information currently available to us, including financial and operational information, the volatility of our stock price, and current competitive conditions. As a result, these statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of material risks and uncertainties that the Company faces, see the discussion in our 2014 Form 10-K titled “Risk Factors.”

 

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

 

Information Services Group, Inc. (ISG) (NASDAQ: III) is a leading technology insights, market intelligence and advisory services company serving more than 500 clients around the world to help them achieve operational excellence.  We support private and public sector organizations to transform and optimize their operational environments through research, benchmarking, consulting and managed services with a focus on information technology, business process transformation, program management services and enterprise resource planning. Clients look to us for unique insights and innovative solutions for leveraging technology, our deep data source, and more than five decades of experience of global leadership in information and advisory services.  Based in Stamford, Connecticut, we have more than 900 employees and operate in 21 countries.

 

Our strategy is to strengthen our existing market position and develop new services and products to support future growth plans.  As a result, we are focused on growing our existing service model, expanding geographically, developing new industry sectors, productizing market data assets, expanding our managed services offering and growing via acquisitions. Although we do not expect any adverse conditions that will impact our ability to execute against our strategy over the next twelve months, the more significant factors that could limit our ability to grow in these areas include global macro-economic conditions and the impact on the overall sourcing market, competition, our ability to retain advisors and reductions in discretionary spending with our top strategic accounts or other significant client events.  Other areas that could impact the business would also include natural disasters, legislative and regulatory changes and capital market disruptions.

 

We derive our revenues from fees and reimbursable expenses for professional services. Certain revenues are generated under hourly or daily rates billed on a time and expense basis. Clients are typically invoiced on a monthly basis, with revenue recognized as the services are provided. There are also client engagements in which we are paid a fixed amount for our services, often referred to as fixed fee billings. This may be one single amount covering the whole engagement or several amounts for various phases or functions. From time to time, we earn incremental revenues, in addition to hourly or fixed fee billings, which are contingent on the attainment of certain contractual milestones or objectives. Such revenues may cause unusual variations in quarterly revenues and operating results.

 

Our results are impacted principally by our full-time consultants’ utilization rate, the number of business days in each quarter and the number of our revenue-generating professionals who are available to work. Our utilization rate can be negatively affected by increased hiring because there is generally a transition period for new professionals that result in a temporary drop in our utilization rate. Our utilization rate can also be affected by seasonal variations in the demand for our services from our clients. The number of business work days is also affected by the number of vacation days taken by our consultants and holidays in each quarter. We typically have fewer business work days available in the fourth quarter of the year, which can impact revenues during that period. Time-and-expense engagements do not provide us with a high degree of predictability as to performance in future periods. Unexpected changes in the demand for our services can result in significant variations in utilization and revenues and present a challenge to optimal hiring and staffing. The volume of work performed for any particular client can vary widely from period to period.

 

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL PRESENTATION

 

This management’s discussion and analysis presents supplemental measures of our performance that are derived from our consolidated financial information but are not presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). We refer to these financial measures, which are considered “non-GAAP financial measures” under SEC rules, as adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income, and adjusted earnings per diluted share, each as defined below. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for information about our use of these non-GAAP financial

 

13

 

measures, including our reasons for including these measures and reconciliations of each non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

 

We use non-GAAP financial measures to supplement the financial information presented on a GAAP basis.  We provide adjusted EBITDA (defined as net income before net income attributable to noncontrolling interest, interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, foreign currency transaction gains/losses, non-cash stock compensation, impairment charges for goodwill and intangible assets, gain on extinguishment of debt and bargain purchase gain), adjusted net income (defined as net income plus amortization of intangible assets, non-cash stock compensation, foreign currency transaction gains/losses and non-cash impairment charges for goodwill and intangible assets, less gain on extinguishment of debt and bargain purchase gain, on a tax-adjusted basis) and adjusted net income as earnings per diluted share excluding the net of tax effect of the items set forth in the table below, which are non-GAAP measures that the Company believes provide useful information to both management and investors by excluding certain expenses and financial implications of foreign currency translations, which management believes are not indicative of ISG’s core operations. These non-GAAP measures are used by the Company to evaluate the Company’s business strategies and management’s performance.  These non-GAAP financial measures exclude non-cash and certain other special charges that many investors believe may obscure the user’s overall understanding of the Company’s current financial performance and the Company’s prospects for the future. We believe that these non-GAAP measures provide useful information to investors because they improve the comparability of the financial results between periods and provide for greater transparency of key measures used to evaluate the Company’s performance.

 

		Three Months Ended June 30,
		2015			2014
		(in thousands)
Net income attributable to ISG		$	934		$	3,105
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		85			(6		)
Interest expense (net of interest income)		433			497
Income taxes		578			1,051
Depreciation and amortization		1,838			1,900
Bargain purchase gain		—			(146		)
Foreign currency transaction		(26		)	23
Non-cash stock compensation		1,323			612
Adjusted EBITDA		$	5,165		$	7,036

 

		Three Months Ended June 30,
		2015			2014
		(in thousands)
Net income attributable to ISG		$	934		$	3,105
Intangible amortization		1,374			1,461
Non-cash stock compensation		1,323			612
Bargain purchase gain		—			(146		)
Foreign currency transaction		(26		)	23
Tax effect (1)		(1,015		)	(796		)
Adjusted net income		$	2,590		$	4,259

 

		Three Months Ended June 30,
		2015			2014
		(in thousands)
Earnings per diluted share attributable to ISG		$	0.02		$	0.08
Intangible amortization		0.04			0.03
Non-cash stock compensation		0.04			0.02
Bargain purchase gain		—			0.00
Foreign currency transaction		0.00			0.00
Tax effect (1)		(0.03		)	(0.02		)
Non-GAAP earnings per diluted share		$	0.07		$	0.11

 

Marginal tax rate of 38% applied.

 

14

 

		Six Months Ended June 30,
		2015			2014
		(in thousands)
Net income attributable to ISG		$	1,787		$	3,168
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		139			19
Interest expense (net of interest income)		929			1,013
Income taxes		1,522			1,469
Depreciation and amortization		3,556			3,638
Bargain purchase gain		—			(146		)
Foreign currency transaction		(400		)	37
Non-cash stock compensation		2,225			1,212
Adjusted EBITDA		$	9,758		$	10,410

 

		Six Months Ended June 30,
		2015			2014
		(in thousands)
Net income attributable to ISG		$	1,787		$	3,168
Intangible amortization		2,653			2,759
Non-cash stock compensation		2,225			1,212
Bargain purchase gain		—			(146		)
Foreign currency transaction		(400		)	37
Tax effect (1)		(1,702		)	(1,523		)
Adjusted net income		$	4,563		$	5,507

 

		Six Months Ended June 30,
		2015			2014
		(in thousands)
Earnings per diluted share attributable to ISG		$	0.05		$	0.08
Intangible amortization		0.07			0.07
Non-cash stock compensation		0.06			0.03
Bargain purchase gain		—			0.00
Foreign currency transaction		(0.01		)	—
Tax effect (1)		(0.05		)	(0.04		)
Non-GAAP earnings per diluted share		$	0.12		$	0.14

 

Marginal tax rate of 38% applied.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2015 AND JUNE 30, 2014

 

Revenues

 

Revenues are generally derived from engagements priced on a time and materials basis as well as various fixed fee projects, and are recorded based on actual time worked and are recognized as the services are performed. Revenues related to materials (mainly out-of-pocket expenses such as airfare, lodging and meals) required during an engagement generally do not include a profit mark-up and can be charged and reimbursed discretely or as part of the overall fee structure. Invoices are issued to clients at least monthly.

 

We operate as one reportable segment, fact-based sourcing advisory services.  We operate principally in the Americas, Europe, and Asia Pacific. Our foreign operations are subject to local government regulations and to the uncertainties of the economic and political conditions of those areas.

 

15

 

Geographical revenue information for the segment is as follows:

 

		Three Months Ended June 30,
		(in thousands)
											Percent
Geographic Area		2015			2014			Change			Change
Americas		$	28,628		$	27,665		$	963		3.5	%
Europe		18,668			21,423			(2,755		)	(12.9	)%
Asia Pacific		6,115			5,800			315			5.4	%
Total revenues		$	53,411		$	54,888		$	(1,477	)	(2.7	)%

 

Revenues decreased $1.5 million or approximately 3% in 2015.  Reported revenues in the Europe and Asia Pacific regions were negatively impacted by the strengthening of the U.S dollar. Excluding the impact of foreign currency, we reported revenue growth in all regions attributable to higher levels of sourcing activities.

 

Operating Expenses

 

The following table presents a breakdown of our operating expenses by category:

 

		Three Months Ended June 30,
		(in thousands)
											Percent
Operating Expenses		2015			2014			Change			Change
Direct costs and expenses for advisors		$	32,558		$	31,497		$	1,061		3.4	%
Selling, general and administrative		17,011			16,967			44			0.3	%
Depreciation and amortization		1,838			1,900			(62		)	(3.3	)%
Total operating expenses		$	51,407		$	50,364		$	1,043		2.1	%

 

Total operating expenses increased $1.0 million for the quarter with increases in direct expenses and selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses.  The increases were due primarily to higher stock compensation expense, compensation and benefits and contract labor.  These cost increases were partially offset by decreases in professional fees and occupancy expenses.  The impact of foreign currency translation into US dollars also drove costs lower compared to the same prior 2014 period.

 

Compensation costs consist of a mix of fixed and variable salaries, annual bonuses, benefits and profit sharing plan contributions. A portion of compensation expenses for certain billable employees are allocated between direct costs and selling, general and administrative costs based on relative time spent between billable and non-billable activities. Bonus compensation is determined based on achievement against Company financial and individual targets, and is accrued monthly throughout the year based on management’s estimates of target achievement. Statutory and elective profit sharing plans are offered to employees as appropriate. Direct costs also include employee taxes, health insurance, workers compensation and disability insurance.

 

Sales and marketing costs consist principally of compensation expense related to business development, proposal preparation and delivery and negotiation of new client contracts. Costs also include travel expenses relating to the pursuit of sales opportunities, expenses for hosting periodic client conferences, public relations activities, participation in industry conferences, industry relations, website maintenance and business intelligence activities. The Company maintains a dedicated global marketing function responsible for developing and managing sales campaigns, brand promotion, the TPI Index and assembling proposals.

 

We maintain a comprehensive program for training and professional development. Related expenses include product training, updates on new service offerings or methodologies and development of project management skills. Also included in training and professional development are expenses associated with the development, enhancement and maintenance of our proprietary methodologies and tools and the systems that support them.

 

General and administrative expenses consist principally of executive management compensation, allocations of billable employee compensation related to general management activities, IT infrastructure, and costs for the finance, accounting, information technology and human resource functions. General and administrative costs also reflect continued investment associated with implementing and operating client and employee management systems. Because our billable personnel operate primarily on client premises, all occupancy expenses are recorded as general and administrative.

 

16

 

Depreciation and Amortization Expense

 

Depreciation and amortization expense in the second quarter of 2015 and 2014 was $1.8 million and $1.9 million, respectively.  Our fixed assets consist of furniture, fixtures, equipment (mainly personal computers) and leasehold improvements. Depreciation expense is generally computed by applying the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of assets. We also capitalize certain costs associated with the purchase and development of internal-use software, system conversions and website development costs. These costs are amortized over the estimated useful life of the software or system.

 

We amortize our intangible assets (e.g. client relationships and databases) over their estimated useful lives. Goodwill related to acquisitions is not amortized but is subject to annual impairment testing.

 

Other (Expense), Net

 

The following table presents a breakdown of other (expense), net:

 

		Three Months Ended June 30,
		(in thousands)
											Percent
		2015			2014			Change			Change
Interest income		$	7		$	7		$	—		—	%
Interest expense		(440		)	(504		)	64			12.7	%
Foreign currency gain (loss)		26			(23		)	49			213.0	%
Total other expense, net		$	(407	)	$	(520	)	$	113		21.7	%

 

The decrease of $0.1 million was primarily the result of lower interest expense due to a decrease in debt, lower interest rates and a foreign currency gain as a result of the strengthening of the U.S dollar.

 

Income Tax Expense

 

Our quarterly effective tax rate varies from period to period based on the mix of earnings among the various state and foreign tax jurisdictions in which business is conducted and the level of non-deductible expenses projected to be incurred during the current fiscal year.  Our effective tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2015 was 36.2% compared to 25.3% for the three months ended June 30, 2014.  The difference is primarily due to changes in pre-tax income by jurisdiction for the three months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2014, along with certain discrete tax benefits recorded in that period.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2015 AND JUNE 30, 2014

 

Revenues

 

Geographical revenue information for the segment is as follows:

 

		Six Months Ended June 30,
		(in thousands)
											Percent
Geographic Area		2015			2014			Change			Change
Americas		$	56,244		$	52,098		$	4,146		8.0	%
Europe		36,729			41,204			(4,475		)	(10.9	)%
Asia Pacific		10,977			9,827			1,150			11.7	%
Total revenues		$	103,950		$	103,129		$	821		0.8	%

 

Revenues increased $0.8 million or approximately 1% in 2015.  Reported revenues in the Europe and Asia Pacific regions were negatively impacted by the strengthening of the U.S dollar. Excluding the impact of foreign currency, we reported revenue growth in all regions attributable to higher level of sourcing activities.

 

17

 

Operating Expenses

 

The following table presents a breakdown of our operating expenses by category:

 

		Six Months Ended June 30,
		(in thousands)
											Percent
Operating Expenses		2015			2014			Change			Change
Direct costs and expenses for advisors		$	62,996		$	61,309		$	1,687		2.8	%
Selling, general and administrative		33,421			32,622			799			2.4	%
Depreciation and amortization		3,556			3,638			(82		)	(2.3	)%
Total operating expenses		$	99,973		$	97,569		$	2,404		2.5	%

 

Total operating expenses increased $2.4 million for the first six months of 2015 with increases in SG&A expenses and increases in direct expenses.  The increases were due primarily to contract labor, stock compensation expense, marketing and travel expenses.  These cost increases were partially offset by decreases in compensation, professional and occupancy expense.  The impact of foreign currency translation into US dollars also drove costs lower compared to the same prior 2014 period.

 

Depreciation and Amortization Expense

 

Depreciation and amortization expense in the first six months of 2015 and 2014 was $3.6 million, respectively.

 

Other (Expense), Net

 

The following table presents a breakdown of other (expense), net:

 

		Six Months Ended June 30,
		(in thousands)
											Percent
		2015			2014			Change			Change
Interest income		$	9		$	9		$	—		—	%
Interest expense		(938		)	(1,022		)	84			8.2	%
Foreign currency gain (loss)		400			(37		)	437			1181.1	%
Total other expense, net		$	(529	)	$	(1,050	)	$	521		49.6	%

 

The decrease of $0.5 million was primarily the result of foreign currency gain as a result of the strengthening of the U.S dollar and lower interest expense due to a decrease in debt and lower interest rates.

 

Income Tax Expense

 

Our effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was 44.1% compared to 31.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2014.  Our effective tax rate increased from the six months ended June 30, 2014 primarily due to changes in pre-tax income by jurisdiction and discrete unrecognized tax benefit accrual adjustments recorded in 2014.

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

Liquidity

 

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash flows from operations, existing cash and cash equivalents and our revolving credit facility. Operating assets and liabilities consist primarily of receivables from billed and unbilled services, accounts payable, accrued expenses, and accrued payroll and related benefits. The volume of billings and timing of collections and payments affect these account balances.

 

As of June 30, 2015, our cash and cash equivalents were $13.1 million, a net decrease of $14.5 million from December 31, 2014, which was primarily attributable to the following:

 

·                  net cash used in operating activities of $2.7 million;

 

·                  payments of principal amounts due on the debt of $1.4 million;

 

·                  payments of contingent consideration of $2.3 million;

 

18