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KORN FERRY - Quarter Report: 2009 January (Form 10-Q)

Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended January 31, 2009
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 001-14505
 
KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware   95-2623879
(State or other jurisdiction   (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization)   Identification Number)
1900 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 2600, Los Angeles, California 90067
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
(310) 552-1834
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
             
Large accelerated filer þ   Accelerated filer o   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 Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
The number of shares outstanding of our common stock as of March 9, 2009 was 44,721,871.
 
 

 

 


 

KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES
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 Exhibit 31.1
 Exhibit 31.2
 Exhibit 32.1

 

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Condensed Financial Statements
KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
                 
    As of     As of  
    January 31,     April 30,  
    2009     2008  
    (unaudited)          
ASSETS
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 217,486     $ 305,296  
Marketable securities
    2,094       5,940  
Receivables due from clients, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $12,501 and $11,504, respectively
    98,200       119,952  
Income taxes and other receivables
    6,247       7,071  
Deferred income taxes
    11,636       10,401  
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    21,949       20,057  
 
           
Total current assets
    357,612       468,717  
Marketable securities, noncurrent
    70,299       78,026  
Property and equipment, net
    32,395       32,462  
Cash surrender value of company owned life insurance policies, net of loans
    62,437       81,377  
Deferred income taxes
    35,072       47,128  
Goodwill
    131,997       142,699  
Intangible assets, net
    17,146       15,519  
Investments and other
    28,112       14,286  
 
           
Total assets
  $ 735,070     $ 880,214  
 
           
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Accounts payable
  $ 9,191     $ 15,309  
Income taxes payable
    1,180       20,948  
Compensation and benefits payable
    113,394       199,081  
Other accrued liabilities
    38,143       37,120  
 
           
Total current liabilities
    161,908       272,458  
Deferred compensation and other retirement plans
    100,667       105,719  
Other liabilities
    5,677       5,903  
 
           
Total liabilities
    268,252       384,080  
Stockholders’ equity:
               
Common stock: $0.01 par value, 150,000 shares authorized, 56,085 and 54,786 shares issued and 44,696 and 44,593 shares outstanding, respectively
    365,172       358,568  
Retained earnings
    102,122       95,014  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    64       43,097  
 
           
Stockholders’ equity
    467,358       496,679  
Less: notes receivable from stockholders
    (540 )     (545 )
 
           
Total stockholders’ equity
    466,818       496,134  
 
           
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 735,070     $ 880,214  
 
           
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    January 31,     January 31,  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
Fee revenue
  $ 136,210     $ 201,156     $ 531,243     $ 582,366  
Reimbursed out-of-pocket engagement expenses
    8,283       10,935       30,459       32,826  
 
                       
Total revenue
    144,493       212,091       561,702       615,192  
Compensation and benefits
    93,978       138,594       365,849       391,984  
General and administrative expenses
    30,963       35,255       97,316       101,168  
Out-of-pocket engagement expenses
    11,041       14,250       39,071       42,664  
Depreciation and amortization
    2,924       2,812       8,637       7,701  
Restructuring charges
    16,845             16,845        
 
                       
Total operating expenses
    155,751       190,911       527,718       543,517  
 
                       
Operating (loss) income
    (11,258 )     21,180       33,984       71,675  
Interest and other (loss) income, net
    (14,794 )     5,025       (13,294 )     9,769  
Interest expense
    1,267       1,248       3,571       3,695  
 
                       
(Loss) income before (benefit) provision for income taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries
    (27,319 )     24,957       17,119       77,749  
(Benefit) provision for income taxes
    (4,549 )     9,353       12,327       29,753  
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries, net
    414       652       2,316       2,469  
 
                       
Net (loss) income
  $ (22,356 )   $ 16,256     $ 7,108     $ 50,465  
 
                       
 
                               
Basic (loss) earnings per common share
  $ (0.52 )   $ 0.38     $ 0.16     $ 1.14  
 
                       
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding
    43,406       43,247       43,538       44,273  
 
                       
Diluted (loss) earnings per common share
  $ (0.52 )   $ 0.37     $ 0.16     $ 1.10  
 
                       
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
    43,406       44,303       44,352       45,839  
 
                       
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
                 
    Nine Months Ended  
    January 31,  
    2009     2008  
Cash from operating activities:
               
Net income
  $ 7,108     $ 50,465  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    8,637       7,701  
Stock-based compensation expense
    12,396       11,931  
Loss on disposition of property and equipment
    248       130  
Provision for doubtful accounts
    7,223       9,332  
Loss (gain) on cash surrender value of life insurance policies
    3,799       (1,908 )
Realized loss (gain) on marketable securities
    1,264       (4,013 )
Other-than temporary impairment on marketable securities
    15,893        
Deferred income taxes
    10,298       (8,143 )
Change in other assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions:
               
Deferred compensation
    (5,052 )     12,784  
Receivables
    18,536       (41,176 )
Prepaid expenses
    (1,772 )     (2,003 )
Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries
    (2,316 )     (3,123 )
Income taxes payable
    (19,954 )     1,750  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    (92,706 )     (7,745 )
Other
    1,444       (2,277 )
 
           
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
    (34,954 )     23,705  
 
           
Cash from investing activities:
               
Purchase of property and equipment
    (10,300 )     (12,849 )
(Purchase of) proceeds from marketable securities, net
    (3,290 )     16,023  
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired
    (12,900 )     (4,260 )
Premiums on life insurance policies
    (1,479 )     (1,525 )
Dividends received from unconsolidated subsidiaries
    2,952       2,782  
 
           
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
    (25,017 )     171  
 
           
Cash from financing activities:
               
Payments on life insurance policy loans
    (367 )     (1,012 )
Borrowings under life insurance policies
    1,459       1,464  
Purchase of common stock
    (9,539 )     (62,617 )
Proceeds from issuance of common stock upon exercise of employee stock options and in connection with an employee stock purchase plan
    3,480       17,177  
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options
    169       3,473  
Receipts on stockholders’ notes
    5       6  
 
           
Net cash used in financing activities
    (4,793 )     (41,509 )
 
           
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
    (23,046 )     8,756  
 
           
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents during the period
    (87,810 )     (8,877 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period
    305,296       232,531  
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period
  $ 217,486     $ 223,654  
 
           
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2009 and 2008 include the accounts of Korn/Ferry International and all of its wholly and majority owned/controlled domestic and international subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”). The condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited, but include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals and any other adjustments that management considers necessary for a fair presentation of the results for these periods. These financial statements have been prepared consistently with the accounting policies described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2008 (the “Annual Report”) and should be read together with the Annual Report.
Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. As a result, actual results could differ from these estimates. The most significant areas that require management judgment are revenue recognition, deferred compensation and the carrying values of goodwill, other intangible assets and deferred income taxes.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers cash equivalents to be only those investments which are highly liquid, readily convertible and mature within three months from the date of purchase.
Marketable Securities
The Company classifies its marketable securities as either trading securities or available-for-sale as defined in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities” (“SFAS No. 115”). These investments are recorded at fair value and are classified as marketable securities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets as of January 31, 2009 and April 30, 2008. Certain investments, which the Company intends to sell within the next twelve months, are carried as current. Additionally, certain of the Company’s investments, which are held in trust to satisfy obligations under the Company’s deferred compensation plans, are classified as noncurrent (see Note 5). The changes in fair values on trading securities are recorded as a component of net (loss) income. The changes in fair values, net of applicable taxes, on available-for-sale marketable securities are recorded as unrealized (losses) gains as a component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income in stockholders’ equity. Investments are made based on the Company’s investment policy which restricts the types of investments that can be made.
When, in the opinion of management, a decline in the fair value of an investment below its cost or amortized cost is considered to be “other-than-temporary,” the investment’s cost or amortized cost is written-down to its fair value and the amount written-down is recorded in the statement of operations in interest and other (loss) income, net. The determination of other-than-temporary decline includes, in addition to other relevant factors, a presumption that if the market value is below cost by a significant amount for a period of time, a write-down may be necessary. The amount of any write-down is determined by the difference between cost or amortized cost of the investment and its fair value at the time the other-than-temporary decline is identified. During the three months ended January 31, 2009, the Company recorded a write-down of $15.3 million related to an other-than-temporary decline in fair value of marketable securities (see Note 5).
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company has employee compensation plans under which various types of stock-based instruments are granted. These instruments, as more fully described below, principally include stock options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted stock, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”). The Company accounts for stock-based instruments in accordance with SFAS No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS No. 123(R)”).

 

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The following table reflects the components of stock-based compensation expense recognized in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2009 and 2008:
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    January 31,     January 31,  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
Stock options and SARs
  $ (115 )   $ 238     $ 109     $ 1,265  
Restricted stock
    3,889       3,518       11,947       10,357  
ESPP
    94       125       340       399  
 
                       
Total stock-based compensation expense, pre-tax
    3,868       3,881       12,396       12,021  
Tax benefit from stock-based compensation expense
    (1,412 )     (1,417 )     (4,525 )     (4,388 )
 
                       
Total stock-based compensation expense, net of tax
  $ 2,456     $ 2,464     $ 7,871     $ 7,633  
 
                       
The Company uses the Black-Scholes option valuation model to estimate the grant date fair value of each employee stock option. The expected volatility reflects the consideration of the historical volatility in the Company’s publicly traded instruments during the period the option is granted. The Company believes historical volatility in these instruments is more indicative of expected future volatility than the implied volatility in the price of the Company’s common stock. The expected life of each option is estimated using historical data. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issue with a remaining term approximating the expected term of the option. The Company uses historical data to estimate forfeiture rates applied to the gross amount of expense determined using the option valuation model. The assumptions used to estimate the fair value of each employee stock option using the Black-Scholes option valuation model were as follows for the nine months ended January 31, 2009 and 2008:
                 
    Nine Months Ended  
    January 31,  
    2009     2008  
Expected volatility
    44.11 %     44.42 %
Risk-free interest rate
    3.27 %     4.60 %
Expected option life (in years)
    4.25       4.00  
Expected dividend yield
    0.00 %     0.00 %
The Black-Scholes option pricing model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options. The assumptions used in option valuation models are highly subjective, particularly the expected stock price volatility of the underlying stock.
Common Stock
In the three and nine months ended January 31, 2009, the Company issued approximately 15 and 112 shares of common stock as a result of the exercise of stock options, and 90 and 209 shares of common stock in conjunction with the Company’s ESPP. In the three and nine months ended January 31, 2008, the Company issued approximately 80 and 1,066 shares of common stock as a result of the exercise of stock options, and 78 and 151 shares of common stock in conjunction with the Company’s ESPP.
Reclassifications
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation (see Note 5).
New Accounting Standards
In September 2006, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ratified EITF Issue No. 06-4, “Accounting for Deferred Compensation and Postretirement Benefit Aspects of Endorsement Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements” (“EITF No. 06-4”). The scope of EITF No. 06-4 is limited to the recognition of a liability and related compensation costs for endorsement split-dollar life insurance policies that provide a benefit to an employee that extends to postretirement periods. Therefore, EITF No. 06-4 does not apply to a split-dollar life insurance arrangement that provides a specified benefit to an employee that is limited to the employee’s active service period with an employer. EITF No. 06-4 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007, with earlier adoption permitted. The Company adopted EITF No. 06-4 effective May 1, 2008 and it did not have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.

 

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In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”). The statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The statement emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement and establishes a fair value hierarchy. This statement also clarifies how the assumptions of risk and the effect of restrictions on sales or use of an asset effect the valuation. SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years, however, the FASB staff has approved a one year deferral for the implementation of SFAS No. 157 for other non-financial assets and liabilities. The Company adopted this statement effective May 1, 2008 and it did not have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“SFAS No. 159”) including an amendment of SFAS No. 115. SFAS No. 159 provides companies with an option to report selected financial assets and liabilities at fair value. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this statement effective May 1, 2008 and it did not have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.
In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” (“SFAS No. 162”). SFAS No. 162 identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework, or hierarchy, for selecting the accounting principles used in preparing financial statements that are presented in conformity with U.S. GAAP by nongovernmental entities. This statement is effective 60 days following the SEC approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) amendments to AU Section 411, “The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity With Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” (“Section 411”). As of the date of this report, the SEC had not approved the PCAOB amendments to AU Section 411. The Company has not completed its evaluation of the potential impact, if any, of the adoption of SFAS No. 162 on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
2. Basic and Diluted (Loss) Earnings Per Share
Basic (loss) earnings per common share was computed by dividing net (loss) earnings by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per common share reflects the potential dilution that would occur if all in-the-money outstanding options or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted and was computed by dividing net (loss) earnings attributable to common stockholders, after assumed conversion of subordinated notes and preferred stock, by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding plus dilutive common equivalent shares. Due to the loss attributable to common stockholders for the three months ended January 31, 2009, no potentially dilutive shares are included in the loss per share calculation as including such shares in the calculation would be anti-dilutive.
The following table summarizes the basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share calculations:
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    January 31,     January 31,  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
Net (loss) earnings:
                               
Net (loss) earnings
  $ (22,356 )   $ 16,256     $ 7,108     $ 50,465  
Interest expense on convertible securities, net of related tax effects
          36             109  
 
                       
Net (loss) earnings attributable to common stockholders
  $ (22,356 )   $ 16,292     $ 7,108     $ 50,574  
 
                       
 
                               
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
                               
Basic weighted-average number of common shares outstanding
    43,406       43,247       43,538       44,273  
Effect of dilutive securities:
                               
Warrants
          84       54       117  
Restricted stock
          179       132       302  
Stock options
          790       593       1,135  
ESPP
          3       35       12  
 
                       
Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding
    43,406       44,303       44,352       45,839  
 
                       
 
                               
Net (loss) earnings per common share:
                               
Basic (loss) earnings per share
  $ (0.52 )   $ 0.38     $ 0.16     $ 1.14  
 
                       
Diluted (loss) earnings per share
  $ (0.52 )   $ 0.37     $ 0.16     $ 1.10  
 
                       
Assumed exercises or conversions have been excluded in computing the diluted earnings per share when their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.

 

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3Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Comprehensive (loss) income is comprised of net (loss) income and all changes to stockholders’ equity, except those changes resulting from investments by stockholders (changes in paid in capital) and distributions to stockholders (dividends).
Total comprehensive (loss) income is as follows:
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    January 31,     January 31,  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
Net (loss) income
  $ (22,356 )   $ 16,256     $ 7,108     $ 50,465  
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    (2,208 )     (112 )     (44,923 )     15,451  
Unrealized losses on marketable securities, net of taxes
    (846 )     (4,488 )     (7,105 )     (3,129 )
Reclassification of unrealized losses on marketable securities, net of taxes to other-than-temporary impairment
    8,995             8,995        
 
                       
Comprehensive (loss) income
  $ (16,415 )   $ 11,656     $ (35,925 )   $ 62,787  
 
                       
The components of accumulated other comprehensive income were as follows:
                 
    As of  
    January 31,  
    2009     2008  
Foreign currency translation adjustments
  $ (715 )   $ 34,765  
Unrealized losses on marketable securities, net of taxes
          (1,503 )
SFAS No. 158 adjustments, net of taxes
    779       (335 )
 
           
Accumulated other comprehensive income
  $ 64     $ 32,927  
 
           
4. Employee Stock Plans
Stock Option Plans
The Korn/Ferry International 2008 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2008 Plan”) was adopted by the Company’s stockholders on September 23, 2008, at the Annual Stockholder Meeting, and replaced the Company’s former stock incentive plan, the Performance Award Plan, which expired on August 8, 2008. The Performance Award Plan provided for, and the 2008 Plan provides for, the grant of awards to eligible participants, designated as either nonqualified or incentive stock options, SARS, restricted stock and restricted stock units, any of which may be performance-based, and incentive bonuses, which may be paid in cash or a combination thereof.
Stock option and SARs information during the nine months ended January 31, 2009 is as follows:
                                 
                    Weighted-        
                    average        
            Weighted-     remaining     Aggregate  
    Options     average     contractual     intrinsic  
    (in thousands)     exercise price     life (Yrs)     value  
Outstanding at April 30, 2008
    3,564     $ 14.79                  
Granted
    6       14.54                  
Exercised
    (112 )     9.05                  
Forfeited/expired
    (112 )     20.32                  
 
                           
Outstanding at January 31, 2009
    3,346     $ 14.79       3.90     $ 1,923  
 
                       
Exercisable at January 31, 2009
    3,269     $ 14.69       3.84     $ 1,923  
 
                       
Included in the table above are 59 SARs outstanding and exercisable at January 31, 2009 with a weighted-average exercise price of $12.26. As of January 31, 2009, there was $238 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested awards of stock options and SARs. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.3 years. For stock option awards subject to graded vesting, the Company recognizes the total compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the service period for the entire award.

 

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Additional information pertaining to stock options:
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    January 31,     January 31,  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
Weighted average fair value of stock options granted
  $ 5.01     $ 7.24     $ 5.77     $ 8.77  
Total fair value of stock options and SARs vested
    23       32       1,931       3,966  
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised
    20       528       630       12,304  
Total intrinsic value of SARs paid
                       
Restricted Stock
The Company grants restricted stock to executive officers and other senior employees generally vesting over a four year period. Restricted stock is granted at a price equal to the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Employees may receive restricted stock annually in conjunction with the Company’s performance review as well as upon commencement of employment. The fair value of restricted stock is determined based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.
Information regarding the Company’s restricted stock during the nine months ended January 31, 2009 is as follows:
                 
            Weighted-  
            average  
    Shares     grant date  
Nonvested shares   (in thousands)     fair value  
Nonvested at April 30, 2008
    1,952     $ 22.01  
Granted
    1,288       17.57  
Vested
    (579 )     21.34  
Forfeited
    (184 )     19.68  
 
           
Nonvested at January 31, 2009
    2,477     $ 15.50  
 
           
As of January 31, 2009, there was $38,339 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested awards of restricted stock. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of three years. For restricted stock awards subject to graded vesting, the Company recognizes the total compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the service period for the entire award. In the three and nine months ended January 31, 2009, four and 130 shares of restricted stock totaling $50 and $2,174, respectively, were repurchased by the Company at the option of the employee to pay for taxes related to the vesting of restricted stock. In the three and nine months ended January 31, 2008, one and 159 shares of restricted stock totaling $20 and $4,165, respectively, were repurchased by the Company at the option of the employee to pay for taxes related to the vesting of restricted stock.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
In October 2003, the Company implemented an ESPP that, in accordance with Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code, allows eligible employees to authorize payroll deductions of up to 15% of their salary to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock at 85% of the fair market price of the common stock on the last day of the enrollment period. The maximum number of shares of common stock reserved for ESPP issuance is 1,500, subject to adjustment for certain changes in the Company’s capital structure and other extraordinary events. During the three months ended January 31, 2009 and 2008, employees purchased 90 shares at $9.71 per share, and 78 shares at $16.00 per share, respectively. During the nine months ended January 31, 2009 and 2008, employees purchased 209 shares at $11.78 per share, and 151 shares at $19.06 per share, respectively.

 

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5. Marketable Securities
Effective May 1, 2008, the Company adopted SFAS No. 157 for financial assets and liabilities. The statement defines fair value, provides guidance for measuring fair value and requires certain disclosures. SFAS No. 157 discusses valuation techniques, such as the market approach (comparable market prices), the income approach (present value of future income or cash flow) and the cost approach (cost to replace the service capacity of an asset or replacement cost). The statement establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. The following is a brief description of those three levels:
   
Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.
   
Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active.
   
Level 3: Unobservable inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions.
As of January 31, 2009, the Company held certain assets that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. These included cash equivalents, marketable securities and a put option.
The Company’s investments associated with cash equivalents and marketable securities consist of money market funds, United States government and government agency bonds and equity securities for which market prices are readily available. Our investments in marketable securities also include student loan portfolios (“auction rate securities”), which are classified as noncurrent marketable securities and reflected at fair value.
As of January 31, 2009 and April 30, 2008, the Company’s marketable securities included $59,968 (net of unrealized losses of $15,893) and $63,491 (net of unrealized losses of $1,598 million) respectively, held in trust for settlement of the Company’s obligations under certain of its deferred compensation plans, of which $57,874 and $57,551 are classified as noncurrent. The Company’s obligations for which these assets were held in trust were $59,835 and $62,931 as of January 31, 2009 and April 30, 2008, respectively. Based on a review of the Company’s available-for-sale securities, the Company determined that the unrealized losses were other-than-temporary as a result of the severity and duration of the change in fair value of these securities. Therefore, as of January 31, 2009, the Company recorded an other-than-temporary impairment charge of $15,893 in the accompanying statement of operations in interest and other (loss) income, net.
As of January 31, 2009, $12,425 par value (with a fair value of $11,545) of the Company’s marketable securities consisted of auction rate securities, of which all were securities collateralized by student loan portfolios, which are guaranteed by the United States government. The Company continues to earn interest on all of its auction rate securities as of January 31, 2009. Due to events in credit markets, the auction rate securities held by the Company have experienced failed auctions during calendar year 2008 and into the first two months of 2009. As such, quoted prices in active markets are not readily available at this time. A third-party investment institution provided an estimate of the fair value of the auction rate securities held by the Company as of January 31, 2009 and April 30, 2008. Therefore, in order to validate the fair value estimate of these securities for reporting, the Company considered the institution’s pricing model which included factors such as tax status, credit quality, duration, insurance wraps, portfolio composition, assumptions about future cash flows and likelihood of redemption. The Company concluded that the pricing model, given the lack of market available pricing, provided a reasonable basis for determining fair value of the auction rate securities as of January 31, 2009 and April 30, 2008.
By letter dated August 8, 2008, the Company received notification from one of its investment securities firms (“Investment Firm”) announcing a proposed settlement to repurchase all of the Company’s auction rate security holdings at par value. The Company formally accepted the settlement agreement and entered into a repurchase agreement (“Agreement”) with the Investment Firm on October 28, 2008 (“Acceptance Date”). By accepting the Agreement, the Company (1) received the right (“Put Option”) to sell its auction rate securities at par value to the Investment Firm between June 30, 2010 and July 2, 2012 and (2) gave the Investment Firm the right to purchase the auction rate securities from the Company any time after the Acceptance Date as long as the Company receives the par value.

 

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The Agreement covers $12,425 par value (fair value of $11,545) of the Company’s auction rate securities as of January 31, 2009. The Company has accounted for the Put Option as a freestanding financial instrument and elected to record the value under the fair value option of SFAS No. 159. This resulted in the recording of a receivable with a corresponding credit to income for the value of the Put Option. Simultaneously, the Company made an election pursuant to SFAS No. 115 to transfer these auction rate securities from available-for-sale to trading securities. The transfer resulted in the reversal of prior unrealized losses, net of taxes, on the auction rate securities from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income and the recognition of the unrealized losses as a charge to income of $1,638 in the six months ended October 31, 2008. During the three months ended January 31, 2009, the Company recognized realized gains on its trading securities of $758 offset by the fair value loss adjustment to the Put Option.
The following table represents the Company’s fair value hierarchy for financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of January 31, 2009:
                                 
    Total     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  
Cash equivalents
  $ 97,334     $ 97,334     $     $  
Auction rate securities (1)
    11,545                   11,545  
Auction rate securities put option
    880                   880  
Equity securities (2)
    23,768       23,768              
Fixed income mutual fund (2)
    10,965       10,965              
Noncurrent money market mutual funds (2)
    25,235       25,235              
 
                       
Total
  $ 169,727     $ 157,302     $     $ 12,425  
 
                       
 
     
(1)  
Classified as trading securities.
 
(2)  
These investments are held in trust for settlement of the Company’s obligations under certain of its deferred compensation plans with $2,094 classified as current assets (see Note 6).
The following table presents the Company’s assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) as defined in SFAS No. 157 for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2009:
                 
    Auction Rate Securities  
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    January 31,     January 31,  
    2009     2009  
 
               
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 17,577     $ 20,475  
Auction rate securities put option
    (758 )     880  
Reversal of unrealized loss associated with transfer of securities to trading
          780  
Unrealized gain (loss) included in income
    758       (880 )
Unrealized loss included in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
          (586 )
Sales of securities
    (5,775 )     (9,025 )
Reversal of unrealized loss associated with sales of securities at par
    623       781  
 
           
Ending balance at January 31, 2009
  $ 12,425     $ 12,425  
 
           
6. Deferred Compensation and Retirement Plans
The Company has several deferred compensation and retirement plans for vice-presidents that provide defined benefit payments to participants based on the deferral of current compensation subject to vesting and retirement or termination provisions. The components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows:
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    January 31,     January 31,  
Components of net periodic benefit costs:   2009     2008     2009     2008  
Service cost
  $ 174     $ 267     $ 522     $ 800  
Interest cost
    910       835       2,730       2,505  
Amortization of actuarial gain
    (21 )     (18 )     (63 )     (54 )
Amortization of net transition obligation
    53       53       159       159  
 
                       
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 1,116     $ 1,137     $ 3,348     $ 3,410  
 
                       

 

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The Company also has an Executive Capital Accumulation Plan (“ECAP”) which is intended to provide certain employees an opportunity to defer salary and/or bonus on a pre-tax basis, or make an after-tax contribution. The Company made $324 and $15,020 in ECAP contributions in the three and nine months ended January 31, 2009. The Company contributions vest and are generally expensed ratably over a four year period. The ECAP is accounted for in accordance with Emerging Interest Task Force (“EITF”) 97-14, Accounting for Deferred Compensation Arrangements Where Amounts Earned Are Held in a Rabbi Trust and Invested (“EITF 97-14”), whereby the changes in the fair value of the vested amounts owed to the participants are adjusted with a corresponding charge (or credit) to compensation and benefits costs. The reduction in the deferred compensation liability recognized in income during the three and nine months ended January 31, 2009 was $2,079 and $10,642, respectively as compared to $2,735 and $344 during the three and nine months ended January 31, 2008, respectively.
7. Business Segments
The Company operates in two global business segments: executive recruitment and Futurestep. These segments are distinguished primarily by the candidates’ level of compensation. The executive recruitment business segment is managed by geographic regional leaders. Revenue from leadership and talent consulting and other consulting engagements is included in executive recruitment. Futurestep’s worldwide operations are managed by the Chief Executive Officer of Futurestep. The executive recruitment geographic regional leaders and the Chief Executive Officer of Futurestep report directly to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The Company also operates a Corporate segment to record global expenses of the Company.
A summary of the Company’s results of operations by business segment is as follows:
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    January 31,     January 31,  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
Fee revenue:
                               
Executive recruitment:
                               
North America
  $ 66,978     $ 94,812     $ 252,649     $ 276,988  
EMEA
    30,423       46,292       122,499       133,072  
Asia Pacific
    13,591       25,322       56,181       72,639  
South America
    5,650       6,617       20,063       19,184  
 
                       
Total executive recruitment
    116,642       173,043       451,392       501,883  
Futurestep
    19,568       28,113       79,851       80,483  
 
                       
Total fee revenue
  $ 136,210     $ 201,156     $ 531,243     $ 582,366  
 
                       
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    January 31,     January 31,  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
Total revenue:
                               
Executive Recruitment:
                               
North America
  $ 72,118     $ 99,707     $ 269,186     $ 292,100  
EMEA
    31,552       47,731       127,042       137,203  
Asia Pacific
    13,942       25,731       57,400       74,221  
South America
    5,731       6,740       20,378       19,532  
 
                       
Total executive recruitment
    123,343       179,909       474,006       523,056  
Futurestep
    21,150       32,182       87,696       92,136  
 
                       
Total revenue
  $ 144,493     $ 212,091     $ 561,702     $ 615,192  
 
                       
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    January 31,     January 31,  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
Operating (loss) income:
                               
Executive recruitment:
                               
North America
  $ 10,767     $ 16,167     $ 45,601     $ 57,346  
EMEA
    (6,291 )     7,116       8,105       20,871  
Asia Pacific
    367       5,444       7,110       14,595  
South America
    373       291       2,667       1,836  
 
                       
Total executive recruitment
    5,216       29,018       63,483       94,648  
Futurestep
    (8,309 )     2,026       (4,233 )     5,642  
Corporate
    (8,165 )     (9,864 )     (25,266 )     (28,615 )
 
                       
Total operating (loss) income
  $ (11,258 )   $ 21,180     $ 33,984     $ 71,675  
 
                       

 

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8. Restructuring Charges
Due to deteriorating economic conditions encountered in the current fiscal year, the Company implemented a restructuring of its cost structure designed to reduce the work force by approximately 400 employees and to consolidate premises. This initiative resulted in a total charge of $16,845 against operations in the three months ended January 31, 2009 of which $13,468 and $3,377 related to severance costs and the consolidation of premises, respectively. As of January 31, 2009, $5,559 of the restructuring charge was paid in cash.
A roll-forward of the restructuring liability at January 31, 2009 is as follows:
                         
    Severance     Facilities     Total  
Liability as of April 30, 2008
  $     $     $  
Charge to expense
    13,006       2,572       15,578  
Non-cash items
    462       805       1,267  
Cash payments
    (5,492 )     (67 )     (5,559 )
Exchange rate fluctuations
    (295 )     (29 )     (324 )
 
                 
Liability as of January 31, 2009
  $ 7,681     $ 3,281     $ 10,962  
 
                 
The following table summarizes the restructuring charges by segment for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2009:
                         
    Severance     Facilities     Total  
Executive recruitment
                       
North America
  $ 2,557     $     $ 2,557  
EMEA
    6,606             6,606  
Asia Pacific
    947             947  
South America
    956             956  
 
                 
Total executive recruitment
    11,066             11,066  
Futurestep
    2,402       3,377       5,779  
Corporate
                 
 
                 
Total
  $ 13,468     $ 3,377     $ 16,845  
 
                 

 

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Forward-looking Statements
This quarterly report on Form 10-Q may contain certain statements that we believe are, or may be considered to be, “forward-looking” statements, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by use of statements that include phrases such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “foresee,” “may,” “will,” “estimates,” “potential,” “continue” or other similar words or phrases. Similarly, statements that describe our objectives, plans or goals are also forward-looking statements. All of these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the relevant forward-looking statement. The principal risk factors that could cause actual performance and future actions to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, dependence on attracting and retaining qualified and experienced consultants, portability of client relationships, local political or economic developments in or affecting countries where we have operations, currency fluctuations in our international operations, ability to manage growth, restrictions imposed by off-limits agreements, competition, risks related to the growth and results of Futurestep, global economic developments, reliance on information processing systems, and employment liability risk as well as the matters disclosed under the heading “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2008 (“Form 10-K”). Readers are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements included in this Form 10-Q. The forward-looking statements included in this Form 10-Q are made only as of the date of this report and we undertake no obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
The following presentation of management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with our condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q.
Executive Summary
Korn/Ferry International (referred to herein as the “Company,” “Korn/Ferry,” or in the first person notations “we,” “our,” and “us”) is a premier provider of talent management solutions that help clients to attract, deploy, retain and reward their talent. Our services include executive recruitment, middle-management recruitment, outsourced recruitment (through Futurestep), leadership development solutions and executive coaching. Over half of the executive recruitment engagements we performed in the last fiscal year were for board level, chief executive or other senior executive and general management positions. Our 5,120 clients in fiscal 2008 included approximately 49% of the FORTUNE 500 companies. We have established strong client loyalty with 74% of the executive recruitment assignments we performed during the previous fiscal year being on behalf of clients for whom we had conducted assignments in the previous three fiscal years.
In an effort to maintain our long-term strategy of being the leading provider of executive recruitment, middle-management recruitment, outsourced recruitment, leadership development solutions and executive coaching, our strategic focus for fiscal 2009 centers upon increasing market share and further enhancing the cross-selling of our multi-service strategy. We plan to continue to address areas of increasing client demand, including Recruitment Process Outsourcing (“RPO”) and Leadership and Talent Consulting (“LTC”). We plan to explore new products and services, continue to pursue a disciplined acquisition strategy, enhance our technology and processes and aggressively leverage our brand through thought leadership and intellectual capital projects as a means of delivering world-class service to our clients.
During the third quarter of fiscal 2009 global economic conditions significantly deteriorated, which caused a material decline in the results of our operations. Fee revenue decreased 32% in the third quarter of fiscal 2009 to $136.2 million compared to $201.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2008, with decreases in fee revenue in both segments. The North America and Europe regions in executive recruitment experienced the largest dollar decreases in fee revenue. In the third quarter of fiscal 2009, we incurred an operating loss of $11.3 million with operating losses of $8.3 million from Futurestep and corporate expenses of $8.2 million, partially offset by operating income from executive recruitment of $5.2 million. This compares to the prior year’s third quarter operating income of $21.2 million.
In addition, due to the deteriorating economic conditions, we implemented a restructuring of our cost structure designed to reduce the work force by approximately 400 employees and to consolidate premises. As a result, during the third quarter of fiscal 2009, we recorded $16.8 million in restructuring charges with $13.5 million of severance costs related to a reduction in our work force and $3.3 million relating to the consolidation of premises.
Our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities have also declined significantly since the end of fiscal 2008, partially due to the payment of fiscal 2008 bonuses, which are paid in fiscal 2009. During the third quarter of 2009 our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities increased 4% to $289.9 million at January 31, 2009 compared to $279.8 million at October 31, 2008 and we generated $18.3 million of cash flow during the three months ended January 31, 2009. Our working capital decreased $0.6 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2009 to $195.7 million at January 31, 2009. We believe that cash on hand and funds from operations will be sufficient to meet our anticipated working capital, capital expenditures and general corporate requirements.

 

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Critical Accounting Policies
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and operating results are based on our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. Preparation of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results may differ from those estimates and assumptions. In preparing our interim financial statements and accounting for the underlying transactions and balances, we apply our accounting policies as disclosed in our Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. We consider the policies related to revenue recognition, deferred compensation and the carrying values of goodwill, intangible assets and deferred income taxes as critical to an understanding of our interim consolidated financial statements because their application places the most significant demands on management’s judgment. Specific risks for these critical accounting policies are described in our Form 10-K.
Results of Operations
The following table summarizes the results of our operations for the three and nine month periods ended January 31, 2009 and 2008 as a percentage of fee revenue:
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    January 31,     January 31,  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
Fee revenue
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
Reimbursed out-of-pocket engagement expenses
    6.1       5.4       5.7       5.6  
 
                       
Total revenue
    106.1       105.4       105.7       105.6  
Compensation and benefits
    69.0       68.9       68.9       67.3  
General and administrative expenses
    22.7       17.5       18.3       17.4  
Out-of-pocket engagement expenses
    8.1       7.1       7.4       7.3  
Depreciation and amortization
    2.2       1.4       1.5       1.3  
Restructuring charges
    12.4             3.2        
 
                       
Operating (loss) income
    (8.3 )     10.5       6.4       12.3  
 
                       
Net (loss) income
    (16.4 %)     8.1 %     1.3 %     8.7 %
 
                       
The following tables summarize the results of our operations by business segment. Operating (loss) income is calculated as a percentage of fee revenue of the respective segment (dollars in thousands).
                                                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    January 31,     January 31,  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
    Dollars     %     Dollars     %     Dollars     %     Dollars     %  
Fee revenue
                                                               
Executive recruitment:
                                                               
North America
  $ 66,978       49.2 %   $ 94,812       47.1 %   $ 252,649       47.6 %   $ 276,988       47.6 %
EMEA
    30,423       22.3       46,292       23.0       122,499       23.1       133,072       22.9  
Asia Pacific
    13,591       10.0       25,322       12.6       56,181       10.6       72,639       12.5  
South America
    5,650       4.1       6,617       3.3       20,063       3.7       19,184       3.2  
 
                                               
Total executive recruitment
    116,642       85.6       173,043       86.0       451,392       85.0       501,883       86.2  
Futurestep
    19,568       14.4       28,113       14.0       79,851       15.0       80,483       13.8  
 
                                               
Total fee revenue
    136,210       100.0 %     201,156       100.0 %     531,243       100.0 %     582,366       100.0 %
 
                                                       
Reimbursed out-of-pocket engagement expenses
    8,283               10,935               30,459               32,826          
 
                                                       
Total revenue
  $ 144,493             $ 212,091             $ 561,702             $ 615,192          
 
                                                       
                                                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    January 31,     January 31,  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
    Dollars     %     Dollars     %     Dollars     %     Dollars     %  
Operating (loss) income
                                                               
Executive recruitment:
                                                               
North America
  $ 10,767       16.1 %   $ 16,167       17.1 %   $ 45,601       18.0 %   $ 57,346       20.7 %
EMEA
    (6,291 )     (20.7 )     7,116       15.4       8,105       6.6       20,871       15.7  
Asia Pacific
    367       2.7       5,444       21.5       7,110       12.7       14,595       20.1  
South America
    373       6.6       291       4.4       2,667       13.3       1,836       9.6  
 
                                                       
Total executive recruitment
    5,216       4.5       29,018       16.8       63,483       14.1       94,648       18.9  
Futurestep
    (8,309 )     (42.5 )     2,026       7.2       (4,233 )     (5.3 )     5,642       7.0  
Corporate
    (8,165 )             (9,864 )             (25,266 )             (28,615 )        
 
                                                       
Total operating (loss) income
  $ (11,258 )     (8.3 %)   $ 21,180       10.5 %   $ 33,984       6.4 %   $ 71,675       12.3 %
 
                                                       

 

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Three Months Ended January 31, 2009 Compared to Three Months Ended January 31, 2008
Fee Revenue. Fee revenue decreased $65.0 million, or 32%, to $136.2 million in the three months ended January 31, 2009 compared to $201.2 million in the three months ended January 31, 2008. As the global economic crisis intensified we experienced a decline in fee revenue attributable to a 34% decline in the number of executive search engagements opened during the third quarter of fiscal 2009 as compared to the third quarter fiscal 2008 and a 17% decrease in average fees billed per engagement with all regions declining during the same period. Exchange rates unfavorably impacted fee revenues by $11.3 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2009.
Executive Recruitment. Executive recruitment reported fee revenue of $116.6 million, a decrease of $56.4 million, or 33%, in the three months ended January 31, 2009 compared to $173.0 million in the three months ended January 31, 2008 due to a 24% decrease in the overall number of engagements billed and an 11% decrease in the average fee per engagement for the segment. Exchange rates unfavorably impacted fee revenues by $8.6 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2009.
North America reported fee revenue of $67.0 million, a decrease of $27.8 million, or 29%, in the three months ended January 31, 2009 compared to $94.8 million in the three months ended January 31, 2008 primarily due to a 25% decrease in the number of engagements billed and a 6% decrease in average fees in the region compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2008. The overall revenue decline in the region was driven by a significant decrease in the technology, consumer goods, and financial sectors. Exchange rates unfavorably impacted North America fee revenue by $1.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2009.
EMEA reported fee revenue of $30.4 million, a decrease of $15.9 million, or 34%, in the three months ended January 31, 2009 compared to $46.3 million in the three months ended January 31, 2008. EMEA’s decrease in fee revenue was driven by a 16% decrease in average fees compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2008 and a 22% decrease in the number of engagements billed in the third quarter of fiscal 2009 as compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2008. The existing offices in the United Kingdom, France, and the United Arab Emirites were the primary contributors to the decrease in fee revenue. The financial, industrial and consumer goods sectors experienced the largest decrease in fee revenue compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2008. Exchange rates unfavorably impacted EMEA fee revenue by $4.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2009.
Asia Pacific reported fee revenue of $13.6 million, a decrease of $11.7 million, or 46%, in the three months ended January 31, 2009 compared to $25.3 million in the three months ended January 31, 2008 due to a 24% decrease in average fees billed per engagement and a 30% decline in the number of engagements billed. The declined performance in Australia, India, Hong Kong and Japan were the primary contributors to the decrease in fee revenue in the third quarter of fiscal 2009 over the third quarter of fiscal 2008. The decrease in fee revenue was primarily due to declines in the financial, technology, and industrial sectors. Exchange rates unfavorably impacted fee revenue for Asia Pacific by $1.4 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2009.
South America reported fee revenue of $5.6 million, a decrease of $1.0 million, or 15%, in the three months ended January 31, 2009 compared to $6.6 million in the three months ended January 31, 2008. Engagements billed decreased 14% within the region compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2008. The declined performance in Brazil and Colombia were the primary contributors to the decrease in fee revenue in the third quarter of fiscal 2009 over the third quarter of fiscal 2008. Exchange rates unfavorably impacted fee revenue for South America by $1.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2009.
Futurestep. Futurestep reported fee revenue of $19.6 million, a decrease of $8.6 million, or 30%, in the three months ended January 31, 2009 compared to $28.2 million in the three months ended January 31, 2008. The decline in Futurestep’s fee revenue is due to a 27% decrease in average fee per engagement billed and to a lesser extent by a decrease in the number of engagements billed. Of the total decrease in fee revenue, Europe experienced the largest decrease in fee revenue of $4.2 million, or 40%, to $6.3 million related to declines from Norway, the United Kingdom and France. North America fee revenue decreased $2.7 million, or 26%, to $7.6 million reflecting decreased revenue from areas including RPO and individual searches. Asia fee revenue decreased $1.7 million, or 23%, to $5.6 million, arising from decreased business in Australia and China offset by an increase in Singapore. Exchange rates unfavorably impacted fee revenue by $2.7 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2009.
Compensation and Benefits. Compensation and benefits expense decreased $44.6 million, or 32% to $94.0 million in the three months ended January 31, 2009 compared to $138.6 million in the three months ended January 31, 2008. The change in compensation and benefits expenses is primarily due to a reduction in global headcount and a $35.9 million decrease in profitability based compensation compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2008. Exchange rates favorably impacted compensation and benefits expenses by $8.2 million during the third quarter of fiscal 2009.

 

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Executive recruitment compensation and benefits costs were $73.5 million, a decrease of $39.6 million or 35%, compared to $113.1 million in the three months ended January 31, 2008. A majority of the decline in compensation and benefits was due to a reduction in profitability based compensation. Exchange rates impacted executive recruitment compensation and benefits expense favorably by $6.3 million. Executive recruitment compensation and benefits expenses in the third quarter of fiscal 2009 were 63% as a percentage of fee revenue, compared to 65% in the third quarter of fiscal 2008.
Futurestep compensation and benefits expense decreased $2.6 million, or 14%, to $16.5 million in the three months ended January 31, 2009 from $19.1 million in the three months ended January 31, 2008 due to a reduction in profitability based compensation offset by investments in our employees which increased Futurestep average consultant headcount during the three months ended January 31, 2009 compared to the three months ended January 31, 2008. Exchange rates favorably impacted Futurestep compensation and benefits expense by $1.9 million. Futurestep compensation and benefits expense, as a percentage of fee revenue, were 84% in the third quarter of fiscal 2009 from 68% in the third quarter of fiscal 2008.
Corporate compensation and benefits expense decreased $2.3 million, or 37%, to $4.0 million in the three months ended January 31, 2009 from $6.3 million in the three months ended January 31, 2008 primarily from a $2.1 million decrease in certain deferred compensation retirement plan liabilities. The Company holds marketable securities in a trust for settlement of these obligations as discussed in Note 5 of our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. As of January 31, 2009, these marketable securities had a fair value of $60.0 million and we recognized an asset impairment charge of $15.3 million related to these assets during the three months ended January 31, 2009.
General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses decreased $4.3 million, or 12%, to $31.0 million in the three months ended January 31, 2009 compared to $35.3 million in the three months ended January 31, 2008. The decrease is attributable to our cost control initiatives and an overall decline in business activity resulting in decreases in business development, other miscellaneous expenses and partially offset by an increase in foreign exchange gains. Exchange rates favorably impacted general and administrative expenses by $2.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2009.
Executive recruitment general and administrative expenses decreased $3.7 million, or 14%, to $22.5 million in the three months ended January 31, 2009 from $26.2 million in the three months ended January 31, 2008. This decrease was driven by decreases in other types of general expenses including meeting and travel expenses of $1.9 million, business development expenses of $1.0 million and realized foreign exchange gains of $0.8 million. Business development and travel expenses declined due to the decrease in the business. Executive recruitment general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of fee revenue, was 19% in the third quarter of fiscal 2009 as compared to 15% in the third quarter in fiscal 2008.
Futurestep general and administrative expenses decreased $1.2 million, or 20%, to $4.7 million in the three months ended January 31, 2009 compared to $5.9 million in the three months ended January 31, 2008 primarily due to a decrease in general expenses which include meeting and travel expenses, of $0.8 million and bad debt expenses of $0.6 million offset by an increase in premise and office expense of $0.2 million. Increases in premise and office expenses resulted from increase in rent expenses noted across all regions. Futurestep general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of fee revenue, was 24% in the third quarter of fiscal 2009 as compared to 21% in the third quarter of fiscal 2008.
Corporate general and administrative expenses increased $0.6 million, or 19%, to $3.8 million in the three months ended January 31, 2009 compared to $3.2 million in the three months ended January 31, 2008 primarily due to an increase in professional fees.
Out-of-Pocket Engagement Expenses. Out-of-pocket engagement expenses consist of expenses incurred by candidates and our consultants that are generally billed to clients. Out-of-pocket engagement expenses decreased $3.3 million, or 23%, to $11.0 million in the three months ended January 31, 2009 compared to $14.3 million in the three months ended January 31, 2008. Out-of-pocket engagement expenses as a percentage of fee revenue was 8% in the third quarter of fiscal 2009, compared to 7% in the third quarter of fiscal 2008.
Depreciation and Amortization Expenses. Depreciation and amortization expenses increased $0.1 million, or 4%, to $2.9 million in the three months ended January 31, 2009 compared to $2.8 million in the three months ended January 31, 2008. This expense relates mainly to computer equipment, software, furniture and leasehold improvements. The increase in depreciation and amortization expenses is attributable to an increase in fixed asset balances primarily associated with furniture and fixtures and leasehold improvements related to business expansion, office build out and amortization of software costs that added new functionality in our corporate and executive search segments.

 

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Restructuring Charges. The Company previously announced it would incur expenses to rationalize its cost structure to the changing economic environment. During the third quarter of fiscal 2009, we recorded $16.8 million in restructuring charges with $13.5 million of severance costs related to a reduction in our work force and $3.3 million relating to the consolidation of premises.
Operating (Loss) Income. Operating income decreased $32.5 million, or 153%, to an operating loss of $11.3 million in the three months ended January 31, 2009 compared to operating income of $21.2 million in the three months ended January 31, 2008. The decrease in operating income resulted from a decrease in fee revenue of $65.0 million, which was offset by a $35.2 million decrease in operating expenses, mainly attributable to a decrease in compensation and benefits partially offset by $16.8 million in restructuring charges, of which $5.6 million was paid in cash as of January 31, 2009.
Executive recruitment operating income decreased $23.8 million, or 82%, to $5.2 million in the three months ended January 31, 2009 compared to $29.0 million in the three months ended January 31, 2008. The decline in executive recruitment operating income is primarily attributable to decreased revenues within the quarter offset by a reduction in operating expenses. The reduction in operating expenses were partially offset by restructuring charges of $11.1 million. Executive recruitment operating income during the third quarter of fiscal 2009, as a percentage of fee revenue, was 5% compared to 17% in the third quarter of fiscal 2008.
Futurestep operating income decreased $10.3 million, or 515%, to an operating loss of $8.3 million in the three months ended January 31, 2009 as compared to operating income of $2.0 million in the three months ended January 31, 2008. The change in Futurestep operating income is primarily due to a decrease in total revenue while incurring restructuring related costs of approximately $5.8 million during the three months ended January 31, 2009 compared to the three months ended January 31, 2008. Futurestep operating loss, as a percentage of fee revenue, was 43% in the third quarter of fiscal 2009, compared to operating income, as a percentage of fee revenue of 7% in the third quarter of fiscal 2008.
Interest Income and Other (Loss) Income, Net. Interest income and other (loss) income, net decreased by $19.8 million in the three months ended January 31, 2009 from $5.0 million in the three months ended January 31, 2008. The decrease in net interest and other (loss) income, net was due to a non-cash asset impairment charge of $15.3 million related to marketable securities during the three months ended January 31, 2009 and a decrease in interest and dividend income. Interest and dividend income decreased primarily as a result of lower average interest-bearing balances and lower overall interest rates in the third quarter of fiscal 2009 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2008.
Interest Expense. Interest expense, primarily related to borrowings under Company Owned Life Insurance Policies (“COLI”), was $1.3 million in the three months ended January 31, 2009 and $1.2 million in the three months ended January 31, 2008.
(Benefit) Provision for Income Taxes. The benefit for income taxes was $4.5 million in the three months ended January 31, 2009, as compared to a provision for income taxes of $9.4 million in the three months ended January 31, 2008. The benefit for income taxes in the third quarter of fiscal 2009 reflects a 17% tax benefit, compared to a 37% effective tax rate for the third quarter of fiscal 2008. The tax benefit is not as large in the nine months ended January 31, 2009 as the Company did not realize tax benefits on the marketable securities asset impairment of $15.3 million during the three months ended January 31, 2009.
Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Subsidiaries. Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries is comprised of our less than 50% interest in our Mexican subsidiary. We report our interest in earnings or loss of our Mexican subsidiaries on the equity basis as a one-line adjustment to net (loss) income, net of taxes. Equity in earnings was $0.4 million in the three months ended January 31, 2009 compared to $0.7 million in the three months ended January 31, 2008.
Nine Months Ended January 31, 2009 Compared to Nine Months Ended January 31, 2008
Fee Revenue. Fee revenue decreased $51.2 million, or 9%, to $531.2 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2009 compared to $582.4 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2008. The decrease in fee revenue is attributable mainly to a 9% decrease in average fees billed per engagement. Exchange rates unfavorably impacted fee revenues by $6.0 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2009.
Executive Recruitment. Executive recruitment reported fee revenue of $451.4 million, a decrease of $50.5 million, or 10%, in the nine months ended January 31, 2009 compared to $501.9 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2008 due to a 8% decrease in number of engagements billed and to a lesser extent a decrease in the average fees for the segment in the nine months ended January 31, 2009 compared to that of the nine months ended January 31, 2008. Exchange rates unfavorably impacted fee revenues by $4.3 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2009.

 

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North America reported fee revenue of $252.6 million, a decrease of $24.4 million, or 9%, in the nine months ended January 31, 2009 compared to $277.0 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2008 primarily due to a 7% decrease in the number of engagements billed while average fees in the region decreased 2% compared to the nine months ended January 31, 2008. Overall revenue declines were driven by more significant decreases in the financial, technology and consumer goods sectors partially offset by increases in the industrial sector. Exchange rates unfavorably impacted North America fee revenue by $1.8 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2009.
EMEA reported fee revenue of $122.5 million, a decrease of $10.6 million, or 8%, in the nine months ended January 31, 2009 compared to $133.1 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2008. EMEA’s decrease in fee revenue was driven by a 5% decrease in the number of engagements billed and a 3% decrease in average fees. The performance in existing offices in the United Kingdom, France, and the Netherlands were the primary contributors to the decrease in fee revenue offset by increases in Germany and Switzerland. The financial, consumer goods and life sciences sectors experienced the largest decrease in fee revenue offset by an increase in the industrial sector compared to the nine months ended January 31, 2008. Exchange rates unfavorably impacted EMEA fee revenue by $1.2 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2009.
Asia Pacific reported fee revenue of $56.2 million, a decrease of $16.4 million, or 23%, in the nine months ended January 31, 2009 compared to $72.6 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2008 attributed to a decrease of 7% in average fees billed per engagement and a 17% decline in the number of engagements billed. The decline in performance in Australia, India, China and Japan were the primary contributors to the decrease in fee revenue in the nine months ended January 31, 2009 over the nine months ended January 31, 2008. The largest decrease in fee revenue was experienced in the financial and technology sectors. Exchange rates unfavorably impacted fee revenue for Asia Pacific by $1.2 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2009.
South America reported fee revenue of $20.1 million, an increase of $0.9 million, or 5%, in the nine months ended January 31, 2009 compared to $19.2 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2008. Average fees increased 8% while engagements billed decreased 3% within the region in the nine months ended January 31, 2009 compared to the nine months ended January 31, 2008. The improved performance in the consumer goods and life sciences sectors was the primary contributor to the increase in fee revenue in the nine months ended January 31, 2009 over the nine months ended January 31, 2008.
Futurestep. Futurestep reported fee revenue of $79.8 million, a decrease of $0.7 million, or 1%, in the nine months ended January 31, 2009 compared to $80.5 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2008. The decline in Futurestep’s fee revenue is due to a 16% decrease in average fee per engagement billed offset by an 18% increase in the number of engagements billed. Of the total decrease in fee revenue, Europe experienced a decrease in fee revenue of $4.8 million, or 16%, to $24.9 million. North America increased its fee revenue by $2.4 million, or 8%, to $32.3 million related to increases from Canada and the United States. Asia fee revenue increased $1.7 million, or 8%, to $22.6 million reflecting increased revenue from RPO’s. Exchange rates unfavorably impacted fee revenue by $1.7 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2009.
Compensation and Benefits. Compensation and benefits expense decreased $26.2 million, or 7%, to $365.8 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2009 from $392.0 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2008. The decrease in compensation and benefits expenses is primarily due to a decrease in profitability based awards coupled with a decrease in global headcount, compared to the nine months ended January 31, 2008. Exchange rates favorably impacted compensation and benefits expenses by $4.7 million during the nine months ended January 31, 2009.
Executive recruitment compensation and benefits costs decreased $26.2 million, or 8%, to $293.6 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2009 compared to $319.8 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2008 primarily due to a $32.3 million decrease in the profitability based compensation offset by an increase in the number of consultants. In the nine months ended January 31, 2009, the average number of consultants increased by 9, or 2%, compared to the nine months ended January 31, 2008. Exchange rates impacted executive recruitment compensation and benefits expense favorably by $3.7 million. Executive recruitment compensation and benefits expenses in the nine months ended January 31, 2009 increased to 65% as a percentage of fee revenue, compared to 64% in the nine months ended January 31, 2008.
Futurestep compensation and benefits expense increased $3.5 million, or 6%, to $58.4 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2009 from $54.9 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2008 due to investments in our employees with Futurestep average consultant headcount increasing during the nine months ended January 31, 2009 compared to the nine months ended January 31, 2008. Exchange rates favorably impacted Futurestep compensation and benefits expense by $1.0 million. Futurestep compensation and benefits expense, as a percentage of fee revenue, increased to 73% in the nine months ended January 31, 2009 from 68% in the nine months ended January 31, 2008.

 

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Corporate compensation and benefits expense decreased $3.5 million, or 20%, to $13.8 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2009 compared to $17.3 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2008 primarily from a $10.6 million decrease in certain deferred compensation retirement plan liabilities partially offset by decreases in cash surrender value of company owned life insurance policies in the nine months ended January 31, 2009 compared to the nine months ended January 31, 2008. The Company holds marketable securities in a trust for settlement of certain of these deferred compensation obligations as discussed in Note 5 of our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. As of January 31, 2009, these marketable securities had a fair value of $60.0 million and we recognized an asset impairment charge of $15.9 million related to these assets during the nine months ended January 31, 2009.
General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses decreased $3.9 million, or 4%, to $97.3 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2009 compared to $101.2 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2008. Exchange rates favorably impacted general and administrative expenses by $1.0 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2009.
Executive recruitment general and administrative expenses decreased $3.3 million, or 4%, to $70.3 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2009 from $73.6 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2008. The decrease in general and administrative expenses was driven by a decrease in other types of general expenses, including meeting and travel expense of $2.5 million, business development of $1.1 million and $1.3 million in realized foreign exchange. Offsetting the overall decrease was an increase in premise and office expenses of $2.5 million. General expenses decreased primarily due to the decline in our overall business activities. Increased premise and office expenses is attributable to all regions due to increased rent expenses and associated utility costs. Executive recruitment general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of fee revenue, was 16% in the nine months ended January 31, 2009 compared to 15% in the nine months ended January 31, 2008.
Futurestep general and administrative expenses decreased $0.5 million, or 3%, to $16.7 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2009 compared to $17.2 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2008 primarily due to decreases of $1.1 million in general and administrative expenses and $1.1 million consisting of bad debt expenses, which was offset by increases in both business development expenses of $0.8 million and premise and office expenses of $0.9 million. Bad debt expense decreased due to an overall improvement of accounts receivable and fewer bad debt write-offs during the nine months ended January 31, 2009 as compared to the year-ago period. Increases in premise and office expenses resulted from increase in rent expenses noted across all regions and the opening of new offices in Europe and Asia. Futurestep general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of fee revenue, was 21% in the nine months ended January 31, 2009 and 2008.
Corporate general and administrative expenses decreased $0.1 million, or 1%, to $10.3 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2009 compared to $10.4 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2008 primarily due to decreased travel and meetings and premise and office expenses, partially offset by an increase in professional fees.
Out-of-Pocket Engagement Expenses. Out-of-pocket engagement expenses consist of expenses incurred by candidates and our consultants that are generally billed to clients. Out-of-pocket engagement expenses decreased $3.6 million, or 8%, to $39.1 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2009, compared to $42.7 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2008. Out-of-pocket engagement expenses as a percentage of fee revenue remained constant at 7% in both the nine months ended January 31, 2009 and the nine months ended January 31, 2008.
Depreciation and Amortization Expenses. Depreciation and amortization expenses increased $0.9 million, or 12%, to $8.6 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2009 compared to $7.7 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2008. This expense relates mainly to computer equipment, software, furniture and leasehold improvements. The increase in depreciation and amortization expenses is attributable to an increase in fixed asset balances primarily associated with furniture and fixtures and leasehold improvements related to business expansion, office build out and amortization of software costs that added new functionality in our corporate and executive search segments.
Restructuring Charges. The Company previously announced it would incur expenses to rationalize its cost structure to the changing economic environment. During the nine months ended January 31, 2009, we recorded $16.8 million in restructuring charges with $13.5 million of severance costs related to a reduction in our work force and $3.3 million relating to the consolidation of premises.
Operating Income. Operating income decreased $37.7 million, or 53%, to $34.0 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2009 compared to $71.7 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2008. This decrease in operating income resulted from a $51.2 million decrease in fee revenue which was partially offset by a decrease in operating expenses of $15.8 million. The decrease in operating expenses is primarily attributable to a decrease in compensation and benefits, offset by an increase in restructuring charges of $16.8 million, of which $5.6 million was paid in cash as of January 31, 2009.

 

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Executive recruitment operating income decreased $31.1 million, or 33%, to $63.5 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2009 compared to $94.6 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2008. The decline in executive recruitment operating income is attributable to a decrease in revenues offset by a reduction in compensation expenses relating to a decrease in headcount and profitability based compensation, as well as a decrease in general and administrative expenses. Executive recruitment operating income during the nine months ended January 31, 2009, as a percentage of fee revenue, was 14% compared to 19% in the nine months ended January 31, 2008.
Futurestep operating income decreased by $9.8 million, or 175%, to an operating loss of $4.2 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2009 as compared to operating income of $5.6 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2008. The change in Futurestep operating income is primarily due to an increase in compensation and benefits due to an increase in the average consultant headcount and restructuring related costs of $5.8 million during the nine months ended January 31, 2009 compared to the nine months ended January 31, 2008. Futurestep operating loss, as a percentage of fee revenue, was 5% in the nine months ended January 31, 2009, compared operating income, as a percentage of fee revenue of 7% in the nine months ended January 31, 2008.
Interest Income and Other (Loss) Income, Net. Interest income and other (loss) income, net decreased by $23.1 million, or 236%, to a loss of $13.3 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2009 from income of $9.8 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2008. The decrease in net interest and other (loss) income, net was due to a non-cash asset impairment charge of $15.9 million related to marketable securities during the nine months ended January 31, 2009 and a decrease in interest and dividend income. Interest and dividend income decreased primarily as a result of lower average United States cash balances, and lower overall interest rates compared to the nine months ended January 31, 2008.
Interest Expense. Interest expense, primarily related to borrowings under Company Owned Life Insurance Policies (“COLI”), was $3.6 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2009 compared to $3.7 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2008.
Provision for Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes was $12.3 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2009, compared to $29.8 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2008. The provision for income taxes in the nine months ended January 31, 2009 reflects a 72% effective tax rate, compared to a 38% effective tax rate for the nine months ended January 31, 2008. The effective tax rate is larger in the nine months ended January 31, 2009 as compared to the nine months ended January 31, 2008 as the Company did not realize tax benefits on the marketable securities asset impairment of $15.9 million.
Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Subsidiaries. Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries is comprised of our less than 50% interest in our Mexican subsidiaries. We report our interest in earnings or loss of our Mexican subsidiaries on the equity basis as a one-line adjustment to net income, net of taxes. Equity in earnings was $2.3 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2009 compared to $2.5 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2008.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The operating environment for the Company’s suite of services deteriorated rapidly in the last six weeks of calendar 2008 and through the first two months of 2009. The macroeconomic climate remains uncertain. In response to such conditions and the extraordinary conditions in worldwide credit markets, management felt it prudent after the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2009 to drawdown $42 million from its existing credit line, which is secured by substantially all of our assets, to maximize the Company’s financial flexibility. This action has provided the Company with additional liquidity in the amount of $42 million.
The Company has also taken steps to align its cost structure with anticipated revenue levels. The Company plans to take further steps including a reduction of work force and possible consolidation of premises in the three months ended April 30, 2009 to align our cost structure with anticipated revenue levels and currently plans to incur $10 million to $13 million of expenses to implement these steps. Continued adverse changes in the Company’s revenue, however, could require us to institute additional cost cutting measures, and to the extent our efforts are not quick or deep enough, we may be required to obtain additional financing to meet our needs. The Company believes that the cash on hand and funds from operations will be sufficient to meet anticipated working capital, capital expenditures and general corporate requirements during the next twelve months.
Our performance is subject to the general level of economic activity in the geographic regions and industries in which we operate. The economic activity in those regions and industries have recently deteriorated significantly and may remain depressed for the foreseeable future. If the national or global economy or credit market conditions in general were to deteriorate further in the future, it is possible that such changes could put additional negative pressure on demand for our services and affect our cash flows.

 

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As of January 31, 2009, we held marketable securities (to settle obligations under the ECAP) with a cost value of $75.9 million and a fair value of $60.0 million. The difference between cost and fair value has previously been recorded as an unrealized loss in our statement of stockholders equity. As a result of the severity and duration of the decline in the fair value of these securities the Company recorded a $15.9 million asset impairment charge during the nine months ended January 31, 2009 in the accompanying statement of operations in interest and other (loss) income, net. Because the impaired assets mirror liabilities to participants which have previously been adjusted to the market value of the assets, this non-cash charge does not impact the Company’s operations, operating income or liquidity.
As of January 31, 2009 we held approximately $12.4 million par value (with a fair value of $11.5 million) of marketable securities investments, classified as noncurrent assets, with an auction reset feature (“auction rate securities”) whose underlying assets are generally student loans which are substantially backed by the federal government. Continued liquidity issues in the global credit markets caused auctions for all of our auction rate securities to fail because the amount of securities offered for sale exceeded the amount of bids. As a result, the liquidity of our remaining auction rate securities has diminished. We expect this decreased liquidity will continue for as long as the present depressed global credit market environment persists, or until issuers refinance and replace these securities with other instruments. Despite the current auction market, we believe the credit quality of our auction rate securities remains high due to the creditworthiness of the issuers. We continue to collect interest when due and at this time we expect to continue to do so going forward. Additionally, we expect we will receive the principal balance through either future successful auctions, sales of these securities outside the auction process, the issuers’ establishment of different form of financing to replace these securities, or the maturing of the securities.
As of August 8, 2008 we received notification from one of our investment securities firms (“Investment Firm”) announcing a proposed settlement to repurchase all of our auction rate security holdings at par value. We formally accepted the settlement agreement and entered into a repurchase agreement (“Agreement”) with the Investment Firm on October 28, 2008 (“Acceptance Date”). By accepting the Agreement, we (1) received the right to sell our auction rate securities at par value to the Investment Firm between June 30, 2010 and July 2, 2012 and (2) gave the Investment Firm the right to purchase the auction rate securities from us any time after the Acceptance Date as long as we receive the par value. The Agreement covers $12.4 million par value (fair value of $11.5) of our auction rate securities as of January 31, 2009 and we expect to receive the entire par value upon the future liquidation of the securities.
We are not aware of any other trends, demands or commitments that would materially affect liquidity or those that relate to our resources.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements and have not entered into any transactions involving unconsolidated, limited purpose entities.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
As a result of our global operating activities, we are exposed to certain market risks, including foreign currency exchange fluctuations and fluctuations in interest. We manage our exposure to these risks in the normal course of our business as described below. We have not utilized financial instruments for trading, hedging or other speculative purposes nor do we trade in derivative financial instruments.
Foreign Currency Risk
Substantially all our foreign subsidiaries’ operations are measured in their local currencies. Assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange in effect at the end of each reporting period and revenue and expenses are translated at average rates of exchange during the reporting period. Resulting translation adjustments are reported as a component of comprehensive income on our consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity and accumulated other comprehensive income on our consolidated Balance Sheets.
Transactions denominated in a currency other than the reporting entity’s functional currency may give rise to transaction gains and losses that impact our results of operations. Historically, we have not realized significant foreign currency gains or losses on such transactions. In the three months ended January 31, 2009, we recognized foreign currency gains, after income taxes, of $0.2 million primarily related to our North America, Latin America and Corporate operations.
Our primary exposure to exchange losses is based on outstanding intercompany loan balances denominated in U.S. dollars. If the U.S. dollar strengthened 15%, 25% and 35% against the Pound Sterling, the Euro, the Canadian dollar, the Australian dollar and the Yen, our exchange loss would have been $3.4 million, $5.6 million and $7.9 million, respectively, based on outstanding balances at January 31, 2009. If the U.S. dollar weakened by the same increments against the Pound Sterling, the Euro, the Canadian dollar, the Australian dollar and the Yen, our exchange gain would have been $3.4 million, $5.6 million and $7.9 million, respectively, based on outstanding balances at January 31, 2009.

 

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Interest Rate Risk
We primarily manage our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates through our regular financing activities, which generally are short-term and provide for variable market rates. As discussed above, however, due to the extraordinary conditions in worldwide credit markets management felt it prudent after the end of the third quarter to draw down $42 million from its existing credit line, which is secured by substantially all of our assets, to maximize the Company’s financial flexibility. This action provided an additional $42 million of liquidity. We have $61.8 million of borrowings against the cash surrender value of COLI contracts as of January 31, 2009 bearing interest primarily at variable rates. The risk of fluctuations in these variable rates is minimized by the fact that we receive a corresponding adjustment to our borrowed funds crediting rate on the cash surrender value on our COLI contracts.
As of January 31, 2009, we held marketable securities (to settle obligations under the ECAP) with a cost value of $75.9 million and a fair value of $60.0 million. The difference between cost and fair value has previously been recorded as an unrealized loss in our statement of stockholders equity. As a result of the severity and duration of the decline in fair value of these securities the Company recorded a $15.9 million asset impairment charge during the nine months ended January 31, 2009 in the accompanying statement of operations in interest and other (loss) income, net. Because the impaired assets mirror liabilities to participants which have previously been adjusted to the market value of the assets, this non-cash charge does not impact the Company’s operations, operating income or liquidity.
As of January 31, 2009, we held approximately $12.4 million par value (fair valued of $11.5 million) of auction rate securities. Continued liquidity issues in the global credit markets caused auctions for all of our auction rate securities to fail, and there is no assurance that currently successful auctions on the other auction rate securities in our investment portfolio will continue to succeed. As a result of the current situation in the auction markets, our ability to liquidate our investment in auction rate securities and fully recover the carrying value of our investment in the near term may be limited or impossible. An auction failure means that the parties wishing to sell securities cannot. If in the future the issuers are unable to successfully close future auctions and their credit ratings deteriorate, we may be required to record an impairment charge on these investments. We believe we will be able to liquidate our investment without significant loss within the next year, however, it could take until the final maturity of the underlying notes (up to 30 years) to realize our investments’ recorded value. Based on our expected operating cash flows, and our other sources of cash, we do not anticipate the potential lack of liquidity on these investments will affect our ability to execute our current business plan.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.
As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”)) under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Based upon such evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
(b) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting.
During the fiscal quarter ended January 31, 2009, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
From time to time, we are involved in litigation both as plaintiff and defendant, relating to claims arising out of our operations that is ordinary, routine litigation incidental to the business. As of the date of this report, we are not engaged in any legal proceedings that are expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
In our Form 10-K, we described material risk factors facing the business. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business operations. As of the date of this report, except as noted, there have been no material changes to risk factors described in our Form 10-K.
Global economic developments and the economic conditions in the geographic regions and the industries from which we derive a significant portion of our fee revenue could undermine our future profitability.
Demand for our services is affected by global economic conditions and the general level of economic activity in the geographic regions and industries in which we operate. When conditions in the global economy, including the credit markets, deteriorate, or economic activity slows, many companies hire fewer permanent employees. Those regions and industries have recently deteriorated significantly and may remain depressed for the foreseeable future. If the national or global economy or credit market conditions in general do not improve or deteriorate further in the future, the demand for our services could continue to weaken, resulting in lower cash flows and a negative effect on our financial condition.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
During the three months ended January 31, 2009, the Company repurchased shares of its common stock under the common stock repurchase program approved by the Board of Directors in November 2007. Pursuant to this program, shares can be repurchased in open market transactions or privately negotiated transactions at the Company’s discretion.
                                 
                            Approximate  
                    Shares     Dollar Value of  
                    Purchased     Shares that  
            Average     as Part of a     May Yet Be  
            Price     Publicly-     Purchased  
            Paid     Announced     Under the  
    Shares     Per     Program     Program  
    Purchased     Share     (1)     (1)  
November 1, 2008 – November 30, 2008
    156,426     $ 12.37       154,400     $ 36.4 million  
December 1, 2008 – December 31, 2008
    710     $ 11.63           $ 36.4 million  
January 1, 2009 – January 31, 2009
    1,200     $ 11.16           $ 36.4 million  
 
                           
Balance as of January 31, 2009
    158,336               154,400          
 
                           
     
(1)  
On November 2, 2007, the Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to $50 million of the Company’s common stock in a common stock repurchase program. The shares can be repurchased in open market transactions or privately negotiated transactions at the Company’s discretion.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Not applicable.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the third quarter of fiscal year 2009.
Item 5. Other Information
Due to deteriorating economic conditions encountered in the current fiscal year, the Company implemented a restructuring of its cost structure designed to reduce the work force by approximately 400 employees and to consolidate premises. This initiative resulted in a total charge of $16.8 million against operations in the three months ended January 31, 2009 of which $13.5 million and $3.3 million related to severance costs and the consolidation of premises, respectively (See Note 5 to the Company’s condensed financial statements).

 

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Item 6. Exhibits
         
Exhibit    
Number   Description of Exhibit
  3.1 *  
Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, dated December 15, 1999.
       
 
  3.2 *  
Certificate of Designations of 7.5% Convertible Preferred Stock, filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated June 18, 2002.
       
 
  3.3 *  
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, filed as Exhibit 3.3 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated October 29, 2002.
       
 
  31.1    
Certification by Chief Executive Office pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Exchange Act, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
       
 
  31.2    
Certification by Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Exchange Act, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
       
 
  32.1    
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
     
*  
incorporated by reference.

 

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SIGNATURE
In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the registrant has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
         
  KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL
 
 
Date: March 12, 2009  By:   /s/ STEPHEN J. GIUSTO    
    Stephen J. Giusto   
    Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer   

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX
         
Exhibit    
Number   Description of Exhibit
  31.1    
Certification by Chief Executive Office pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Exchange Act, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
       
 
  31.2    
Certification by Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Exchange Act, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
       
 
  32.1    
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

 

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