Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

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, 2007 or

 

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

For the transition period from              to             

Commission File Number 001-14505

 


KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Delaware   95-2623879

(State of other jurisdiction

of incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

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

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

(310) 552-1834

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 


Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

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

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

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

The number of shares outstanding of our common stock as of March 7, 2007 was 42,693,512.

 



Table of Contents

KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

Table of Contents

 

          Page
PART I.   

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  
Item 1.   

Financial Statements

  
  

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 31, 2007 and April 30, 2006.

   3
  

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006

   4
  

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006

   5
  

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

   6
Item 2.   

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

   15
Item 3.   

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   23
Item 4.   

Controls and Procedures

   23
PART II    OTHER INFORMATION   
Item 1.   

Legal Proceedings

   24
Item 1A.   

Risk Factors

   24
Item 2.   

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

   24
Item 3.   

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

   24
Item 4.   

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

   24
Item 5.   

Other Information

   24
Item 6.   

Exhibits

   25
SIGNATURE    26
CERTIFICATIONS   

 

2


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

(unaudited)

 

     As of
January 31,
2007
   

As of
April 30,

2006

 

ASSETS

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 248,795     $ 257,543  

Marketable securities

     33,826       20,654  

Receivables due from clients, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $11,880 and $8,818, respectively

     121,374       87,287  

Income tax and other receivables

     5,912       5,328  

Deferred income taxes

     9,853       9,669  

Prepaid expenses

     15,411       14,019  
                

Total current assets

     435,171       394,500  

Property and equipment, net

     23,155       20,533  

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

     74,475       70,592  

Deferred income taxes

     35,400       32,267  

Goodwill and intangible assets, net

     137,666       109,484  

Deferred financing costs, investments and other

     10,294       8,115  
                

Total assets

   $ 716,161     $ 635,491  
                

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

Accounts payable

   $ 9,796     $ 9,731  

Income taxes payable

     28,335       17,138  

Compensation and benefits payable

     113,114       121,885  

Other accrued liabilities

     36,443       27,537  
                

Total current liabilities

     187,688       176,291  

Deferred compensation and other retirement plans

     85,200       71,790  

Long-term debt

     47,325       45,147  

Other liabilities

     6,417       7,523  

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

     11,137       10,989  
                

Total liabilities

     337,767       311,740  
                

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Common stock: $0.01 par value, 150,000 shares authorized, 46,376 and 43,628 shares issued and 42,604 and 41,201 shares outstanding, respectively

     369,910       344,285  

Retained earnings (deficit)

     18,805       (23,154 )

Unearned restricted stock compensation

     (23,354 )     (7,731 )

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     13,587       10,910  
                

Stockholders’ equity

     378,948       324,310  

Less: Notes receivable from stockholders

     (554 )     (559 )
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     378,394       323,751  
                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 716,161     $ 635,491  
                

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

 

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Table of Contents

KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

(unaudited)

 

    

Three Months Ended

January 31,

  

Nine Months Ended

January 31,

     2007    2006    2007    2006

Fee revenue

   $ 165,239    $ 129,626    $ 473,720    $ 377,616

Reimbursed out-of-pocket engagement expenses

     8,269      7,191      25,721      21,229
                           

Total revenue

     173,508      136,817      499,441      398,845

Compensation and benefits

     112,343      86,936      318,852      246,100

General and administrative expenses

     26,806      21,305      79,431      68,034

Out-of-pocket engagement expenses

     10,394      7,684      31,040      22,569

Depreciation and amortization

     2,557      2,177      7,214      6,597
                           

Total operating expenses

     152,100      118,102      436,537      343,300
                           

Operating income

     21,408      18,715      62,904      55,545

Interest and other income, net

     3,212      6,332      7,375      8,867

Interest expense

     2,548      2,510      7,664      7,591
                           

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

     22,072      22,537      62,615      56,821

Provision for income taxes

     8,100      6,375      23,184      19,164

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries, net

     758      451      2,528      1,473
                           

Net income

   $ 14,730    $ 16,613    $ 41,959    $ 39,130
                           

Basic earnings per common share

   $ 0.37    $ 0.41    $ 1.07    $ 0.98
                           

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

     39,650      40,248      39,229      39,895
                           

Diluted earnings per common share

   $ 0.33    $ 0.37    $ 0.95    $ 0.88
                           

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding

     47,449      47,484      46,860      47,226
                           

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

 

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Table of Contents

KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

    

Nine Months Ended

January 31,

 
     2007     2006  

Cash from operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 41,959     $ 39,130  

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

    

Depreciation and amortization

     7,214       6,597  

Stock compensation expense

     4,377       —    

Interest paid in kind and amortization of discount on convertible securities

     590       591  

Loss on disposition of property and equipment

     171       52  

Provision for doubtful accounts

     6,797       4,793  

Gain on cash surrender value of life insurance policies

     (3,690 )     (4,189 )

Realized gains on marketable securities

     (1,835 )     (1,064 )

Recovery on investment loss

     —         (4,535 )

Deferred income taxes

     (6,287 )     (5.561 )

Non-cash compensation arrangements

     5,914       4,030  

Change in other assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions:

    

Deferred compensation

     13,410       10,164  

Receivables

     (39,358 )     (25,841 )

Prepaid expenses

     (1,137 )     149  

Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries

     (2,843 )     (2,227 )

Income taxes payable

     11,313       10,614  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     (3,575 )     (20,062 )

Other

     (2,328 )     (413 )
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     30,692       12,228  
                

Cash from investing activities:

    

Purchase of property and equipment

     (8,249 )     (8,203 )

Purchase of marketable securities, net

     (10,854 )     (9,910 )

Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired

     (23,786 )     (1,049 )

Premiums on life insurance policies

     (1,534 )     (1,545 )

Dividends received from unconsolidated subsidiaries

     2,178       2,479  
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (42,245 )     (18,228 )
                

Cash from financing activities:

    

Borrowings under life insurance policies

     1,347       1,474  

Purchase of common stock

     (25,937 )     (1,974 )

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

     19,616       16,834  

Tax benefit from exercise of stock options

     6,258       3,641  

Receipts on stockholders’ notes

     5       7  
                

Net cash provided by financing activities

     1,289       19,982  
                

Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

     1,516       (830 )
                

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents during the period

     (8,748 )     13,152  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period

     257,543       199,133  
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period

   $ 248,795     $ 212,285  
                

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

 

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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 condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006 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, 2006 (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 requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. As a result, actual results could differ from these estimates. The most significant areas that require management judgment are revenue recognition, deferred compensation and the carrying values of goodwill and deferred income taxes.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

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

Available for Sale Securities

The Company considers its marketable securities as available-for-sale as defined in SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities.” These investments are recorded at fair value and are classified as marketable securities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets as of January 31, 2007 and April 30, 2006. The changes in fair values, net of applicable taxes, are recorded as unrealized gains (losses) as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity. Investments are made based on the Company’s investment policy which restricts the types of investments that can be made.

Stock-Based Compensation

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”).

 

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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)

 

Prior to May 1, 2006, the Company accounted for employee stock-based compensation under the recognition and measurement principles of Accounting Principles Board Opinion (“APB”) No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” (“APB No. 25”), and related Interpretations, as permitted by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (“SFAS No. 123”). Under the recognition principles of APB No. 25, compensation expense related to restricted stock and SARs was recognized in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. However, APB No. 25 generally did not require the recognition of compensation expense for stock options because the exercise price of these instruments was generally equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant, and the related number of shares granted were fixed at that point in time. Compensation expense for the ESPP was not recognized since the ESPP was considered non-compensatory under APB No. 25.

Effective May 1, 2006, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS No. 123 (R)”). In addition to recognizing compensation expense related to restricted stock and SARs, SFAS No. 123(R) also requires the Company to recognize compensation expense related to the estimated fair value of stock options and for purchases under the ESPP. The Company adopted SFAS No. 123(R) using the modified-prospective-transition method. Under that transition method, compensation expense recognized subsequent to adoption includes: (a) compensation cost for all share-based payments granted prior to, but not yet vested as of May 1, 2006, based on the values estimated in accordance with the original provisions of SFAS No. 123, and (b) compensation cost for all share-based payments granted subsequent to May 1, 2006, based on the grant-date fair values estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R). Consistent with the modified-prospective-transition method, the Company’s results of operations for prior periods have not been adjusted to reflect the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R).

 

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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)

 

As a result of recognizing compensation expense for stock options and the ESPP pursuant to the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R), the Company’s income before income taxes and net income for the three months ended January 31, 2007, were $1,250 and $780 lower, respectively, than if the Company had continued to account for the stock-based compensation under APB No. 25. For the nine months ended January 31, 2007, the Company’s income before income taxes and net income were $4,542 and $2,834 lower, respectively. In addition, basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) for the three months ended January 31, 2007 were $0.02 and $0.01 lower, respectively, than if the Company had continued to account for the stock-based compensation under APB No.25. For the nine months ended January 31, 2007, the Company’s basic and diluted EPS were $0.07 and $0.06 lower, respectively.

The following table reflects the components of stock-based compensation expense recognized in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of income for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006:

 

    

Three Months Ended

January 31,

   

Nine Months Ended

January 31,

 
     2007     2006     2007     2006  

Stock options and SARs

   $ 1,230     $ 432     $ 4,007     $ 1,083  

Restricted stock

     2,350       1,119       6,021       3,017  

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

     114       —         346       —    
                                

Total stock-based compensation expense, pre-tax

     3,694       1,551       10,374       4,100  

Tax benefit from stock-based compensation expense

     (1,395 )     (554 )     (4,022 )     (1,524 )
                                

Total stock-based compensation expense, net of tax

   $ 2,299     $ 997     $ 6,352     $ 2,576  
                                

The above table does not reflect any stock option or ESPP compensation for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2006 as the Company generally did not record stock option or ESPP expense under APB No. 25, as previously discussed.

The following table illustrates the effect on net income and EPS for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2006 if we had applied the fair value recognition provisions as provided under SFAS No. 123:

 

    

Three Months Ended

January 31,

2006

   

Nine Months Ended

January 31,

2006

 

Net income, as reported

   $ 16,613     $ 39,130  

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

    

Employee stock compensation expense included in net income, as reported

     997       2,576  

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

     (2,359 )     (7,087 )
                

Net income, as adjusted

   $ 15,251     $ 34,619  
                

Interest expense on convertible securities, net of related tax effects

     785       2,354  
                

Net income adjusted for computation of diluted EPS, as adjusted

   $ 16,036     $ 36,973  
                

Basic EPS

    

As reported

   $ 0.41     $ 0.98  

Pro forma

   $ 0.38     $ 0.87  

Diluted EPS

    

As reported

   $ 0.37     $ 0.88  

Pro forma

   $ 0.34     $ 0.78  

 

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KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

The Company uses the Black-Scholes option valuation model to estimate the grant date fair value of employee stock options. 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 the option is estimated using historical data to estimate the expected life of the options. 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 options. Upon adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), the Company began using historical data to estimate forfeiture rates applied to the gross amount of expense determined using the option valuation model. Prior to adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), the Company recognized forfeitures as they occurred. There was no material impact upon adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) between these methods of accounting for forfeitures. The assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the stock options using the Black-Scholes option valuation model were as follows for the nine months ended January 31:

 

    

Nine Months Ended

January 31,

 
     2007     2006  

Expected volatility

   48.05 %   50.0 %

Risk-free interest rate

   4.95 %   3.83 %

Expected option life (in years)

   4.00     4.50  

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. For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair values of the options are amortized over the options’ vesting periods.

Stock Option Plans

The Company’s employee stock option plans provide for option grants designated as either nonqualified, incentive stock options or SARs. Options granted to officers, non-employee directors and other key employees generally vest over a three to five year period, and generally expire ten years from the date of grant. Key employees are eligible to receive a grant of stock options annually with the number of options determined by the employee’s performance level. In addition, certain key management personnel typically receive stock option or restricted stock grants upon commencement of employment.

Stock option and SARs information during the nine months ended January 31, 2007 is as follows:

 

    

Options

(in thousands)

   

Weighted-

average

exercise price

  

Weighted-

average

remaining

contractual

life (Yrs)

  

Aggregate

intrinsic
value

Outstanding at April 30, 2006

   6,743     $ 13.42      

Granted

   104       20.92      

Exercised

   (1,645 )     10.79      

Forfeited/expired

   (131 )     16.07      
                  

Outstanding at January 31, 2007

   5,071     $ 14.36    5.83    $ 48,922
                        

Exercisable at January 31, 2007

   4,183     $ 13.55    5.33    $ 43,861
                        

Included in the table above are 67 SARs outstanding at January 31, 2007 with a weighted-average exercise price of $12.02, and 66 SARs exercisable at January 31, 2007 with a weighted-average exercise price of $11.96. As of January 31, 2007, there was $4,950 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested awards of stock options and SARs. That cost is expected to be recognized over a period of one year. For stock option awards subject to graded vesting that were issued after May 1, 2006, we recognize the total compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the service period for the entire award.

 

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KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

Additional information pertaining to stock options:

 

     Three Months Ended
January 31,
  

Nine Months Ended

January 31,

     2007    2006    2007    2006

Weighted average fair value of stock options granted

   $ 9.83    $ 7.14    $ 9.04    $ 8.66

Total fair value of stock options and SARs vested

     109      194      9,579      9,769

Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised

     5,694      5,618      16,893      12,653

Total intrinsic value of SARs paid

     70      4      232      219

Restricted Stock

The Company grants restricted stock to executive officers and other senior employees generally vesting over a three to four year period. Restricted stock is granted at a price equal to the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant. Employees may receive restricted stock annually in conjunction with the Company’s performance review as well as throughout the year upon commencement of employment. The fair values of restricted stock shares are determined based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the grant dates.

Information regarding our restricted stock during the nine months ended January 31, 2007 is as follows:

 

Nonvested shares

  

Shares

(in thousands)

    Weighted-
average
grant date
fair value

Nonvested at April 30, 2006

   687     $ 16.63

Granted

   1,112       19.44

Vested

   (295 )     15.31

Forfeited

   (60 )     18.79
            

Nonvested at January 31, 2007

   1,444     $ 18.97
            

As of January 31, 2007, there was $10,064 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested awards of shares of restricted stock. That cost is expected to be recognized over a period of 1.6 years. For restricted stock awards subject to graded vesting that were issued after May 1, 2006, 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, 2007, 1 and 71 restricted stock shares totaling $13 and $1,394, respectively, were repurchased by the Company at the option of the employee to pay for taxes on restricted stock shares vesting in the periods.

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, 2007 and 2006, employees purchased 57 shares at $19.52 per share, and 77 shares at $15.01 per share, respectively. During the nine months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006, employees purchased 142 shares at $17.81 per share, and 183 shares at $15.06 per share, respectively. At January 31, 2007, the plan had approximately 900 shares available for future issuance.

Common Stock

The Company issued approximately 465 and 1,560 common shares as a result of the exercise of stock options and 57 and 142 common shares in conjunction with the Company’s ESPP in the three and nine months ended January 31, 2007, respectively. The Company issued approximately 699 and 1,417 common shares relating to the exercise of stock options and 77 and 183 common shares in conjunction with the Company’s ESPP in the three and nine months ended January 31, 2006, respectively.

 

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KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

Reclassifications

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

New Accounting Standards

In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes(“FIN 48”). Among other things, FIN 48 creates a model to address uncertainty in tax positions and clarifies the accounting for income taxes by prescribing a minimum recognition threshold which all income tax positions must achieve to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. In addition, FIN 48 requires expanded annual disclosures, including a tabular rollforward of the beginning and ending aggregate unrecognized tax benefits as well as specific detail related to tax uncertainties for which it is reasonably possible the amount of unrecognized tax benefit will significantly increase or decrease within 12 months. FIN 48 is effective for the Company on May 1, 2007. Any differences between the amounts recognized in the statement of financial position prior to the adoption of FIN 48 and the amounts reported after adoption are generally accounted for as a cumulative-effect adjustment recorded to the beginning balance of retained earnings. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of FIN 48; however, it is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.

In September 2006, FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans—an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)” (“FAS 158”). FAS 158 retains the previous measurement and disclosure requirements of prior accounting guidance, but now requires the recognition of the funded status of pension and other postretirement benefit plans on the balance sheet (“recognition provisions”). Furthermore, for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008, FAS 158 requires fiscal-year-end measurements of plan assets and benefit obligations, eliminating the use of earlier measurement dates currently permissible. The recognition provisions of FAS 158 are effective for the Company on April 30, 2007. Previously unrecognized actuarial gains or losses, prior service cost, and any remaining unamortized transition obligation will be recognized on the balance sheet with an offset to accumulated other comprehensive income, net of any resulting deferred tax balances. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of the recognition provisions of FAS 158; however, it is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

2. Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share

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

 

    

Three Months Ended

January 31,

  

Nine Months Ended

January 31,

     2007    2006    2007    2006

Net income (Numerator):

           

Net income for basic EPS

   $ 14,730    $ 16,613    $ 41,959    $ 39,130

Interest expense on convertible securities, net of related tax effects

     785      785      2,354      2,354
                           

Net income for diluted EPS

   $ 15,515    $ 17,398    $ 44,313    $ 41,484
                           

Shares (Denominator):

           

Weighted average shares for basic EPS

     39,650      40,248      39,229      39,895

Effect of: convertible subordinated notes

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

convertible preferred stock

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

warrants

     131      98      119      89

restricted stock

     308      153      209      223

stock options

     1,770      1,396      1,715      1,422

employee stock purchase plan

     3      2      1      10
                           

Adjusted weighted average shares for diluted EPS

     47,449      47,484      46,860      47,226
                           

Basic EPS

   $ 0.37    $ 0.41    $ 1.07    $ 0.98
                           

Diluted EPS

   $ 0.33    $ 0.37    $ 0.95    $ 0.88
                           

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

 

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KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

3. Comprehensive Income

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

Total comprehensive income is as follows:

 

    

Three Months Ended

January 31,

  

Nine Months Ended

January 31,

 
     2007    2006    2007    2006  

Net income

   $ 14,730    $ 16,613    $ 41,959    $ 39,130  

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     1,858      1,085      2,429      (1,563 )

Unrealized gain on marketable securities, net of taxes

     39      563      248      620  
                             

Comprehensive income

   $ 16,627    $ 18,261    $ 44,636    $ 38,187  
                             

The accumulated other comprehensive income at January 31, 2007 includes foreign currency translation adjustments and gains on marketable securities, net of taxes, of $12,557 and $1,030, respectively.

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

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

 

    

Three Months Ended

January 31,

  

Nine Months Ended

January 31,

Components of net periodic benefit costs:

   2007    2006    2007    2006

Service cost

   $ 303    $ 419    $ 908    $ 1,258

Interest cost

     752      786      2,255      2,359

Amortization of actuarial gain

     13      104      39      313

Amortization of net transition obligation

     53      —        159      —  
                           

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 1,121    $ 1,309    $ 3,361    $ 3,930
                           

In fiscal 2005, the Company implemented the Executive Capital Accumulation Plan (“ECAP”). ECAP is intended to provide certain employees an opportunity to defer salary and/or bonus on a pre-tax basis, or make an after-tax contribution. The Company made a $0 and $6,633 ECAP contributions in the three and nine months ended January 31, 2007, respectively. The Company contribution vests and is expensed ratably over a four year vesting period.

5. Mandatorily Redeemable Convertible Securities

In June 2002, the Company issued 7.5% Convertible Subordinated Notes in an aggregate principal amount of $40,000 and 10 shares of 7.5% Convertible Series A Preferred Stock at an aggregate purchase price of $10.0 million. The notes and preferred stock have priority over common stockholders. The notes and preferred stock are convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock at $10.19 per share. The Company also issued warrants to purchase 274 shares of its common stock at an exercise price of $11.94. The warrants expire in 2012. The warrants were recorded at fair value resulting in discounts on the notes and preferred stock (together “the securities”) of $1,200 and $300, respectively, and are amortized over the life of the securities.

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

Interest and dividends are payable semi-annually in either additional securities or cash at the option of the Company. The Company also incurred issuance costs of $4,300 that have been deferred and are being amortized over the life of the securities as interest expense with $3,400 allocated to the notes and $900 allocated to the preferred stock.

 

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KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

6. 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 development solutions and other consulting engagements including revenue from our recent acquisition of the Lominger Entities (as defined below), is included in executive recruitment. Futurestep’s worldwide operations are managed by the Chief Executive Officer of Futurestep. The executive recruitment geographic regional leaders and the Chief Executive Officer of Futurestep report directly to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The Company also operates a Corporate segment to record global expenses of the Company.

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

 

    

Three Months Ended

January 31,

  

Nine Months Ended

January 31,

     2007    2006    2007    2006

Fee revenue:

           

Executive recruitment:

           

North America

   $ 82,177    $ 64,371    $ 237,667    $ 188,852

Europe

     37,872      28,934      104,878      83,801

Asia Pacific

     18,608      13,930      55,169      41,941

South America

     4,311      4,417      12,777      11,450
                           

Total executive recruitment

     142,968      111,652      410,491      326,044

Futurestep

     22,271      17,974      63,229      51,572
                           

Total fee revenue

   $ 165,239    $ 129,626    $ 473,720    $ 377,616
                           
    

Three Months Ended

January 31,

  

Nine Months Ended

January 31,

     2007    2006    2007    2006

Total revenue:

           

Executive Recruitment:

           

North America

   $ 86,657    $ 68,372    $ 252,375    $ 200,639

Europe

     39,015      29,973      108,908      86,696

Asia Pacific

     19,115      14,288      56,263      43,069

South America

     4,375      4,481      13,168      11,889
                           

Total executive recruitment

     149,162      117,114      430,714      342,293

Futurestep

     24,346      19,703      68,727      56,552
                           

Total revenue

   $ 173,508    $ 136,817    $ 499,441    $ 398,845
                           

 

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KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

    

Three Months Ended

January 31,

   

Nine Months Ended

January 31,

 
     2007     2006     2007     2006  

Operating income (loss):

        

Executive recruitment:

        

North America

   $ 17,428     $ 15,260     $ 51,286     $ 44,666  

Europe

     5,996       5,470       17,391       16,065  

Asia Pacific

     3,622       2,745       10,609       8,632  

South America

     231       941       1,329       1,888  
                                

Total executive recruitment

     27,277       24,416       80,615       71,251  

Futurestep

     2,252       1,396       5,141       4,793  

Corporate

     (8,121 )     (7,097 )     (22,852 )     (20,499 )
                                

Total operating income

   $ 21,408     $ 18,715     $ 62,904     $ 55,545  
                                

7. Acquisitions

The Company acquired Lominger Limited, Inc., a Minnesota corporation, and Lominger Consulting, Inc., a Minnesota corporation (together referred to as the “Lominger Entities”), as well as all of the intellectual property rights of Drs. Robert W. Eichinger and Michael M. Lombardo (the co-founders of the Lominger Entities), on August 8, 2006. The purchase price for the transaction totaled $24,400, subject to adjustment, and was preliminarily allocated as follows: $3,500 to goodwill, $18,100 to purchased intangibles, $4,500 to total assets acquired and $1,700 to total liabilities assumed. We account for goodwill and purchased intangibles in accordance with SFAS 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (“SFAS No. 142”). Accordingly, the Company’s preliminary estimates of goodwill could be revised during the next twelve months as any necessary final purchase accounting adjustments are recorded. Actual results of operations of the Lominger Entities are included in our condensed consolidated financial statements from August 8, 2006, the effective date of this acquisition.

8. Subsequent Events

On March 7, 2007, the Company issued notice for the redemption of its 7.5% Convertible Subordinated Notes in an aggregate principal amount of $40 million and its 7.5% Convertible Series A Preferred Stock in an aggregate principal price of $10 million. The notes and preferred stock are convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock at $10.19 per share April 5, 2007, the business day before the redemption date set forth in the notice. As of March 7, 2007, $45,548,594 of the 7.5% Convertible Subordinated Notes and $11,387,147 of the 7.5% Convertible Series A Preferred Stock was outstanding.

On March 6, 2007, the Board of Directors approved the repurchase of an additional $50 million of the Company’s common stock under the common stock repurchase program. The shares can be repurchased in the open market or privately negotiated transactions at the Company’s discretion. The $50 million is in addition to the December 7, 2005 and June 8, 2006 amounts previously approved for $50 million and $25 million, respectively.

 

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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 condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q.

Executive Summary

Korn/Ferry International and all of its wholly and majority owned/controlled domestic and international subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”, or in the first person, “we”, “us” and “our”) are a leading provider of talent management solutions. Our services include executive recruitment where we have the broadest global presence in this segment of the industry, middle-management and outsourced recruitment through Futurestep, leadership development solutions and executive coaching. Over half of the executive recruitment searches we performed in fiscal 2006 were for board level, chief executive and other senior executive positions. Our 4,373 clients in fiscal 2006 included approximately 44% of the Fortune 500 companies. We have established strong client loyalty; more than 83% of the executive recruitment assignments we performed in fiscal 2006 were on behalf of clients for whom we had conducted assignments in the previous three fiscal years.

In an effort to achieve our long-term vision of being the leading provider of executive search, outsourced recruiting and leadership development solutions, our strategic focus for fiscal 2007 is centered upon increasing market share and further increasing the cross-selling and utilization of our multi-product strategy. We continue to explore new products and services, enhance our technology and aggressively leverage our brand through thought leadership and intellectual capital projects as a means of delivering world-class service to our clients.

Fee revenue increased 27% in the third quarter of fiscal 2007 to $165.2 million compared to prior year third quarter primarily due to a 12% increase in the number of engagements billed in the executive search segment, resulting from an increase in the number of engagements opened, as well as higher average fees in engagements billed. Fee revenue was also impacted by our acquisition of the Lominger Entities on August 8, 2006. The North American region experienced the largest dollar increase in fee revenue in executive recruitment, as revenue increased $17.8 million, or 28%, due to a 14% increase in the number of engagements billed in the quarter combined with an increase in average fees in engagement. Futurestep experienced a 24% increase in fee revenue over the prior year’s quarter as average fees in engagement in the period increased versus the prior year quarter. In the third quarter of fiscal 2007, we earned operating income of $21.4 million, with operating income of $27.3 million and $2.3 million from executive recruitment and Futurestep, respectively, offset by corporate expenses of $8.1 million.

Our total long-term debt at January 31, 2007 was $47.3 million. Our working capital increased $29.3 million to $247.5 million at January 31, 2007 compared to $218.2 million at April 30, 2006.

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

 

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the policies related to revenue recognition, deferred compensation and the carrying values of goodwill and deferred income taxes as critical to an understanding of our interim 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 Fiscal 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Results of Operations

The following table summarizes the results of our operations for the three and nine month periods ended January 31, 2007 and 2006 as a percentage of fee revenue:

 

    

Three Months Ended

January 31,

   

Nine Months Ended

January 31,

 
     2007     2006     2007     2006  

Fee revenue

   100 %   100 %   100 %   100 %

Reimbursed out-of-pocket engagement expenses

   5     6     6     6  
                        

Total revenue

   105     106     106     106  

Compensation and benefits

   68     67     67     65  

General and administrative expenses

   16     17     17     18  

Out-of-pocket engagement expenses

   6     6     7     6  

Depreciation and amortization

   2     2     2     2  
                        

Operating income

   13     14     13     15  
                        

Net income

   9 %   13 %   9 %   10 %
                        

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

 

     Three Months Ended January 31,     Nine Months Ended January 31,  
     2007     2006     2007     2006  
     Dollars    %     Dollars    %     Dollars    %     Dollars    %  

Fee revenue

                    

Executive recruitment:

                    

North America

   $ 82,177    50 %   $ 64,371    50 %   $ 237,667    50 %   $ 188,852    50 %

Europe

     37,872    23       28,934    22       104,878    22       83,801    22  

Asia Pacific

     18,608    11       13,930    11       55,169    12       41,941    11  

South America

     4,311    3       4,417    3       12,777    3       11,450    3  
                                                    

Total executive recruitment

     142,968    87       111,652    86       410,491    87       326,044    86  

Futurestep

     22,271    13       17,974    14       63,229    13       51,572    14  
                                                    

Total fee revenue

     165,239    100 %     129,626    100 %     473,720    100 %     377,616    100 %
                                    

Reimbursed out-of-pocket engagement expenses

     8,269        7,191        25,721        21,229   
                                    

Total revenue

   $ 173,508      $ 136,817      $ 499,441      $ 398,845   
                                    

 

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     Three Months Ended January 31,     Nine Months Ended January 31,  
     2007     2006     2007     2006  
     Dollars     %     Dollars     %     Dollars     %     Dollars     %  

Operating income (loss)

                

Executive recruitment:

                

North America

   $ 17,428     21 %   $ 15,260     24 %   $ 51,286     22 %   $ 44,666     24 %

Europe

     5,996     16       5,470     19       17,391     17       16,065     19  

Asia Pacific

     3,622     20       2,745     20       10,609     19       8,632     21  

South America

     231     5       941     21       1,329     10       1,888     16  
                                        

Total executive recruitment

     27,277     19       24,416     22       80,615     20       71,251     22  

Futurestep

     2,252     10       1,396     8       5,141     8       4,793     9  

Corporate

     (8,121 )       (7,097 )       (22,852 )       (20,499 )  
                                        

Total operating income

   $ 21,408     13 %   $ 18,715     14 %   $ 62,904     13 %   $ 55,545     15 %
                                        

Three Months Ended January 31, 2007 Compared to Three Months Ended January 31, 2006

Fee Revenue. Fee revenue increased $35.6 million, or 27%, to $165.2 million in the three months ended January 31, 2007 compared to $129.6 million in the three months ended January 31, 2006. Globally, engagements billed increased as did the average fees in engagements billed. Strong performances in all segments were noted along with continued revenues derived from the Company’s newer offices, opened in the latter part of last fiscal year. In addition, on August 8, 2006, the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of Lominger Limited, Inc. and Lominger Consulting, Inc. (the “Lominger Entities”). The Lominger Entities contributed $3.9 million of fee revenue during the quarter.

Executive Recruitment – Executive Recruitment fee revenue increased $31.2 million, or 28%, to $142.9 million due to a 12% increase in the number of engagements billed in the period, an increase in the average fees in engagements billed and the impact of the Lominger acquisition. Emerging economies as well as expanding industries in various regions also factored in the overall growth in fee revenue. Exchange rates favorably impacted fee revenue by $4.5 million in the current quarter.

North America fee revenue increased $17.7 million, or 27%, to $82.1 million in the current quarter primarily due to a 14% increase in the number of engagements billed and an increase in average fees in engagement billed. Growth in all sectors was noted, with more significant increases derived from the financial services and industrial sectors, along with strong performance from the advanced technology sector.

Europe reported an increase in fee revenue of $9.0 million or 31%, to $37.9 million from $28.9 million in the same period last year, primarily due to a 16% increase in engagements billed and an increase in average fees in engagements billed. Business in the European market continues to expand in the newer offices established and office relocations occurring in the latter part of the prior fiscal year, including in the Czech Republic and in Germany. Exchange rates favorably impacted European fee revenue by $4.0 million in the current quarter as compared to last year.

Asia Pacific fee revenue increased $4.7 million, or 34%, to $18.6 million compared to the same period last year due to a 8% increase in the number of engagements billed as well as an increase in average fees in engagements billed. The Company’s offices in China and Hong Kong continue to grow and the emerging markets in the region now account for almost half the total increase in the Asia Pacific’s fee revenue as compared to the same quarter last year. Exchange rates favorably impacted Asia Pacific fee revenue by $0.5 million in the current quarter.

South America reported fee revenue of $4.3 million, a decrease of $0.1 million, or 2%, compared to last year due to a 9% decrease in the number of engagements billed offset by a 7% increase in the average fees in engagements billed. The majority of the net decrease in the current quarter is attributed to Brazil where fee revenues declined compared to the same quarter in 2006. This decrease was offset by increases in fee revenue amongst the other South American entities. Exchange rates favorably impacted fee revenue by $0.1 million in the current quarter.

Futurestep – Fee revenue increased $4.3 million, or 24%, to $22.3 million in the three months ended January 31, 2007 compared to $18.0 million in the three months ended January 31, 2006. The improvement in fee revenue, reflected across all regions, is due to an increase in the average fees in engagements billed. Of the total increase in fee revenue, Asia experienced the largest increases of $1.9 million and Europe generated $1.7 million. Fee revenue continued to increase from continued movement towards performance of larger engagements. Exchange rates favorably impacted fee revenue by $1.0 million in the current quarter.

Compensation and Benefits. Compensation and benefits expense increased $25.4 million, or 29%, to $112.3 million in the three months ended January 31, 2007 compared to $86.9 million in the three months ended January 31, 2006. The increase in compensation

 

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and benefits expense reflects the hiring of new consultants globally, along with performance based incentives, and the continued development of internal resources in response to increasing demand for the Company’s services. An increase of $1.6 million is attributable to the addition of the Lominger Entities. Additionally, a $1.3 million increase was noted due to the stock-based compensation expense recorded in the current quarter in relation to the adoption of SFAS 123(R). The Company’s average consultant count for the three months ended January 31, 2007 was 572 globally, which was an increase of 75 consultants or 15% versus the three months ended January 31, 2006.

Executive recruitment compensation and benefits expenses of $91.9 million increased by 32%, or $22.1 million, as compared to $69.8 million recorded in same period last year due to increased variable compensation based rewards as well as new consultants joining the Company. Additionally, stock-based compensation expense accounted for an additional $1.1 million in total expense in the current quarter, which was not present last year. Executive recruitment compensation and benefits expense, as a percentage of fee revenue increased to 64%, as compared to 63% in the prior year quarter due primarily to SFAS 123(R) stock-based compensation expense. The average number of consultants in executive recruitment increased to 482, an 11% increase or 49 consultants over the prior year quarter. The change in exchange rates resulted in an increase in compensation and benefits expense of $2.8 million in the current quarter.

Futurestep compensation and benefits expense increased $3.0 million, or 24%, to $15.5 million from $12.5 million in the prior year due to internal resource development as well as continuing investment in our people. Increased variable compensation expenses as well as additional external contractors’ expense arising from increased business have also been major factors in expense fluctuations over the same period last year. Stock-based compensation expense recorded in the regions totaled $0.1 million in the current year. Average Futurestep consultant headcount increased to 90 at January 31, 2007, a 52% increase over the past year. Futurestep compensation and benefits expense, as a percentage of fee revenue, was 70% in both quarters.

Corporate compensation and benefits expense increased $0.3 million to $4.9 million in the current quarter, mainly due to stock-based compensation expense.

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses increased $5.5 million, or 26%, to $26.8 million in the three months ended January 31, 2007 compared to $21.3 million in the same period last year. Increases to general and administrative expenses related to a $2.1 million increase in premise and office expense, $1.8 million increase in bad debt expense along with a $2.0 million increase in other types of general expenses including meeting and travel expense. Increased office expense is due to the office openings and relocations in the latter part of the previous fiscal year. Bad debt expense increased in relation to increases in allowances for doubtful accounts for larger receivables balances in North America and Europe from increased billings versus the same period last year. The Lominger Entities contributed $0.4 million to the increase. The change in exchange rates resulted in an increase in general and administrative expenses of $1.0 million in the current quarter.

In executive recruitment, general and administrative expenses increased $4.4 million. The increase relates to a $1.6 million increase in premise and office expense, which increased across all four regions, and $1.5 million from increases in accounts receivable allowance reserves due mainly to larger receivables balances from increases in engagements billed. The remaining increases related mainly to a $0.5 million increase in business development expense as the business continues to grow and expand as well as a $0.7 million increase related primarily to miscellaneous general expenses including meeting and travel expense.

Futurestep general and administrative expense increased $0.6 million, or 18%, to $4.0 million, primarily due to increased premise and office expense of $0.4 million. Futurestep general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of fee revenue, decreased to 18% from 19% in the prior year.

Corporate general and administrative expenses increased $0.5 million, or 20%, over the prior year due primarily to an increase in business development and premises expense.

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 $10.4 million increased $2.7 million, or 35%, over the prior year as a result of a 12% increase in executive recruitment engagements billed in the period. As a percentage of fee revenue, out-of-pocket engagement expense was 6% in the three months ended January 31, 2007 and January 31, 2006.

Depreciation and Amortization Expenses. Depreciation and amortization expense was $2.6 million in the three months ended January 31, 2007, an increase of $0.4 million as compared to $2.2 million last year. This expense relates mainly to depreciation on computer equipment and software, furniture and fixtures, as well as leasehold improvements. The primary reason for the slight increase in depreciation expense over last year is due to the additional expense derived from computer software and hardware added at various times last year.

 

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Operating Income. Operating income increased $2.7 million, or 14%, to $21.4 million in the current quarter compared to $18.7 million in the prior year, resulting from increased total revenue of $36.7 million offset by a $33.9 million increase in operating expenses, primarily related to compensation and benefits expense. Expenses of $1.3 million related to SFAS 123(R) stock compensation expense contributed to increased compensation and benefit expense in the current quarter. Operating income as a percentage of fee revenue was 13% in the three months ended January 31, 2007 compared to 14% in the same quarter last year.

Executive recruitment operating income increased $2.9 million, or 12%, to $27.3 million in the three months ended January 31, 2007 compared to $24.4 million in the three months ended January 31,2006. The improvement in executive recruitment operating income is primarily a result of increased revenue offset by additional compensation expense arising from increased headcount and total compensation expense along with increased general expenses, specifically derived from increased premise and office expense. The Lominger Entities contributed $0.9 million of operating income during the quarter. Executive recruitment operating income, as a percentage of fee revenue, decreased to 19% from 22% last year primarily as a result of the implementation of SFAS 123(R).

Futurestep operating income was $2.3 million and $1.4 million in the three months ended January 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The increase in Futurestep operating income is due to increased fee revenue offset by increased compensation and benefits costs, arising from increased headcounts and increased premise expense. Futurestep operating income, as a percentage of fee revenue, increased to 10% from 8% last year.

Corporate expenses for the three months ended January 31, 2007 were $8.1 million, an increase of $1.0 million, as compared to $7.1 million in the same quarter last year. Corporate expenses in the current period increased overall due to increases in premise and office, business development and meetings and travel expenses.

Interest Income and Other Income, Net. Interest income and other income, net includes interest income and income resulting from the Company’s various interest bearing accounts. Interest income and other income, net totaled $3.2 million for the three months ended January 31, 2007, which was a $3.1 million decrease as compared to $6.3 million in the same period in 2006. The net decrease is due to the prior year quarter having a $4.5 million realization of a loss recovery on a previously impaired investment, a like event was not realized in the three months ended January 31, 2007 and an increase in interest and dividend income resulting from higher yields on the balances in various accounts disbursed throughout the regions.

Interest Expense. Interest expense was $2.5 million in both quarters. Interest expense of $2.4 million related to borrowings under our convertible securities and Company Owned Life Insurance (“COLI”) policies in our Corporate segment, with the remaining $0.1 million distributed throughout the remaining segments.

Provision for Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes was $8.1 million for the three months ended January 31, 2007 compared to $6.4 million for the same period last year. The provision for income taxes reflects a 37% effective tax rate for the current quarter. The provision for income taxes for the same period last year reflects a 28% effective tax rate. Excluding the income recorded as a result of the loss recovery on a previously impaired investment, the effective tax rate for the three months ended January 31, 2006 was 35%, which is comparable to the three months ended January 31, 2007.

Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Subsidiaries, net. Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries is comprised of our less than 50% shareholder interest in our Mexican subsidiaries. We report our interest in earnings or loss of the Mexican subsidiaries on the equity basis as a one line adjustment to net income, net of taxes. Equity in earnings was $0.8 million in the current quarter versus $0.5 million in the same quarter last year, reflecting increased profitability from our Mexican subsidiaries.

Nine Months Ended January 31, 2007 Compared to Nine Months Ended January 31, 2006

Fee Revenue. Fee revenue increased $96.1 million, or 25%, to $473.7 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2007 compared to $377.6 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2006. The improvement in fee revenue is attributable to an increase in the number of engagements billed and average fees. The number of engagements billed increased by 13% over the same period last year, with the larger increases noted especially in Europe executive search and Futurestep. The Lominger Entities contributed $7.3 million in revenues during the nine months ended January 31, 2007. Exchange rates favorably impacted fee revenues by $8.1 million in the current year.

 

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Executive Recruitment – Executive Recruitment fee revenue increased $84.5 million, or 26%, due to an increase in both the number of engagements billed, an increase in the average fee and the impact of the Lominger acquisition. On a year-to-date basis, executive recruitment engagements billed have increased by 11% as compared to the same period last year.

North America fee revenue increased $48.8 million, or 26%, to $237.7 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2007 primarily due to a 8% increase in the number of engagements billed as well as an increase in the average fees in engagements billed.

Europe reported fee revenue of $104.9 million, an increase of $21.1 million, or 25%, compared to last year due to a 17% increase on the number of engagements billed. Exchange rates favorably impacted fee revenue for Europe by $6.1 million in the current period.

Asia Pacific fee revenue increased $13.1 million, or 31%, to $55.1 million compared to the same period last year due to a 13% increase in the number of engagements billed. Exchange rates favorably impacted fee revenue for Asia by $0.5 million in the current period.

South America reported fee revenue of $12.8 million, an increase of $1.3 million, or 12%, compared to $11.5 million last year due to an increase in the number of new engagements billed in the current period and an increase in average fees in engagements billed. Exchange rates favorably impacted South American fee revenue by $0.3 million in the current period.

Futurestep – Fee revenue increased $11.6 million, or 22%, to $63.2 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2007 compared to $51.6 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2006. The improvement in fee revenue, reflected across all regions, is due to an increase in the number of engagements billed and average fees in engagement compared to the same period last year. Exchange rates favorably impacted fee revenue by $1.3 million in the current period.

Compensation and Benefits. Compensation and benefits expense increased $72.8 million, or 30%, to $318.9 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2007 compared to $246.1 million in the nine months ended January 31,2006. The increase in compensation and benefits expense is due to a 13% increase in the average number of consultants since the same period last year in addition to increased profitability and retention awards. Compensation and benefits expense increased by $2.9 million due to the addition of the Lominger Entities for the nine months ended January 31, 2007.

Executive recruitment compensation and benefits costs increased $62.0 million, or 31%, to $261.7 million compared to the same period last year primarily due to consultants hired over the past year. Executive recruitment compensation and benefits expense, as a percentage of fee revenue increased 3% to 64% as compared to prior year.

Futurestep compensation and benefits expense increased $8.8 million, or 26%, to $43.1 million from $34.3 million in the prior year due to significant investments in our employees which increased Futurestep’s average consultant headcount by 44% over the past year. Futurestep compensation and benefits expense, as a percentage of fee revenue, increased to 68% from 67% in the prior year.

Corporate compensation and benefits expense increased by $2.0 million to $14.0 million at January 31, 2007 as compared to $12.0 million in the same period last year. Increased compensation and benefits expense in the Corporate sector related mainly to stock-based compensation expense that wasn’t present in the prior year.

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses increased $11.4 million, or 17%, to $79.4 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2007 compared to $68.0 million in the same period last year. The Lominger Entities contributed $0.8 million to the increase.

In Executive Recruitment, general and administrative expenses increased $9.1 million, from $49.7 million in the prior year to $58.8 million in the current year. The increase was driven by other administrative expenses of $2.0 million including travel and meeting expenses, an increase in premise and office expense of $3.9 million and a $1.4 million increase in bad debt expense. Increased premise and office expense was attributable to all regions due to increased rent expense and total space leased. Bad debt expense increased in relation to increases in allowances for doubtful accounts for larger receivables balances in North America, Europe and Asia from increased billings compared to the same period last year. Executive recruitment general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of fee revenue, declined to 14% from 15% in the prior year.

Futurestep general and administrative expense increased $2.3 million, or 23%, primarily due to increased premise and office expense of $1.5 million, noted across all regions, resulting from increased rent expense and the opening of new offices in Europe and Asia. Bad debt expense increased by $0.7 million resulting from an increase in the level of business and corresponding increase in accounts receivable. Futurestep general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of fee revenue, were 20% in both periods.

 

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Corporate general and administrative expenses were $8.3 million in both periods. Compared to prior year, administrative expenses decreased $1.1 million, primarily due to decreases in legal and professional expenses and travel and meetings in the current year offset by a comparable increase in premises and business development expenses.

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 $31.0 million increased $8.4 million, or 37%, over the prior year as a result of increased engagements of 13% as compared to last year. As a percentage of fee revenue, out-of-pocket engagement expense was 7% for the nine months ended January 31, 2007 and 6% for the nine months ended January 31, 2006.

Depreciation and Amortization Expenses. Depreciation and amortization expense was $7.2 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2007, a slight increase of $0.6 million from the prior year amount of $6.6 million at January 31, 2006. Depreciation expense relates mainly to computer equipment and software, furniture and fixtures, as well as leasehold improvements.

Operating Income. Operating income increased $7.4 million, or 13%, to $62.9 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2007 compared to $55.5 million in the prior period. Operating income, as a percentage of fee revenue, was 13% compared to 15% in the prior year, resulting from the increase in total revenue of $101.0 million, offset by an increase in operating expenses of $93.2 million in the current fiscal year. The Lominger Entities contributed $1.4 million of operating income during the nine months ended January 31, 2007.

Executive recruitment operating income increased $9.3 million, or 13%, to $80.6 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2007 compared to $71.3 million in the nine months ended January 31,2006. The improvement in executive recruitment operating income is primarily a result of increased revenue offset by additional compensation expense. Executive recruitment operating income, as a percentage of fee revenue, decreased to 20% from 22% last year.

Futurestep operating income was $5.1 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2007, an increase of $0.3 million as compared to $4.8 million in the same period of 2006. Futurestep operating income, as a percentage of fee revenue, declined to 8% from 9% in the prior year. Compensation and benefits costs related to increased headcount and general and administrative expenses contributed to the decline in operating income during the current year.

Corporate expenses were $22.9 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2007, an increase of $2.4 million, compared to $20.5 million in the same period last year, attributable mainly to stock-based compensation expenses.

Interest Income and Other Income, Net. Interest income and other income, net of $7.4 million decreased by $1.5 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2007 from $8.9 million in the nine months ended January 31,2006. The net decrease is due to the prior year period having a $4.5 million realization of a loss recovery on a previously impaired investment, a like event was not realized in the nine months ended January 31, 2007 and an increase in interest and dividend income resulting from higher yields on the balances in various accounts disbursed throughout the regions.

Interest Expense. Interest expense, primarily related to the borrowings under our convertible securities and COLI policies, was $7.7 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2007 compared to $7.6 million in the same period of 2006.

Provision for Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes was $23.2 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2007 compared to $19.2 million last year. The provision for income taxes reflects a 37% effective tax rate. The provision for income taxes for the same period last year reflects a 34% effective tax rate. Excluding the income booked as a result of the loss recovery on a previously impaired investment, the effective tax rate for the nine months ended January 31, 2006 was 37%, which is comparable to the nine months ended January 31, 2007.

Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Subsidiaries. Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries is comprised of our less than 50% shareholder interest in our Mexican subsidiaries. We report our interest in earnings or loss of the Mexican subsidiaries on the equity basis as a one line adjustment to net income, net of taxes. Equity in earnings was $2.5 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2007, an increase of $1.0 million, compared to $1.5 million, in the same period in 2006.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash provided by operating activities was $30.7 million for the nine months ended January 31, 2007 compared to $12.2 million last year. As revenue has continued to increase, receivables also have increased. Accounts payable and accrued liabilities balances in both years reflect increased business activity and expense along with fiscal year bonuses. These items were offset by increases in net income, stock-based compensation and deferred compensation expense.

 

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Cash used in investing activities was $42.2 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2007, compared to $18.2 million in the prior year, an increase in cash used of $24.0 million. In the nine months ended January 31, 2007, the increase in cash used was primarily attributable to the acquisition of the Lominger Entities. Capital expenditures for the nine months ended January 31, 2007 and January 31, 2006 totaled $8.2 million in both years. Capital expenditures in both periods were incurred in relation to continuing expansion of our Futurestep business as well as continuing expansion especially in North America, where capital expenditures related to providing computer hardware to new hires in the executive recruitment segment.

Cash provided by financing activities was $1.3 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2007 compared to $20.0 million last year. In the nine months ended January 31, 2007, treasury stock repurchases made in relation to our stock buyback programs totaled $25.9 million. This was offset by $19.6 million in proceeds received from exercises of employee stock options and in conjunction with the semi-annual offerings under our ESPP the first of which occurred in July 2006.

Total outstanding borrowings under our COLI policies were $59.7 million and $58.1 million as of January 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Generally, we borrow under our COLI policies to pay related premiums. Such borrowings do not require principal payments, bear interest at primarily variable rates and are secured by the cash surrender value of the life insurance policies of $134.1 million and $127.4 million as of January 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Borrowings under our COLI policies are netted against the cash surrender value of the life insurance policies in our consolidated balance sheets.

As of January 31, 2007, we had approximately $45.3 million outstanding in aggregate principal amount of 7.5% Convertible Subordinated Notes due in June 2010 and 7.5% Convertible Series A Preferred Stock with an aggregate liquidation preference of $11.4 million.

We have a Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility with a $50 million borrowing capacity and no borrowing base restrictions. The credit facility is secured by substantially all of our assets including certain accounts receivable balances and guarantees by and pledges a portion of the capital stock of our significant subsidiaries. We are required to meet certain financial condition covenants on a quarterly basis. As of January 31, 2007, we had no outstanding borrowings on our credit facility.

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

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

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

Subsequent Events

On March 7, 2007, the Company issued notice for the redemption of its 7.5% Convertible Subordinated Notes in an aggregate principal amount of $40 million and its 7.5% Convertible Series A Preferred Stock in an aggregate principle price of $10 million. The notes and preferred stock are convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock at $10.19 per share April 5, 2007, the business day before the redemption date set forth in the notice. As of March 7, 2007, $45,548,594 of the 7.5% Convertible Subordinated Notes and $11,387,147 of the 7.5% Convertible Series A Preferred Stock was outstanding.

On March 6, 2007, the Board of Directors approved a common stock repurchase program for an additional $50 million of the Company’s common stock. The shares can be repurchased in the open market or privately negotiated transactions at the Company’s discretion. This $50 million repurchase program is in addition to the repurchase programs approved on December 7, 2005 and June 8, 2006 for $50 million and $25 million, respectively.

 

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

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

Foreign Currency Risk

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

Transactions denominated in a currency other than the reporting entity’s functional currency may give rise to transaction gains and losses that impact our results of operations. In the nine months ended January 31, 2007, we recognized nominal foreign currency gains of less than $0.1 million globally.

Our primary exposure to exchange losses is based on outstanding inter-company loan balances denominated in U.S. dollars. If the U.S. dollar strengthened 15%, 25% and 35% against Pounds Sterling, the Euro, the Canadian dollar, the Australian dollar and the Yen, the Company’s exchange loss would have been $1.7 million, $2.8 million and $3.9 million, respectively, based on outstanding balances at January 31, 2007. If the U.S. dollar weakened by the same increments against Pounds Sterling, the Euro, the Canadian dollar, the Australian dollar and the Yen, the Company’s exchange gain would have been $1.7 million, $2.8 million and $3.9 million, respectively, based on outstanding balances at January 31, 2007.

Interest Rate Risk

As of January 31, 2007, we had no outstanding balance on our credit facility. We have $59.7 million of borrowings against the cash surrender value of COLI contracts as of January 31, 2007 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, 2007, we have approximately $45.3 million of 7.5% Convertible Debt and $11.4 million liquidation value of 7.5% Convertible Preferred Stock that is mandatorily redeemable by us if still outstanding on June 13, 2010.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

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 the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our 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, 2007, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 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 the Annual Report Form 10-K for the period ended April 30, 2006, the Company 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, there have been no material changes to risk factors described in our Annual Report Form 10-K for fiscal 2006.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

During the three and nine months ended January 31, 2007, the Company repurchased common stock under the common stock repurchase programs approved by the Board of Directors in December 2005 and June 2006. Pursuant to these programs, shares can be repurchased in open market transactions or privately negotiated transactions at the Company’s discretion.

 

     Shares
Purchased
   Average
Price
Paid
Per
Share
  

Shares
Purchased
as Part of a
Publicly-
Announced
Program

(1)

  

Approximate
Dollar Value of
Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased
Under the
Program

(1), (2)

November 1, 2006-November 30, 2006

   —        —      —      $ 32.6 million

December 1-December 31, 2006

   552    $ 22.49    —        32.6 million

January 1-January 31, 2007

   —        —      —        32.6 million
                       

Balance as of January 31, 2007

   1,346,324       1,275,200   
               

(1) On December 7, 2005, 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 “2005 program”). The shares can be repurchased in open market transactions or privately negotiated transactions at the Company’s discretion. In the last three and nine months of the current fiscal year, all 1,275,200 shares were repurchased under the 2005 program.
(2) On June 8, 2006, the Board of Directors approved the repurchase of a further $25 million of the Company’s common stock in a common stock repurchase program.

 

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 first quarter of fiscal 2007.

 

Item 5. Other Information

Not applicable.

 

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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, 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 14, 2006 by and among the Company and Gary C. Hourihan, Executive Vice President of the Company and President of Leadership Development Solutions, modifying the terms of Mr. Hourihan’s Employment Agreement, dated March 6, 2000.

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

 

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SIGNATURE

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

 

     KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL
Date: March 12, 2007      By:    /s/ GARY D. BURNISON
         
        Gary D. Burnison
       

Chief Operating Officer and

Chief Financial Officer

 

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