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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 

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

 

For the quarterly period ended January 31, 2004 or

 

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

 

For the transition period from                      to                     

 

Commission File Number 001-14505

 


 

KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   95-2623879  
(State of other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number
 
)

 

1800 Century Park East, Suite 900, Los Angeles, California 90067

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

(310) 552-1834

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

 

Yes (X) No (    )

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

Yes (X) No (    )

 

The number of shares outstanding of our common stock as of March 9, 2004 was 37,894,244.

 



Table of Contents

KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Table of Contents

 

PART I.

   FINANCIAL INFORMATION    Page

Item 1.

   Financial Statements     
     Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 31, 2004 (unaudited) and April 30, 2003    3
     Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months and nine months ended January 31, 2004 and 2003    4
     Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended January 31, 2004 and 2003    5
     Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements    6

Item 2.

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    13

Item 3.

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    21

Item 4.

   Controls and Procedures    21

PART II.

   OTHER INFORMATION     

Item 6.

   Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K    22

SIGNATURE

   23

CERTIFICATIONS

    

 

 

2


Table of Contents

PART I.    FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.    Financial Statements

 

KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

    

As of

January 31, 2004


   

As of

April 30, 2003


 
     (unaudited)        

ASSETS

                

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 76,906     $ 82,685  

Receivables due from clients, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $8,412 and $7,199

     51,845       46,737  

Income tax and other receivables

     6,089       12,648  

Deferred income taxes

     9,162       9,162  

Prepaid expenses

     10,096       10,403  
    


 


Total current assets

     154,098       161,635  

Property and equipment, net

     22,167       27,698  

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

     58,453       53,143  

Deferred income taxes

     25,263       23,897  

Goodwill

     100,151       94,729  

Deferred financing costs, investments and other

     7,518       7,911  
    


 


Total assets

   $ 367,650     $ 369,013  
    


 


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                

Notes payable

   $     $ 5,099  

Accounts payable

     7,032       8,651  

Compensation and benefits payable

     44,410       52,206  

Other accrued liabilities

     27,485       23,006  
    


 


Total current liabilities

     78,927       88,962  

Deferred compensation and other retirement plans

     52,156       49,944  

Long-term debt

     43,635       41,364  

Other liabilities

     10,854       12,682  

7.5% Convertible mandatorily redeemable preferred stock, net of unamortized discount and issuance costs, redemption value, 11,120

     10,284       9,606  
    


 


Total liabilities

     195,856       202,558  

Stockholders’ equity

                

Common stock: $0.01 par value, 150,000 shares authorized, 39,156 and 38,642 shares issued and 38,000 and 37,590 shares outstanding

     305,111       302,021  

Retained deficit

     (129,938 )     (126,607 )

Unearned restricted stock compensation

     (2,170 )     (1,560 )

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (178 )     (6,044 )
    


 


Stockholders’ equity

     172,825       167,810  

Less: Notes receivable from stockholders

     (1,031 )     (1,355 )
    


 


Total stockholders’ equity

     171,794       166,455  
    


 


Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 367,650     $ 369,013  
    


 


 

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Table of Contents

KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     Three Months Ended
January 31,


    Nine Months Ended
January 31,


 
     2004

   2003

    2004

    2003

 
     (unaudited)     (unaudited)  

Fee revenue

   $ 81,362         $ 75,536     $ 230,599     $ 239,058  

Reimbursed out-of-pocket engagement expenses

     5,323           5,127       16,384       17,051  
    

  
  


 


 


Total revenue

     86,685           80,663       246,983       256,109  

Compensation and benefits

     53,625           54,549       156,298       169,637  

General and administrative expenses

     18,724           16,697       53,026       55,294  

Out-of-pocket engagement expenses

     5,544           5,234       16,800       17,051  

Depreciation and amortization

     2,546           4,000       7,833       12,292  

Restructuring charges

     —             —         8,526       16,281  
    

  
  


 


 


Total operating expenses

     80,439           80,480       242,483       270,555  

Operating income (loss)

     6,246           183       4,500       (14,446 )

Interest income and other income, net

     591           87       1,061       1,470  

Interest expense

     2,370           2,704       7,793       7,757  
    

  
  


 


 


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

     4,467           (2,434 )     (2,232 )     (20,733 )

Provision for income taxes

     744           479       1,675       1,537  

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries

     162           354       576       1,111  
    

  
  


 


 


Net income (loss)

     3,885           (2,559 )     (3,331 )     (21,159 )

Accretion on redeemable convertible preferred stock

     —             (245 )     —         (611 )
    

  
  


 


 


Net income (loss) attributed to common stockholders

   $ 3,885         $ (2,804 )   $ (3,331 )   $ (21,770 )
    

  
  


 


 


Basic earnings (loss) per common share

   $ 0.10         $ (0.07 )   $ (0.09 )   $ (0.58 )
    

  
  


 


 


Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

     37,506           37,546       37,474       37,631  
    

  
  


 


 


Diluted earnings (loss) per common share

   $ 0.10         $ (0.07 )   $ (0.09 )   $ (0.58 )
    

  
  


 


 


Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding

     40,639           37,546       37,474       37,631  
    

  
  


 


 


 

 

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

 

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Table of Contents

KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

 

     Nine Months Ended
January 31,


 
     2004

    2003

 
     (unaudited)  

Cash from operating activities:

                

Net loss

   $ (3,331 )   $ (21,159 )

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:

                

Depreciation

     7,779       11,328  

Amortization of intangible assets

     54       964  

Amortization of note payable discount

             244  

Interest paid in kind and amortization of discount on convertible securities

     3,390       2,190  

Loss(gain) on disposition of property and equipment

     144       (2 )

Unrealized loss on marketable securities and other assets

             610  

Provision for doubtful accounts

     3,299       4,513  

Gains on cash surrender value of life insurance policies

     (3,555 )     (189 )

Deferred income tax (benefit) provision

     (1,366 )     331  

Asset impairment charge

     464       1,113  

Restructuring charge

             1,554  

Restricted stock compensation

     1,332       974  

Change in other assets and liabilities

                

Deferred compensation

     2,362       3,886  

Receivables

     (1,914 )     19,372  

Prepaid expenses

     307       (96 )

Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries

     160       (454 )

Income taxes

             370  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     (4,937 )     (25,592 )

Other

     (2,124 )     8,776  
    


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     2,064       8,733  
    


 


Cash from investing activities:

                

Purchase of property and equipment

     (1,181 )     (658 )

Premiums on life insurance policies

     (3,820 )     (7,100 )

Proceeds from surrender of life insurance policies

     5,859          

Proceeds from life insurance

     594       738  

Purchase of Futurestep minority shares

     (570 )        
    


 


Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     882       (7,020 )
    


 


Cash from financing activities:

                

Proceeds from issuance of convertible debt, preferred stock and warrants, net

           45,628  

Payments on previous credit facility

           (39,000 )

Payment of shareholder acquisition notes

     (5,099 )     (9,528 )

Payments on life insurance policy loans

     (5,970 )        

Borrowings under life insurance policies

     1,648       8,198  

Purchase of common stock and payment on related notes

     (969 )     (1,298 )

Proceeds from issuance of common stock and receipts on stockholders’ notes

     2,291       743  
    


 


Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     (8,099 )     4,743  
    


 


Effect of exchange rate changes on cash flows

     (626 )     (4,181 )
    


 


Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (5,779 )     2,275  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period

     82,685       66,128  
    


 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period

   $ 76,906     $ 68,403  
    


 


 

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

 

5


Table of Contents

KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2004 and 2003 include the accounts of Korn/Ferry International (“KFY”) and all of its wholly and majority owned domestic and international subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”). The consolidated financial statements are unaudited, but include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals and any other adjustments, which 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, 2003 (“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 accounting principles generally accepted in the United States 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 deferred income taxes.

 

Stock Based Compensation

 

The Company accounts for its employee stock options under the recognition and measurement principles of Accounting Principles Board Opinion (“APB”) No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related interpretations. Under APB No. 25, no stock-based compensation is reflected in net income (loss), when stock options granted under the Company’s stock option plans have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant and the related number of shares granted is fixed at that point in time.

 

In December 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure”, effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002. This rule amends SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-based Compensation,” to provide several alternatives for adopting the stock option expense provisions of SFAS No. 123, as well as additional required interim financial statement disclosures. SFAS No. 148 does not require companies to expense stock options in current operations. The Company has not adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 123 for expensing stock-based compensation; however, the Company has adopted the additional interim disclosure provisions required by SFAS 148.

 

6


Table of Contents

KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—

(Continued)

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

The following table illustrates the effect on net income (loss) and earnings (loss) per share as if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 148:

 

     Three Months Ended
January 31,


    Nine Months Ended
January 31,


 
     2004

    2003

    2004

    2003

 

Net income (loss) attributed to common stockholders, as reported

   $ 3,885     $ (2,804 )   $ (3,331 )   $ (21,770 )

Stock-based employee compensation charges:

                                

Determined under the fair-value based method

     (3,818 )     (10,394 )     (13,265 )     (27,593 )
    


 


 


 


Net income (loss) attributed to common stockholders, as adjusted

   $ 67     $ (13,198 )   $ (16,596 )   $ (49,363 )
    


 


 


 


Basic EPS

                                

As reported

   $ 0.10     $ (0.07 )   $ (0.09 )   $ (0.58 )

Pro forma

   $ 0.00     $ (0.35 )   $ (0.44 )   $ (1.31 )

Dilutive EPS

                                

As reported

   $ 0.10     $ (0.07 )   $ (0.09 )   $ (0.58 )

Pro forma

   $ 0.00     $ (0.35 )   $ (0.44 )   $ (1.31 )

 

The fair value of options granted in the three and nine months ended January 31, 2004 and 2003 is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with a zero dividend rate and the following assumptions:

 

     2004

    2003

 

Expected stock volatility

   64.3 %   66.2 %

Risk-free interest rate

   4.04 %   3.76 %

Expected option life (in years)

   7.50     7.50  

 

The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options. The assumptions used in option valuation models are highly subjective, particularly the expected stock price volatility of the underlying stock. Because changes in these subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate in management’s opinion, existing valuation models do not provide a reliable, single measure of the fair value of its employee stock options. For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair values of the options are amortized over the options’ vesting periods.

 

Reclassifications

 

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

 

New Accounting Pronouncements

 

In January 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46 (FIN 46), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities”, effective as of the first annual or interim period ending after March 31, 2004. Under FIN 46, a business enterprise that has a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity would include the variable interest entity’s assets, liabilities and results of operations in their consolidated financial statements. The adoption of this pronouncement will not have an impact on the results of the Company’s operations or financial position.

 

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Table of Contents

KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—

(Continued)

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

2. Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share

 

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

 

     Three Months Ended
January 31,


    Nine Months Ended
January 31,


 
     2004

   2003

    2004

    2003

 

Net income (loss) (Numerator):

                               

Net income (loss)

   $ 3,885    $ (2,559 )   $ (3,331 )   $ (21,159 )

Accretion on redeemable convertible preferred stock

            (245 )             (611 )
    

  


 


 


Net income (loss) for basic EPS

   $ 3,885    $ (2,804 )   $ (3,331 )   $ (21,770 )
    

  


 


 


Shares (Denominator):

                               

Weighted average shares for basic EPS

     37,506      37,546       37,474       37,631  

Effect of convertible subordinated notes

                               

convertible preferred stock

     1,091                         

warrants

                               

restricted stock

     140                         

stock options

     1,893                         

employee stock purchase plan

     9                         
    

  


 


 


Adjusted weighted average shares for diluted EPS

     40,639      37,546       37,474       37,631  
    

  


 


 


Basic earnings (loss) per share

   $ 0.10    $ (0.07 )   $ (0.09 )   $ (0.58 )
    

  


 


 


Diluted earnings (loss) per share

   $ 0.10    $ (0.07 )   $ (0.09 )   $ (0.58 )
    

  


 


 


 

Assumed exercises or conversions have been excluded in computing the diluted earnings per share when their inclusion would be anti-dilutive. If the assumed exercises or conversions had been used, the fully diluted shares outstanding for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2004 would have been 45,004 and 44,183.

 

3. Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

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

 

Total comprehensive income (loss) is as follows:

 

     Three Months
Ended January 31,


    Nine Months
EndedJanuary 31,


 
     2004

   2003

    2004

    2003

 

Net income (loss)

   $ 3,885    $ (2,559 )   $ (3,331 )   $ (21,159 )

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     4,473      3,860       5,865       6,238  
    

  


 


 


Comprehensive income (loss)

   $ 8,358    $ 1,301     $ 2,534     $ (14,921 )
    

  


 


 


 

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KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—

(Continued)

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

The accumulated other comprehensive loss of $0.2 million at January 31, 2004 is comprised of foreign currency translation adjustments.

 

4. Restructuring Charges

 

Based on deteriorating economic conditions in fiscal 2002, the Company began a series of restructuring initiatives to address its cost structure and to reposition the enterprise to gain market share and take advantage of any potential economic up-trend. These business realignment initiatives reduced the Company’s work force by nearly 30%, or over 850 employees. Such initiatives included consolidating back-office functions of Futurestep and executive recruitment, exiting the college recruitment market, discontinuing the operations of JobDirect and writing-down related assets and goodwill. These restructuring initiatives resulted in total charges of $93.2 million and $16.3 million against operating results in fiscal 2002 and 2003, respectively.

 

In June 2003, the Company further streamlined its infrastructure and improved organizational efficiencies. Near term activities focused on the continued consolidation of back-office functions, reduction of corporate and administrative overhead, and other adjustments to its cost base. As such, the Company incurred a restructuring charge of $8.5 million, which includes $6.7 million of severance and benefits related to 162 staff reductions, $0.9 million related to facilities, $0.4 million related to the write-off of related assets and $0.5 million related to other charges.

 

Operating results include restructuring charges related to the following business segments in the nine months ended January 31, 2004:

 

     Restructuring

     Severance

   Facilities

    Total

Executive recruitment

                     

North America

   $ 455    $ (191 )   $ 264

Europe

     4,405      505       4,910

Asia Pacific

     160            160

South America

     58            58
    

  


 

Total executive recruitment

     5,078      314       5,392

Futurestep

     1,474      1,508       2,982

Corporate

     152              152
    

  


 

Total

   $ 6,704    $ 1,822     $ 8,526
    

  


 

 

Executive recruitment severance of $5.1 million includes 112 employees terminated. The $0.3 million of facilities restructuring charge is net of a $0.8 million favorable adjustment related to previously reported restructured properties as a result of subleases signed at better terms than originally anticipated. The facilities restructuring charge primarily relates to lease termination costs, net of estimated sublease income, for excess space in three executive recruitment offices and includes $0.2 million related to the write-down of fixed assets and $0.3 million of other restructuring charges.

 

Futurestep severance of $1.5 million includes 43 employees terminated. Facilities of $1.5 million relates to five Futurestep Europe offices that were closed as employees were co-located with executive recruitment offices and includes $0.2 million related to the write-down of related fixed assets and $0.2 million of other restructuring charges.

 

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KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—

(Continued)

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

Corporate severance of $0.1 million includes 7 employees terminated.

 

In the three months ending January 31, 2003, revisions were made to costs associated with certain previously recorded restructuring charges as follows: a reduction of $893 related to facilities in North America, an increase of $893 related to facilities in Europe and an increase of $1,578 related to Futurestep facilities. In addition, the Company recognized a $1,578 gain primarily related to a litigation settlement related to a former subsidiary.

 

Operating results include restructuring charges related to the following business segments in the nine months ended January 31, 2003:

 

     Asset Impairment

    Restructuring

  
 
     Other

    Severance

   Facilities

   Total

 

Executive recruitment

                              

North America

   $ 109     $ 2,313    $ 3,329    $ 5,751  

Europe

           809      4,534      5,343  

Asia/Pacific

           312           312  
    


 

  

  


Total executive recruitment

   $ 109     $ 3,434    $ 7,863    $ 11,406  

Futurestep

     689       761      3,925      5,375  

Corporate

     (1,578 )     1,078           (500 )
    


 

  

  


Total

   $ (780 )   $ 5,273    $ 11,788    $ 16,281  
    


 

  

  


 

The total restructuring charge for severance in the amount of $5,273 includes severance for approximately 130 employees.

 

The facilities restructuring charge of $7,863 in executive recruitment relates primarily to lease termination costs, net of estimated sublease income, for excess space in eight executive recruitment offices due to the reduction in workforce and includes $1,042 related to unamortized leasehold improvements. The write-off of facility related assets was $109.

 

The facilities restructuring charge of $3,925 relates to eight Futurestep offices that were closed as employees were co-located with executive recruitment in Europe and Asia Pacific and includes $340 related to unamortized leasehold improvements. The write-off of facility related assets was $689.

 

A roll-forward of the restructuring liability at January 31, 2004 is as follows:

 

     Restructuring

 
     Severance

    Facilities

    Total

 

Liability as of April 30, 2003

   $ 821     $ 13,965     $ 14,786  

Charged to expense

     6,704       1,822       8,526  

Non-cash items

           (401 )     (401 )

Payments

     (5,771 )     (4,368 )     (10,139 )
    


 


 


Liability as of January 31, 2004

   $ 1,754     $ 11,018     $ 12,772  
    


 


 


 

The severance accrual includes amounts paid monthly and are expected to be paid in full by September 2004. The accrued liability for facilities costs relates to commitments under operating leases, net of estimated sublease income, of which $8.5 million is included in other long-term liabilities, paid over the next eight years.

 

 

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KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—

(Continued)

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

5. Mandatorily Redeemable Convertible Securities

 

In June 2002, the Company issued 7.5% Convertible Subordinated Notes in an aggregate principal amount of $40.0 million, 10,000 shares of 7.5% Convertible Series A Preferred Stock at an aggregate purchase price of $10.0 million and warrants to purchase 272,727 shares of its Common Stock at an exercise price of $12.00. The warrants were recorded at fair value resulting in discounts on the Notes and Preferred Stock (together “the securities”) of $1.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively, that are amortized over the life of the securities.

 

In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity” effective at the beginning of the first interim period after June 15, 2003. This Statement requires mandatorily redeemable instruments be classified as liabilities. The Company adopted this Statement and classified its convertible mandatorily redeemable preferred stock as a liability. Prior year consolidated balance sheet has been reclassified to conform to this Statement. The Company also reported its accretion on redeemable convertible preferred stock to interest expense in the three and nine months ended January 31, 2004.

 

The securities may be redeemed at the option of the purchasers after June 13, 2008, the sixth anniversary of the closing date, at a price equal to 101% of the issuance price plus all accrued interest and dividends. The securities are mandatorily redeemable if outstanding on June 13, 2010, at a price equal to 101% of the issuance price plus accrued interest and dividends. From the third to the sixth year, the securities are subject to optional redemption by the Company provided certain minimum price targets of the Company’s common stock are achieved.

 

Interest and dividends are payable semi-annually with 1% payable in cash and 6.5% payable in additional Notes and Preferred Stock for the first two year period from the date of issuance. Thereafter, interest and dividends are payable in either additional securities or cash at the option of the Company. The Company also incurred issuance costs of $4.3 million that have been deferred and are being amortized as interest expense using the effective interest method over the life of securities with respect to $3.4 million allocated to the Notes and $0.9 million allocated to the Preferred Stock.

 

6. Business Segments

 

The Company operates in two global business segments, executive recruitment and Futurestep. These segments are distinguished primarily by the method used to identify candidates and the candidates level of compensation. The executive recruitment business segment is managed by geographic regional leaders. Revenue from strategic management assessment and other consulting engagements is included in executive recruitment. Futurestep is managed on a worldwide basis by the President of Futurestep. The executive recruitment geographic regional leaders and the President of Futurestep report directly to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

 

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KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—

(Continued)

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

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

 

     Three months ended
January 31,


   Nine months ended
January 31,


     2004

   2003

   2004

   2003

Fee revenue:

                           

Executive recruitment:

                           

North America

   $ 42,074    $ 39,126    $ 119,096    $ 123,601

Europe

     19,877      18,654      55,892      59,975

Asia Pacific

     8,893      8,562      25,214      25,409

South America

     1,973      1,829      6,274      5,487
    

  

  

  

Total executive recruitment

     72,817      68,171      206,476      214,472

Futurestep

     8,545      7,365      24,123      24,586
    

  

  

  

Total fee revenue

     81,362      75,536      230,599      239,058

Reimbursed out-of-pocket engagement expenses

     5,323      5,127      16,384      17,051
    

  

  

  

Total revenue

   $ 86,685    $ 80,663    $ 246,983    $ 256,109
    

  

  

  

 

     Three months ended
January 31,


    Nine months ended
January 31,


 
     2004

    2003

    2004

    2003

 

Operating income (loss) before restructuring charges

                                

Executive recruitment:

                                

North America

   $ 9,548     $ 4,945     $ 23,886     $ 19,103  

Europe

     604       2,550       951       5,269  

Asia Pacific

     1,234       941       2,210       1,376  

South America

     (26 )     (46 )     374       (995 )
    


 


 


 


Total executive recruitment

     11,360       8,390       27,421       24,753  

Futurestep

     628       (1,312 )     558       (4,041 )

Corporate

     (5,742 )     (6,895 )     (14,953 )     (18,877 )
    


 


 


 


Operating income before restructuring charges

     6,246       183       13,026       1,835  

Restructuring charges (Note 4)

                     (8,526 )     (16,281 )
    


 


 


 


Total operating income (loss)

   $ 6,246     $ 183     $ 4,500     $ (14,446 )
    


 


 


 


 

 

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

 

Forward-looking Statements

 

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

 

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

 

Overview

 

We are a leading provider of recruitment and leadership development services with the broadest global presence in the recruitment industry. Our services include executive recruitment, middle-management recruitment services (through Futurestep), strategic management assessment and executive coaching. We have approximately 385 executive recruitment consultants and 45 Futurestep consultants based in nearly 70 cities across 36 countries. Our clients are many of the world’s largest and most prestigious public and private companies, middle-market and emerging growth companies as well as government and not-for-profit organizations. Over half of the executive recruitment searches we performed in fiscal 2003 were for board level, chief executive and other senior executive positions and our 3,250 clients included approximately 40% of the Fortune 500 companies. We have established strong client loyalty; more than 79% of the executive recruitment assignments we performed in fiscal 2003 were on behalf of clients for whom we had conducted multiple assignments over the last three fiscal years.

 

Our executive recruitment revenues are driven by the average number of billable engagements during the period as well as the number of new engagements opened during the period. Depending on when engagements are opened during a particular quarter, new engagements can impact revenue in the following quarter. Our revenues are also driven by changes in the average fees per engagement opened.

 

In the current quarter we reported positive earnings per share for the second consecutive quarter. The improvement in our earnings reflects the success of our multi-product strategy coupled with our restructuring initiatives and cost savings efforts discussed below.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and operating results are based on our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. Preparation of this Form 10-Q requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during

 

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the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those estimates and assumptions. In preparing our 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 deferred income taxes as critical to an understanding of our financial statements because their application places the most significant demands on management’s judgment. Specific risks for these critical accounting policies are described in our Fiscal 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Results of Operations

 

The following table summarizes the results of our operations for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2004 and 2003 as a percentage of fee revenue:

 

     Three months ended
January 31,


    Nine months ended
January 31,


 
     2004

    2003

    2004

    2003

 

Fee revenue

   100 %   100 %   100 %   100 %

Total revenue

   107     107     107     107  

Compensation and benefits

   66     72     68     71  

General and administrative expenses

   23     22     23     23  

Out-of-pocket engagement expenses

   7     7     7     7  

Depreciation and amortization

   3     5     3     5  

Restructuring charges

   0     0     4     7  

Operating income (loss)*

   8     0     2     (6 )

Net income (loss)

   5     (3 )   (1 )   (9 )

 

* Operating income (loss), excluding restructuring charges, as a percentage of fee revenue was 6% and 1% for the nine months ended January 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. On the same basis, net income (loss) as a percentage of fee revenue was 3% and (2%) for the nine months ended January 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

The following tables summarize the results of our operations by business segment. The operating margin is calculated based on fee revenue.

 

     Three Months Ended January 31,

    Nine Months Ended January 31,

 
     2004

    2003

    2004

    2003

 
Fee revenue    Dollars

   %

    Dollars

   %

    Dollars

   %

    Dollars

   %

 

Executive recruitment:

                                                    

North America

   $ 42,074    52 %   $ 39,126    52 %   $ 119,096    52 %   $ 123,601    52 %

Europe

     19,877    24       18,654    25       55,892    24       59,975    25  

Asia Pacific

     8,893    11       8,562    11       25,214    11       25,409    11  

South America

     1,973    2       1,829    2       6,274    3       5,487    2  
    

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Total executive recruitment

     72,817    89 %     68,171    90 %     206,476    90 %     214,472    90 %

Futurestep

     8,545    11       7,365    10       24,123    10       24,586    10  
    

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Total fee revenue

     81,362    100 %     75,536    100 %     230,599    100 %     239,058    100 %

Reimbursed expenses

     5,323            5,127            16,384            17,051       
    

        

        

        

      

Total revenue

   $ 86,685          $ 80,663          $ 246,983          $ 256,109       
    

        

        

        

      

 

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     Three Months Ended January 31,

    Nine Months Ended January 31,

 
     2004

    2003

    2004

    2003

 
Operating income (loss)    Dollars

    %

    Dollars

    %

    Dollars

    %

    Dollars

    %

 

Executive recruitment:

                                                        

North America

   $ 9,548     23 %   $ 5,838         15 %   $ 23,622     20 %   $ 13,352     11 %

Europe

     604     3       1,657     9       (3,959 )   (7 )     (74 )   0  

Asia Pacific

     1,234     14       941     11       2,050     8       1,064     4  

South America

     (26 )   (1 )     (46 )   (3 )     316     5       (995 )   (18 )
    


       


       


       


     

Total executive recruitment

     11,360     16       8,390     12       22,029     11       13,347     6  

Futurestep

     628     7       (2,890 )   (39 )     (2,424 )   (10 )     (9,416 )   (38 )

Corporate

     (5,742 )           (5,317 )           (15,105 )           (18,377 )      
    


       


       


       


     

Total operating income (loss) come (loss)

   $ 6,246     %   $ 183     0 %   $ 4,500     2 %   $ (14,446 )   (6 )%
    


       


       


       


     
     Three Months Ended January 31,

    Nine Months Ended January 31,

 
     2004

    2003

    2004

    2003

 
     Dollars

    %

    Dollars

    %

    Dollars

    %

    Dollars

    %

 

Adjusted operating income (loss) (a) Executive recruitment:

                                                        

North America

   $ 9,548     23 %   $ 4,945     13 %   $ 23,886     20 %   $ 19,103     15 %

Europe

     604     3       2,550     14       951     2       5,269     9  

Asia Pacific

     1,234     14       941     11       2,210     9       1,376     5  

Latin America

     (26 )   (1 )     (46 )   (3 )     374     6       (995 )   (18 )
    


       


       


       


     

Total executive recruitment

     11,360     16       8,390     12       27,421     13       24,753     12  

Futurestep

     628     7       (1,312 )   (18 )     558     2       (4,041 )   (16 )

Corporate

     (5,742 )           (6,895 )           (14,953 )           (18,877 )      
    


       


       


       


     

Total adjusted operating income (loss)

   $ 6,246     8 %   $ 183     0 %   $ 13,026     6 %   $ 1,835     1 %
    


       


       


       


     

 

(a) Adjusted operating income (loss) are non-GAAP financial measures and exclude restructuring charges of $1.6 million for Futurestep and ($1.6) million for Corporate for the three months ended January 31, 2003. Restructuring charges of $8.5 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2004 are as follows: $0.3 million in North America, $4.9 million in Europe, $0.2 million in Asia Pacific, $3.0 million in Futurestep, and $0.1 million in Corporate. Restructuring charges of $16.3 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2003 are as follows: $5.8 million in North America, $5.3 million in Europe, $0.3 million in Asia Pacific, $5.4 million in Futurestep, and ($0.5) million in Corporate. These charges primarily relate to severance and facility charges and do not affect fee revenue or revenue. We present adjusted amounts as alternative measures to the actual amounts for comparison purposes. We use the adjusted amounts to analyze our operating results since we believe that the restructuring charges do not reflect, and make it difficult to compare, our ongoing operations over various quarters.

 

Three Months Ended January 31, 2004 Compared to Three Months Ended January 31, 2003

 

Fee Revenue. Fee revenue increased $5.9 million, or 8%, to $81.4 million for the three months ended January 31, 2004 compared to $75.5 million for the three months ended January 31, 2003. The increase in fee revenue is attributable to an increase in the number of new engagements opened across all executive recruitment regions as well as an increase in North America fee revenue of $4.4 million. Exchange rates favorably impacted fee revenues by $4.3 million in the current quarter.

 

Executive Recruitment – All geographic regions reported higher fee revenue and an increase in the number of new engagements opened in the three months ended January 31, 2004 compared to the same period last year. Average fees per engagement were fairly consistent in all geographic regions with prior period at constant foreign exchange rates. North America fee revenue increased $2.9 million, or 8%, to $42.1 million in the current

 

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quarter due to the increase in the number of new engagements opened in the current quarter. Europe reported fee revenue of $19.9 million, an increase of $1.2 million, or 7%, compared to the same period last year driven by exchange rates that had a favorable impact on fee revenue. The number of new engagements opened in Europe increased approximately 30% compared to the same period last year. Asia Pacific fee revenue increased $0.3 million, or 4%, to $8.9 million compared to the same period last year. South America reported fee revenue of $2.0 million, an increase of $0.1 million, or 8%, compared to the same period last year driven by exchange rates that had a favorable impact on fee revenue.

 

Futurestep—Fee revenue increased $1.2 million, or 16%, to $8.5 million in the three months ended January 31, 2004 compared to $7.4 million in the three months ended January 31, 2003. North America had an increase in fee revenue of $1.5 million, or 86%, over prior year offset by a decrease in Europe fee revenues of $0.5 million, or 11%, over prior year. The increase in North America fee revenue is due to our strategic movement toward large projects, including managed services. The decrease in Europe fee revenue reflects the closing of certain Futurestep Europe entities, which generated $1.1 million in fee revenue in the prior period. Exchange rates increased Futurestep Europe fee revenues by $0.5 million.

 

Compensation and Benefits. Compensation and benefits expense decreased $0.9 million, or 2%, to $53.6 million in the three months ended January 31, 2004 compared to $54.5 million in the three months ended January 31, 2003. The decline in compensation and benefits expense reflects a reduction of approximately 150 employees which reduced compensation and benefit expense by approximately $3.7 million. This decline was partially offset by the unfavorable impact of exchange rates in the amount of $2.8 million in the current quarter versus prior year quarter. Executive recruitment compensation and benefits costs of $44.5 million was consistent with the same period last year. Exchange rates increased executive recruitment compensation and benefits expense in the current quarter by $2.3 million. Compensation and benefits expense decreased from 65% of fee revenue to 61% in the current quarter. Futurestep compensation and benefits expense of $5.9 million was consistent with the same period last year. Exchange rates increased Futurestep compensation and benefits expense by $0.6 million in the current quarter versus prior year quarter. Futurestep compensation and benefits expense decreased significantly from 83% of fee revenue to 69% in the current quarter. Corporate compensation and benefits expense declined $0.9 million, or 21%, reflecting the reduction in our workforce and the improved return on investments related to our Company Owned Life Insurance (“COLI”) policies.

 

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses increased $2.0 million, or 12%, to $18.7 million in the three months ended January 31, 2004 compared to $16.7 million in the same period last year. Exchange rates increased general and administrative expense by $0.8 million in the current quarter. In executive recruitment, general and administrative expenses increased $2.6 million, or 21%. The increase is due to the fact that there was a favorable exchange gain of $1.1 million recognized in the three months ended January 31, 2003, not repeated in the current quarter. In addition, there was an increase of bad debt expense of $1.0 million and an increase of facilities expense of $0.7 million related to the relocation of one of our larger offices in Europe. Executive recruitment general and administrative expenses increased slightly from 18% of fee revenue in the prior year to 20%. Futurestep general and administrative expenses decreased $0.3 million, or 18%, compared to the same period last year due to our cost efficiency efforts. Futurestep general and administrative expenses decreased significantly to 19% of fee revenue in the current quarter from 26% in the same period last year. Corporate general and administrative expenses decreased $0.2 million, or 8%, as a result of our on-going cost reduction efforts.

 

Out-of-Pocket Engagement Expenses. Out-of-pocket engagement expenses are comprised of expenses incurred by candidates and our consultants that are generally billed to clients.

 

Out-of-pocket engagement expenses of $5.5 million in the three months ended January 31, 2004 increased $0.3 million, or 6%, from $5.2 million in the three months ended January 31, 2003. As a percentage of fee revenue, out-of-pocket engagement expenses remained constant at 7% in both periods.

 

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Depreciation and Amortization Expenses. Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $1.5 million, or 36%, compared to the same period last year as a result of a significant amount of fixed assets becoming fully depreciated in the second half of fiscal 2003.

 

Restructuring A Futurestep restructuring charge of $1.6 million was recognized in the three months ended January 31, 2003 as a result of revised facility estimates for previous restructuring initiatives. This amount was substantially offset by a gain primarily related to a litigation settlement related to a former subsidiary.

 

Operating Income (Loss.) Operating income was $6.2 million in the current quarter compared to $0.2 million in the same period last year.

 

Executive recruitment operating income increased to $11.4 million, or 16% of fee revenue in the three months ended January 31, 2004 compared to operating income of $8.4 million, or 12% of fee revenue in the three months ended January 31, 2003. The $3.0 million increase in executive recruitment operating income was driven by the increase in North America fee revenue in the current quarter.

 

Futurestep operating income of $0.6 million improved $1.9 million compared to adjusted operating loss of $1.3 million, excluding restructuring charges of $1.6 million in the three months ended January 31, 2003. Actual operating loss was $2.9 million for the three months ended January 31 ,2003. The improvement in Futurestep operating income relates to the increase in fee revenue as well as the success of our cost efficiency efforts. Operating income was 7% of fee revenue in the current quarter compared to adjusted operating loss of (18%) of fee revenue in the same period last year. Actual operating loss for the three months ended January 31, 2003 was (39%) of fee revenue.

 

Interest Income and Other Income, Net. Interest income and other income, net includes interest income of $0.3 million for the three months ended January 31, 2004 compared to $0.5 million in the same period last year. The decrease in interest income is due to lower investment balances. Other income was $0.3 million in the three months ended January 31, 2004 compared to other loss of $0.3 million in the same period last year.

 

Interest Expense. Interest expense, primarily related to the borrowings under COLI policies and our convertible securities, was $2.4 million, down $0.3 million compared to the same period last year. The decrease in interest expense in the current quarter is due to the reduced loan amounts related to our COLI policies. In the three months ended January 31, 2004, the accretion on redeemable convertible preferred stock of $0.3 million is included as interest expense.

 

Provision for (Benefit from) Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes was $0.7 million compared to $0.5 million in the same period last year. Although we reported a pretax loss in the prior year, certain foreign subsidiaries reported pretax income resulting in foreign income tax expense.

 

Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Subsidiaries. Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries is comprised of our less than 50% shareholder interest in our Mexico subsidiaries. We report our interest in earnings or loss of the Mexico subsidiaries on the equity basis as a one line adjustment to net income (loss). Equity in earnings of $0.2 million in the current quarter decreased compared to $0.4 million the same period last year.

 

Nine Months Ended January 31, 2004 Compared to Nine Months Ended January 31, 2003

 

Fee Revenue. Fee revenue decreased $8.5 million, or 4%, to $230.6 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2004 compared to $239.1 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2003. The decrease in fee revenue is attributable to the weak global economy, which resulted in the decrease in the average number of executive recruitment billable engagements, while the number of new engagements opened increased across regions. Exchange rates impacted fee revenue favorably by $10.9 million in the nine months ended January 31 , 2004 compared to the same period last year.

 

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Executive Recruitment – With the exception of South America, all geographic regions reported lower fee revenue in the nine months ended January 31, 2004 compared to the same period last year as a result of a decrease in the average number of billable engagements. Average fees per engagement were fairly consistent in all geographic regions with prior period at constant foreign exchange rates. North America fee revenue declined $4.5 million, or 4%, to $119.1 million in the current period primarily due to a decrease in the average number of billable engagements partially offset by an increase in the number of new engagements opened in the period. Europe reported fee revenue of $55.9 million, a decline of $4.1 million, or 7%, compared to the same period last year driven by a decrease in the average number of billable engagements. Exchange rates impacted Europe fee revenue favorably by $6.4 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2004 compared to the same period last year. Europe reported an increase in the number of new engagements opened compared to the same period last year. Asia Pacific fee revenue declined $0.2 million, or 1%, to $25.2 million. Exchange rates impacted Asia Pacific fee revenue favorably by $2.1 million in the current period. Asia Pacific’s number of new engagements opened and average billable engagements increased compared to the same period last year. South America reported fee revenue of $6.3 million, an increase of $0.8 million, or 14%, compared to the same period last year due to an increase in the number of new engagements opened in the current period.

 

Futurestep—Fee revenue decreased $0.5 million, or 2%, to $24.1 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2004 compared to $24.6 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2003. Europe fee revenue decreased $3.3 million as a result of the closing of certain Futurestep Europe entities, which generated $4.2 million in fee revenues in the prior period. Exchange rates impacted Futurestep Europe fee revenue favorably by $1.6 million in the current period. The decrease in fee revenues was partially offset by an increase of $2.6 million in North America fee revenues due to our strategic movement toward larger projects, including managed services. Asia Pacific had an increase of $0.2 million in fee revenue. Exchange rates impacted Futurestep Asia Pacific fee revenue favorably by $0.7 million in the current period.

 

Compensation and Benefits. Compensation and benefits expense decreased $13.3 million, or 8%, to $156.3 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2004 compared to $169.6 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2003. The decline in compensation and benefits expense reflects a reduction of approximately 150 employees which reduced compensation and benefits expense by $20.8 million. This decline was partially offset by exchange rates of $7.5 million which increased compensation and benefits expense in the current period. The decrease in executive recruitment compensation and benefits costs of $8.7 million, or 6%, to $131.3 million reflects the reduction in our workforce in the last twelve months. Exchange rates increased executive recruitment compensation and benefits expense in the current period by $5.9 million. Executive recruitment compensation and benefits expense was 64% of fee revenue compared to 65% for the same period last year. Futurestep compensation and benefits expense declined $1.7 million, or 9%, to $17.0 million in the current period compared to the same period last year reflecting a reduction in our workforce as a result of the restructuring initiatives. Exchange rates increased Futurestep compensation and benefits expense in the current period by $1.6 million. Futurestep compensation and benefits expense was 70% of fee revenue in the current period an improvement of six percentage points compared to the same period last year. Corporate compensation and benefits decreased $2.9 million, or 27%, compared to the same period last year reflecting a reduction in our workforce and the improved return on investments related to our COLI policies.

 

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses decreased $2.3 million, or 4%, to $53.0 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2004 compared to $55.3 million in the same period last year. The decline in general and administrative expense reflects our on-going cost reduction efforts which reduced general and administrative expense by $4.4 million. This decline was partially offset by exchange rates which increased general and administrative expense by $2.1 million in the current period. In executive recruitment, general and administrative expenses increased $0.7 million, or 2%, to $41.5 million. The increase was due to the fact that we recognized a $2.2 million foreign exchange gain in the nine months ended January 31, 2003 that was not repeated in the current period. This increase was partially offset by decreases in bad debt expense of $1.2 million as a result of improved collections as well as a decrease in facilities and office costs of $1.4 million as a result of prior restructuring initiatives. Exchange rates increased executive recruitment general

 

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and administrative expense by $1.6 million in the current period compared to the same period last year. Executive recruitment general and administrative expenses was 19% of fee revenue in the prior year compared to 20% for the current year. Futurestep general and administrative expenses decreased $2.3 million, or 31% to $5.1 million, due to a decrease in facilities and office costs resulting from our restructuring initiatives. Exchange rates increased Futurestep general and administrative expense by $0.4 million in the current period compared to prior period. Futurestep general and administrative expenses decreased from 30% of fee revenue in the prior year to 21% in the current year. Corporate general and administrative expenses decreased $0.7 million, or 10% compared to the same period last year, due to a decrease in advertising costs partially off set by an increase in professional services costs.

 

Out-of-Pocket Engagement Expenses. Out-of-pocket engagement expenses of $16.8 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2004 decreased $0.3 million, or 2%, compared to $17.1 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2003. As a percentage of fee revenue, out-of-pocket engagement expenses remained constant at 7% in both periods.

 

Depreciation and Amortization Expenses. Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $4.5 million, or 36%, compared to the same period last year as a result of a significant amount of fixed assets becoming fully depreciated in the second half of fiscal 2004.

 

Operating Income. Operating income was $4.5 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2004 compared to an operating loss of $14.5 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2003. Excluding restructuring charges of $8.5 million and $16.3 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, adjusted operating income was $13.0 million compared to adjusted operating income of $1.8 million in the same period last year.

 

Executive recruitment adjusted operating income increased to $27.4 million, or 13% of fee revenue in the nine months ended January 31, 2004 compared to $24.8 million, or 12% of fee revenue in the nine months ended January 31, 2003. Adjusted operating income excludes restructuring charges of $5.4 million and $11.4 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The improvement in adjusted operating income was driven by North America with an increase of $4.8 million, Asia Pacific with an increase of $0.8 million and South America with an increase of $1.3 million. These increases were offset by a decline of $4.3 million in adjusted operating income in Europe.

 

Futurestep adjusted operating income improved $4.6 million to $0.6 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2004, reflecting the success of our managed services and large project strategy roll-out. Adjusted operating income (loss) excludes restructuring charges of $3.0 million and $5.4 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Futurestep adjusted operating income increased to 2% of fee revenue in the current period compared to (16%) of fee revenue in the same period last year.

 

Interest Income and Other Income, Net. Interest income and other income, net includes interest income of $0.8 million and $1.1 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The decrease in interest income is primarily due to a lower average investment balance compared to the same period last year. Other income was $0.2 million in the current period compared to $0.4 million in the same period last year.

 

Interest Expense. Interest expense, primarily related to the borrowings under COLI policies and our convertible securities, was $7.8 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2004 and 2003. In the nine months ended January 31, 2004 the accretion on redeemable convertible preferred stock of $0.8 million is included as interest expense. The decrease of $0.8 million in interest expense in the current period is due to the reduced loan amounts related to our COLI policies and the pay down of acquisition notes payable in the latter part of fiscal 2003.

 

Provision for (Benefit from) Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes was $1.7 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2004 compared to $1.5 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2004. Although we reported a pretax loss in both periods, certain foreign subsidiaries reported pretax income resulting in foreign income tax expense.

 

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Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Subsidiaries. Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries is comprised of our less than 50% shareholder interest in our Mexico subsidiaries. We report our interest in the earnings or loss of the Mexico subsidiaries on the equity basis as a one line adjustment to net income. Equity in earnings of $0.6 million in the current period decreased compared to $1.1 million in the same period last year.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Cash provided by operating activities was $2.1 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2004 and $8.7 million in the same period last year. The decrease in cash provided by operating activities in the current period is due to a tax refund received in the prior period not repeated in the current period, offset with the decrease in net loss in nine months ended January 31, 2004 as well as, timing differences in the payment of normal operating expenses. Our cash needs are generally highest in the first quarter of our fiscal year as bonuses are paid to our consultants.

 

Cash provided by investing activities was $0.9 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2004 compared to cash used of $7.0 million for the same period last year. In the nine months ended January 31, 2004 and 2003, cash used in investing activities was related to premiums paid on COLI. In the current period, we received $5.9 million of proceeds in conjunction with the surrender of life insurance policies.

 

Capital expenditures consist primarily of systems hardware and software costs and leasehold improvements. The expenditures in the nine months ended January 31, 2004 and 2003 were $1.2 million and $0.7 million, respectively.

 

Cash used in financing activities was $8.1 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2004 compared to cash provided by financing activities of $4.7 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2003. In the current period, we made payments of $6.0 million on life insurance policy loans and issued $2.3 million of common stock. In the same period last year, we received net proceeds of $45.6 million from the issuance of convertible securities and paid the net outstanding borrowings of $39.0 million on our previous credit facility.

 

We obtained a $30 million Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility in February 2003. The total amount available for borrowing is limited based on certain accounts receivable balances. The credit facility is secured by substantially all of our assets including certain accounts receivable balances and guarantees by and pledges of the capital stock of significant subsidiaries. We are required to meet certain financial condition covenants on a quarterly basis. The facility matures in February 2005. As of January 31, 2004, we had no borrowings outstanding on our credit facility.

 

Total outstanding borrowings under COLI policies were $61.6 million and $66.3 million as of January 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Generally, we borrow under our COLI policies to pay premiums. Such borrowings do not require principal payments, bear interest at variable rates and are secured by the cash surrender value of the life insurance policies of $120.0 million and $117.6 million as of January 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

In the nine months ended January 31, 2004, we issued an additional $2.8 million of 7.5% Convertible Subordinated Notes in lieu of interest paid in cash and $0.7 million of 7.5% Convertible Series A Preferred Stock in lieu of cash dividends. As of January 31, 2004, we had approximately $43.6 million outstanding in aggregate principal amount of 7.5% Convertible Subordinated Notes due in June 2010 and 7.5% Convertible Series A Preferred Stock with an aggregate liquidation preference of $11.1 million.

 

Our primary long-term commitments relate to leases for our offices. We believe that cash on hand, the credit facility and funds from operations will be sufficient to meet our anticipated working capital, capital expenditures and general corporate requirements.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

 

In January 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46 (FIN 46), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities”, effective as of the first annual or interim period ending after March 31, 2004. Under FIN 46, a business

 

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enterprise that has a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity would include the variable interest entity’s assets, liabilities and results of operations in their consolidated financial statements. The adoption of this pronouncement will not have an impact on the results of our operations or financial position.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

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

 

Foreign Currency Risk. Generally, financial results of our foreign subsidiaries 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 period and revenue and expenses are translated at average rates of exchange during the period. Resulting translation adjustments are reported as a component of comprehensive income.

 

Financial results of foreign subsidiaries in countries with highly inflationary economies are reported in U.S. dollars. The financial statements of these subsidiaries are translated using a combination of current and historical rates of exchange and any translation adjustments are included in determining net income.

 

Historically, we have not realized any significant translation gains or losses on transactions involving U.S. dollars and other currencies. This is primarily due to natural hedges of revenue and expenses in the functional currencies of the countries in which our offices are located and investment of excess cash balances in U.S. dollar denominated accounts. In the nine months ended January 31, 2004 we recognized a foreign currency loss, after income taxes, of $0.1 million compared to a foreign currency gain, after income taxes, of $1.9 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2003. This foreign currency loss was primarily related to our operations in Europe. Realization of translation gains or losses due to the translation of intercompany payables denominated in U.S. dollars is mitigated through the timing of repayment of these intercompany borrowings.

 

Interest Rate Risk. As of January 31, 2004 we had no outstanding bank borrowings. We had $61.6 million of borrowings against the cash surrender value of COLI contracts as of January 31, 2004 bearing interest at variable rates payable at least annually.

 

In June 2002, we issued $40.0 million of 7.5% Convertible Subordinated Notes and $10.0 million of 7.5% Convertible Preferred Stock that is mandatorily redeemable by us if outstanding on June 2010.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), as of January 31, 2004. Based on such evaluation, they have concluded that as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
(b) Changes in Internal Controls. There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter 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 6.    Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

 

(a) Exhibits

 

   

Exhibit
Number


  

Description of Exhibit


   

3.1

   Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, dated December 15, 1999, and incorporated herein by reference.
   

3.2

   Certificate of Designations of 7.5% Convertible Preferred Stock, filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated June 18, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference.
   

3.3

   Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, filed as Exhibit 3.3 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated July 29, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference.
   

10.1

   Letter Agreement, dated December 31, 2003, among the Company, Friedman Fleischer & Lowe Capital Partners, L.P. and FFL Executive Partners, L.P.
   

10.2

   Employment Agreement between the Company and Gary D. Burnison, dated October 1, 2003.
   

10.3

   Third Amendment to the Employment Agreement between the Company and Paul C. Reilly, dated March 10, 2004.
   

10.4

   Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Company and some of its executive officers and directors.
   

31.1

   Chief Executive Officer Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Furnished herewith.
   

31.2

   Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Furnished herewith.
   

32.1

   Chief Executive Officer Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Furnished herewith.
   

32.2

   Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Furnished herewith.

 

(b) Reports on Form 8-K

 

On March 11, 2004, we furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission a Current Report on Form 8-K which contains information required under “Item 12. Results of Operations and Financial Condition.” The Current Report on Form 8-K includes a copy of our press release dated March 10, 2004, reporting our results of operations and financial condition for the quarter ended January 31, 2004.

 

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SIGNATURE

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

Date: March 12, 2004

KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL

By:

  /s/ GARY D. BURNISON
   
    Gary D. Burnison
    Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

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