Use these links to rapidly review the document
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
ý |
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
|
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007 | ||
OR | ||
o |
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
|
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM TO | ||
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 000-21571 |
MONSTER WORLDWIDE, INC.
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
DELAWARE (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) |
13-3906555 (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER) |
622 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10017
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
(212) 351-7000
(REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE)
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:
Title of each class |
Name of each exchange on which registered |
|
---|---|---|
Common Stock, par value $.001 per share | The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (NASDAQ Global Select Market) |
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT:
None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined under Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o No ý
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No ý
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check One): Large accelerated filer ý Accelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer o Smaller reporting company o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No ý
The aggregate market value of common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $4,949,995,183 as of June 29, 2007, the last business day of the registrant's second fiscal quarter of 2007.
As of February 1, 2008, there were 120,766,100 shares of the registrant's Common Stock outstanding and 4,762,000 shares of the registrant's Class B Common Stock outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant's definitive Proxy Statement used in connection with its 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.
i
Special Note About Forward-Looking Statements
We make forward-looking statements in this report and in other reports and proxy statements that we file with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Except for historical information contained herein, the statements made in this report constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Such forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding the Company's strategic direction, prospects and future results. Certain factors, including factors outside of our control, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, including economic and other conditions in the markets in which we operate, risks associated with acquisitions or dispositions, competition, ongoing costs associated with stock option investigations and related lawsuits, costs associated with our restructuring plan and security breach, and the other risks discussed in this report and our other filings made with the SEC.
There are many factors many beyond our control that could cause results to differ significantly from our expectations. Some of these factors are described in "Item 1A. Risk Factors" of this report.
ii
Introduction
Monster Worldwide, Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, the "Company," "Monster Worldwide," "we," "our" or "us"), parent company of Monster®, the premier global online employment solution for more than a decade, strives to inspire people to improve their lives. With a local presence in key markets in North America, Europe and Asia, Monster works by connecting employers with quality job seekers at all levels and by providing personalized career advice to consumers globally. Through online media sites and services, Monster Worldwide delivers highly targeted audiences to advertisers. The Company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the NASDAQ 100.
Our principal executive offices are located at 622 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10017. Our telephone number is (212) 351-7000 and our Internet address is www.monsterworldwide.com. Our predecessor business was founded in 1967, and our current company was incorporated in Delaware and became a public company in 1996. We make all of our public filings with the SEC available on our website, free of charge, under the caption "Investor Relations SEC Filings." Included in these filings are our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports, which are available as soon as reasonably practical after we electronically file or furnish such materials with the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
Our Strategy
Monster Worldwide's long-term business strategy is designed to capitalize on the opportunity we foresee in the global online recruitment marketplace and related markets, while focusing on improved operating efficiencies and controlling our expense growth rates. Our strategy calls for continued investment in product innovation, and enhanced technology and marketing to expand our global leadership position in an effort to achieve long-term profitability and build shareholder value.
Monster was built by focusing on the needs of employers and job seekers, and we are developing stronger customer relationships and improved products as a part of our growth strategy. Through innovative product offerings, we continue to offer greater value to all job seekers even those seekers who are not currently actively engaged in a job search. The improvements we have made to our product offerings and services are designed to drive quality traffic to our site and increase our visitors' job response rate. We believe that more active seeker engagement will translate directly into higher quality candidates for our employers.
We are focused not only on customer service and satisfaction, but also on building and maintaining customer loyalty. Our ongoing investments in our technology platforms are designed to create secure, scalable and redundant systems. We are drawing on our full global network for "best in class" product and service ideas, taking concepts that have been well-received in one market and adapting them for the entire organization as appropriate.
We have refocused our efforts across the entire organization to streamline and globalize our resources and control the growth rate of our operating expenses. At the same time, we are committed to funding critical investments through our cost savings initiatives.
To fuel continued growth in our business, we are striving to increase our local and regional presence, while providing more relevant products and services to our customers and job seekers, and at the same time expanding globally. We believe that our sharpened focus on engaging customers, a new marketing program, and continued efforts to increase sales force productivity will allow us to be substantially
1
more competitive. We will continue to capitalize on the strong market position we have developed in larger international markets, particularly Europe. Our ongoing investments in infrastructure, brand building and operating efficiencies gained through our restructuring efforts continue to generate strong revenue growth and margin expansion in our international business. The Asia Pacific region represents a substantial growth opportunity for Monster, particularly China. As we develop plans for the greater China market, as well as Southeast Asia, we are equally excited about the opportunities that exist in neighboring markets.
During the past year, we increased our global footprint by expanding Monster's presence in smaller markets through low-cost launches. In 2008, we plan to continue to further develop these smaller markets, particularly in Eastern Europe.
We are also committed to entering adjacent markets. Our recent acquisition in January 2008 of Affinity Labs Inc. ("Affinity Labs") provides an opportunity to provide highly relevant content to our seekers through a portfolio of professional and vocational communities. It will also provide employers access to a large, "hard-to-reach" pool of job candidates and allow us to expand our core product more aggressively.
We have re-organized our marketing function and are gaining greater efficiencies in both purchasing and placing media through a more centralized media buying program. Our new marketing approach is designed to evolve the brand from job transaction focused to a life improvement company by enhancing our seekers' experience and making Monster a trusted partner in their career/life decisions. Our mission is to inspire people to improve their lives.
Our Services
We operate in three business segments: Careers North America, Careers International and Internet Advertising & Fees. For the year ended December 31, 2007, these operating segments represented approximately 52%, 36% and 12% of our consolidated revenue, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2006, we disposed of our global Advertising & Communications business to focus our resources on building the Monster franchise and expanding the content of our online businesses. See Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion of our segment results.
Careers (North America and International)
Monster is the premier global online employment solution for more than a decade, striving to inspire people to improve their lives. Monster has a presence in approximately 40 countries around the world. With a local presence in key markets in North America, Europe and Asia, Monster works by connecting employers with quality job seekers at all levels and by providing personalized career advice to consumers globally. We have been able to build on Monster's brand and create worldwide awareness by offering online recruiting solutions that we believe are redefining the way employers and job seekers connect. For the employer, our goal is to provide the most effective solutions and easiest to use technology to simplify the hiring process and deliver access to our community of job seekers. For job seekers, our purpose is to improve their careers by providing work-related content, services and advice to enhance the consumer experience.
Our services and solutions include searchable job postings, a resume database, and other career related content. Job seekers can search our job postings and post their resumes free-of-charge on each of our websites. Monster also offers premium career services at a fee to job seekers, such as resume writing and priority resume listing. Employers and human resources professionals pay to post jobs, search our resume database, and utilize career site hosting and other ancillary services.
Monster targets the enterprise market, or those businesses that we consider to be among the 1,500 largest organizations globally. Additionally, we also concentrate our efforts on expanding our reach to
2
include small-to-medium sized businesses ("SMBs"), those businesses with approximately 10 to 2,000 employees that operate primarily in local and regional markets. We currently have alliances with media and publishing companies that extend our presence with local and regional job seekers in various markets across the United States.
Internet Advertising & Fees
Our Internet Advertising & Fees segment provides consumers with content, services and useful offerings that help them manage the development and direction of their current and future careers, while providing employers, educators and marketers with innovative and targeted media-driven solutions to impact these consumers at critical moments in their lives. Our network of online properties appeals to advertisers and other third parties as these sites cost-effectively deliver certain discrete demographic groups in a relevant and engaging online environment. We believe that by strengthening our user engagement, driving additional traffic and increasing usage of our websites, we can increase the appeal to our customers and reward them with a higher return on their marketing investment. Our sites are constantly evolving to integrate new and innovative features, in order to provide the relevant content that connects with our users. The majority of our services are free to users and are currently offered in North America.
Revenue for the Internet Advertising & Fees segment is derived primarily from three types of services: lead generation, display advertising and products sold to consumers for a fee. Lead generation is a highly scalable direct response business in which marketers pay for connections to consumers whose demographics and interests match the requirements of specific business offerings. Our large database of users and ongoing collection of numerous points of data allows us to provide our clients with targeted and valuable leads. Display advertising opportunities have been integrated across the Monster Worldwide network of websites, allowing marketers to deliver targeted online advertising messages via numerous sizes and formats of creative units. Consumers come to Monster's websites for information and advice on how to manage critical life transitions, and this environment is typically seen by marketers as desirable for promotion of products and services as consumers are actively looking for new ideas and solutions. Premium content and services comprise the final source of revenue for the Internet Advertising & Fees segment, as consumers pay for access to information and tools that provide greater support in the development of their educational and career opportunities.
Our largest customer categories are employers, schools, financial services and consumer products and services. Employers use our media solutions to attract job seekers to job postings and to help job seekers better understand what it is like to work for a particular employer. Schools find our advertising and lead generation services to be effective tools in attracting new students to investigate enrollment in higher education programs. Numerous companies in the financial services sector continue to find success promoting their products to consumers who are looking for help in managing the cost of their education and in establishing a strong financial base for their careers. Marketers of a variety of consumer products and services, including automotive, telecommunications, apparel and entertainment have come to us to provide cost-effective and highly targeted solutions to connect with specific consumer segments.
Sales and Marketing
We maintain separate sales and marketing staffs for our Careers and Internet Advertising & Fees businesses. The sales force for our Careers business consists of Telesales and Field sales and is complemented by a self-service online sales channel which we refer to as "eCommerce." Within these groups are specialty units dedicated to serving our vertical markets, such as enterprise, small-to-medium sized businesses, government, healthcare and staffing. Our Telesales staff is primarily responsible for telemarketing and customer service for small-to-medium sized clients and is located in our offices around the world. Our Field sales staff focuses on both local and national clients and is also dispersed
3
throughout our offices globally. Our eCommerce channel is available to all customer groups and is most heavily used by smaller employers today. Our Internet Advertising & Fees sales force is located throughout the United States and is focused on cross-selling the products of each property within its network.
We use sponsorships and broad-based media, such as broadcast television, the Internet, radio, and business, consumer and trade publications, to market and promote the Monster brand. The majority of our marketing and promotion expense is allocated to our Careers North America and Careers International segments.
Customers
Our customers are comprised of individuals, small and medium-sized organizations, enterprise organizations, federal, state and local government agencies and educational institutions. No one client accounts for more than 5% of our total annual revenue.
Competition
The markets for our services and products are highly competitive and are characterized by pressure to win new customers, expand the market for our services and to incorporate new capabilities and technologies. We face competition from a number of sources. These sources include other employment-related websites, traditional media companies (primarily newspaper publishers), Internet portals, search engines and social networking websites. Many traditional media companies and newspaper publishers offer new media capabilities such as online recruitment websites. The barriers to entry into Internet businesses like ours are relatively low such that new competitors continuously arise. For example, over the past several years many niche career websites have been launched targeted at specific industry verticals. Many of our competitors or potential competitors have long operating histories, and some have greater financial, management, technological, development, sales, marketing and other resources than we do. In addition, our ability to maintain our existing clients and generate new clients depends to a significant degree on the quality of our services, pricing and reputation among our clients and potential clients.
Intellectual Property
Our success and ability to compete are dependent in part on the protection of our domain names, trademarks, trade names, service marks, patent and other proprietary rights. We rely on copyright laws to protect the original website content that we develop. In addition, we rely on Federal and state trademark laws to provide additional protection for the identifying marks appearing on our Internet sites. A degree of uncertainty exists concerning the application and enforcement of copyright and trade dress laws to the Internet, and there can be no assurance that existing laws will provide adequate protection for our original content or the appearance of our Internet sites. In addition, because copyright laws do not prohibit independent development of similar content, there can be no assurance that copyright laws will provide any competitive advantage to us.
We also assert common law protection on certain names and marks that we have used in connection with our business activities.
We rely on trade secret and copyright laws to protect the proprietary technologies that we have developed to manage and improve our Internet sites and advertising services, but there can be no assurance that such laws will provide sufficient protection to us, that others will not develop technologies that are similar or superior to ours, or that third parties will not copy or otherwise obtain and use our technologies without authorization. We have obtained patents and applied for several other patents with respect to certain of our software systems, methods and related technologies, but there can be no assurance that any pending applications will be granted or that any patents will not in the future
4
be challenged, invalidated or circumvented, or that the rights granted thereunder will provide us with a competitive advantage. In addition, we rely on certain technology licensed from third parties, and may be required to license additional technology in the future, for use in managing our Internet sites and providing related services to users and advertising customers. Our ability to generate fees from Internet commerce may also depend on data encryption and authentication technologies that we may be required to license from third parties. There can be no assurance that these third-party technology licenses will be available or will continue to be available to us on acceptable commercial terms or at all. The inability to enter into and maintain any of these technology licenses could significantly harm our business, financial condition and operating results.
Policing unauthorized use of our proprietary technology and other intellectual property rights could entail significant expense and could be difficult or impossible, particularly given the global nature of the Internet and the fact that the laws of other countries may afford us little or no effective protection of our intellectual property. In addition, there can be no assurance that third parties will not bring claims of patent, copyright or trademark infringement against us. We anticipate an increase in patent infringement claims involving Internet-related technologies as the number of products and competitors in this market grows and as related patents are issued. Further, there can be no assurance that third parties will not claim that we have misappropriated their trade secrets, creative ideas or formats or otherwise infringed their proprietary rights in connection with our Internet content or technology. Any claims of infringement, with or without merit, could be time consuming to defend, result in costly litigation, divert management attention, and require us to enter into costly royalty or licensing arrangements or prevent us from using important technologies or methods, any of which could significantly harm our business, financial condition and operating results.
Employees
At February 1, 2008, we employed approximately 5,210 people worldwide. Generally, our employees are not represented by a labor union or collective bargaining agreements except that our employees located in France, Italy and Spain are covered by collective bargaining agreements that are generally prescribed by local labor law. We regard the relationships with our employees as satisfactory.
Executive Officers
As of February 1, 2008, our executive officers are as follows:
Name |
Age |
Position |
||
---|---|---|---|---|
Salvatore Iannuzzi | 54 | Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer | ||
Timothy T. Yates | 60 | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | ||
Darko Dejanovic | 37 | Executive Vice President, Global Chief Information Officer and Head of Product | ||
Mark Stoever | 40 | Executive Vice President, Internet Advertising & Fees | ||
Jonathan Trumbull | 40 | Global Controller and Chief Accounting Officer |
Salvatore Iannuzzi has been Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since April 2007. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Iannuzzi served as President of Motorola, Inc.'s Enterprise Mobility business from January 2007 to April 2007. Prior to that, Mr. Iannuzzi served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Symbol Technologies, Inc., a publicly traded company engaged in the business of manufacturing and servicing products and systems used in end-to-end enterprise mobility solutions, from January 2006 to January 2007, when Symbol
5
Technologies was sold to Motorola. He previously served as Symbol Technologies' Interim President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer from August 2005 to January 2006 and as Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative and Control Officer from April 2005 to August 2005. He also served as a director of Symbol Technologies from December 2003 to January 2007, serving as the Non-Executive Chairman of the Board from December 2003 to April 2005. From August 2004 to April 2005, Mr. Iannuzzi was a partner in Saguenay Capital, a boutique investment firm. Prior thereto, from April 2000 to August 2004, Mr. Iannuzzi served as Chief Administrative Officer of CIBC World Markets. From 1982 to 2000, he held several senior positions at Bankers Trust Company/Deutsche Bank, including Senior Control Officer and Head of Corporate Compliance.
Timothy T. Yates has been Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company since June 2007. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Yates served as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and a director of Symbol Technologies, Inc. from February 2006 to January 2007. From January 2007 to June 2007, he was a Senior Vice President of Motorola, Inc.'s Enterprise Mobility business responsible for Motorola's integration of Symbol Technologies. From August 2005 to February 2006, Mr. Yates served as an independent consultant to Symbol Technologies. Prior to this, from October 2002 to November 2005, Mr. Yates served as a partner and Chief Financial Officer of Saguenay Capital, a boutique investment firm. Prior to that, he served as a founding partner of Cove Harbor Partners, a private investment and consulting firm, which he helped establish in 1996. From 1971 through 1995, Mr. Yates held a number of senior leadership roles at Bankers Trust New York Corporation, including serving as Chief Financial and Administrative Officer from 1990 through 1995.
Darko Dejanovic has been Executive Vice President, Global Chief Information Officer and Head of Product since November 2007. Previously, he had served as Executive Vice President and Global Chief Information Officer since July 2007, and as Senior Vice President and Global Chief information Officer since April 2007. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Dejanovic served as Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer for Tribune Company, a publicly traded media company, from December 2004 until March 2007. During that same period, Mr. Dejanovic also served as Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of Tribune Publishing Company, a subsidiary of the Tribune Company, a position he held since 2002. Before joining the Tribune Company, Mr. Dejanovic had technology leadership roles for the Education Management Group, a provider of post-secondary education, and for the European Community Monitor Mission, an international public policy organization.
Mark Stoever has been Executive Vice President, Internet Advertising & Fees since July 2007. Previously, he had served as Senior Vice President, Internet Advertising & Fees since July 2005. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Stoever served as Executive Vice President of Decision Matrix Group, an investment fund specializing in technology market research, from January 2005 to May 2005. Prior to that, beginning in 1996 he held various management roles at Lycos, Inc., a global Internet content and service provider, most recently as President and Chief Executive Officer from October 2002 to November 2004. Prior to Lycos, Mr. Stoever held management roles at ON Technology Corporation, a software company, from 1994 to 1996, and at Microcom, Inc., a modem technology company, from 1989 to 1994.
Jonathan Trumbull has been Global Controller and Chief Accounting Officer since March 2005. Previously, he had served as Vice President and Corporate Controller since October 2002. Prior to joining the Company, from 1989 to October 2002, Mr. Trumbull was associated with Ernst & Young, LLP, most recently as Senior Manager from 1997 to October 2002.
6
Investigations and litigations relating to stock option matters are pending, the scope and outcome of which could have a negative effect on the price of our securities, liquidity and business.
On June 12, 2006, we announced that a committee of independent directors of the Board of Directors (the "Special Committee") was conducting an independent investigation to review the Company's historical stock option grant practices and related accounting. The Special Committee subsequently determined that the exercise price for a substantial number of stock option grants during the periods between 1997 through March 31, 2003 differed from the fair market value of the underlying shares on the measurement date. Accordingly, the Company announced that its previously filed financial statements should no longer be relied upon; and the Company filed an amended annual report on Form 10-K/A with restated financial statements. The United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York ("USAO") and the SEC have informed the Company that each is conducting an investigation into the Company's past stock option grants. In connection therewith, the Company has received a grand jury subpoena from the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and requests for the voluntary production of documents from the SEC. We are fully cooperating with the USAO and the SEC. Our former General Counsel pleaded guilty to two felony counts in connection with our historic stock option grant practices and our former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with the USAO relating to those historical grants. Shareholder derivative actions against a number of current and former officers and directors of the Company relating to our stock option grant practices have been filed in both the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County, in which the Company is named as a nominal defendant. In addition, a putative class action on behalf of participants in the Company's 401(k) Plan alleging violations of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA") against certain current and former officers and a putative securities shareholder class action against the Company and certain former officers are pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Each of these lawsuits is described more fully in "Item 3. Legal Proceedings."
These investigations and litigations have imposed, and are likely to continue to impose, significant costs on us, both monetarily and in requiring attention by our management team. While we are unable to estimate the costs that we may incur in the future, these are likely to include:
Furthermore, while we believe that the Special Committee has effectively completed its comprehensive investigation, it is possible that additional issues may be raised as a result of the ongoing legal proceedings. Adverse developments in any of the pending legal proceedings arising out of our historical stock option granting practices or any other matter raised could generate negative publicity for us and have an adverse impact on our business and our stock price, including increased stock volatility, and could also harm our ability to raise additional capital or engage in transactions in the future.
7
We rely on the value of our brands, particularly Monster, and the costs of maintaining and enhancing our brand awareness are increasing.
Our success depends on our brands and their value. Our business would be harmed if we were unable to adequately protect our brand names, particularly Monster. We believe that maintaining and expanding the Monster brand is an important aspect of our efforts to attract and expand our user and client base. We also believe that the importance of brand recognition will increase due to the growing number of Internet sites and the relatively low barriers to entry. We have spent considerable money and resources to date on the establishment and maintenance of the Monster brand. We may spend increasing amounts of money on, and devote greater resources to, advertising, marketing and other brand-building efforts to preserve and enhance consumer awareness of the Monster brand. Despite this, we may not be able to successfully maintain or enhance consumer awareness of the Monster brand and, even if we are successful in our branding efforts, such efforts may not be cost-effective. If we are unable to maintain or enhance consumer awareness of the Monster brand in a cost-effective manner, our business, operating results and financial condition may be harmed significantly.
We are also susceptible to others imitating our products, particularly Monster, and infringing on our intellectual property rights. We may not be able to successfully protect our intellectual property rights, upon which we are dependent. While we believe we have strong trademark protection in the Monster brand worldwide in the careers and recruitment business, that protection does not extend fully to other businesses. Other companies and organizations use the "Monster" name, and more may do so in the future. This use could adversely affect our brand recognition and reputation if employers or job seekers confuse us with these other organizations. In addition, the laws of foreign countries do not necessarily protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States. Imitation of our products, particularly Monster, or infringement of our intellectual property rights could diminish the value of our brands or otherwise reduce our revenues.
Our operations have been and will be affected by future global economic fluctuations.
The general level of economic activity in the regions and industries in which we operate significantly affects demand for our services. When economic activity slows, many companies hire fewer employees. Therefore, our operating results, business and financial condition could be significantly harmed by an economic downturn in the future, especially in regions or industries where our operations are heavily concentrated. Further, we may face increased pricing pressures during such periods.
Our operating results fluctuate from quarter to quarter.
Our quarterly operating results have fluctuated in the past and may fluctuate in the future. These fluctuations are a result of a variety of factors, including, but not limited to:
8
We estimate tax liabilities, the final determination of which is subject to review by domestic and international taxation authorities.
We are subject to income taxes and other taxes in both the United States and the foreign jurisdictions in which we currently operate or have historically operated. We are also subject to review and audit by both domestic and foreign taxation authorities. The determination of our worldwide provision for income taxes and current and deferred tax assets and liabilities requires judgment and estimation. In the ordinary course of our business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. Although we believe our tax estimates are reasonable, the ultimate tax outcome may materially differ from the tax amounts recorded in our consolidated financial statements.
We face risks relating to developing technology, including the Internet.
The market for Internet products and services is characterized by rapid technological developments, frequent new product introductions and evolving industry standards. The emerging character of these products and services and their rapid evolution will require our continuous improvement in the performance, features and reliability of our Internet content, particularly in response to competitive offerings. We may not be successful in responding quickly, cost effectively and sufficiently to these developments. In addition, the widespread adoption of new Internet technologies or standards could require us to make substantial expenditures to modify or adapt our websites and services. This could harm our business, financial condition and operating results.
The online recruiting market continues to evolve. The adoption of online recruiting and job seeking services, particularly among those companies that have historically relied upon traditional recruiting methods, requires the acceptance of a new way of conducting business, exchanging information, advertising and applying for jobs. Many of our potential customers, particularly smaller companies, have not utilized the Internet as a recruiting tool, and not all segments of the job-seeking population use the Internet to look for jobs. Companies may not continue to allocate portions of their budgets to Internet-based recruiting and job seekers may not use online job seeking methods. As a result, we may not be able to effectively compete with traditional recruiting and job seeking methods. If Internet-based recruiting does not remain widely accepted or if we are not able to anticipate changes in the online recruiting market, our business, financial condition and operating results could be significantly harmed.
New Internet services or enhancements that we have offered or may offer in the future may contain design flaws or other defects that could require expensive modifications or result in a loss of client confidence. Any disruption in Internet access or in the Internet generally could significantly harm our business, financial condition and operating results. Slower response times or system failures may also result from straining the capacity of our software, hardware or network infrastructure. To the extent that we do not effectively address any capacity constraints or system failures, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be significantly harmed.
Trends that could have a critical impact on our success include:
9
We rely heavily on our information systems and if our access to this technology is impaired, or we fail to further develop our technology, our business could be harmed.
Our success depends in large part upon our ability to store, retrieve, process and manage substantial amounts of information, including our client and candidate databases. To achieve our strategic objectives and to remain competitive, we must continue to develop and enhance our information systems. Our future success will depend on our ability to adapt to rapidly changing technologies, to adapt our information systems to evolving industry standards and to improve the performance and reliability of our information systems. This may require the acquisition of equipment and software and the development, either internally or through independent consultants, of new proprietary software. Our inability to design, develop, implement and utilize, in a cost-effective manner, information systems that provide the capabilities necessary for us to compete effectively could harm our business, results of operations or financial condition.
Concerns relating to our privacy policies and our compliance with applicable data protection laws and regulations could damage our reputation and deter current and potential customers, job seekers and other Internet users from using our products and services.
Concerns about our practices with regard to the collection, use, disclosure or security of personal information or other privacy-related matters, even if unfounded, could damage our reputation, which in turn could significantly harm our business, financial condition and operating results. While we strive to comply with all applicable data protection laws and regulations, as well as our own posted privacy policies, any failure or perceived failure to comply may result in proceedings or actions against us by government entities or others, which could potentially have an adverse effect on our business. Moreover, failure or perceived failure to comply with our policies or applicable requirements related to the collection, use, sharing or security of personal information or other privacy-related matters could result in a loss of confidence in us by customers, job seekers and other Internet users, which could adversely affect our business. Laws related to data protection continue to evolve. It is possible that certain jurisdictions may enact laws or regulations that impact our ability to offer our products and services and/or result in reduced traffic or contract terminations in those jurisdictions, which could harm our business.
Interruptions, delays or failures in the provision of our services, including any failure to adequately protect personal information of our customers, job seekers and other website users, could damage our brand and harm our operating results.
Our systems are susceptible to outages and interruptions due to fire, floods, power loss, telecommunications failures, cyber attacks, terrorist attacks and similar events. Despite our implementation of network security measures, our servers are vulnerable to computer viruses, worms, physical and electronic break-ins, sabotage and similar disruptions from unauthorized tampering with our computer systems. Unauthorized access, "phishing" schemes and other disruptions could jeopardize the security of information stored in our systems relating to our customers, job seekers and other website users. We have experienced these intrusions in the past, and may experience them in the future.
10
Our systems' continuing and uninterrupted performance is critical to our success. Customers, job seekers and other website users may become dissatisfied by any system failure that interrupts our ability to provide our services to them, including failures affecting our ability to serve web page requests without significant delay to the viewer. Sustained or repeated system failures would reduce the attractiveness of our solutions to customers, job seekers and other Internet users and result in reduced traffic, contract terminations, fee rebates and make goods, thereby reducing revenue. Moreover, negative publicity arising from these types of disruptions is damaging to our reputation and may adversely impact traffic to our sites.
We do not have multiple site capacity for all of our services and some of our systems are not fully redundant in the event of any such occurrence. In an effort to reduce the likelihood of a geographical or other disaster impacting our business, we have begun distributing, and intend to continue distributing, our servers among additional data centers. Failure to execute these changes properly or in a timely manner could result in delays or interruptions to our service, which could result in a loss of users and damage to our brand, and harm our operating results. We may not carry sufficient business interruption insurance to compensate us for losses that may occur as a result of any events that cause interruptions in our service.
Our markets are highly competitive.
The markets for our services are highly competitive. They are characterized by pressures to:
Furthermore, we face competition from a number of sources. These sources include:
Many of our competitors or potential competitors have long operating histories, and some may have greater financial resources, management, technological development, sales, marketing and other resources than we do. Some of our competitors have more diversified businesses or may be owned by entities engaged in other lines of business allowing them to operate their directly competitive operations at lower margins than our operations. In addition, our ability to maintain our existing clients and attract new clients depends to a large degree on the quality of our services and our reputation among our clients and potential clients.
Due to competition, we may experience reduced margins on our products and services, loss of market share or less use of our services by job seekers and our customers. If we are not able to compete effectively with current or future competitors as a result of these and other factors, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be significantly harmed.
We have no significant proprietary technology that would preclude or inhibit competitors from entering the online advertising market. Existing or future competitors may develop or offer services and products which provide significant performance, price, creative or other advantages over our services. If we do not keep pace with product and technology advances, there could be a material adverse effect on our competitive position, revenue and prospects for growth. This could significantly harm our business, financial condition and operating results.
11
We are vulnerable to intellectual property infringement claims brought against us by others.
Successful intellectual property infringement claims against us could result in monetary liability or a material disruption in the conduct of our business. We cannot be certain that our products, content and brand names do not or will not infringe valid patents, copyrights or other intellectual property rights held by third parties. We expect that infringement claims in our markets will increase in number. We may be subject to legal proceedings and claims from time to time relating to the intellectual property of others in the ordinary course of our business. If we were found to have infringed the intellectual property rights of a third party, we could be liable to that party for license fees, royalty payments, profits or damages, and the owner of the intellectual property might be able to prevent us from using the technology or software in the future. If the amounts of these payments were significant or we were prevented from incorporating certain technology or software into our products, our business could be significantly harmed.
We may incur substantial expenses in defending against these third party infringement claims, regardless of their merit. As a result, due to the diversion of management time, the expense required to defend against any claim and the potential liability associated with any lawsuit, any significant litigation could significantly harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
If we are unable to protect our proprietary rights or maintain our rights to use key technologies of third parties, our business may be harmed.
A degree of uncertainty exists concerning the application and enforcement of copyright and trade dress laws to the Internet, and existing laws may not provide us adequate protection for our original content or the appearance of our Internet sites. In addition, because copyright laws do not prohibit independent development of similar content, copyright laws may not provide us with any competitive advantage. We have obtained patents and applied for other patents with respect to certain of our software systems, methods and related technologies, but our pending applications may not be granted and any patents issued to us may in the future be challenged, invalidated or circumvented, and the rights granted thereunder may not provide us with a competitive advantage. We also face risks associated with our trademarks, particularly trademarks covering the Monster brand. Policing unauthorized use of our proprietary technology and other intellectual property rights could involve significant expense and could be difficult or impossible, particularly given the global nature of the Internet and the fact that the laws of certain other countries may afford us little or no effective protection of our intellectual property.
In addition, we rely on certain technology licensed from third parties, and may be required to license additional technology in the future for use in managing our Internet sites and providing related services to users and advertising customers. Our ability to generate fees from Internet commerce may also depend on data encryption and authentication technologies that we may be required to license from third parties. These third-party technology licenses may not continue to be available to us on acceptable commercial terms or at all. The inability to enter into and maintain any of these technology licenses could significantly harm our business, financial condition and operating results.
We have made strategic acquisitions and entered into alliances and joint ventures in the past and intend to do so in the future. If we are unable to find suitable acquisitions or partners or to achieve expected benefits from such acquisitions or partnerships, there could be a material adverse effect on our business, growth rates and results of operations.
As part of our ongoing business strategy to expand product offerings and acquire new technology, we frequently engage in discussions with third parties regarding, and enter into agreements relating to, possible acquisitions, strategic alliances and joint ventures. If we are unable to identify future acquisition opportunities or reach agreement with such third parties, there could be a material adverse effect on our business, growth rates and results of operations.
12
Even if we are able to complete acquisitions or enter into alliances and joint ventures that we believe will be successful, such transactions, especially those involving companies like Affinity Labs and China HR.com Holdings Ltd. ("ChinaHR"), are inherently risky. Our acquisitions can be accompanied by a number of risks, including:
Our failure to be successful in addressing these risks or other problems encountered in connection with our past or future acquisitions could cause us to fail to realize the anticipated benefits of our acquisitions incur unanticipated liabilities and harm our business generally.
We have had and may face future difficulties managing growth.
Our business has grown rapidly, both internally and through acquisitions. This expansion has resulted in substantial growth in the number of our employees, and put a significant strain on our management and operations. If our business continues to grow rapidly, we expect it to result in increased responsibility for management personnel, and incremental strain on our operations, and financial and management systems. Our success under such conditions will depend to a significant extent on the ability of our executive officers and other members of senior management to operate effectively both independently and as a group. If we are not able to manage future growth, our business, financial condition and operating results may be harmed.
If our divested businesses fail to satisfy obligations relating to their operations, we could face third-party claims seeking to hold us liable for those obligations.
In 2003, we completed the spin-off of Hudson Highland Group, Inc. to our stockholders. In June 2005, we sold our Directional Marketing business, and during 2006 we disposed of our global Advertising & Communications business in five separate transactions. We remain contingently liable to third parties for some obligations of these divested businesses, such as for real estate leases assumed by the divested businesses, if the divested businesses fail to meet their obligations. Our financial condition and results of operations could be significantly harmed if we receive third-party claims relating to liabilities of our divested businesses.
We face risks relating to our foreign operations.
We have a presence in approximately 40 countries around the world. We earned 38%, 29% and 24% of our total revenue outside of the United States in the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005,
13
respectively. Such amounts are generally collected in the local currency. In addition, we generally pay operating expenses in the corresponding local currency. Therefore, we are at risk for exchange rate fluctuations between such local currencies and the United States dollar. We cannot predict the direction or magnitude of future currency fluctuations. A weakening of the currencies in which we generate sales relative to the currencies in which our costs are denominated may lower our results of operations.
We are also subject to taxation in foreign jurisdictions. In addition, transactions between our foreign subsidiaries and us may be subject to United States and foreign withholding taxes. Applicable tax rates in foreign jurisdictions differ from those of the United States, and change periodically. The extent, if any, to which we will receive credit in the United States for taxes we pay in foreign jurisdictions, will depend upon the application of limitations set forth in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as well as the provisions of any tax treaties that may exist between the United States and such foreign jurisdictions.
Our current or future international operations might not succeed or might fail to meet our expectations for a number of reasons including:
If we are forced to discontinue any of our international operations, we could incur material costs to close down such operations.
Also, we could be exposed to fines and penalties under U.S. laws such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and local laws prohibiting corrupt payments to governmental officials. Although we have implemented policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with these laws, we cannot be sure that our employees, contractors or agents will not violate our policies. Any such violations could materially damage our reputation, our brand, our international expansion efforts, our business and our operating results.
Our future growth depends on our ability to expand operations in international markets. We may have limited experience or we may need to rely on business partners in these markets, and our future growth will be materially adversely affected if we are unsuccessful in our international expansion efforts.
We currently have a presence in approximately 40 countries around the world. Our future growth will depend significantly on our ability to expand Monster-branded product offerings in additional international markets. As we expand into new international markets, we will have only limited experience in marketing and operating our products and services in such markets. In other instances, including our strategic investment in ChinaHR, we have had to rely, and may have to continue to rely, on the efforts and abilities of foreign business partners in such markets. Certain international markets may be slower than domestic markets in adopting the online career and commerce medium and as a
14
result, our operations in international markets may not develop at a rate that supports our level of investment.
Our business depends largely on our ability to attract and retain talented employees, including senior management.
We are substantially dependent on the continued services of our senior management, including our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Information Officer. The loss of any of these individuals could harm our business. Our business is also dependent on our ability to retain, hire and motivate talented, highly skilled personnel. Experienced management and technical, marketing and support personnel in our industry are in high demand, and competition for their talents is intense. If we are less successful in our recruiting efforts, or if we are unable to retain key employees, our ability to develop and deliver successful products and services may be adversely affected.
We could be influenced by one stockholder.
On September 25, 2007, Andrew J. McKelvey, the Company's former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, entered into a prepaid variable forward contract with an unaffiliated third party buyer, pursuant to which he pledged 4,762,000 shares of Class B Common Stock to secure his obligations under the contract. Each share of Class B Common Stock is entitled to ten (10) votes. The Company's charter provides that the shares of Class B Common Stock immediately convert into Common Stock (entitled to only one vote per share) if the holder sells or assigns his beneficial ownership in the Class B Common Stock. While the Company was in the process of determining whether, if as a result of the pledge, the shares of Class B Common Stock held by Mr. McKelvey were converted into shares of Common Stock, Mr. McKelvey, a Special Litigation Committee of the Board composed of independent and disinterested directors and the Company entered into a Memorandum of Understanding providing for the settlement of claims asserted on behalf of the Company against Mr. McKelvey in connection with the derivative actions. The settlement provides, among other things, that Mr. McKelvey will convert the 4,762,000 shares of Class B Common Stock owned by him for a like number of shares of ordinary Common Stock. While the settlement is subject to the execution of a definitive settlement agreement and court approval of that agreement, pending a court determination of whether or not to approve the settlement, Mr. McKelvey has ceded his ability to cast more than one vote per share by agreeing that any additional vote to which he is entitled will be cast in proportion to the other votes cast at any shareholders meeting.
If the Court does not approve the settlement agreement or if the proxy is terminated pursuant to the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding and it is not otherwise determined that Mr. McKelvey's shares of Class B Common Stock have converted as a result of the prepaid variable forward contract, then Mr. McKelvey will have the right to vote approximately 31.01% of the combined voting power of all classes of our voting stock. As a result of such voting rights, Mr. McKelvey could have significant influence on the outcome of matters requiring a shareholder vote, including the election of directors and certain mergers or other business combinations.
In addition, pending conversion of the Class B Common Stock, the settlement does not affect Mr. McKelvey's right to vote the shares of Class B Common Stock on any proposal to amend the Company's Certificate of Incorporation in a manner that would affect the shares of Class B Common Stock. Any such amendment would require the approval of the holders of a majority of outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock. Accordingly, Mr. McKelvey (as the holder of all of the shares of Class B Stock) would determine the outcome of any such proposal.
We may be required to record a significant charge to earnings if our goodwill or amortizable intangible assets become impaired.
We are required under generally accepted accounting principles to review our amortizable intangible assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be
15
recoverable. Goodwill is required to be tested for impairment at least annually. Factors that may be considered a change in circumstances indicating that the carrying value of our amortizable intangible assets may not be recoverable include a decline in stock price and market capitalization, slower growth rates in our industry or other materially adverse events. We may be required to record a significant charge to earnings in our financial statements during the period in which any impairment of our goodwill or amortizable intangible assets is determined. This may adversely impact our results of operations. As of December 31, 2007, our goodwill and amortizable intangible assets were $661.9 million.
Effects of anti-takeover provisions could inhibit the acquisition of Monster Worldwide by others.
Some of the provisions of our certificate of incorporation, bylaws and Delaware law could, together or separately:
In particular, our Board of Directors may authorize the issuance of up to 800,000 shares of Preferred Stock with rights and privileges that might be senior to our Common Stock, without the consent of the holders of the Common Stock. Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws provide, among other things, for advance notice of stockholder proposals and director nominations.
There is volatility in our stock price.
The market for our Common Stock has, from time to time, experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations. Factors such as announcements of variations in our quarterly financial results and fluctuations in revenue could cause the market price of our Common Stock to fluctuate significantly. In addition, the stock market in general, and the market prices for Internet-related companies in particular, have experienced volatility that often has been unrelated to the operating performance of such companies. These broad market and industry fluctuations may adversely affect the price of our stock, regardless of our operating performance. Additionally, volatility or a lack of positive performance in our stock price may adversely affect our ability to retain key employees, some of whom have been granted equity compensation.
The market price of our Common Stock can be influenced by stockholders' expectations about the ability of our business to grow and to achieve certain profitability targets. If our financial performance in a particular quarter does not meet the expectations of our stockholders, it may adversely affect their views concerning our growth potential and future financial performance. In addition, if the securities analysts who regularly follow our Common Stock lower their ratings of our Common Stock, the market price of our Common Stock is likely to drop significantly.
The market price of our Common Stock may react negatively to further updates and announcements regarding the government investigations and litigation proceedings related to our historical stock option grant practices.
We face risks associated with government regulation.
The application of existing laws and regulations to our web sites, particularly Monster, relating to issues such as user privacy, security of data, defamation, advertising, taxation, promotions, content regulation, and intellectual property ownership and infringement can be unclear. In addition, we will also be subject to new laws and regulations directly applicable to our activities. Any existing or new legislation applicable to us could expose us to substantial liability, including significant expenses necessary to comply with such laws and regulations, and dampen growth in Internet usage.
16
The federal CAN-SPAM Act and state anti-spam laws impose certain requirements on the use of e-mail. The implications of these laws have not been fully tested. Portions of our business rely on e-mail to communicate with consumers on our behalf and for our clients. We may face risk if our use of e-mail is found to violate the federal law or applicable state law.
We post our privacy policy and practices concerning the use and disclosure of user data on our websites. Any failure by us to comply with our posted privacy policy or other privacy-related laws and regulations could result in proceedings which could potentially harm our business, results of operations and financial condition. In this regard, there are a large number of legislative proposals before the United States Congress and various state legislative bodies regarding privacy issues related to our business. It is not possible to predict whether or when such legislation may be adopted, and certain proposals, if adopted, could significantly harm our business through a decrease in user registrations and revenues. This could be caused by, among other possible provisions, the required use of disclaimers or other requirements before users can utilize our services.
Due to the global nature of the Internet, it is possible that the governments of other states and foreign countries might attempt to regulate its transmissions or prosecute us for violations of their laws. We might unintentionally violate such laws or such laws may be modified and new laws may be enacted in the future. Any such developments (or developments stemming from enactment or modification of other laws) may significantly harm our business, operating results and financial condition.
Other legal proceedings may significantly harm our business.
From time to time, we may become involved in other litigation or other proceedings in the ordinary course of business. It is possible that such litigation or proceedings may significantly harm our future results of operations or financial condition due to expenses we may incur to defend ourselves or the ramifications of an adverse decision.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Not applicable.
Our principal executive offices are located in New York, New York, where we occupy approximately 26,000 square feet of leased space. Our largest office space is located in Maynard, Massachusetts, where we occupy approximately 300,000 square feet of leased space. We also lease additional facilities in the United States in Atlanta, Carmel, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver, Indianapolis, Laguna Hills, Los Angeles, McLean, the Orlando Area, the Philadelphia Area, Raleigh, San Francisco, Tempe and Washington D.C. Our domestic properties are used generally by our Careers North America and Internet Advertising & Fees segments.
We also maintain leased facilities internationally in Austria, Canada, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Norway, Poland, Scotland, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Turkey. Our international properties are used generally by our Careers International segment. We also operate data centers in the United States, the European Union and Asia pursuant to various lease and co-location arrangements.
We consider our leased space to be adequate for the operation of our business, and we do not foresee any difficulties in meeting any future space requirements.
The Company is involved in various legal proceedings that are incidental to the conduct of its business. Aside from the matters discussed below, the Company is not involved in any pending or threatened
17
legal proceedings that it believes could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.
The Company announced on June 12, 2006 that a committee of independent directors of the Board of Directors, assisted by outside counsel, was conducting an independent investigation to review the Company's historical stock option grant practices and related accounting.
Stock Option Investigations and Related Litigation
Investigations .
The USAO and the SEC have informed the Company that each is conducting an investigation into its past stock option grants. In connection with these investigations, the Company has received a grand jury subpoena from the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and requests for the voluntary production of documents from the SEC. The Company is fully cooperating with the USAO and the SEC. On February 15, 2007, the Company's former General Counsel pleaded guilty to two felony counts relating to those historical stock option grants and the SEC instituted a civil action against him. On March 26, 2007, the SEC civil action was settled pursuant to a final judgment permanently enjoining our former General Counsel from violating the federal securities laws and from acting as an officer or director of a public company. On January 23, 2008, Andrew J. McKelvey, the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with the USAO. Pursuant to the deferred prosecution agreement, the USAO has agreed to defer prosecution of Mr. McKelvey for conspiracy to commit securities fraud and securities fraud for one year and not proceed with any prosecution of Mr. McKelvey if, after one year, he has complied with his obligations under the agreement. On January 23, 2008, the SEC commenced an action against Mr. McKelvey and, at the same time, announced a settlement with Mr. McKelvey, pursuant to which he will be permanently enjoined from violating the federal securities laws, will pay the SEC $275,990 in disgorgement and prejudgment interest, and will be barred from serving as an officer or director of a public company.
ERISA Action (Taylor v. McKelvey et al., 06 CV 8322 (S.D.N.Y.)) .
In October 2006, a putative class action litigation was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by a former Company employee against the Company and a number of its current and former officers and directors. On February 16, 2007, plaintiff served an amended class action complaint. The action purports to be brought on behalf of all participants in the Company's 401(k) Plan (the "Plan"). The amended complaint alleges that the defendants breached their fiduciary obligations to Plan participants under Sections 404, 405, 409 and 502 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act ("ERISA") by allowing Plan participants to purchase and to hold and maintain Company stock in their Plan accounts without disclosing to those Plan participants the historical stock option practices. The complaint seeks, among other relief, equitable restitution, attorney's fees and an order enjoining defendants from violations of ERISA. On December 14, 2007, the Court granted the defendants' motions to dismiss and dismissed the ERISA action with prejudice as against the Company and certain of the individual defendants (including all of the current directors of the Company who have been named as defendants) and without prejudice against certain of the individual defendants including one current employee of the Company.
Derivative Actions (In re Monster Worldwide, Inc. Stock Option Derivative Litigation, Master Docket 1:06:cv 04622 (S.D.N.Y.) and In re Monster Worldwide Inc. Derivative Litigation, Index. No. 06 108700 (Supreme, N.Y. County)) .
Derivative actions in connection with historical stock option practices have been commenced by shareholders purportedly on behalf of the Company in both the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County,
18
against a number of current and former officers and directors of the Company, naming the Company as a nominal defendant (the "Derivative Actions").
On October 20, 2006, the three federal court actions were consolidated by the Court and styled as In re Monster Worldwide, Inc. Stock Option Derivative Litigation, Master Docket 1:06:cv 04622 (S.D.N.Y.)(NRB-DCF) (Consolidated Action). On or about December 20, 2006, plaintiffs in the consolidated federal actions filed a consolidated amended complaint. The consolidated amended complaint asserts claims for breach of fiduciary duty, gross mismanagement, unjust enrichment, and violations of Sections 10(b) and 14(a) of the Exchange Act for the period between January 1, 1997 and the present. The federal court plaintiffs seek, among other relief, an indeterminate amount of damages from the individual defendants.
On September 18, 2006, the three purported derivative actions that were filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County, were also consolidated. The consolidated actions have been styled as In re Monster Worldwide Inc. Derivative Litigation, Index. No. 06 108700 (Supreme, N.Y. County). On or about December 1, 2006, the plaintiffs in the consolidated state court actions filed a consolidated amended complaint asserting claims for breach of fiduciary duty and related state law causes of action. The state court plaintiffs seek, among other relief, an indeterminate amount of damages from the individual defendants.
On November 21, 2006, the Board of Directors of the Company appointed a Special Litigation Committee of the Board (the "SLC") composed of independent and disinterested directors to investigate and take whatever actions it deems appropriate with respect to the claims made in the Derivative Actions.
On January 22, 2008, Andrew J. McKelvey, the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, the SLC and the Company entered into a Memorandum of Understanding providing for the settlement of claims asserted on behalf of the Company against Mr. McKelvey in the Derivative Actions. The settlement provides that Mr. McKelvey will pay the Company $8 million and convert the 4,762,000 shares of Class B Common Stock owned by him for a like number of ordinary shares of Common Stock. The Memorandum of Understanding calls for the execution of a Settlement Agreement to be subject to Court approval. Pursuant to the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding, Mr. McKelvey has agreed that, pending the completion of the conversion, he shall be entitled to vote only one-tenth of the shares of Class B Common Stock beneficially owned by him on all matters submitted to the holders of Common Stock for their vote, approval, waiver or consent. With respect to the remaining nine-tenths of the shares of Class B Common Stock beneficially owned by Mr. McKelvey, he has, pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding, given the Chief Executive Officer of the Company an irrevocable proxy to vote such shares on all matters submitted to the holders of Common Stock for their vote, approval, waiver or consent in the same percentages as the aggregate votes cast by the holders of shares of Common Stock (other than Mr. McKelvey) on such matter.
Prior to the settlement with Mr. McKelvey, the Company, with the approval of the SLC, entered into additional memoranda of understanding providing for the settlement of claims on behalf of the Company asserted against certain other officers and directors (current and former) of the Company in the Derivative Actions. The Company expects that a formal settlement agreement resolving the claims against Mr. McKelvey and the others will in the near future be presented for approval to the Supreme Court of the State of New York.
Securities Class Action (In re Monster Worldwide Securities Litigation, 07 Civ. 2237 (S.D.N.Y.)) .
On or about March 15, 2007, a putative securities shareholder class action was filed by Middlesex County Retirement System against the Company and certain former employees in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York designated as In re Monster Worldwide Securities Litigation, 07 Civ. 2237 (S.D.N.Y.) (JSR), seeking an indeterminate amount of damages on behalf of
19
all persons or entities, other than defendants, who purchased or acquired the securities of the Company from May 6, 2005 until September 9, 2006. On July 9, 2007, plaintiffs filed an amended complaint in the securities class action asserting claims against the Company, Andrew McKelvey and Myron Olesnyckyj, the Company's former General Counsel, based on an alleged violation of Section 10(b) the Exchange Act and against the individual defendants based on an alleged violation of Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act. On September 11, 2007, the Company filed an answer to the amended complaint. Discovery in this action is underway.
Dispute with Option Holders .
From July 25, 2006 to December 26, 2006, the Company suspended its Registration Statement on Form S-8, resulting in a prohibition on the exercise of stock options. The Company received correspondence from, or on behalf of, certain former employees who are grantees of certain vested stock options that were scheduled to expire or be forfeited unless exercised during this suspension period. Due to the suspension of the Company's S-8, these individuals were precluded from exercising such options prior to the expiration date of the options. The former employees informed the Company that they would seek to hold the Company liable for any financial damages suffered as a result of their inability to exercise the options during the suspension period. In December 2006, the Company's Board of Directors approved the payment of approximately $5.0 million to compensate certain former employees for the value of stock options that expired during the period that the Company's equity compensation plans were suspended. In exchange for payment, the Company requested a release of any liability. The Company has made payments to, and has received releases from, substantially all of such former employees.
Consequences Under the Internal Revenue Code .
We have notified the Internal Revenue Service of the stock option review and results thereof. Under Internal Revenue Code section 162(m) ("IRC 162(m)"), stock options that are in-the-money at the time of grant do not qualify as performance-based compensation. We are not entitled to a deduction for the compensation expense related to the exercise of those options held by officers who are covered by IRC 162(m).
In addition, certain stock options which were granted on a discounted basis (exercise price is less than the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant) are subject to Internal Revenue Code section 409A ("409A"). The provisions of 409A impose adverse consequences upon the individuals who receive such options including excise tax, additional interest charges and accelerated inclusion in income. In January 2007, the Board approved a tender offer plan to amend certain stock options granted to approximately 60 individuals who received stock options that are subject to 409A in order to correct the options such that they are no longer subject to this provision. The correction was made by increasing the exercise price to the same value used in connection with the financial statement restatement. In April 2007, the tender offer was finalized and for individuals who agreed to the modification, the Company compensated them for the increase in the exercise price by paying an amount equal to the difference in the exercise price for each option. In January 2008, we paid approximately $300,000 to these individuals.
General .
We may become subject to additional private or government actions. The expense of defending such litigation may be significant. In addition, an unfavorable outcome in such litigation could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. The Company may also be obligated under the terms of its by-laws to advance litigation costs for directors and officers named in litigation relating to their roles at the Company.
20
Security Breach
In August 2007, the Company announced that certain of its servers had been the subject of attacks by malicious software and that, as a result, information such as names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses for job seekers with resumes posted on websites operated by the Company had been illegally downloaded. The Company does not generally collect social security numbers or financial data about its job seekers, such as bank account information or credit card accounts. The Company responded by conducting a comprehensive review of internal processes and procedures, enhancing its processes and procedures and notifying job seekers and employers of the attack and alerting job seekers about potential efforts to use that information to improperly obtain sensitive data from the job seekers in so called "phishing" emails. In October 2007, in connection with the attack, the Company was requested to provide information to the staff of the Federal Trade Commission (the "FTC") in connection with a non-public inquiry into certain information security practices of Monster. After the Company submitted such information to the FTC, the matter was resolved without further action required by the Company. The Company has also received inquiries from certain other governmental authorities (foreign and domestic) in connection with the attack. The Company has cooperated with such governmental authorities and, if necessary, intends to continue to cooperate with such governmental entities.
Litigation Relating to the Company's Tickle Business Unit
In July 2006, a putative class action entitled Ed Oshaben v. Tickle Inc., Emode.com, Inc. and Monster Worldwide, Inc. (Case No. CGC-06-454538) was filed against the Company and its Tickle Inc. subsidiary in California State Court. An amended complaint was subsequently filed. The amended complaint alleges that Tickle engaged in deceptive consumer practices as follows: (1) users who believed they signed up for an unconditional "free" 7-day trial period actually were charged a monthly subscription rate unless they affirmatively notified Tickle within those 7 days that they did not want the monthly membership; and (2) users who believed they had paid a one-time fee to purchase the results of a single personality test were actually enrolled in the full monthly subscription service and billed accordingly. The amended complaint purports to be a class action representing all users who purchased a test report from Tickle and received "unauthorized charges." The amended complaint alleges various violations of the California consumer and unfair business practice statutes and seeks, among other things, unspecified restitution for the class, disgorgement of revenues, compensatory damages, punitive damages, attorneys' fees and equitable relief. Discovery in this action is underway.
Class B Common Stock
On September 25, 2007, Andrew J. McKelvey, the Company's former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, entered into a prepaid variable forward contract with an unaffiliated third party buyer, pursuant to which he pledged 4,762,000 shares of Class B Common Stock to secure his obligations under the contract. Each share of Class B Common Stock is entitled to ten (10) votes. The Company's charter provides that the shares of Class B Common Stock immediately convert into Common Stock (entitled to only one vote per share) if the holder sells or assigns his beneficial ownership in the Class B Common Stock. The Company was in the process of determining whether, if as a result of the pledge, the shares of Class B Common Stock held by Mr. McKelvey have converted to ordinary shares of Common Stock. Because of the settlement with Mr. McKelvey described above, this determination would likely be rendered moot. Accordingly, the Company will only make such a determination if the settlement becomes inoperative and, pending such a determination, has treated the shares of Class B Common Stock as being outstanding in this Form 10-K. Such treatment is without prejudice.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
Not applicable.
21
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
The Common Stock of the Company is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "MNST." The Common Stock was first traded on the NASDAQ National Market on December 13, 1996, the day after the underwritten initial public offering of shares of the Company's Common Stock. Prior to the offering there was no established public trading market for the Company's shares.
As of February 1, 2008, there were 1,458 stockholders of record of our Common Stock, although we believe that there are a significantly larger number of beneficial owners. As of February 15, 2008, the last reported sale price of our Common Stock as reported by the NASDAQ Global Select Market was $27.14.
We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our stock. We currently anticipate that all future earnings will be retained by the Company to support our growth strategy or to repurchase shares of our Common Stock. Accordingly, we do not anticipate paying periodic cash dividends on our stock for the foreseeable future. The payment of any future dividends will be at the discretion of our Board and will depend upon, among other things, future earnings, operations, capital requirements, our general financial condition, contractual restrictions and general business conditions. Our current financing agreement entered into on December 21, 2007, restricts the payment of dividends on our stock.
The information regarding market and market price range of our Common Stock may be found in "Financial Information by Quarter (Unaudited)" in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The Company has a stock repurchase plan in place that allows it to purchase securities on the open market or otherwise from time to time as conditions warrant. A summary of the Company's repurchase activity for the three months ended December 31, 2007 is as follows:
Period |
Total Number of Shares Repurchased |
Average Price Paid Per Share |
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs |
Maximum Dollar Value of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs(a) |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
As of the nine months ended September 30, 2007 | 4,541,772 | 4,541,772 | $ | 150,299,855 | ||||||
October 1 - October 31 | - | N/A | - | $ | 250,299,855 | |||||
November 1 - November 30 | 1,353,695 | $ | 35.72 | 1,353,695 | $ | 201,950,962 | ||||
December 1 - December 31 | 1,449,645 | $ | 33.60 | 1,449,645 | $ | 153,250,104 | ||||
Total Fourth Quarter 2007 | 2,803,340 | $ | 34.62 | 2,803,340 | $ | 153,250,104 | ||||
Year Ended December 31, 2007 | 7,345,112 | $ | 34.26 | 7,345,112 | $ | 153,250,104 | ||||
Total shares repurchased under plan | 8,339,696 | |||||||||
(a) On November 10, 2005, the Board of Directors approved a share repurchase plan, authorizing the Company to purchase up to $100 million of shares of its Common Stock. The November 2005 share repurchase plan was utilized fully during 2007. On September 4, 2007, the Board approved a share repurchase plan, authorizing the Company to purchase up to an additional $250 million of shares of its Common Stock. On October 23, 2007, the Board authorized the Company to purchase an additional $100 million of shares of its Common Stock under the share repurchase plan. On January 30, 2008, the Board authorized the Company to purchase an additional $100 million of shares of its Common Stock under the share repurchase plan. All current repurchase plan authorizations expire on January 30, 2009.
Issuance of Unregistered Securities
None.
22
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table sets forth information as of December 31, 2007 with respect to the Company's equity compensation plans which have been approved by its stockholders. The Company does not have any equity compensation plans that were not approved by its stockholders.
Plan Category |
Number of Securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (a) |
Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights (b) |
Number of Securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) (c) |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders | 6,876,395 | $ | 29.13 | 4,412,066 | |||
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders | | | | ||||
Total | 6,876,395 | $ | 29.13 | 4,412,066 | |||
Stock Performance Graph
The following performance graph and related information shall not be deemed "filed" for the purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act or otherwise subject to liabilities under that Section and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.
The following graph compares the cumulative total return of the Company's Common Stock during the period commencing December 31, 2002 to December 31, 2007, with the S&P 500 Index and the RDG Internet Composite Index. The graph depicts the results of investing $100 in the Company's Common Stock, the S&P 500 Index and the RDG Internet Composite Index at closing prices on December 31, 2002 and assumes that all dividends were reinvested. For purposes of the following graph, the closing price of the Company's Common Stock on December 31, 2002 has been adjusted from $11.31 to $10.597 to reflect the Company's spin-off of Hudson Highland Group, Inc. on March 31, 2003. Such returns are based on historical results and are not intended to suggest future performance.
Comparison of Five-Year Cumulative Total Return Among Monster Worldwide, Inc.,
The S&P 500 Index and The RDG Internet Composite Index
23
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following tables present selected financial data for the five years ended December 31, 2007. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis," found in Item 7 of this report, for information regarding business acquisitions, discontinued operations, critical accounting policies and items affecting comparability of the amounts below.
|
||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS DATA: (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) |
||||||||||||||||
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
2004 |
2003 |
||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 1,351,309 | $ | 1,116,676 | $ | 818,271 | $ | 593,909 | $ | 412,796 | ||||||
Salaries & related, office & general and marketing & promotion | 1,113,088 | 877,933 | 668,054 | 516,445 | 385,330 | |||||||||||
Restructuring and other special charges | 16,597 | - | - | - | 39,731 | |||||||||||
Amortization of intangibles | 6,911 | 8,879 | 9,585 | 7,132 | 1,518 | |||||||||||
Total operating expenses | 1,136,596 | 886,812 | 677,639 | 523,577 | 426,579 | |||||||||||
Operating income (loss) | $ | 214,713 | $ | 229,864 | $ | 140,632 | $ | 70,332 | $ | (13,783 | ) | |||||
Income (loss) from continuing operations | $ | 147,160 | $ | 153,587 | $ | 90,424 | $ | 43,138 | $ | (15,815 | ) | |||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 146,399 | $ | 37,137 | $ | 98,194 | $ | 58,736 | $ | (108,824 | ) | |||||
Basic earnings (loss) per share:* |
||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) from continuing operations before accounting change | $ | 1.14 | $ | 1.20 | $ | 0.74 | $ | 0.37 | $ | (0.14 | ) | |||||
Income (loss) per share from discontinued operations, net of tax | (0.01 | ) | (0.91 | ) | 0.06 | 0.13 | (0.83 | ) | ||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 1.14 | $ | 0.29 | $ | 0.80 | $ | 0.50 | $ | (0.97 | ) | |||||
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:* |
||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) from continuing operations before accounting change | $ | 1.13 | $ | 1.17 | $ | 0.72 | $ | 0.36 | $ | (0.14 | ) | |||||
Income (loss) per share from discontinued operations, net of tax | (0.01 | ) | (0.89 | ) | 0.06 | 0.13 | (0.83 | ) | ||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 1.12 | $ | 0.28 | $ | 0.79 | $ | 0.49 | $ | (0.97 | ) | |||||
|
|||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BALANCE SHEET DATA(a): |
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
2004 |
2003 |
||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||
Current assets | $ | 1,184,965 | $ | 1,123,808 | $ | 773,059 | $ | 703,511 | $ | 566,983 | |||||
Current liabilities | 828,660 | 826,244 | 705,945 | 740,101 | 646,856 | ||||||||||
Total assets | 2,077,810 | 1,969,803 | 1,678,715 | 1,554,953 | 1,161,439 | ||||||||||
Long-term liabilities | 132,649 | 33,874 | 39,430 | 35,237 | 14,092 | ||||||||||
Total stockholders' equity | 1,116,501 | 1,109,685 | 933,340 | 779,615 | 500,491 |
24
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
We make forward-looking statements in this report and in other reports and proxy statements that we file with the SEC. Except for historical information contained herein, the statements made in this report constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Such forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding the Company's strategic direction, prospects and future results. Certain factors, including factors outside of our control, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, including economic and other conditions in the markets in which we operate, risks associated with acquisitions or dispositions, competition, ongoing costs associated with stock option investigations and lawsuits, costs associated with our restructuring plan and security breach, and the other risks discussed in this report and our other filings made with the SEC.
There are many factors many beyond our control that could cause results to differ significantly from our expectations. Some of these factors are described in "Item 1A. Risk Factors" of this report.
OVERVIEW
Business
Monster Worldwide is the premier global online employment solution, bringing people together to improve their lives, with a presence in approximately 40 countries around the world. We have been able to build on Monster's brand and create worldwide awareness by offering online recruiting solutions that we believe are redefining the way employers and job seekers connect. For the employer, our goal is to provide the most effective solutions and easiest to use technology to simplify the hiring process and deliver access to our community of job seekers. For job seekers, our purpose is to help improve their careers by providing work-related content, services and advice to enhance the consumer experience.
Our services and solutions include searchable job postings, a resume database and other career related content. Users can search our job postings and post their resumes for free on each of our websites. Employers pay to post jobs, search the resume database and access other career related services.
Our strategy has been to grow our business both organically and through strategic acquisitions and alliances where the perceived growth prospects fit our plan. We believe the growth opportunities overseas are particularly large and believe that we are positioned to benefit from our expanded reach and increased brand recognition around the world. Our Careers International segment is now 36.1% of our consolidated revenue for the year ended December 31, 2007, and increased 59.3% over the comparable 2006 period. We are positioned to benefit from the continued secular shift towards online recruiting. In addition, through a balanced mix of investment, strategic acquisitions and disciplined operating focus and execution, we believe we can take advantage of this online migration to significantly grow our Careers International business over the next several years.
We also operate a network of websites within our Internet Advertising & Fees segment that connect companies to highly targeted audiences at critical stages in their life. Our goal is to offer compelling online services for the users through personalization, community features and enhanced content. We believe that there are significant opportunities to monetize this web traffic through lead generation, display advertising and other consumer related products. We believe that these properties are appealing to advertisers and other third parties as they deliver certain discrete demographics entirely online.
Financial Summary
Monster Worldwide has three operating segments: Careers North America, Careers International and Internet Advertising & Fees. In 2007, we had strong revenue growth of 21% over the 2006 period,
25
driven by a 59.3% increase in our Careers International revenue. Our income from continuing operations and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations decreased 4.2% and 3.4% respectively, over the 2006 period due primarily to expenses from our restructuring plan of $16.6 million, severance related to the departure of three former executive officers of $15.8 million and the expenses from the security breach that occurred in August 2007 of $9.0 million. These costs were offset by improved operating efficiencies and savings from our restructuring plan, as well as strong international revenue growth. Our cash and available for sale securities balance decreased to $578.4 million as of December 31, 2007, compared to $596.6 million as of December 31, 2006, as a result of $262.5 million of share repurchases, repayment of acquisition debt of $23.4 million and our commitments to strengthen our infrastructure, invest in key talent and fund projects intended to position us for long-term growth, offset by strong operating cash flows of $269.2 million and cash received from the exercise of employee stock options of $54.9 million.
Careers North America delivered a 31.8% operating margin on $707.4 million of revenue in 2007, as our Enterprise channel successfully grew the client base and leveraged our existing clients. We are particularly encouraged by the performance of our Careers International segment as the business generated a 10.7% operating margin, despite increased investments in sales and marketing, compared to 5.7% operating margin in 2006. Revenue in our Careers International business is now 36.1% of our consolidated revenue, compared to 27.4% in 2006. Our Internet Advertising & Fees segment grew revenue 2.3% over 2006, and experienced decelerating revenue trends throughout 2007, particularly in the second half of the year. This was primarily due to the decision to reduce the placement of certain interstitial advertisements on the Monster.com site and reevaluate our overall ad placement strategy.
In July 2007, we announced a strategic restructuring plan intended to position us for sustainable long-term growth in the rapidly evolving global online recruitment and advertising industry. The restructuring plan is designed to reduce our current workforce by approximately 800 associates, or 15% of our full-time staff, through 2008. Through December 31, 2007, we have notified or terminated approximately 360 associates and approximately 100 associates have voluntarily left the Company. The restructuring plan arose out of a review of our organizational and cost structure by our executive management team. The restructuring is intended to realign the Company's cost structure to permit investment in key areas that will improve the customer experience, foster revenue growth and margin expansion and reduce operating expense growth rates from current levels.
Business Combinations
For the period January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2007, we completed four business combinations. Although none of the following acquisitions was considered to be significant, either individually or in the aggregate, they do affect the comparability of results from period to period. The acquisitions and the acquisition dates are as follows:
Acquired Business |
Acquisition Date |
Business Segment |
||
---|---|---|---|---|
Emailjob.com SAS | February 11, 2005 | Careers International | ||
JobKorea | October 14, 2005 | Careers International | ||
PWP, LLC ("Education.org") | May 2, 2006 | Internet Advertising & Fees | ||
Arbeidskamerater AS (Norway) | January 10, 2007 | Careers International | ||
Discontinued Operations
During the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, we disposed of the following businesses that collectively comprised the entire Advertising & Communications operating segment and the remaining businesses in our Directional Marketing operating segment. We executed these transactions in order to focus more resources to support the growth of the Monster franchise on a global basis. The results of
26
operations of these businesses and the associated disposal costs are reflected as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented:
27
The following amounts relate to the operations of our disposed businesses and have been segregated from continuing operations and reflected as discontinued operations in each period's consolidated statement of operations:
|
Year ended December 31, |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(dollars in thousands) |
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
|||||||
Revenue | $ | - | $ | 74,793 | $ | 192,048 | ||||
Income (loss) before income taxes | (1,230 | ) | 5,080 | 13,688 | ||||||
Income tax (benefit) expense | (469 | ) | 2,212 | 4,874 | ||||||
Gain (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax | (761 | ) | 2,868 | 8,814 | ||||||
Pre-tax loss on sale of discontinued operations | - | (123,203 | ) | (9,534 | ) | |||||
Income tax benefit | - | (3,885 | ) | (8,490 | ) | |||||
Loss on sale of business, net of tax | - | (119,318 | ) | (1,044 | ) | |||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax | $ | (761 | ) | $ | (116,450 | ) | $ | 7,770 | ||
Included in the loss from discontinued operations, net of tax calculation in 2005 is the impact of the stock option adjustments discussed in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements. We recorded $636,000 of non-cash stock based compensation costs in the year ended December 31, 2005 as a component of discontinued operations, which directly relate to stock options that were awarded to individuals who were employed by the businesses discussed above that were disposed. In addition, the income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax includes a loss of $323,000 and income of $906,000, related to dispositions that occurred in the year immediately preceding each of the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The provision for income taxes reported in discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 differs from the tax benefit computed at our Federal statutory income tax rate primarily as a result of non-deductible goodwill and other expenses, and change in valuation allowances on losses.
Stock Option Investigation
In 2007 and 2006, we recorded $19.1 million and $13.3 million, respectively, of professional fees as a direct result of the investigation into our stock option grant practices and related accounting. These costs were recorded as a component of "office and general" expenses and primarily relate to professional services for legal, accounting and tax guidance. Included in these fees are costs related to litigation, the informal investigation by the SEC, the investigation by the USAO and the preparation and review of our restated consolidated financial statements. In January 2008, we entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Andrew J. McKelvey, our former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and a Special Litigation Committee of our Board of Directors providing among other things that Mr. McKelvey will, subject to Court approval, pay us $8.0 million to settle various claims relating to our stock option grant practices. In addition, in the fourth quarter of 2006, we recorded a $5.0 million charge, as a component of "salaries and related" expenses to compensate optionees whose options expired during the period that our equity compensation programs were suspended.
We expect to continue to incur significant professional fees related to the ongoing stock option investigation. While we cannot quantify or estimate the timing of these costs throughout 2008 and into the future, they primarily relate to legal fees paid on behalf of former employees and former members of senior management, fees paid in defense of shareholder litigation and potential fines or settlements.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP"). In connection with the preparation of our financial statements, we are required to make assumptions and estimates about future events, and apply
28
judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses and the related disclosures. We base our assumptions, estimates and judgments on historical experience, current trends and other factors that management believes to be relevant at the time our consolidated financial statements are prepared. On a regular basis, management reviews the accounting policies, assumptions, estimates and judgments to ensure that our financial statements are presented fairly and in accordance with GAAP. However, because future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty, actual results could differ from our assumptions and estimates, and such differences could be material.
Our significant accounting policies are discussed in Note 1, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Management believes that the following accounting policies are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results, and they require management's most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, resulting from the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. Management has reviewed these critical accounting estimates and related disclosures with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors.
Revenue Recognition
Careers (North America and International). Our Careers segments primarily earn revenue from the placement of job postings on the websites within the Monster network, access to the Monster network's online resume database and other career related services. We recognize revenue at the time that job postings are displayed on the Monster network websites, based upon customer usage patterns. Revenue earned from subscriptions to the Monster network's resume database is recognized over the length of the underlying subscriptions, typically from two weeks to twelve months. Revenue associated with multiple element contracts is allocated based on the relative fair value of the services included in the contract. Unearned revenues are reported on the balance sheet as deferred revenue.
Internet Advertising & Fees. Our Internet Advertising & Fees segment primarily earns revenue from the display of advertisements on the Monster network of websites, "click-throughs" on text based links, leads provided to advertisers and subscriptions to premium services. We recognize revenue for online advertising as "impressions" are delivered. An "impression" is delivered when an advertisement appears in pages viewed by our users. We recognize revenue from the display of click-throughs on text based links as click-throughs occur. A click-through occurs when a user clicks on an advertiser's listing. Revenue from lead generation is recognized as leads are delivered to advertisers. In addition, we recognize revenue for certain subscription products, ratably over the length of the subscription.
Asset Impairment
Business Combinations, Goodwill and Intangible Assets. The purchase method of accounting requires that assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recorded at their fair values on the date of a business acquisition. Our consolidated financial statements and results of operations reflect an acquired business from the completion date of an acquisition. The costs to acquire a business, including transaction, integration and restructuring costs, are allocated to the fair value of net assets acquired upon acquisition. Any excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired is recorded as goodwill.
The judgments that we make in determining the estimated fair value assigned to each class of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as well as asset lives, can materially impact net income in periods following a business combination. We generally use either the income, cost or market approach to aid in our conclusions of such fair values and asset lives. The income approach presumes that the value of an asset can be estimated by the net economic benefit to be received over the life of the asset, discounted to present value. The cost approach presumes that an investor would pay no more for an asset than its replacement or reproduction cost. The market approach estimates value based on what other participants in the market have paid for reasonably similar assets. Although each valuation approach is considered in valuing the assets acquired, the approach ultimately selected is based on the characteristics of the asset and the availability of information.
29
We evaluate our goodwill annually for impairment or more frequently if indicators of potential impairment exist. The determination of whether or not goodwill has become impaired involves a significant level of judgment in the assumptions underlying the approach used to determine the value of our reporting units. Changes in our strategy and/or market conditions could significantly impact these judgments and require reductions to recorded amounts of intangible assets.
Long-lived assets. We review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Determining whether an impairment has occurred typically requires various estimates and assumptions, including determining which cash flows are directly related to the potentially impaired asset, the useful life over which cash flows will occur, their amount and the asset's residual value, if any. In turn, measurement of an impairment loss requires a determination of fair value, which is based on the best information available. We use internal discounted cash flows estimates, quoted market prices when available and independent appraisals, as appropriate, to determine fair value. We derive the required cash flow estimates from our historical experience and our internal business plans and apply an appropriate discount rate.
Stock-Based Compensation
As of January 1, 2006, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment ("SFAS 123R"), which requires measurement of compensation cost for all stock-based awards at fair value on date of grant and recognition of compensation over the service period for awards expected to vest. The fair value of restricted stock and restricted stock units is determined based on the number of shares granted and the quoted price of our common stock. Such value is recognized as expense ratably over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period, net of forfeitures. The estimation of stock awards that will ultimately vest requires judgment, and to the extent actual results or updated estimates differ from our current estimates, such amounts will be recorded as a cumulative adjustment in the period estimates are revised. Actual results and future estimates may differ from our current estimates.
Income Taxes
We utilize the liability method of accounting for income taxes as set forth in Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes ("SFAS 109"). Under the liability method, deferred taxes are determined based on the temporary differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using tax rates expected to be in effect during the years in which the basis differences reverse. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that some of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In determining the need for valuation allowances we consider projected future taxable income and the availability of tax planning strategies. If, in the future we determine that we would not be able to realize our recorded deferred tax assets, an increase in the valuation allowance would decrease earnings in the period in which such determination is made.
We assess our income tax positions and record tax benefits for all years subject to examination based upon our evaluation of the facts, circumstances and information available at the reporting date. For those tax positions where it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, we have recorded the largest amount of tax benefit with a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. For those income tax positions where it is not more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit has been recognized in the financial statements.
30
Prior to 2007 the Company determined its tax contingencies in accordance with SFAS No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies. The Company recorded estimated tax liabilities to the extent the contingencies were probable and could be reasonably estimated.
Equity Method Investments
Losses in equity interest for the year ended December 31, 2007, resulting from our equity method investments in Finland and ChinaHR, are based on unaudited financial information. Although we do not anticipate material differences, audited results may differ.
Restructuring and Other Special Charges
We have recorded significant charges and accruals in connection with our 2007 restructuring initiatives and prior business reorganization plans. These accruals include estimates pertaining to future lease obligations, employee separation costs and the settlements of contractual obligations resulting from our actions. Although we do not anticipate significant changes, the actual costs may differ from these estimates.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Consolidated operating results as a percent of revenue follows:
|
Years Ended December 31, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA: |
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
||||
|
|||||||
Revenue | 100.0% | 100.0% | 100.0% | ||||
Salaries and related | 39.2% | 36.9% | 40.5% | ||||
Office and general | 20.5% | 18.0% | 18.6% | ||||
Marketing and promotion | 23.2% | 24.5% | 23.8% | ||||
Restructuring and other special charges | 1.2% | 0.0% | 0.0% | ||||
Total operating expenses | 84.1% | 79.4% | 82.8% | ||||
Operating income | 15.9% | 20.6% | 17.2% | ||||
Interest and other, net |
1.9% |
1.7% |
0.6% |
||||
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and loss in equity interests, net |
17.8% |
22.2% |
17.8% |
||||
Income taxes |
6.3% |
7.9% |
6.3% |
||||
Loss in equity interests, net | -0.6% | -0.6% | -0.4% | ||||
Income from continuing operations | 10.9% | 13.8% | 11.1% | ||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax |
-0.1% |
-10.4% |
0.9% |
||||
Net income | 10.8% | 3.3% | 12.0% | ||||
The following presentation of our segment results is prepared based on the criteria we use when evaluating the performance of our business units. For these purposes, management views certain non-cash expenses, such as depreciation expense, amortization of intangibles and amortization of stock-based compensation, as a separate component of operating profit. We believe that this presentation provides important indicators of our operating strength and is useful to investors when evaluating our operating performance.
31
The Year Ended December 31, 2007 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2006
Careers North America
The operating results of our Careers North America segment for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Increase (Decrease) |
||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
% of Revenue |
|
% of Revenue |
|||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) |
2007 |
2006 |
$ |
% |
|||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 707,384 | 100.0% | $ | 658,051 | 100.0% | $ | 49,333 | 7.5% | ||||||
Selling, general and administrative(a) | 458,721 | 64.8% | 410,964 | 62.5% | 47,757 | 11.6% | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization(b) | 23,801 | 3.4% | 19,885 | 3.0% | 3,916 | 19.7% | |||||||||
Operating income | $ | 224,862 | 31.8% | $ | 227,202 | 34.5% | $ | (2,340 | ) | (1.0)% | |||||
Our Careers North America segment grew revenue 7.5% in 2007 representing 52.3% of our consolidated revenue, down from 58.9% of total revenue in 2006. Sluggish economic trends within the labor markets across the United States contributed to moderating revenue growth throughout 2007. We also experienced decreasing demand across our small-to-medium sized customer base whose pace of hiring slowed as a result of the overall macro-economic environment. Our global enterprise accounts continued to perform well in 2007, reflecting the global nature of our business and the breath of our product lines. We continue to benefit from a secular shift from print to online advertising, and we believe that we continue to maintain market share within the recruitment advertising industry.
The Careers North America segment generated an operating margin of 31.8% in 2007 down from 34.5% reported in 2006. Total operating expense grew 12.0% compared to revenue growth of 7.5%. Total operating expenses included $11.5 million related to the security breach and restructuring plan. We have made substantial progress to slow our expense growth rate through our restructuring efforts in the third and fourth quarters. We reduced our workforce by approximately 12% during 2007, primarily related to non-sales force employees and we continue to monitor our revenue per employee. The operating expense growth rate has slowed even as we have continued to make investments in marketing, technology and product innovation.
We plan to continue to invest in our infrastructure and new product innovation in 2008 in order to improve the customer experience and drive incremental revenue growth. We are also continuing our work to slow the growth rate of our operating expenses while increasing our spending in market facing initiatives and innovation. We believe that our primary opportunity for future growth in North America is at the regional and local market level and we therefore continue to monitor our pricing structure in the local and regional markets in order to achieve a competitive advantage. While we remain committed to investing for long-term growth, we will closely monitor the operating expense base in line with our revenue expectations.
32
The operating results of our Careers International segment for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Increase |
||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
% of Revenue |
|
% of Revenue |
|||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) |
2007 |
2006 |
$ |
% |
|||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 488,038 | 100.0% | $ | 306,280 | 100.0% | $ | 181,758 | 59.3% | ||||||
Selling, general and administrative(a) | 415,206 | 85.1% | 273,243 | 89.2% | 141,963 | 52.0% | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization(b) | 20,719 | 4.2% | 15,614 | 5.1% | 5,105 | 32.7% | |||||||||
Operating income | $ | 52,113 | 10.7% | $ | 17,423 | 5.7% | $ | 34,690 | 199.1% | ||||||
Our Careers International segment demonstrated significant revenue growth of 59.3% in 2007, mainly driven by investments in key European and Asian countries, coupled with increased production from a growing sales force and a 10.1% favorable effect from foreign exchange rates. We continued to see strong revenue gains in our top European countries, particularly the United Kingdom, France, Germany and the Netherlands, which contributed approximately 66.3% of total Careers International revenue. Outside these four countries, our smaller markets also posted solid revenue growth. In Asia, we saw strong year-over-year increases in all countries where we operate, and we believe that our strategy to capture market share while aggressively investing in the business will position Monster firmly in the region for significant future revenue growth.
Our considerable investments in marketing and sales in the major countries across Continental Europe and Asia are paying off, evidenced by the segment's organic revenue growth rate of 48.5%, excluding the effects of currency exchange rates and the results of businesses acquired within the last year. We continue to benefit from the secular shift from print to online media.
We aggressively increased our investments overseas through a refined mix of marketing, sales and product enhancements. Marketing expenses increased approximately 32% over the 2006 period as we invested to increase our brand awareness, drive job seeker traffic to our websites and expand our reach, both to the job seeker and to the employer. Those investments, combined with the addition of sales and support staff during the first half of 2007, have helped us achieve a significant portion of our overall revenue growth and gain market share in key European and Asian countries. We are committed to growing our business overseas, while still mindful of profitability and the cost structure. In 2007, the segment increased total operating expenses by 50.9%, including a 9.5% impact from foreign exchange rates, while expanding its operating margin to 10.7%. Although our headcount increased by approximately 400 associates in 2007, the overall expense growth rate slowed in the second half of the year due to our restructuring initiatives.
33
Internet Advertising & Fees
The operating results of our Internet Advertising & Fees segment for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Increase (Decrease) |
||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
% of Revenue |
|
% of Revenue |
|||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) |
2007 |
2006 |
$ |
% |
|||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 155,887 | 100.0% | $ | 152,345 | 100.0% | $ | 3,542 | 2.3% | ||||||
Selling, general and administrative (a) | 133,995 | 86.0% | 100,149 | 65.7% | 33,846 | 33.8% | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization (b) | 9,800 | 6.3% | 7,134 | 4.7% | 2,666 | 37.4% | |||||||||
Operating income | $ | 12,092 | 7.8% | $ | 45,062 | 29.6% | $ | (32,970 | ) | (73.2)% | |||||
Our Internet Advertising & Fees segment posted revenue growth of 2.3% in 2007 when compared to 2006. This was a significantly slower growth rate than throughout 2006 and resulted from decelerating revenue trends throughout 2007. The second half of 2007 was particularly impacted by our decision to reduce the placement of certain interstitial advertisements on the Monster.com website and a reevaluation of our relationship with certain clients engaged in student loan advertising. Although the decision to reduce placements had the effect of reducing revenue in the second half of 2007, and will continue into the first half of 2008, we believe it was the appropriate action to take to improve the quality of the job seeker experience on the Monster.com site. We continue to believe that online advertising represents a significant growth opportunity for us, as our audience is appealing to both brand and remnant advertisers. We posted an operating margin of 7.8% for 2007, a sharp decline from the 29.6% operating margin reported in the same period in 2006 as our expense base grew at a faster rate than our revenue. The expenses increased in 2007 for almost all expense categories, especially compensation and related expenses. We invested in our business model by adding sales capacity, increasing product and technology expenditures and initiating infrastructure build-outs during the first half of the year. Marketing expenses increased 15.9% over the 2006 period as we invested in our websites and expanded their recognition among users. We believe that the fourth quarter 2007 results represent a reasonable base from which to expand the business, subject to market conditions.
Consolidated Operating Expenses and Operating Income
Consolidated operating expenses and operating income for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Increase (Decrease) |
||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
% of Revenue |
|
% of Revenue |
|||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) |
2007 |
2006 |
$ |
% |
|||||||||||
Salaries and related | $ | 529,578 | 39.2% | $ | 411,849 | 36.9% | $ | 117,729 | 28.6% | ||||||
Office and general | 277,262 | 20.5% | 201,457 | 18.0% | 75,805 | 37.6% | |||||||||
Marketing and promotion | 313,159 | 23.2% | 273,506 | 24.5% | 39,653 | 14.5% | |||||||||
Restructuring and other special charges | 16,597 | 1.2% | - | 0.0% | 16,597 | 100.0% | |||||||||
Operating expenses | $ | 1,136,596 | 84.1% | $ | 886,812 | 79.4% | $ | 249,784 | 28.2% | ||||||
Operating income | $ | 214,713 | 15.9% | $ | 229,864 | 20.6% | $ | (15,151 | ) | (6.6)% | |||||
Our consolidated operating expenses grew 28.2% in 2007 compared to 2006. In the second half of 2007, we incurred restructuring and other special charges of $16.6 million related to the strategic restructuring initiatives that we announced on July 30, 2007. We have increased our global headcount
34
by approximately 6% over the 2006 period, primarily for sales and support in our Careers segments. As a result, we incurred higher salary, benefits and commission costs. Included in salaries and related is approximately $15.8 million of severance related to the departure of three former executive officers in the second quarter of 2007. Of that amount, approximately $12.8 million is non-cash and relates to the accelerated vesting of equity awards. Office and general expenses increased 37.6% as a direct result of investments in our infrastructure, additional headcount and technology costs. Included within the office and general expenses is approximately $19.1 million of professional fees related to the ongoing stock option investigation and $9.0 million for the remediation of the August 2007 security breach of our resume database. We also increased marketing and promotion expenditures by $39.6 million as a result of increasing promotional activities particularly in the fourth quarter, in anticipation of the brand re-launch in January 2008.
Income Taxes
Income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:
|
December 31, |
(Decrease) |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(dollars in thousands) |
2007 |
2006 |
$ |
% |
|||||||
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and loss in equity interests | $ | 240,057 | $ | 248,344 | $ | (8,287 | ) | (3.3)% | |||
Income taxes | $ | 84,599 | $ | 87,661 | $ | (3,062 | ) | (3.5)% | |||
Effective tax rate | 35.24% | 35.30% |
The largest factors affecting our effective tax rate continues to be the geographical mix of income among an array of tax jurisdictions with varying tax rates. The majority of income is taxed in the US market, which has an average tax rate of approximately 40%, including the effect of state income taxes, while the tax rates in the foreign jurisdictions vary from 18% to 35%. Other items affecting the effective tax rate were tax-exempt interest income, accrual of interest on accrued tax liabilities and other non-deductible expense items.
Our future effective tax rates could be adversely affected by earnings being lower than anticipated in countries where we have lower statutory rates, changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets or liabilities, or changes in tax laws or interpretations thereof. In addition, our filed tax returns are subject to the examination by the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") and other tax authorities. We regularly assess the likelihood of adverse outcomes resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of our provision for income taxes. During 2006, we absorbed the remainder of our U.S. Federal tax loss carry-forwards, with the exception of certain acquired losses whose utilization is subject to an annual limitation. We paid approximately $54.8 million of U.S. Federal and state income tax during 2007 and expect to pay the remainder of our 2007 U.S. Federal and state income tax liability of $10.0 million in March 2008. We paid approximately $14.8 million in foreign income taxes in 2007. In 2008, we expect to continue to utilize tax losses in many foreign tax jurisdictions to substantially reduce our cash tax liability.
Earnings Per Share
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations was $1.13 for the year ended December 31, 2007, lower by $0.04 or 3% when compared to $1.17 for the year ended December 31, 2006, primarily as a result of higher pre-tax expenses including $16.6 million in restructuring and other special charges, $15.8 million of one-time compensation expenses related to former executive offices and $9.0 million of expenses related to the third quarter security breach. Our diluted loss per share from discontinued operations decreased to a loss of $0.01 in 2007, compared to a loss of $0.89 in 2006, which was primarily related to the 2006 disposition of our Advertising & Communications business in North America. Our average diluted shares outstanding decreased 0.4% from the prior year period, mainly as a result of our stock buyback transactions and lower dilutive effects from potential common stock equivalents.
35
The Year Ended December 31, 2006 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2005
Careers North America
The operating results of our Careers North America segment for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Increase |
||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
% of Revenue |
|
% of Revenue |
|||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) |
2006 |
2005 |
$ |
% |
|||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 658,051 | 100.0% | $ | 521,600 | 100.0% | $ | 136,451 | 26.2% | ||||||
Selling, general and administrative | 410,964 | 62.5% | 333,924 | 64.0% | 77,040 | 23.1% | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization (a) | 19,885 | 3.0% | 16,787 | 3.2% | 3,098 | 18.5% | |||||||||
Operating income | $ | 227,202 | 34.5% | $ | 170,889 | 32.8% | $ | 56,313 | 33.0% | ||||||
Careers North America grew revenue 26.2% in 2006, representing 58.9% of our consolidated revenue. The increase in revenue was mainly a result of our investments in sales force in the latter half of 2005 and early 2006, as we targeted more small-to-medium sized businesses and focused on expanding our presence in local markets. We increased our sales headcount at a faster rate than revenue growth in 2006. We also expanded our sales distribution points in 2006, by entering into alliances with media and publishing companies that expand our reach and focus on local content. Our eCommerce channel, which allows clients to self service their own online recruitment needs, grew revenue approximately 25.0% for the year. However, the product experienced slower rates of growth in the latter half of 2006. Even as the United States economy demonstrated signs of slowing growth, our revenue growth trends continued to outpace the overall market and we believe that Monster continued to gain market share in the North America market.
Careers North America continued to invest in its infrastructure and sales force in 2006, as total operating expenses grew 22.9% over the 2005 period. Our marketing expense was 22.1% of our revenue, compared to 24.3% in the 2005 period. Marketing declined as a percentage of revenue primarily due to the timing of television advertising launched in the fourth quarter of 2006. Our highly targeted marketing efforts and ongoing product enhancements during 2006, such as the redesign of our Monster.com website, resulted in broadening user engagement levels and improved monetization. As a result, our job postings and resume views by employers grew faster than seeker metrics, and the number of My Monster accounts grew approximately 10.0% compared to 2005. We added over 300 employees in 2006, primarily related to our sales force. Despite these continued investments in our core business, we delivered an operating margin of 34.5% for the year ended December 31, 2006, compared to 32.8% in the 2005 period.
Careers International
The operating results of our Careers International segment for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Increase |
||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
% of Revenue |
|
% of Revenue |
|||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) |
2006 |
2005 |
$ |
% |
|||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 306,280 | 100.0% | $ | 187,118 | 100.0% | $ | 119,162 | 63.7% | ||||||
Selling, general and administrative | 273,243 | 89.2% | 183,678 | 98.2% | 89,565 | 48.8% | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization (a) | 15,614 | 5.1% | 10,717 | 5.7% | 4,897 | 45.7% | |||||||||
Operating income (loss) | $ | 17,423 | 5.7% | $ | (7,277 | ) | -3.9% | $ | 24,700 | 339.4% | |||||
36
Careers International demonstrated significant revenue growth of 63.7% in 2006, mainly driven by investments in key European and Asian countries, coupled with increased production from a growing sales force. Revenue increased in each country where we operate and our Careers International revenue comprised 27.4% of consolidated revenue, compared to 22.9% in 2005. Our strategic positioning in key European countries, such as the United Kingdom, France, Germany and the Netherlands, positioned us to take advantage of the continued migration of help wanted advertising online. Our operations in Asia continued to grow at a healthy pace and continued to make substantive contributions to our Careers International revenue. In 2006, we continued to expand our services into new international markets, through low-cost strategic initiatives that placed us in the Middle East Gulf region, Mexico, Turkey and Russia.
During 2006, we aggressively increased our investments overseas through a refined mix of marketing, sales and product enhancements. Our marketing expense more than doubled compared to 2005 as we allocated additional spending across various countries in Europe and Asia. The investments in marketing drove brand awareness, increased levels of job seeker and employer traffic to our websites, and resulted in higher user engagement levels. In 2006, we continued to add headcount, primarily in sales-related functions. Careers International generated an operating margin of 5.7% in 2006 despite increasing operating expenses by 48.6%.
Internet Advertising & Fees
The operating results of our Internet Advertising & Fees segment for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Increase |
||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
% of Revenue |
|
% of Revenue |
|||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) |
2006 |
2005 |
$ |
% |
|||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 152,345 | 100.0% | $ | 109,553 | 100.0% | $ | 42,792 | 39.1% | ||||||
Selling, general and administrative | 100,149 | 65.7% | 70,625 | 64.5% | 29,524 | 41.8% | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization (a) | 7,134 | 4.7% | 4,703 | 4.3% | 2,431 | 51.7% | |||||||||
Operating income | $ | 45,062 | 29.6% | $ | 34,225 | 31.2% | $ | 10,837 | 31.7% | ||||||
Our Internet Advertising & Fees segment posted revenue growth of 39.1% in its first year of fully dedicated management, concentrated focus and execution. The main drivers of revenue growth were lead generation and display advertising, which constituted approximately 75.0% of our revenue stream, and provided us with a diversified revenue source, not directly dependent on employment.
We posted an operating margin of 29.6% in 2006, slightly lower than our 2005 levels. We have invested in this business through a mix of marketing, sales force and technology. We have increased our marketing spend in 2006 and are placing an increased emphasis on brand recognition within our portfolio of websites. We have committed to growing our business and have added headcount in 2006, and we have realigned our sales force across the United States to more efficiently sell our products.
37
Consolidated Operating Expenses and Operating Income
Consolidated operating expenses and operating income for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Increase |
||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
% of Revenue |
|
% of Revenue |
|||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) |
2006 |
2005 |
$ |
% |
|||||||||||
Salaries and related | $ | 411,849 | 36.9% | $ | 331,051 | 40.5% | $ | 80,798 | 24.4% | ||||||
Office and general | 201,457 | 18.0% | 151,867 | 18.6% | 49,590 | 32.7% | |||||||||
Marketing and promotion | 273,506 | 24.5% | 194,721 | 23.8% | 78,785 | 40.5% | |||||||||
Operating expenses | $ | 886,812 | 79.4% | $ | 677,639 | 82.8% | $ | 209,173 | 30.9% | ||||||
Operating income | $ | 229,864 | 20.6% | $ | 140,632 | 17.2% | $ | 89,232 | 63.5% | ||||||
Operating expenses grew 30.9% in 2006 compared to the prior year period, mainly as a result of investments in marketing, sales and product enhancements. We increased operating expenses across all of our operating segments, primarily as a result of increased headcount and promotion of our Monster brand. We increased global headcount by 37.2% over the 2005 period, primarily for sales and support staff in our Careers North America and Careers International segments. As a result, we incurred higher salary, commission and benefits costs. Included in the 2005 period is $11.9 million of non-cash stock based compensation costs associated with the stock option findings of the Special Committee. These costs were recorded as a component of "corporate operating expenses" and no such amounts were recorded in the 2006 period, as we accelerated all unvested outstanding stock options as of December 31, 2005 to mitigate compensation expense we would have had to record upon the effectiveness of SFAS 123R. In addition, we recorded $18.3 million of costs related to our ongoing stock option investigation in the 2006 period. These costs primarily relate to professional fees and $5.0 million relates to compensate former employees for the value of stock options that expired during the period that the Company's equity compensation plans were suspended. In 2006, we recorded $10.8 million of compensation expense related to our equity compensation plans, primarily our 2006 RSU Plan and for executive stock bonus arrangements. Marketing increased $78.8 million over the prior year period as a result of allocating greater resources to expanding our brand recognition and strengthening our reach in our Careers International segment. We also stepped up our marketing efforts in North America to drive further penetration into local markets.
Income Taxes
Income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 are as follows:
|
December 31, |
Increase |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(dollars in thousands) |
2006 |
2005 |
$ |
% |
|||||||
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and loss in equity interests | $ | 248,344 | $ | 145,462 | $ | 102,882 | 70.7 | ||||
Income taxes | $ | 87,661 | $ | 51,641 | $ | 36,020 | 69.8 | ||||
Effective tax rate | 35.30% | 35.50% |
Our effective tax rates differ from the statutory rate due to the impact of state and local income taxes, certain nondeductible expenses, foreign earnings taxed at different tax rates and valuation allowances. Included in income tax expense in the 2005 period is $3.3 million of income tax benefits relating to the stock option findings of the Special Committee. Our filed tax returns are subject to the examination by the IRS and other tax authorities. We regularly assess the likelihood of adverse outcomes resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of our provision for income taxes. During 2006, we absorbed the remainder of our U.S. Federal tax loss carry-forwards, with the exception of certain
38
acquired losses whose utilization is subject to an annual limitation. We paid approximately $15.0 million of U.S. Federal income tax during 2006 and paid the remainder of our 2006 income tax liability in March 2007, which was approximately $29.0 million.
Earnings Per Share
Diluted earnings per share was $0.28 for the year ended December 31, 2006, primarily as a result of our $116.5 million loss from discontinued operations, net of tax. Our loss from discontinued operations decreased our diluted earnings per share by $0.89 and is primarily related to the disposition of our Advertising and Communications business in North America. Our diluted shares increased 5.0% over the prior year period, mainly a result of additional shares issued in connection with employee stock option exercises. Our share of the net loss from ChinaHR, our 44.4% equity investment, is recorded as a loss in equity interest in our statement of operations, and was $7.1 million or a $0.05 negative impact on our diluted earnings per share. We repurchased 794,584 shares in 2006 to offset additional dilution associated with a higher average stock price.
Financial Condition
The following table details our cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities and cash flow components:
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(dollars in thousands) |
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
|||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 129,744 | $ | 58,680 | $ | 196,597 | ||||
Marketable securities | 448,703 | 537,893 | 123,747 | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities |
$ |
578,447 |
$ |
596,573 |
$ |
320,344 |
||||
Percentage of total assets | 27.8 | % | 30.3 | % | 19.1% | |||||
Cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations |
$ |
276,763 |
$ |
248,994 |
$ |
208,262 |
||||
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities of continuing operations |
$ | 12,586 | $ | (450,134 | ) | $ | (269,097 | ) | ||
Cash (used in) provided by financing activities of continuing operations |
$ | (217,268 | ) | $ | 43,327 | $ | 67,911 | |||
Cash (used in) provided by discontinued operations | $ | (7,584 | ) | $ | 16,277 | $ | (4,255 | ) | ||
Effect of exchange rates on cash | $ | 6,567 | $ | 3,619 | $ | (4,335 | ) |
Our principal capital requirements have been to fund (i) working capital, (ii) marketing our Monster brand, (iii) acquisitions and (iv) capital expenditures. The commitments as of December 31, 2007 related to our continuing operations are as follows:
Contractual Obligations (dollars in thousands) |
Total |
Less than 1 year |
1-3 years |
3-5 years |
More than 5 years |
||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|||||||||||||||
Operating leases | $ | 256,494 | $ | 39,658 | $ | 68,024 | $ | 48,020 | $ | 100,792 | |||||
Purchase commitments advertising contracts | 26,912 | 24,912 | 2,000 | - | - | ||||||||||
Payables related to disposed businesses (a) | 9,407 | 940 | 1,590 | 4,077 | 2,800 | ||||||||||
Other notes payable | 415 | 184 | 231 | - | - | ||||||||||
Total | $ | 293,228 | $ | 65,694 | $ | 71,845 | $ | 52,097 | $ | 103,592 | |||||
39
In addition to the cash commitments above, we also have the following commitments:
Historically, we have relied on funds provided by operating activities, equity offerings, short and long-term borrowings and seller-financed notes to meet our liquidity needs. We invest our excess cash predominantly in money market funds, commercial paper that matures within three months of its origination date and in marketable securities, such as auction rate bonds, which are highly liquid and are of high-quality investment grade with the intent to make such funds readily available for operating and strategic long-term equity investment purposes.
We believe that our current cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, revolving credit facility and cash we anticipate to generate from operating activities will provide us with sufficient liquidity to satisfy our working capital needs, capital expenditures, meet our investment requirements and commitments and fund our share repurchase activities through at least the next twelve months. Our cash generated from operating activities is subject to fluctuations in the global economy and unemployment rates.
In 2007 and 2006, we recorded $19.1 million and $13.3 million, respectively, of professional fees as a direct result of the investigation into our stock option grant practices and related accounting. These costs were recorded as a component of "office and general" expenses and primarily relate to professional services for legal, accounting and tax guidance. Included in these fees are costs related to litigation, the informal investigation by the SEC, the investigation by the USAO and the preparation and review of our restated consolidated financial statements. In addition, in the fourth quarter of 2006, we recorded a $5.0 million charge, as a component of salaries and related expense to compensate optionees whose options expired during the period our equity compensation programs were suspended.
We expect to continue to incur significant professional fees related to the ongoing stock option investigation. While we cannot quantify or estimate the timing of these costs throughout 2008 and into the future, they primarily relate to legal fees paid on behalf of current and former employees, fees paid in defense of shareholder litigation and potential fines or settlements.
We paid approximately $54.8 million of U.S. Federal and state income tax during 2007 and expect to pay the remainder of our 2007 income tax liability of approximately $10.0 million in March 2008. In 2008, we expect to pay domestic income tax on a quarterly basis and continue to utilize tax losses in many foreign tax jurisdictions to substantially reduce our cash tax liability. We have absorbed all of our U.S. Federal tax loss carry-forwards, with the exception of certain acquired losses whose utilization is subject to an annual limitation.
40
In July 2007, we announced a strategic restructuring plan intended to position us for sustainable long-term growth in the rapidly evolving global online recruitment advertising industry. The restructuring plan is designed to reduce the Company's current workforce by approximately 800 associates, or 15% of our full-time staff, through 2008. Through December 31, 2007, we have notified or terminated approximately 360 associates and approximately 100 associates have voluntarily left the Company. During 2007, we expensed $16.6 million related to the restructuring actions and paid approximately $8.1 million. We expect to record a cumulative pre-tax charge of approximately $55 million to $70 million, from 2007 into 2008 related to the restructuring actions. Of the aggregate pre-tax charge, we expect to incur approximately $41 million to $51 million in cash expenditures. Approximately $14 million to $19 million of the pre-tax charge will be non-cash, primarily related to fixed asset write-offs and accelerated depreciation. We anticipate that these initiatives will reduce the growth rate of operating expenses and fund investments in new product development and innovation, enhanced technology, global advertising campaigns and selective sales force expansion.
As of December 31, 2007, we had cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities of $578.4 million, compared to $596.6 million as of December 31, 2006. Our decrease in cash and marketable securities of $18.1 million in the twelve months ended December 31, 2007, primarily relates to our repurchase of Common Stock, capital expenditures and repayment of acquisition debt, offsetting cash generated by our operating activities.
Cash provided by operating activities was $269.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 and resulted from $147.2 million of income from continuing operations and $92.4 million of net non-cash adjustments. Deferred revenue continued to increase in 2007, resulting in an $80.2 million increase to cash from operations and demonstrating the success of our global reach.
We generated $12.6 million of cash from investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2007. Our net sales of marketable securities of $89.2 million were offset by our capital expenditures of $64.1 million for investing in expanding our infrastructure and systems in Europe and Asia, funding of $10.0 million for ChinaHR under a credit facility and $2.5 million on acquisitions.
We used cash for financing activities in 2007 of $217.3 million, including $251.7 million to repurchase 7,345,112 shares of Common Stock in open market transactions, $10.8 million for other share repurchases and $23.4 million for payment of acquisition related debt. These were partially offset by $54.9 million of cash received from employee stock option exercises and $13.8 million for tax benefits on stock options exercised.
In March 2006, we entered into a loan agreement with ChinaHR, whereby we have agreed to advance ChinaHR up to an aggregate of $20.0 million. Interest on the loans is assessed at the average one-month U.S. LIBOR rate plus 1% and are payable quarterly in arrears. The credit facility provides that any advances shall be due and payable in full on the maturity date, which is the earliest of March 2011 or the consummation of an initial public offering of securities by ChinaHR. We advanced ChinaHR $10.0 million during 2007 and from the inception of the loan agreement through December 31, 2007, we have advanced ChinaHR $20.0 million.
On November 10, 2005, the Board approved a share repurchase plan, authorizing us to purchase up to $100 million of shares of our Common Stock. The November 2005 share repurchase plan was utilized fully during 2007. On September 4, 2007, the Board approved a share repurchase plan, authorizing the Company to purchase up to an additional $250 million of shares of its Common Stock. On October 23, 2007, the Board authorized the Company to purchase an additional $100 million of shares of its Common Stock under the share repurchase program. As of December 31, 2007, we have purchased 8,339,696 shares under these authorizations for $296.8 million. On January 30, 2008, the Board authorized the Company to purchase an additional $100 million of shares of its Common Stock under the share repurchase plan. All current repurchase plan authorizations expire on January 30, 2009.
41
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
On December 4, 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 141(R), Business Combinations ("SFAS 141R"). SFAS 141R replaces SFAS 141, Business Combinations and applies to all transactions or other events in which an entity obtains control of one or more businesses. SFAS 141R requires the acquiring entity in a business combination to recognize all (and only) the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the transaction; establishes the acquisition-date fair value as the measurement objective for all assets acquired and liabilities assumed; and requires the acquirer to disclose additional information needed to evaluate and understand the nature and financial effect of the business combination. SFAS 141R is effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 and may not be applied before that date. We are currently evaluating the impact, if any, that the adoption of SFAS 141R will have on its consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
On December 4, 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements ("SFAS 160"). SFAS 160 amends ARB 51 to establish accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary by requiring all noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries be reported in the same way, as equity in the consolidated financial statements and eliminates the diversity in accounting for transactions between an entity and noncontrolling interests by requiring they be treated as equity transactions. SFAS 160 is effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 and may not be applied before that date. We are currently evaluating the impact, if any, that the adoption of SFAS 160 will have on its consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The Company has a senior unsecured revolving credit facility that provides for maximum borrowings of $250 million. The credit facility expires December 21, 2012 and is available for ongoing working capital requirements and other corporate purposes. Under the credit facility, loans will bear interest, at the Company's option, at either (1) the higher of (a) the Bank of America prime rate or (b) the overnight federal funds rate plus 1/2 of 1% or (2) LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 30 basis points to 77.5 basis points depending on the Company's ratio of consolidated funded debt to consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") as defined in the revolving credit agreement. The Company may repay outstanding borrowings at any time during the term of the credit facility without any prepayment penalty. The credit agreement contains covenants which restrict, among other things, the ability of the Company to borrow, create liens, pay dividends, repurchase its common stock, acquire businesses and other investments, enter into new lines of business, dispose of property, guarantee debts of others and lend funds to affiliated companies and contains criteria on the maintenance of certain financial statement amounts and ratios, all as defined in the agreement. As of December 31, 2007, the Company was in full compliance with its covenants. At December 31, 2007, the utilized portion of our financing agreement was $1.6 million for standby letters of credit and $248.4 million was unused.
We use forward foreign exchange contracts as cash flow hedges to offset risks related to foreign currency transactions. These transactions primarily relate to non-functional currency denominated inter-company funding loans and non-functional currency accounts receivable and non-functional currency indebtedness. As of December 31, 2007, the fair value of these forward foreign exchange contracts was $25.9 million, which did not result in any accumulated unrealized gain or loss. We do not trade derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.
We have interest rate risk primarily related to our short-term investment portfolio. Our short-term investments will produce less income than expected if market interest rates fall; therefore our future investment income may fall short of expectations due to changes in market interest rates or we may
42
suffer losses in principal if forced to sell short-term investments which have declined in market value due to increases in interest rates.
We have risks related to our short-term investment activities. The primary objective of our investment activities is to preserve principal while at the same time maximizing yields without significantly increasing risk. To achieve this objective, we maintain our portfolio of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments in a variety of marketable debt instruments of high quality issuers, including money market funds, commercial paper, auction rate bonds and bank time deposits. We limit the amount of credit exposure to any one issuer. Our marketable securities are generally classified as available for sale and consequently are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value with unrealized gains or losses reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income. As of December 31, 2007, net unrealized losses on these investments were not material.
We have a presence in approximately 40 countries around the world. For the year ended December 31, 2007, approximately 38% of our revenue was earned outside the United States and collected in local currency and related operating expenses were also paid in such corresponding local currency. Accordingly, we will be subject to risk for exchange rate fluctuations between such local currencies and the dollar.
The financial statements of our non-U.S. subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using current rates of exchange, with gains or losses included in the cumulative translation adjustment account, a component of stockholders' equity. During the year ended December 31, 2007, our cumulative translation adjustment account increased $30.6 million, primarily attributable to the weakening of the U.S. dollar against the Euro, the Swedish Krona and the British Pound.
43
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The following are the consolidated financial statements and exhibits of Monster Worldwide, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, which are filed as part of this report.
MONSTER WORLDWIDE, INC.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
44
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Board
of Directors and Stockholders
Monster Worldwide, Inc.
New York, New York
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Monster Worldwide, Inc. (the "Company") as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Monster Worldwide, Inc. at December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
As discussed in Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements, effective January 1, 2007 the Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes an Interpretation of FASB No. 109. As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, effective January 1, 2006 the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of Monster Worldwide, Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and our report dated February 11, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ BDO SEIDMAN, LLP BDO Seidman, LLP |
New
York, New York
February 11, 2008
45
MONSTER WORLDWIDE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
|
December 31, |
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2007 |
2006 |
|||||||
ASSETS | |||||||||
Current assets: | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 129,744 | $ | 58,680 | |||||
Available-for-sale securities | 448,703 | 537,893 | |||||||
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $15,613 and $11,924 in 2007 and 2006, respectively | 499,854 | 444,747 | |||||||
Prepaid and other | 106,664 | 82,488 | |||||||
Total current assets | 1,184,965 | 1,123,808 | |||||||
Goodwill | 615,334 | 589,041 | |||||||
Property and equipment, net | 126,962 | 102,402 | |||||||
Intangibles, net | 46,516 | 51,695 | |||||||
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates | 50,871 | 59,625 | |||||||
Other assets | 53,162 | 43,232 | |||||||
Total assets | $ | 2,077,810 | $ | 1,969,803 | |||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY |
|||||||||
Current liabilities: | |||||||||
Accounts payable | $ | 57,334 | $ | 56,098 | |||||
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 233,427 | 218,319 | |||||||
Deferred revenue | 524,331 | 444,145 | |||||||
Income taxes payable | 13,384 | 84,433 | |||||||
Current portion of long-term debt | 184 | 23,249 | |||||||
Total current liabilities | 828,660 | 826,244 | |||||||
Long-term income taxes payable | 111,108 | - | |||||||
Deferred income taxes | 19,154 | 32,594 | |||||||
Other long-term liabilities | 2,156 | 865 | |||||||
Long-term debt, less current portion | 231 | 415 | |||||||
Total liabilities | 961,309 | 860,118 | |||||||
Commitments and Contingencies | |||||||||
Stockholders' equity: | |||||||||
Preferred stock, $.001 par value, authorized 800 shares; issued and outstanding: none | - | - | |||||||
Common stock $.001 par value, authorized 1,500,000 shares; issued: 128,280 and 125,724 shares, respectively; outstanding: 119,013 and 123,802 shares, respectively | 128 | 126 | |||||||
Class B common stock, $.001 par value, authorized 39,000 shares; issued and outstanding: 4,762 shares | 5 | 5 | |||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 1,468,808 | 1,636,023 | |||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income | 118,387 | 87,632 | |||||||
Accumulated deficit | (470,827 | ) | (614,101 | ) | |||||
Total stockholders' equity | 1,116,501 | 1,109,685 | |||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $ | 2,077,810 | $ | 1,969,803 | |||||
See accompanying notes.
46
MONSTER WORLDWIDE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
|
Years Ended December 31, |
||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
||||||||
Revenue | $ | 1,351,309 | $ | 1,116,676 | $ | 818,271 | |||||
Salaries and related | 529,578 | 411,849 | 331,051 | ||||||||
Office and general | 277,262 | 201,457 | 151,867 | ||||||||
Marketing and promotion | 313,159 | 273,506 | 194,721 | ||||||||
Restructuring and other special charges | 16,597 | - | - | ||||||||
Total operating expenses | 1,136,596 | 886,812 | 677,639 | ||||||||
Operating income | 214,713 | 229,864 | 140,632 | ||||||||
Interest income (expense), net | 25,468 | 16,524 | 3,270 | ||||||||
Other income (expense), net | (124 | ) | 1,956 | 1,560 | |||||||
Interest and other, net | 25,344 | 18,480 | 4,830 | ||||||||
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and loss in equity interests | 240,057 | 248,344 | 145,462 | ||||||||
Income taxes | 84,599 | 87,661 | 51,641 | ||||||||
Loss in equity interests, net | (8,298 | ) | (7,096 | ) | (3,397 | ) | |||||
Income from continuing operations | 147,160 | 153,587 | 90,424 | ||||||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax | (761 | ) | (116,450 | ) | 7,770 | ||||||
Net income | $ | 146,399 | $ | 37,137 | $ | 98,194 | |||||
Basic earnings (loss) per share:* |
|||||||||||
Income from continuing operations | $ | 1.14 | $ | 1.20 | $ | 0.74 | |||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax | (0.01 | ) | (0.91 | ) | 0.06 | ||||||
Net income | $ | 1.14 | $ | 0.29 | $ | 0.80 | |||||
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:* |
|||||||||||
Income from continuing operations | $ | 1.13 | $ | 1.17 | $ | 0.72 | |||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax | (0.01 | ) | (0.89 | ) | 0.06 | ||||||
Net income | $ | 1.12 | $ | 0.28 | $ | 0.79 | |||||
* - Earnings per share may not add in certain periods due to rounding | |||||||||||
Weighted average shares outstanding: |
|||||||||||
Basic | 128,785 | 128,077 | 122,055 | ||||||||
Diluted | 130,755 | 131,247 | 125,038 |
See accompanying notes.
47
MONSTER WORLDWIDE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(in thousands)
|
Shares of Common Stock |
Shares of Class B Common Stock |
Common Stock and Additional Paid-In Capital |
Accumulated Deficit |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) |
Total Stockholders' Equity |
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Balance, January 1, 2005 | 116,697 | 4,762 | $ | 1,431,020 | $ | (749,432 | ) | $ | 98,027 | $ | 779,615 | ||||||
Net income | - | - | - | 98,194 | - | 98,194 | |||||||||||
Net unrealized gain on forward foreign exchange contracts and other | - | - | - | - | 269 | 269 | |||||||||||
Change in cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment |
- | - | - | - | (62,781 | ) | (62,781 | ) | |||||||||
Comprehensive income | $ | 35,682 | |||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock for stock option exercises, 401(k) match and other |
4,996 | - | 99,323 | - | - | 99,323 | |||||||||||
Tax benefit of stock-based compensation | - | - | 12,556 | - | - | 12,556 | |||||||||||
Repurchase of common stock | - | - | (9,304 | ) | - | - | (9,304 | ) | |||||||||
Stock based compensation - stock options | - | - | 12,733 | - | - | 12,733 | |||||||||||
Stock based compensation - restricted stock | 137 | - | 2,735 | - | - | 2,735 | |||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2005 | 121,830 | 4,762 | 1,549,063 | (651,238 | ) | 35,515 | 933,340 | ||||||||||
Net income | - | - | - | 37,137 | - | 37,137 | |||||||||||
Net unrealized gain on forward foreign exchange contracts and other | - | - | - | - | 82 | 82 | |||||||||||
Change in cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment |
- | - | - | - | 52,035 | 52,035 | |||||||||||
Comprehensive income | $ | 89,254 | |||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock in connection with business combinations |
20 | - | 1,164 | - | - | 1,164 | |||||||||||
Issuance of common stock for stock option exercises, 401(k) match and other |
3,776 | - | 94,628 | - | - | 94,628 | |||||||||||
Tax benefit of stock-based compensation | - | - | 17,972 | - | - | 17,972 | |||||||||||
Repurchase of common stock | (7 | ) | - | (37,492 | ) | - | - | (37,492 | ) | ||||||||
Stock based compensation - restricted stock | 105 | - | 10,819 | - | - | 10,819 | |||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2006 | 125,724 | 4,762 | 1,636,154 | (614,101 | ) | 87,632 | 1,109,685 | ||||||||||
Net income | - | - | - | 146,399 | - | 146,399 | |||||||||||
Net unrealized gain on investments | - | - | - | - | 149 | 149 | |||||||||||
Change in cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment |
- | - | - | - | 30,606 | 30,606 | |||||||||||
Comprehensive income | $ | 177,154 | |||||||||||||||
Cumulative effect of adoption of FIN 48 | - | - | - | (3,125 | ) | (3,125 | ) | ||||||||||
Repurchase of common stock | (251 | ) | - | (262,495 | ) | - | - | (262,495 | ) | ||||||||
Issuance of common stock for stock option exercises |
2,136 | - | 54,890 | - | - | 54,890 | |||||||||||
Tax benefit of stock-based compensation | - | - | 11,744 | - | - | 11,744 | |||||||||||
Stock based compensation - restricted stock | 661 | - | 27,739 | - | - | 27,739 | |||||||||||
Stock based compensation - stock options | - | - | 442 | - | - | 442 | |||||||||||
Stock bonus award | 10 | 467 | 467 | ||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2007 | 128,280 | 4,762 | $ | 1,468,941 | $ | (470,827 | ) | $ | 118,387 | $ | 1,116,501 | ||||||
See accompanying notes.
48
MONSTER WORLDWIDE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cash flows provided by operating activities: |
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
|||||||||
Net income | $ | 146,399 | $ | 37,137 | $ | 98,194 | ||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||||||||
Loss (income) from discontinued operations, net of tax | 761 | 116,450 | (7,770 | ) | ||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 46,977 | 39,780 | 33,423 | |||||||||
Provision for doubtful accounts | 12,906 | 9,055 | 8,447 | |||||||||
Non-cash compensation | 28,181 | 10,819 | 14,620 | |||||||||
Loss in equity interests and other | 7,727 | 7,096 | 3,653 | |||||||||
Deferred income taxes | (3,377 | ) | 10,781 | 24,826 | ||||||||
Common stock issued for matching contribution to 401(k) plan | - | 1,854 | 3,813 | |||||||||
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of purchase transactions: | ||||||||||||
Accounts receivable | (67,778 | ) | (171,312 | ) | (81,892 | ) | ||||||
Prepaid and other | (27,059 | ) | (21,817 | ) | (17,796 | ) | ||||||
Deferred revenue | 80,186 | 116,556 | 92,198 | |||||||||
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other | 51,840 | 92,595 | 36,546 | |||||||||
Net cash (used for) provided by operating activities of discontinued operations | (7,584 | ) | 19,201 | 752 | ||||||||
Total adjustments | 122,780 | 231,058 | 110,820 | |||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 269,179 | 268,195 | 209,014 | |||||||||
Cash flows provided by (used for) investing activities: | ||||||||||||
Capital expenditures | (64,055 | ) | (55,606 | ) | (35,691 | ) | ||||||
Purchase of marketable securities | (1,424,861 | ) | (1,722,425 | ) | (118,461 | ) | ||||||
Sales and maturities of marketable securities | 1,514,051 | 1,308,279 | - | |||||||||
Payments for acquisitions and intangible assets, net of cash acquired | (2,549 | ) | (19,601 | ) | (119,615 | ) | ||||||
Cash funded to equity investee | (10,000 | ) | (10,000 | ) | - | |||||||
Net proceeds from sale of businesses | - | 69,155 | 50,091 | |||||||||
Investment in unconsolidated affiliate | - | (19,936 | ) | (50,137 | ) | |||||||
Sale of long-term investment and other | - | - | 4,716 | |||||||||
Net cash used for investing activities of discontinued operations | - | (2,924 | ) | (5,007 | ) | |||||||
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities | 12,586 | (453,058 | ) | (274,104 | ) | |||||||
Cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities: | ||||||||||||
Repurchase of common stock | (262,495 | ) | (14,734 | ) | (9,304 | ) | ||||||
Payments on acquisition debt | (23,362 | ) | (29,245 | ) | (28,553 | ) | ||||||
Cash received from the exercise of employee stock options | 54,890 | 92,263 | 95,026 | |||||||||
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation | 13,799 | 17,972 | 12,556 | |||||||||
Payments on capitalized leases | (100 | ) | (171 | ) | (1,814 | ) | ||||||
Structured stock repurchase | - | (22,758 | ) | - | ||||||||
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities | (217,268 | ) | 43,327 | 67,911 | ||||||||
Effects of exchange rates changes on cash | 6,567 | 3,619 | (4,335 | ) | ||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 71,064 | (137,917 | ) | (1,514 | ) | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year | 58,680 | 196,597 | 198,111 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year | $ | 129,744 | $ | 58,680 | $ | 196,597 | ||||||
See accompanying notes.
49
MONSTER WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except shares and per share amounts)
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Monster Worldwide, Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, the "Company") has continuing operations that consist of three reportable segments: Careers North America, Careers International and Internet Advertising & Fees. Revenue in the Company's Careers segments are primarily earned from the placement of job postings on the websites within the Monster network, access to the Company's resume databases and other career-related services. Revenue in the Company's Internet Advertising & Fees segment is primarily earned from the display of advertisements on the Monster network of websites, click-throughs on text based links, leads provided to advertisers and subscriptions to premium services. The Company's Careers segments provide online services to customers in a variety of industries throughout North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, while Internet Advertising & Fees delivers online services primarily in North America.
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all of its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. Investments in which the Company does not have a controlling interest or is not the primary beneficiary are accounted for under the equity method. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
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. These estimates include, among others, allowances for doubtful accounts, net realizable values on long-lived assets and deferred tax assets and liabilities, certain accrued expense accounts, deferred revenue, goodwill and revenue recognition. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Certain reclassifications of prior year amounts have been made for consistent presentation.
Business Combinations and Dispositions
The purchase method of accounting requires that assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recorded at their fair values on the date of a business acquisition. Therefore, the consolidated financial statements reflect the results of operations of an acquired business from the completion date of an acquisition. The costs to acquire a business, including transaction costs, are allocated to the fair value of net assets acquired upon acquisition. Any excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill.
For the period January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2007, the Company completed four business combinations. Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements contains a full discussion of the Company's business combinations completed from January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2007.
The Company accounts for business dispositions in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets ("SFAS 144"). SFAS 144 requires the results of operations of business dispositions to be segregated from continuing operations and reflected as discontinued operations in current and prior periods. The results of the Company's continuing operations have been restated to reflect such dispositions in each period presented. See Note 8 to the financial statements for further discussion of the Company's disposition transactions.
50
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, service has been rendered, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collection is probable. The Company recognizes revenue as follows for each of its reportable segments:
Careers (North America and International). The Company's Careers segments predominately earn revenue from the placement of job postings on the websites within the Monster network, access to the Monster network's online resume database and other career-related services. We recognize revenue at the time that job postings are displayed on the Monster network websites, based upon customer usage patterns. Revenue earned from subscriptions to the Monster network's resume database is recognized over the length of the underlying subscriptions, typically from two weeks to twelve months. Revenue associated with multiple element contracts is allocated based on the relative fair value of the services included in the contract. Unearned revenues are reported on the balance sheet as deferred revenue.
Internet Advertising & Fees. The Company's Internet Advertising & Fees segment primarily earns revenue from the display of advertisements on the Monster network of websites, "click-throughs" on text based links, leads provided to advertisers and subscriptions to premium services. We recognize revenue for online advertising as "impressions" are delivered. An "impression" is delivered when an advertisement appears in pages viewed by our users. We recognize revenue from the display of click-throughs on text based links as click-throughs occur. A click-through occurs when a user clicks on an advertiser's listing. Revenue from our lead generation is recognized as leads are delivered to advertisers. In addition, we recognize revenue for certain subscription products, which are recognized ratably over the length of the subscription. Unearned revenues are reported on the balance sheet as deferred revenue.
Marketing and Promotion
Advertising production costs are recorded as expense the first time an advertisement appears. Costs of communicating advertising are recorded as expense as advertising space or airtime is used. All other advertising costs are expensed as incurred.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, available-for-sale securities, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments. Since the majority of the Company's debt carries fixed interest rates, the obligation is recorded at the present value of the future payments, which approximates fair value.
Concentrations of Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk are primarily cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities and accounts receivable. Cash and cash equivalents are maintained with several financial institutions. Deposits held with banks may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. Generally these deposits may be redeemed upon demand. The Company also invests in short-term commercial paper rated P1 by Moody's or A1 by Standard & Poors or better. As of December 31, 2007 the Company held available-for-sale investments with a fair value of $448,703. These investments are subject to fluctuations based on changes in interest rates and market prices.
The Company performs continuing credit evaluations of its customers, maintains allowances for potential credit losses and does not require collateral. The Company makes judgments as to its ability to collect outstanding receivables based primarily on management's evaluation of the customer's financial condition, past collection history and overall aging of the receivables. Historically, such losses
51
have been within management's expectations. The Company has not experienced significant losses related to receivables from individual customers or groups of customers in any particular industry or geographic area.
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities
Cash and cash equivalents, which primarily consist of money market funds and commercial paper, are stated at cost, which approximates fair value. For financial statement presentation purposes, the Company considers all highly liquid investments having original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Outstanding checks in excess of account balances, typically payroll and other contractual obligations disbursed on or near the last day of a reporting period are reported as a current liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
The Company's marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale investments and are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Realized gains or losses and declines in value judged to be other than temporary, if any, are reported in other income, net in the statements of operations. The Company evaluates its investments periodically for possible impairment and reviews factors such as the length of time and extent to which fair value has been below cost basis and the Company's ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time which may be sufficient for anticipated recovery in market value. Marketable securities as of December 31, 2007 primarily consisted of auction rate bonds, commercial paper and bank time deposits with original maturities greater than ninety days.
Accounts Receivable
The Company's accounts receivable primarily consist of trade receivables. Management reviews accounts receivable on a monthly basis to determine if any receivables will potentially be uncollectible. The Company includes any accounts receivable balances that are determined to be uncollectible in its allowance for doubtful accounts. After all attempts to collect a receivable have failed, the receivable is written off against the allowance. Based on the information available, the Company believes its allowance for doubtful accounts as of December 31, 2007 is adequate. However, actual write-offs could exceed the recorded allowance. Activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts is as follows:
Year ended December 31, |
Beginning Balance |
Charged to Costs and Expenses |
Write-offs and Other |
Ending Balance |
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2007 | $ | 11,924 | $ | 12,906 | $ | (9,217 | ) | $ | 15,613 | |||
2006 | $ | 11,049 | $ | 9,055 | $ | (8,180 | ) | $ | 11,924 | |||
2005 | $ | 9,861 | $ | 8,447 | $ | (7,259 | ) | $ | 11,049 |
Property and Equipment
Computer and communications equipment, furniture and fixtures and capitalized software costs are stated at cost and are depreciated using the straight line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally 3 to 10 years. Leasehold improvements are stated at cost and amortized, using the straight-line method, over their estimated useful lives, or the lease term, whichever is shorter.
Capitalized Software Costs
Capitalized software costs consist of costs to purchase and develop software for internal use. The Company capitalizes certain incurred software development costs in accordance with American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement of Position No. 98-1, Accounting for the Cost of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use ("SOP 98-1"). Costs incurred during the application-development stage for software bought and further customized by outside vendors for the Company's use and software developed by a vendor for the Company's proprietary use have been capitalized. Costs
52
incurred related to the Company's own personnel who are directly associated with software development are capitalized as appropriate.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill is recorded when the purchase price paid for an acquisition exceeds the estimated fair value of the net identified tangible and intangible assets acquired. The Company performs an annual review in the fourth quarter of each year, or more frequently if indicators of potential impairment exist, to determine if the carrying value of the recorded goodwill is impaired. The impairment review process compares the fair value of the reporting unit in which goodwill resides to its carrying value. The determination of whether or not goodwill has become impaired involves a significant level of judgment in the assumptions underlying the approach used to determine the value of the Company's reporting units. Changes in the Company's strategy and/or market conditions could significantly impact these judgments and require adjustments to recorded amounts of intangible assets. Based on impairment tests performed, no impairment of goodwill has been identified for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.
Other intangible assets primarily consist of the value of customer relationships, non-compete agreements, trademarks and internet domains. Amortizable intangible assets are primarily being amortized on a basis that approximates economic use, over periods ranging from two to thirty years.
Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets, other than goodwill are evaluated for impairment when events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable. An impairment loss would be recognized when estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of these assets and its eventual disposition are less than its carrying amount.
Intangible assets are primarily evaluated on an annual basis, generally in conjunction with the Company's evaluation of goodwill balances. Impairment, if any, is assessed by using internally developed discounted cash flows estimates, quoted market prices, when available, and independent appraisals to determine fair value. The determination of whether or not long-lived assets have become impaired involves a significant level of judgment in the assumptions underlying the approach used to determine the estimated future cash flows expected to result from the use of those assets. Changes in the Company's strategy, assumptions and/or market conditions could significantly impact these judgments and require adjustments to recorded amounts of long-lived assets. As of December 31, 2007, there were no impairment indicators present.
Foreign Currency Translation
The financial position and results of operations of the Company's foreign subsidiaries are determined using local currency as the functional currency. Assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated at the exchange rate in effect at each year-end. Income statement accounts are translated at the average rate of exchange prevailing during the year. Translation adjustments arising from the use of differing exchange rates from period to period are included in other comprehensive income, a component of stockholders' equity. Gains and losses resulting from other foreign currency transactions are included in other income, net.
Comprehensive income is defined to include all changes in equity except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. The Company's items of other comprehensive income are foreign currency translation adjustments, which relate to investments that are permanent in nature, unrealized gains and losses on forward foreign exchange contracts used to manage foreign currency risk and unrealized gains and unrealized losses related to the Company's available-for-sale securities, net of applicable income taxes. To the extent that such amounts relate to investments that are permanent in nature, no adjustments for income taxes are made.
53
Income Taxes
The Company utilizes the liability method of accounting for income taxes as set forth in SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes ("SFAS 109"). Under the liability method, deferred taxes are determined based on the temporary differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using tax rates expected to be in effect during the years in which the basis differences reverse. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that some of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued Interpretation, or FIN, No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 ("FIN 48"). FIN 48 provides detailed guidance for the financial statement recognition, measurement and disclosure of uncertain tax positions recognized in an enterprise's financial statements in accordance with SFAS 109. Income tax positions must meet a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold at the effective date to be recognized upon the adoption of FIN 48 and in subsequent periods. On January 1, 2007, the Company adopted the provisions of FIN 48 which have been applied to all income tax positions commencing from that date. The Company recognizes potential accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within operations as income tax expense. Upon adoption, the Company increased its existing liabilities for uncertain tax positions by $3,125 and this cumulative effect of applying the provisions of FIN 48 have been reported as an adjustment to the opening balance of our accumulated deficit as of January 1, 2007. The Company also reclassified a portion of previously accrued income tax liabilities from current to non-current because payment of cash is not anticipated within one year of the balance sheet date.
Prior to 2007, the Company determined its income tax contingencies in accordance with SFAS No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies. The Company recorded estimated tax liabilities to the extent the contingencies were probable and could be reasonably estimated.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment ("SFAS 123R"). Under the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123R, stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense ratably over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period, net of forfeitures. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine the fair-value of stock option awards. The Company measures non-vested stock awards using the fair market value of the Company's common stock on the date the award is approved. The Company awards stock options and non-vested stock to employees, directors and executive officers.
Restructuring and Other Special Charges
The Company has recorded significant charges and accruals in connection with its 2007 restructuring initiatives and prior business reorganization plans. These accruals include estimates pertaining to future lease obligations, employee separation costs and the settlements of contractual obligations resulting from its actions. Although the Company does not anticipate significant changes, the actual costs may differ from these estimates.
Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share does not include the effects of potentially dilutive stock options and restricted stock bonus awards and is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects, in periods in which they have a dilutive effect, commitments to issue common stock and common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options for periods in which the options' exercise price is lower than the Company's average share price for the period.
54
Certain stock options and stock issuable under employee compensation plans were excluded from the computation of earnings per share due to their anti-dilutive effect. The weighted average number of such common stock equivalents is approximately 1,153,000, 1,280,000 and 5,139,000 for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. A reconciliation of shares used in calculating basic and diluted earnings per common and Class B common share follows:
|
December 31, |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(thousands of shares) |
||||||
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
||||
Basic weighted average shares outstanding | 128,785 | 128,077 | 122,055 | |||
Effect of common stock equivalents - stock options and stock issuable under employee compensation plans | 1,970 | 3,170 | 2,983 | |||
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding | 130,755 | 131,247 | 125,038 | |||
Professional Fees and Expenses Related to the Stock Option Investigation
Certain stock options which were granted on a discounted basis (exercise price is less than the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant) are subject to Internal Revenue Code section 409A ("409A"). The provisions of 409A impose adverse consequences upon the individuals who receive such options including excise tax, additional interest charges and accelerated inclusion in income. In January 2007, the Board of Directors approved a tender offer plan to amend certain stock options granted to approximately 60 individuals who received stock options that are subject to 409A in order to correct the options such that they are no longer subject to this provision. The correction is made by increasing the exercise price to the same value used in connection with the financial statement restatement. For individuals who agree to the modification, the Company will compensate them for the increase in the exercise price by paying an amount equal to the difference in the exercise price for each option. In January 2008, the Company paid approximately $300 to these individuals.
In 2007 and 2006, the Company recorded approximately $19,100 and $13,300, respectively, of professional fees as a direct result of the investigation into its stock option grant practices and related accounting. These costs were recorded as a component of "office and general" expenses and primarily relate to professional services for legal, accounting and tax guidance. Included in these fees are costs related to litigation, the informal investigation by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), the investigation by the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York ("USAO") and the preparation and review of our restated consolidated financial statements. Additionally, in the fourth quarter of 2006, the Company recorded approximately $5,000, as a component of "salaries and related" expenses to compensate optionees whose options expired during the period that the Company's equity compensation programs were suspended. In exchange for payment, the Company received a release of any liability.
The Company expects to continue to incur significant professional fees related to the ongoing stock option investigation. While the Company cannot quantify or estimate the amount or timing of these costs throughout 2008 and into the future, they will primarily relate to legal fees on behalf of former employees and former members of senior management, fees paid in defense of shareholder lawsuits and potential fines or settlements. See Note 17 for further discussion.
Effect of Recently Issued Accounting Standards
On December 4, 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 141(R), Business Combinations ("SFAS 141R"). SFAS 141R replaces SFAS 141, Business Combinations and applies to all transactions or other events in which an entity obtains control of one or more businesses. SFAS 141R requires the acquiring entity in a business combination to recognize all (and only) the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the transaction; establishes the acquisition-date fair value as the measurement objective for all assets
55
acquired and liabilities assumed; and requires the acquirer to disclose additional information needed to evaluate and understand the nature and financial effect of the business combination. SFAS 141R is effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 and may not be applied before that date. The Company is currently evaluating the impact, if any, that the adoption of SFAS 141R will have on its consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
On December 4, 2007, the FASB also issued SFAS 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements ("SFAS 160"). SFAS 160 amends ARB 51 to establish accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest (or minority interests) in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary by requiring all noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries be reported in the same way, as equity in the consolidated financial statements and eliminates the diversity in accounting for transactions between an entity and noncontrolling interests by requiring they be treated as equity transactions. SFAS 160 is effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 and may not be applied before that date. The Company is currently evaluating the impact, if any, that the adoption of SFAS 160 will have on its consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
2. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
Adoption of SFAS 123R
The Company adopted SFAS 123R, using the modified prospective transition method beginning January 1, 2006. Using that transition method, results for prior periods have not been restated and stock based compensation costs during the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 include: (a) compensation cost for all share based payments granted, but not yet vested as of December 31, 2005, based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with SFAS 123 and (b) compensation cost for all share-based payments granted subsequent to January 1, 2006, based on the grant-date fair value in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 123R. There was no material impact on basic or diluted earnings per share due to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R. In accordance with SFAS No. 123R, the Company has presented excess tax benefits from the exercise of stock options as a financing activity in the consolidated statement of cash flows. Excess tax benefits are realized benefits from tax deductions for exercised options in excess of the deferred tax asset attributable to stock based compensation costs for such options. The Company does not capitalize compensation costs. The Company grants stock options, non-vested stock and restricted stock units to employees, directors and executive officers.
The following were the weighted average assumptions used to determine the fair value of stock-based compensation for 2007 and the pro forma effects of stock-based compensation in 2005 on net income and net income per share and have been estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model (no stock options were granted in 2006, therefore no weighted average assumptions are included in this table):
|
Years Ended December 31, |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2007 |
2005 |
|||
|
|||||
Risk-free interest rate | 5.0 | % | 4.1 | % | |
Volatility | 50.7 | % | 42.7 | % | |
Expected life (years) | 3.3 | 4.3 |
As of December 31, 2007 the Company has the following stock-based employee compensation plans under the Company's 1999 Long Term Incentive Plan:
Employee Stock Options. In 2007, the Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors (the "Compensation Committee") approved the grant of 82,897 stock options to certain employees in France. Under the terms of the awards, 66,147 stock options that vest 25% over four years with the
56
first 25% vesting commencing on the first anniversary date of the award and 16,750 stock options that vest 25% immediately and the remaining 75% will vest 25% on the next three anniversary dates of the award. The fair value of stock options granted during of 2007 was estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.
The Company recognized $442 and $148 of pre-tax compensation expense in the consolidated statement of operations related to employee stock options for years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. As of December 31, 2007, the unrecognized compensation expense for stock options was $1,258 and is expected to be recognized over a period of 3.4 years. The fair value was estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. As of January 1, 2006, substantially all of the Company's previously granted employee stock options were vested.
Stock Option Accelerations
During the year ended December 31, 2005, the Company accelerated the vesting date of substantially all of its unvested, outstanding stock option awards in order to avoid recognizing compensation expense in the consolidated statement of operations in the Company's financial statements subsequent to the effectiveness of SFAS 123R on January 1, 2006. As a result of the accelerations, the Company has eliminated approximately $23,494 of compensation expense that would have been recognized from January 1, 2006 through 2008.
On December 28, 2004, the Company granted approximately 2,800,000 options to executives and employees. Such options vested over the five-month period ending on May 31, 2005 and the vested options generally become exercisable in four annual installments commencing December 28, 2005.
Included in pro-forma compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2005 is approximately $19,175, net of tax, resulting from accelerated vesting that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2005. In addition, the pro-forma compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2005 includes approximately $25,098, net of tax, related to the vesting of the December 28, 2004 grant.
Share-based Option Activity
The following table summarizes the activity of our employee stock options:
|
December 31, 2007 |
December 31, 2006 |
December 31, 2005 |
||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(share amounts in thousands) |
Shares |
Weighted Average Exercise Price |
Shares |
Weighted Average Exercise Price |
Shares |
Weighted Average Exercise Price |
|||||||||
Outstanding at beginning of year | 9,573 | $ | 28.97 | 13,673 | $ | 27.94 | 18,999 | $ | 26.20 | ||||||
Granted | 83 | 46.70 | - | - | 344 | 28.96 | |||||||||
Exercised | (2,136 | ) | 25.70 | (3,725 | ) | 24.77 | (4,853 | ) | 19.58 | ||||||
Forfeited/expired/cancelled | (644 | ) | 38.89 | (375 | ) | 31.80 | (817 | ) | 30.85 | ||||||
Outstanding at year-end | 6,876 | $ | 29.13 | 9,573 | $ | 28.97 | 13,673 | $ | 27.94 | ||||||
Options exercisable at year-end | 5,696 | $ | 28.90 | 6,925 | $ | 29.01 | 9,373 | $ | 27.56 |
The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the market price of our common stock as of the end of the period and the exercise price of the underlying options. During the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, the aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised was $54,890, $93,613 and $67,657, respectively. In addition, the aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding was $43,453, $169,209 and $176,235 for each of the three years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
57
The following table summarizes information about our stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2007 (share amounts in thousands):
Range of Exercise Prices |
Number Outstanding |
Weighted Average Exercise Price |
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years) |
Number Exercisable |
Weighted Average Exercise Price |
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$0.00 to $20.00 | 949 | $ | 10.89 | 4.0 | 949 | $ | 10.89 | |||||
20.01 to 26.00 | 2,459 | 23.76 | 4.7 | 2,015 | 23.56 | |||||||
26.01 to 32.00 | 532 | 29.06 | 6.0 | 308 | 29.00 | |||||||
32.01 to 50.00 | 2,528 | 36.90 | 5.6 | 2,016 | 37.24 | |||||||
50.01 to 97.34 | 408 | 55.96 | 2.6 | 408 | 55.96 | |||||||
Total | 6,876 | $ | 29.13 | 4.9 | 5,696 | $ | 28.90 | |||||
Restricted Stock. The Company, from time to time, enters into separate non-vested share-based payment arrangements with certain key employees and directors. The Company grants Restricted Stock Units ("RSU") that are subject to various specified performance-based conditions, continued employment and vesting conditions. The Company also grants Restricted Stock Awards ("RSA") that are subject to continued employment and vesting conditions. The Company measures RSA and RSU using the fair market value of the Company's common stock on the date the award is approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Directors of the Company receive automatic RSA and such awards are measured using the fair market value of the Company's common stock on the date of the automatic grant.
The amount of performance-based RSU that are ultimately awarded is subject to reduction or elimination based on whether or not certain specified performance-based conditions are satisfied. If the minimum performance-based condition becomes satisfied, the number of RSU subject to the award will vest in 25% increments over four years with the first vesting commencing on the anniversary date of each grant, provided that the recipient is continuously employed by the Company or any of its affiliates on each applicable vesting date.
The fair value of RSA and RSU awards is recognized as expense ratably over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period, net of forfeitures. Compensation expense for the 2006 performance based RSU awards was calculated on a straight line basis. Performance based awards issued subsequent to 2006 are expensed on an accelerated method. Differences between the straight line and accelerated methods with respect to the 2006 RSU awards are not material.
The Company recognized pre-tax compensation expense of $27,739, $10,671 and $2,735 for years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, as a component of salaries and related in the consolidated statements of operations, related to all restricted stock grants. Tax benefits recognized on these expenses were $9,981, $3,947 and $1,039 for years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Included in the 2007 results is approximately $9,000 and $3,800 related to the accelerated vesting of RSA and RSU awards, respectively, related to two former executive officers in accordance with their severance agreements.
2007 Restricted Stock. During 2007, the Company made RSA and RSU grants that vest in various increments on the anniversaries of the individual grant dates through December 12, 2011, subject to the recipient's continued employment or service through each applicable vesting date. The Company granted 915,107 RSU to approximately 800 employees, subject to certain specified performance-based conditions, with an aggregate grant value of $43,164. The Company did not meet the 2007 RSU pre-determined performance-based conditions and as a result, 561,760 RSU grants with an aggregate value of $26,414 were forfeited and an additional 227,330 were forfeited prior to December 31, 2007.
58
2006 Restricted Stock. In 2006, the Company granted 681,300 RSU to approximately 350 employees, subject to certain specified performance-based conditions. In February 2007, the performance-based conditions were certified by the Compensation Committee. Accordingly, individuals are entitled to their award provided that the recipient is continuously employed by the Company or any of its affiliates on each applicable vesting date.
As of December 31, 2007 there was approximately $9,470 and $47,552 of unrecognized compensation cost related to the RSU and RSA awards, respectively, that is expected to be recognized over a period of 4.0 years. During the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, the fair value of shares vested was $28,107, $4,801 and $3,582, respectively.
The following table summarizes the activity for non-vested stock:
|
December 31, 2007 |
December 31, 2006 |
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(share amounts in thousands) |
Shares |
Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date |
Shares |
Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date |
||||||
|
||||||||||
Non-vested at beginning of period | 969,030 | $ | 44.53 | 241,309 | $ | 29.64 | ||||
Granted - Restricted Stock Units | 915,107 | 47.17 | 681,300 | 48.48 | ||||||
Granted - Restricted Stock Awards | 1,505,823 | 38.26 | 362,500 | 44.16 | ||||||
Forfeited and Performance Adjusted | (1,048,279 | ) | 46.17 | (211,300 | ) | 48.19 | ||||
Vested | (670,985 | ) | 42.40 | (104,779 | ) | 27.24 | ||||
Non-vested at end of period | 1,670,696 | $ | 39.67 | 969,030 | $ | 44.53 | ||||
Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123R, the Company provided the disclosures required under SFAS 123, as amended by SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation Transition and Disclosure, which requires disclosure of the pro forma effects of stock option expense on net income and earnings per share. Prior to 2006, the Company's financial statements accounted for the issuance of employee stock options using Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 ("APB 25"), Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees and related interpretations. Under APB 25, generally, no compensation expense was recognized in connection with the awarding of stock option grants to employees provided that, as of the grant date, all terms associated with the award are fixed and the quoted market price of the stock is equal to or less than the amount an employee must pay to acquire the stock as defined. In instances where the Company did not award stock options with a grant price equal to or greater than the closing price of the Company's common stock, the Company recorded compensation costs and related income tax effects in its consolidated statements of operations.
For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the options is assumed to be expensed over the options' vesting periods. The following table illustrates the effect of recognizing compensation expense under the fair value method of accounting on the Company's operating results and per share data for the year ended December 31, 2005:
Net income | $ | 98,194 | ||
Add: Stock based employee compensation expense included in reported net income, net of tax | 11,016 | |||
Less: Compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of tax | (58,018 | ) | ||
Pro forma net income | $ | 51,192 | ||
Earnings per share: |
Basic |
Diluted |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Net income | $ | 0.80 | $ | 0.79 | |||
Net income - pro forma | $ | 0.42 | $ | 0.41 |
59
3. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
The following table summarizes the Company's business combinations completed from January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2007. Although none of the following acquisitions were considered to be a significant subsidiary, either individually or in the aggregate, they do affect the comparability of results from period to period. The acquisitions are as follows:
|
Consideration* |
Goodwill Recorded on Acquisition Date |
Identified Intangibles |
Form of Consideration |
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Emailjob.com SAS | $ | 22,288 | $ | 20,650 | $ | 4,504 | Cash and debt | ||||
JobKorea | $ | 98,425 | $ | 92,058 | $ | 9,504 | Cash and debt | ||||
PWP, LLC ("Education.org") | $ | 20,901 | $ | 19,205 | $ | 2,936 | Cash, common stock and debt | ||||
Arbeidskamerater AS (Norway) | $ | 1,654 | $ | 1,777 | $ | 121 | Cash |
In January 2007, the Company's Careers International segment purchased Arbeidskamerater AS ("AAS"), a Norwegian online career sales company, founded in 2004 as a sales agent for Monster in Norway. The acquisition of AAS will enable Monster to expand within the growing Norwegian online career market. Consideration for the acquisition was $1,654, net of cash acquired, and the Company recorded $1,777 of goodwill. None of the goodwill recorded in connection with the acquisition is deductible for tax purposes.
In May 2006, the Company's Internet Advertising & Fees segment purchased PWP, LLC ("Education.org"), a leading publisher of education-related directory websites and owner of thousands of education-related domain names. The addition of Education.org was made to integrate alongside the Company's online media and education-related properties and generate additional high-quality lead generation volume to the Company's growing client base. Consideration for the acquisition was $20,000 cash and 20,000 shares of common stock valued at $1,164. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company paid $17,000 upon closing and $3,000 in 2007. On the acquisition date, the Company recorded $19,205 of goodwill, however purchase price adjustments reduced goodwill to $17,793, which is deductible for tax purposes.
In October 2005, the Company's Careers International segment purchased JobKorea, an online recruitment website in South Korea. The acquisition provides the Company with a leading presence in one of Asia's largest and emerging online markets. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company paid $89,627, net of cash and short-term investments acquired at closing, and $3,941 in 2007. None of the goodwill recorded in connection with the acquisition is deductible for tax purposes.
In February 2005, the Company's Careers International segment purchased Emailjob.com SAS, a leading online recruiter in France. The acquisition was made to help establish Monster's leadership position in France and strengthen the Company's position in a key European market. The consideration for this acquisition was approximately $26,000 in cash, of which $24,400 was paid in 2005 and $1,600 was paid in the first quarter of 2006. The Company incurred charges to integrate and restructure Emailjob's operations and therefore recorded additional costs to goodwill since the acquisition date, as described in "Accrued Integration Costs" below. None of the goodwill recorded in connection with the acquisition is deductible for tax purposes.
The Company is not including pro forma financial information as acquisitions completed during the years 2005 through 2007 were not considered to be significant subsidiaries, either individually or in the aggregate.
60
The Company has formulated integration plans to eliminate redundant facilities, personnel and duplicate assets in connection with its business combinations. These costs were recognized as liabilities assumed in connection with the Company's business combinations. Accordingly, these costs are considered part of the purchase price of the business combinations and have been recorded as increases to goodwill. Net amounts charged to goodwill in the year ended December 31, 2006 were $725, primarily related to the Company's acquisition of Emailjob in France. No such amounts were charged to goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2007. Reductions to integration liabilities established in connection with business combinations were recorded as reductions to goodwill. As of December 31, 2007 and 2006 accrued integration liabilities were $5,193 and $6,075, respectively and are recorded as a component of accrued expenses and other current liabilities.
4. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
A summary of changes in goodwill by operating segment are as follows:
|
December 31, 2006 |
Additions and adjustments |
Currency translation |
December 31, 2007 |
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Careers - North America | $ | 346,505 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 346,505 | |||
Careers - International | 147,802 | 1,777 | 24,516 | 174,095 | |||||||
Internet Advertising & Fees | 94,734 | - | - | 94,734 | |||||||
Goodwill | $ | 589,041 | $ | 1,777 | $ | 24,516 | $ | 615,334 | |||
|
December 31, 2005 |
Additions and adjustments |
Currency translation |
December 31, 2006 |
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Careers - North America | $ | 346,505 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 346,505 | |||
Careers - International | 100,606 | 725 | 46,471 | 147,802 | |||||||
Internet Advertising & Fees | 74,606 | 20,128 | - | 94,734 | |||||||
Goodwill | $ | 521,717 | $ | 20,853 | $ | 46,471 | $ | 589,041 | |||
The Company's intangible assets consisted of the following:
|
December 31, 2007 |
December 31, 2006 |
|
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|||||||||||||
|
Gross Carrying Amount |
Accumulated Amortization |
Gross Carrying Amount |
Accumulated Amortization |
Amortization Period (Years) |
|||||||||
Trademarks/Internet domains | $ | 16,189 | $ | - | $ | 16,178 | $ | - | Indefinite lived | |||||
Customer relationships | 54,388 | (27,349 | ) | 52,984 | (20,583 | ) | 5 to 30 | |||||||
Non-compete agreements | 4,732 | (1,660 | ) | 4,324 | (1,437 | ) | 2 to 6 | |||||||
Other | 4,666 | (4,450 | ) | 4,313 | (4,084 | ) | 4 to 10 | |||||||
Total | $ | 79,975 | $ | (33,459 | ) | $ | 77,799 | $ | (26,104 | ) | ||||
The Company recorded amortization expense of $6,911, $8,879 and $9,585 on its intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Based on the carrying value of identified intangible assets recorded as of December 31, 2007, and assuming no subsequent impairment of the underlying assets, the estimated annual amortization expense is as follows:
|
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Estimated amortization expense | $ | 6,800 | $ | 4,700 | $ | 4,600 | $ | 4,400 | $ | 4,200 |
61
5. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET
|
December 31, |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2007 |
2006 |
||||
Capitalized software costs | $ | 144,124 | $ | 119,140 | ||
Furniture and equipment | 32,823 | 28,122 | ||||
Leasehold improvements | 27,278 | 21,561 | ||||
Computer and communications equipment | 138,262 | 110,149 | ||||
342,487 | 278,972 | |||||
Less: accumulated depreciation | 215,525 | 176,570 | ||||
Property and equipment, net | $ | 126,962 | $ | 102,402 | ||
At December 31, 2007 and 2006, property and equipment included equipment financed with capital leases with a cost of $19,476 and $18,852, respectively, and accumulated depreciation of $18,669 and $18,225, respectively. Depreciation expense was $40,066, $30,901 and $23,838 for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
6. INVESTMENTS
Marketable Securities
The Company's available-for-sale investments reported as marketable securities are as follows:
|
December 31, |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2007 |
2006 |
||||
Tax-exempt auction rate bonds | $ | 357,228 | $ | 497,350 | ||
Municipal bonds | 49,649 | - | ||||
Bank time deposits | 41,826 | 15,593 | ||||
Commercial paper | - | 18,300 | ||||
Variable rate demand notes | - | 6,650 | ||||
Total | $ | 448,703 | $ | 537,893 | ||
The estimated fair value of the Company's marketable securities approximated the gross amortized cost value. The Company does not have any unrealized losses that extend beyond twelve months. Management does not believe that any of the unrealized losses represent an other-than-temporary impairment based on its evaluation of available evidence as of December 31, 2007.
Equity method investments
In February 2005, the Company acquired a 40% interest in ChinaHR.com Holdings Ltd. ("ChinaHR") for consideration of $50,000 in cash. In March 2006, the Company increased its ownership interest in ChinaHR to 44.4% by acquiring an additional 4.4% interest from ChinaHR shareholders, for cash consideration of $19,936. ChinaHR is a leading recruitment website in China and provides online recruiting, campus recruiting and other human resource solutions. As a result of its investment, the Company has the right to occupy three of seven seats on ChinaHR's Board of Directors.
The Company accounts for its investment in ChinaHR using the equity method of accounting, recording its owned percentage of ChinaHR's net results of operations in losses in equity interests, net, in the Company's consolidated statement of operations. Such losses reduce the carrying value of the Company's investment in ChinaHR. For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, the Company recorded a loss in equity interest of $9,627, $7,096 and $3,397, which includes $1,066, $911
62
and $742 of amortization expense, respectively. The amortization expense was recorded based on estimated identified intangible assets of $7,666, with estimated useful lives ranging from 1.5 years to 10 years. The carrying value of the investment was $49,943 and $59,625 as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and was recorded on the consolidated balance sheet as an investment in unconsolidated affiliates.
In March 2006, the Company entered into a loan agreement with ChinaHR, whereby the Company has agreed to advance ChinaHR up to an aggregate of $20,000. Interest on the loans will be assessed at the average one-month U.S. Dollar LIBOR rate plus 1% and shall be payable quarterly, in arrears. The credit facility provides that any advances shall be due and payable in full on the maturity date, which is the earliest of March 2011 or the consummation of an initial public offering of securities by ChinaHR. During 2007 the Company advanced $10,000 to ChinaHR under the credit facility. At December 31, 2007, the total amount outstanding under the credit facility was $20,000 and was recorded in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet. On January 30, 2008, the Company entered into a separate loan agreement with ChinaHR, whereby the Company has agreed to advance ChinaHR up to an aggregate of $5,000 immediately and up to an additional $2,000 upon the receipt of consolidated financial statements as of an for the year ended December 31, 2007 for ChinaHR.
In accordance with a shareholders agreement, the Company and the majority shareholders have certain rights and obligations, including the potential right or obligation, as the case may be, of the Company to purchase the majority shareholders' remaining interest in ChinaHR (subject to compliance with applicable local regulatory requirements and other conditions) pursuant to put and call options which may be exercised by the majority shareholders or the Company at any time during the 18-month period following February 1, 2008. The Company estimates that the current amount required to purchase the remaining interest in ChinaHR is between $200,000 and $225,000 and expects to complete the purchase in the second quarter of 2008.
The Company has a 25% equity investment in Finland related to a business combination completed in 2001. The Company accounts for its investment in Finland using the equity method of accounting, thereby recording its owned percentage of the business's net results of operations as a component of loss in equity interests in the Company's consolidated statements of operations. The Company recorded income related to the Finland investment of $1,329 for 2007, which includes $456 of income recorded for 2006 and prior performance. The carrying value of the investment was $928 as of December 31, 2007 and was recorded on the consolidated balance sheet as an investment in unconsolidated affiliates.
Losses in equity interest, net for the year ended December 31, 2007 are based upon unaudited financial information.
7. RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER SPECIAL CHARGES
On July 30, 2007, the Company announced a strategic restructuring plan intended to position the Company for sustainable long-term growth in the rapidly evolving global online recruitment and advertising industry. The restructuring plan is designed to reduce the Company's current workforce by approximately 800 associates, or 15% of its full-time staff, through 2008. Through December 31, 2007, we have notified or terminated 360 associates and approximately 100 associates have voluntarily left the Company. The restructuring plan resulted from a review by the Company's current executive management team, commencing in the second quarter, of the Company's organizational and cost structure. The Company anticipates that these initiatives will reduce our operating expense growth rates and provide funding for investments in new product development and innovation, enhanced technology, global advertising campaigns and selective sales force expansion.
63
Restructuring and other special charges and related liability balances were as follows:
|
2007 Expense |
Cash Payments |
Non-Cash Utilization |
December 31, 2007 |
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Workforce reduction | $ | 14,067 | $ | 7,841 | $ | - | $ | 6,226 | ||||
Fixed asset write-offs | 390 | - | 390 | - | ||||||||
Accelerated depreciation | 940 | - | 940 | - | ||||||||
Consolidation of office facilities | 555 | 96 | - | 459 | ||||||||
Other costs and professional fees | 645 | 140 | - | 505 | ||||||||
Total | $ | 16,597 | $ | 8,077 | $ | 1,330 | $ | 7,190 | ||||
As a result of the restructuring initiatives, the Company expects to record a cumulative pre-tax charge within the range of $55,000 to $70,000 as follows:
Category |
Range |
|
---|---|---|
Employee Severance | $26,000 to $33,000 | |
Fixed Asset Write-Offs | $6,000 to $8,000 | |
Accelerated Depreciation | $8,000 to $11,000 | |
Consolidation of Office Facilities | $6,000 to $8,000 | |
Other (Contract termination costs, relocation costs and professional fees) | $9,000 to $10,000 |
Of the aggregate pre-tax charge, the Company expects to incur approximately $41,000 to $51,000 in cash expenditures for severance, consolidation of office facilities and other costs and approximately $14,000 to $19,000 of non-cash expense related to fixed asset write-offs and accelerated depreciation.
8. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
During the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, the Company disposed of the following businesses that collectively comprised the entire Advertising & Communications operating segment and substantially the entire Directional Marketing operating segment. The Company executed these transactions in order to focus more resources to support the growth of the Monster franchise on a global basis. The results of operations of these businesses and the associated disposal costs are reflected as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented:
64
The following amounts relate to the operations of the Company's disposed businesses and have been segregated from continuing operations and reflected as discontinued operations in each period's consolidated statement of operations:
|
Year ended December 31, |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
|||||||
|
||||||||||
Revenue | $ | - | $ | 74,793 | $ | 192,048 | ||||
Income (loss) before income taxes | (1,230 | ) | 5,080 | 13,688 | ||||||
Income tax expense (benefit) | (469 | ) | 2,212 | 4,874 | ||||||
Gain (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax | (761 | ) | 2,868 | 8,814 | ||||||
Pre-tax loss on sale of discontinued operations | - | (123,203 | ) | (9,534 | ) | |||||
Income tax benefit | - | (3,885 | ) | (8,490 | ) | |||||
Loss on sale of business, net of tax | - | (119,318 | ) | (1,044 | ) | |||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax | $ | (761 | ) | $ | (116,450 | ) | $ | 7,770 | ||
65
The Company recorded $636 of non-cash stock based compensation costs in the year ended December 31, 2005 as a component of discontinued operations, which directly relate to stock options that were awarded to individuals who were employed by the businesses discussed above that were disposed. In addition, the income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax includes a loss of $323 and income of $906, related to dispositions that occurred in the year immediately preceding each of the years ended December 31, 2006, and 2005, respectively. The provision for income taxes reported in discontinued operations differs for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 from the tax benefit computed at the Company's Federal statutory income tax rate primarily as a result of non-deductible goodwill and other expenses, and change in valuation allowances on losses in all periods presented.
9. FINANCING AGREEMENT
In December 2007, the Company entered into a senior unsecured revolving credit facility that provides for maximum borrowings of $250,000. The credit facility expires December 21, 2012 and is available for ongoing working capital requirements and other corporate purposes. Under the credit facility, loans bear interest, at the Company's option, at either (i) the higher of (a) the Bank of America prime rate or (b) the overnight federal funds rate plus 1/2 of 1% or (ii) LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 30 basis points to 77.5 basis points depending on the Company's ratio of consolidated funded debt to consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") as defined in the revolving credit agreement. The Company may repay outstanding borrowings at any time during the term of the credit facility without any prepayment penalty. The credit agreement contains covenants which restrict, among other things, the ability of the Company to borrow, create liens, pay dividends, repurchase its common stock, acquire businesses and other investments, enter into new lines of business, dispose of property, guarantee debts of others and lend funds to affiliated companies, entering into new lines of business and contains criteria on the maintenance of certain financial statement amounts and ratios, all as defined in the agreement. As of December 31, 2007, the Company was in full compliance with its covenants.
At December 31, 2007, the utilized portion of this credit facility was $1,633 for standby letters of credit and $248,367 was unused. At December 31, 2007, the one month US Dollar LIBOR rate, overnight federal funds rate, and Bank of America prime rate were 4.60%, 3.06% and 7.25%, respectively.
10. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW AND BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION
|
Years Ended December 31, |
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
||||||
Interest paid | $ | 2,318 | $ | 2,318 | $ | 2,252 | |||
Income taxes paid, net | $ | 69,599 | $ | 20,145 | $ | 1,810 |
Non-cash investing and financing activities are as follows:
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
|||||||
Fair value of assets acquired | $ | 3,767 | $ | 51,793 | $ | 173,913 | ||||
Less: Liabilities assumed | (323 | ) | (1,783 | ) | (19,331 | ) | ||||
Liabilities created in connection with business combinations | (895 | ) | (29,245 | ) | (34,967 | ) | ||||
Common stock issued in connection with business combinations | - | (1,164 | ) | - | ||||||
Payments for acquisitions and intangible assets, net of cash acquired | $ | 2,549 | $ | 19,601 | $ | 119,615 | ||||
Capital lease obligations incurred | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 180 | ||||
66
The following are a component of accrued expenses and other current liabilities:
|
December 31, |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2007 |
2006 |
||||
Accrued salaries, benefits, commissions, bonuses and payroll taxes | $ | 96,088 | $ | 86,750 |
11. DEBT
The Company's debt consists of the following:
|
December 31, |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2007 |
2006 |
||||
Notes payable bearing interest from 3% to 10%; varying installments through 2010 | $ | 415 | $ | 596 | ||
Notes payable to former owners of Tickle, Inc.; non-interest bearing; interest imputed at 3.5%; due through 2007 | - | 16,215 | ||||
Notes payable to former owners of JobKorea; bearing interest at 4.0%; due 2007 | - | 3,891 | ||||
Notes payable to former owners of Education.org; non-interest bearing; interest imputed at 7.0%; due 2007 | - | 2,878 | ||||
Capitalized lease obligations bearing interest from 2% to 11%; due in 2007 | - | 84 | ||||
Total debt | 415 | 23,664 | ||||
Less: Current portion | 184 | 23,249 | ||||
Long-term debt | $ | 231 | $ | 415 | ||
|
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
Thereafter |
||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Future principal payments on debt | $ | 184 | $ | 185 | $ | 46 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - |
12. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common and Class B Common Stock
Common and Class B common stock have identical rights except that each share of Class B common stock is entitled to ten votes and is convertible, at any time, at the option of the stockholder into one share of common stock. As of December 31, 2007 all Class B common stock is held by Andrew J. McKelvey, the Company's former Chief Executive Officer ("former CEO").
On January 22, 2008, the Company, the Special Litigation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company and Mr. McKelvey entered into a Memorandum of Understanding ("Memorandum of Understanding"). The Memorandum of Understanding provides that, pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, Mr. McKelvey will agree, among other things, to convert (the "Conversion") all of the shares of Class B common stock of the Company held by him into shares of common stock of the Company (thereby terminating the supervoting rights of the shares of Class B Stock). Pursuant to the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding, Mr. McKelvey has agreed that, pending the completion of the Conversion, he shall be entitled to vote only one-tenth of the shares of Class B Stock beneficially owned by him on all matters submitted to the holders of Common Stock for their vote, approval, waiver or consent. With respect to the remaining nine-tenths of the shares of Class B Stock beneficially owned by Mr. McKelvey, he has, pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding, given the Chief Executive Officer of the Company an irrevocable proxy to vote such shares on all matters submitted to the holders of Common Stock for their vote, approval, waiver or consent in the same percentages as the aggregate votes cast by the holders of shares of Common Stock (other than Mr. McKelvey) on such matter.
67
Share Repurchase Plan
In November 2005, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to purchase up to $100,000 of shares of its common stock. The November 2005 share repurchase plan was utilized fully during 2007. In September 2007, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to purchase up to an additional $250,000 of shares of its common stock. In October 2007, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to purchase an additional $100,000 of shares of its common stock under the share repurchase plan. For the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company repurchased 7,345,112 shares of its common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $251,669. Through December 31, 2007 under the authorized repurchase plan, the Company repurchased 8,339,696 shares of its common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $296,750. The Company also purchased 250,974 shares, for tax withholding purposes related to the exercise or vesting of shares related to employee stock-based compensation plans for $10,826 in 2007. In January 2008, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to purchase an additional $100,000 of shares of its common stock under the share repurchase plan. All current repurchase plan authorizations expire on January 30, 2009.
Equity Plans
In January 1996, the Company's Board of Directors adopted the 1996 Employee Stock Option Plan and a stock option plan for non-employee directors (the "1996 Plans"). The employee stock option plan provided for the issuance of both incentive stock options, within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") and nonqualified stock options. Options granted for non-employee directors did not qualify as incentive stock options within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.
In June 1999, the Company's stockholders approved the adoption of a long-term incentive plan (the "1999 Plan") pursuant to which stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and other equity based awards may be granted. Following the adoption of the 1999 Plan, no options are available for future grants under the 1996 Plans. Stock options granted under the 1999 Plan may be incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options within the meaning of the Code. The total number of shares of the Company's common stock that may be granted under the 1999 Plan is the sum of 30,000,000 and the number of shares that would have been available for new awards under the 1996 Plans if they were still in effect. At December 31, 2007, approximately 5,695,687 options were exercisable and 4,412,066 shares were available for future grants.
See Note 2 for activity related to our equity plans.
13. INCOME TAXES
The components of income from continuing operations before income taxes and loss in equity interests are as follows:
|
Years Ended December 31, |
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
||||||
Domestic | $ | 154,222 | $ | 210,002 | $ | 139,303 | |||
Foreign | 85,835 | 38,342 | 6,159 | ||||||
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and loss in equity interests | $ | 240,057 | $ | 248,344 | $ | 145,462 | |||
68
Income taxes relating to the Company's continuing operations are as follows:
|
Years Ended December 31, |
||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
||||||||
Current income taxes: | |||||||||||
U.S. Federal | $ | 60,107 | $ | 58,725 | $ | 21,556 | |||||
State and local | 11,643 | 11,948 | 4,065 | ||||||||
Foreign | 16,226 | 6,207 | 1,194 | ||||||||
Total current income taxes | 87,976 | 76,880 | 26,815 | ||||||||
Deferred income taxes: | |||||||||||
U.S. Federal | (6,852 | ) | 9,041 | 26,673 | |||||||
State and local | (1,453 | ) | 1,723 | 5,008 | |||||||
Foreign | 4,928 | 17 | (6,855 | ) | |||||||
Total deferred income taxes | (3,377 | ) | 10,781 | 24,826 | |||||||
Income taxes | $ | 84,599 | $ | 87,661 | $ | 51,641 | |||||
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
|
December 31, |
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2007 |
2006 |
||||||
Deferred tax assets: | ||||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts | $ | 3,174 | $ | 3,844 | ||||
Accrued expenses and other liabilities | 17,667 | 1,295 | ||||||
Accrued business reorganization costs | 6,224 | 4,985 | ||||||
Tax loss carry-forwards | 50,410 | 85,012 | ||||||
Tax credits | 4,781 | 1,545 | ||||||
Non-cash stock based compensation expense | 14,669 | 17,592 | ||||||
Valuation allowance | (33,186 | ) | (63,198 | ) | ||||
Deferred tax assets | 63,739 | 51,075 | ||||||
Deferred tax liabilities: | ||||||||
Property and equipment | (7,682 | ) | (7,706 | ) | ||||
Intangibles | (47,116 | ) | (48,406 | ) | ||||
Deferred tax liabilities | (54,798 | ) | (56,112 | ) | ||||
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) | $ | 8,941 | $ | (5,037 | ) | |||
As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, net current deferred tax assets were $10,152 and $6,961, respectively, net non-current deferred tax assets were $17,943 and $20,596, respectively and net non-current deferred tax liabilities were $19,154 and $32,594, respectively.
At December 31, 2007, the Company has net operating loss carry-forwards for U.S. Federal tax purposes of approximately $11,395 which expire in 2020 and net operating loss carry-forwards in various countries around the world of approximately $188,739 of which approximately $143,090 have no expiration date and $45,649 of which expire in years 2008 through 2022. In addition, the Company has foreign tax credits of $4,781 that expire in stages beginning in 2016.
Realization of the Company's net deferred tax assets is dependant upon the Company generating sufficient taxable income in future years in the appropriate tax jurisdictions to obtain a benefit from the reversal of deductible temporary differences and from tax loss carry-forwards.
69
The Company has concluded that, based on expected future results and the future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, it is more likely than not that certain deferred tax assets cannot be used in the foreseeable future, principally net operating losses in certain foreign jurisdictions. Accordingly, a valuation allowance has been established for these tax benefits. During the year ended December 31, 2007, a valuation allowance on a portion of these deferred tax assets was reversed due to taxable income generated in 2007, and reduced the income tax provision by $1,261.
Acquired tax losses, whose ultimate realization is uncertain, represent $3,542 of the valuation allowance. In the event these losses are ultimately realized, the resulting tax benefit will be credited to goodwill of the related acquisition. However, upon the adoption of SFAS 141R, changes in deferred tax asset valuation allowances and income tax uncertainties after the acquisition date generally will affect income tax expense including those associated with acquisitions that closed prior to the adoption of SFAS 141R.
The Company's income taxes payable for Federal and state income taxes have been reduced by the tax benefits from employee stock options. The Company receives an income tax benefit calculated as the difference between the fair market value of the stock issued upon the exercise and the option price, tax effected. The net tax benefits from employee stock option transactions for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 were $14,601, $26,755 and $19,981, respectively.
Income taxes related to the Company's income from continuing operations before loss in equity interests differ from the amount computed using the Federal statutory income tax rate as follows:
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
|||||||
|
||||||||||
Income taxes at Federal statutory rate | $ | 84,020 | $ | 86,920 | $ | 50,911 | ||||
State income taxes, net of Federal income tax effect | 7,549 | 8,401 | 5,592 | |||||||
Tax exempt interest income | (8,021 | ) | (5,050 | ) | (914 | ) | ||||
Effect of foreign operations | (3,542 | ) | 2,492 | (931 | ) | |||||
Change in valuation allowance | (1,261 | ) | (5,634 | ) | (4,902 | ) | ||||
Interest expense on tax liabilities | 4,115 | - | - | |||||||
Other non-deductible expenses | 1,739 | 532 | 1,885 | |||||||
Income taxes | $ | 84,599 | $ | 87,661 | $ | 51,641 | ||||
Provision has not been made for U.S. or additional foreign taxes on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries. Such earnings have been and will continue to be reinvested but could become subject to additional tax if they were remitted as dividends, or were loaned to the Company or a U.S. affiliate, or if the Company should sell its stock in the foreign subsidiaries. It is not practicable to determine the amount of additional tax, if any, that might be payable on the undistributed foreign earnings. The Company believes its undistributed foreign earnings are approximately $31,500.
On January 1, 2007, the Company adopted the provisions FIN 48, which established a single model to address accounting for uncertain tax positions and clarifies the accounting for income taxes by prescribing a minimum recognition threshold that a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. Upon adoption on January 1, 2007, the Company increased its existing liabilities for uncertain tax positions by $3,125. This increase was recorded as a cumulative effect adjustment to the Company's opening accumulated deficit. The Company reclassified previously accrued income tax liabilities from current to non-current because payment of cash is not anticipated within one year of the balance sheet date.
70
As of January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2007 the Company has recorded a liability for $79,599 and $111,108, respectively, of unrecognized tax benefits, inclusive of estimated accrued interest and penalties of $12,275 and $19,126. In addition as of January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2007 the Company has reduced its recorded deferred tax assets by $16,478 and $21,176, respectively, due to unrecognized tax benefits which would otherwise give rise to a deferred tax asset. If the unrecognized tax benefits were to be recognized in full, the net amount that would be reflected in the income statement tax provision, thereby impacting the effective tax rate, would be $73,568 at January 1, 2007 and $96,973 as of December 31, 2007. The impact of recognition on the income tax provision reflects the amounts for unrecognized tax benefits net of the deferred tax benefit on accrued interest and state income tax items, and reversal of accrued interest and penalties. Interest and penalties related to underpayment of income taxes are classified as a component of income taxes in the consolidated statement of operations.
A reconciliation of the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
Unrecognized tax benefits: January 1, 2007 | $ | 83,802 | ||
Gross increases: tax positions taken in prior periods | 13,800 | |||
Gross decreases: tax positions taken in prior periods | (508 | ) | ||
Gross increases: current period tax positions | 16,064 | |||
Unrecognized tax benefits: December 31, 2007 | $ | 113,158 | ||
The Company conducts business globally and as a result, the Company or one or more subsidiaries is subject to U.S. federal income taxes and files income tax returns in various U.S. states and approximately 23 foreign jurisdictions. In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to tax examinations by taxing authorities including major jurisdictions such as France, Germany, India, South Korea, Netherlands, United Kingdom, the United States as well as countries in Scandinavia, Eastern Europe and in the Asia/Pacific region. With some exceptions, the Company is generally no longer subject to examinations with respect to returns that have been filed for years prior to 2004.
The Company is under audit by the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") for the years 2003 through 2005. The time for examining the tax year 2003 has been extended to September 2008. In November 2007, the Company and the IRS agreed to the tax adjustments relating to the backdating of stock options and the IRS is currently processing the completion of the examination. The principal impact of the backdating adjustments is to disallow $33,000 of compensation expense. The tax liability on the adjustments has been provided for in the 2005 restated financial statements and did not have a material impact to 2007. At this point it is not possible to provide an estimate of the amount, if any, of significant changes in unrecorded tax benefits that are reasonably possible to occur in the next 12 months.
14. COMMITMENTS
Leases
The Company leases its facilities and a portion of its capital equipment under operating leases that expire at various dates. Some of the operating leases provide for increasing rents over the terms of the leases; total rent expense under these leases is recognized ratably over the initial renewal period of each lease. The following table presents future minimum lease commitments under non-cancelable
71
operating leases and minimum rentals to be received under non-cancelable subleases at December 31, 2007:
|
Operating Leases |
Sublease Income |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2008 | $ | 39,658 | $ | 15,345 | ||
2009 | 36,344 | 13,870 | ||||
2010 | 31,680 | 9,133 | ||||
2011 | 25,213 | 6,391 | ||||
2012 | 22,807 | 5,941 | ||||
Thereafter | 100,792 | 39,107 | ||||
Total | $ | 256,494 | $ | 89,787 | ||
Total rent and related expenses under operating leases were $34,615, $26,468 and $23,659 for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Operating lease obligations after 2011 relate primarily to office facilities.
Consulting, Employment and Non-Compete Agreements
The Company has entered into various consulting, employment and non-compete and/or non-solicitation agreements with certain key management personnel and former owners of acquired businesses. Employment agreements with key members of management are generally at will and provide for an unspecified term and for specified notice or the payment of severance in certain circumstances
Employee Benefit Plans
The Company has a 401(k) profit-sharing plan covering all eligible employees. The Company provides for employer matching contributions equal to 50% of employee contributions, up to a maximum of 6% of their eligible compensation. Matching contributions are paid to participating employees in the form of the Company's common stock or cash. As a result, salaries and related expenses contain $4,709, $3,957 and $3,484 of employer matching contributions related to the Company's continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
The Company also has defined contribution employee benefit plans for its employees outside of the United States. The cost of these plans included in salaries and related expenses were $1,626, $1,443 and $1,650 for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
15. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Through May 2, 2005, the Company leased an office from an entity in which the former CEO and other directors and executive officers, had an approximately 84% ownership interest. This lease was terminated on May 2, 2005 in connection with the disposition of the Company's TMP Direct marketing business, and the Company no longer occupies this space. Rent expense paid in 2005 through the disposition date was approximately $185.
The Company periodically paid for its use of an aircraft which through December 31, 2003 was owned by a holding company that was controlled by the Company's former CEO. On December 31, 2003, the former CEO sold such holding company to General Yellow Pages Consultants, Inc. d/b/a The Marquette Group ("The Marquette Group"), however the former CEO continued to have obligations to a third party lender with respect to the aircraft. Commencing June 17, 2003, the Company had agreements with third-party chartering companies unaffiliated with the Company, the former CEO or The Marquette Group which have governed the Company's use of the aircraft. During the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 $1,561 and $1,254, respectively, were charged to office and general
72
expense for use of the aircraft. The Company cancelled the charter agreement effective in November 2006.
The Company provided office space to an investment company that is 50% owned by the former CEO. Rental income received from the investment company was $27 and $36 for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. This arrangement was terminated on October 31, 2006.
Stuart McKelvey, the son of the former CEO, served as President of the Company's Directional Marketing ("DM") division through June 1, 2005. For the period January 1, 2005 through June 1, 2005, Stuart McKelvey received base salary of $162 from the Company. On June 1, 2005, the Company sold its DM division to an affiliate of a private equity firm (the "buyer").
In connection with the sale of its Directional Marketing division, the Company paid a bonus of $110 to Stuart McKelvey. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has any obligation to Stuart McKelvey. Stuart McKelvey is employed by the buyer and invested $250 of his own money into the sold DM business, for a 1.5% equity interest. In addition, Stuart McKelvey also has the ability, subject to business performance and time-based vesting, to receive up to a 7.5% equity interest in DM.
Following the former CEO's resignation and at the direction of management and the Board of Directors, the Company's internal audit department and outside counsel examined certain transactions between the Company and the former CEO or entities or individuals affiliated with him. Management identified various related party transactions involving the former CEO over the period between 1996 and 2006, certain of which were not properly disclosed in the Company's filings with the SEC: (i) Mr. McKelvey owed outstanding amounts to the Company during each of the fiscal years ended 1996 through 2006. The indebtedness owed by the former CEO includes notes payable in favor of the Company, substantially offset by indebtedness owed by the Company to the former CEO. (ii) The Company has provided healthcare benefits to nine relatives and nine personal employees of the former CEO at varying times since 1997. (iii) The Company has processed the payroll for up to nine people personally employed by the former CEO at varying times since 1997. The former CEO generally reimbursed the Company for a vast majority of these salaries after the Company disbursed funds on behalf of Mr. McKelvey to his personal employees. (iv) The Company granted stock options to four of the former CEO's personal employees at various dates from 1999 through 2002. (v) Certain of the former CEO's personal employees participated in the Company's 401(k) plan at varying times during the period of 1997 through 2003.
During 2006, the former CEO has reimbursed the Company approximately $533 for certain expenses paid by the Company during the periods 1996 through 2006.
The Company provides office space and administrative support to the Chairman of the Company's Audit Committee. The value of such services was approximately $40, $36 and $34 in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
16. SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC DATA
The Company conducts business in three reportable segments: Careers North America, Careers International and Internet Advertising & Fees. Corporate operating expenses are not allocated to the Company's reportable segments. See Note 1 for a description of our operating segments.
Restructuring expense for the year ended December 31, 2007 was $6,665, $7,067, $2,115 and $750 for Careers North America, Careers International, Internet Advertising & Fees and Corporate, respectively.
Corporate operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2005 include the impact of the non-cash stock based compensation costs of $11,885, in connection with the investigation into the Company's historical stock option grant practices and related accounting. The Company's Careers North America, Careers International and Internet Advertising & Fees business units' results were not impacted as a result of the stock option findings.
73
The following tables present the Company's operations by business segment and by geographic region:
|
Year ended December 31, |
||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Revenue |
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
||||||||
Careers - North America | $ | 707,384 | $ | 658,051 | $ | 521,600 | |||||
Careers - International | 488,038 | 306,280 | 187,118 | ||||||||
Internet Advertising & Fees | 155,887 | 152,345 | 109,553 | ||||||||
Total revenue | $ | 1,351,309 | $ | 1,116,676 | $ | 818,271 | |||||
Operating income |
|||||||||||
Careers - North America | $ | 224,862 | $ | 227,202 | $ | 170,889 | |||||
Careers - International | 52,113 | 17,423 | (7,277 | ) | |||||||
Internet Advertising & Fees | 12,092 | 45,062 | 34,225 | ||||||||
289,067 | 289,687 | 197,837 | |||||||||
Corporate expenses (a) | (74,354 | ) | (59,823 | ) | (57,205 | ) | |||||
Operating income | $ | 214,713 | $ | 229,864 | $ | 140,632 | |||||
Depreciation and amortization |
|||||||||||
Careers - North America | $ | 19,406 | $ | 17,432 | $ | 16,787 | |||||
Careers - International | 18,170 | 14,566 | 10,717 | ||||||||
Internet Advertising & Fees | 8,490 | 6,625 | 4,703 | ||||||||
46,066 | 38,623 | 32,207 | |||||||||
Corporate expenses | 911 | 1,157 | 1,216 | ||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | $ | 46,977 | $ | 39,780 | $ | 33,423 | |||||
Revenue by geographic region (b) |
|||||||||||
United States | $ | 839,833 | $ | 792,898 | $ | 623,403 | |||||
International | 511,476 | 323,778 | 194,868 | ||||||||
Total revenue | $ | 1,351,309 | $ | 1,116,676 | $ | 818,271 | |||||
|
December 31, |
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
||||||
Long-lived assets by geographic region (c) | |||||||||
United States | $ | 547,561 | $ | 546,099 | $ | 530,748 | |||
International | 327,341 | 279,300 | 184,002 | ||||||
Total long-lived assets | $ | 874,902 | $ | 825,399 | $ | 714,750 | |||
The following table reconciles each reportable segment's assets to total assets reported on the Company's consolidated balance sheets:
Total assets by segment as of December 31, |
2007 |
2006 |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Careers - North America | $ | 673,353 | $ | 669,645 | |||
Careers - International | 721,679 | 516,213 | |||||
Internet Advertising & Fees | 151,581 | 164,482 | |||||
Corporate | 424,057 | 540,723 | |||||
Shared assets (d) | 107,140 | 78,740 | |||||
Total assets | $ | 2,077,810 | $ | 1,969,803 | |||
74
17. STOCK OPTION INVESTIGATIONS AND LITIGATION
The Company is involved in various legal proceedings that are incidental to the conduct of its business. Aside from the matters discussed below, the Company is not involved in any pending or threatened legal proceedings that it believes could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.
The Company announced on June 12, 2006 that a committee of independent directors of the Board of Directors, assisted by outside counsel, was conducting an independent investigation to review the Company's historical stock option grant practices and related accounting.
Stock Option Investigations and Related Litigation
Investigations .
The USAO and the SEC have informed the Company that each is conducting an investigation into its past stock option grants. In connection with these investigations, the Company has received a grand jury subpoena from the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and requests for the voluntary production of documents from the SEC. The Company is fully cooperating with the USAO and the SEC. On February 15, 2007, the Company's former General Counsel pleaded guilty to two felony counts relating to those historical stock option grants and the SEC instituted a civil action against him. On March 26, 2007, the SEC civil action was settled pursuant to a final judgment permanently enjoining our former General Counsel from violating the federal securities laws and from acting as an officer or director of a public company. On January 23, 2008, Andrew J. McKelvey, the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with the USAO. Pursuant to the deferred prosecution agreement, the USAO has agreed to defer prosecution of Mr. McKelvey for conspiracy to commit securities fraud and securities fraud for one year and not proceed with any prosecution of Mr. McKelvey if, after one year, he has complied with his obligations under the agreement. On January 23, 2008, the SEC commenced an action against Mr. McKelvey and, at the same time, announced a settlement with Mr. McKelvey, pursuant to which he will be permanently enjoined from violating the federal securities laws, will pay the SEC $276 in disgorgement and prejudgment interest, and will be barred from serving as an officer or director of a public company.
ERISA Action (Taylor v. McKelvey et al., 06 CV 8322 (S.D.N.Y.)) .
In October 2006, a putative class action litigation was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by a former Company employee against the Company and a number of its current and former officers and directors. On February 16, 2007, plaintiff served an amended class action complaint. The action purports to be brought on behalf of all participants in the Company's 401(k) Plan (the "Plan"). The amended complaint alleges that the defendants breached their fiduciary obligations to Plan participants under Sections 404, 405, 409 and 502 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act ("ERISA") by allowing Plan participants to purchase and to hold and maintain Company stock in their Plan accounts without disclosing to those Plan participants the historical stock option practices. The complaint seeks, among other relief, equitable restitution, attorney's fees and an order enjoining defendants from violations of ERISA. On December 14, 2007, the Court granted the defendants' motions to dismiss and dismissed the ERISA action with prejudice as against the Company and certain of the individual defendants (including all of the current directors of the Company who have been named as defendants) and without prejudice against certain of the individual defendants including one current employee of the Company.
75
Derivative Actions (In re Monster Worldwide, Inc. Stock Option Derivative Litigation, Master Docket 1:06:cv 04622 (S.D.N.Y.) and In re Monster Worldwide Inc. Derivative Litigation, Index. No. 06 108700 (Supreme, N.Y. County)) .
Derivative actions in connection with historical stock option practices have been commenced by shareholders purportedly on behalf of the Company in both the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County, against a number of current and former officers and directors of the Company, naming the Company as a nominal defendant (the "Derivative Actions").
On October 20, 2006, the three federal court actions were consolidated by the Court and styled as In re Monster Worldwide, Inc. Stock Option Derivative Litigation, Master Docket 1:06:cv 04622 (S.D.N.Y.)(NRB-DCF) (Consolidated Action). On or about December 20, 2006, plaintiffs in the consolidated federal actions filed a consolidated amended complaint. The consolidated amended complaint asserts claims for breach of fiduciary duty, gross mismanagement, unjust enrichment, and violations of Sections 10(b) and 14(a) of the Exchange Act for the period between January 1, 1997 and the present. The federal court plaintiffs seek, among other relief, an indeterminate amount of damages from the individual defendants.
On September 18, 2006, the three purported derivative actions that were filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County, were also consolidated. The consolidated actions have been styled as In re Monster Worldwide Inc. Derivative Litigation, Index. No. 06 108700 (Supreme, N.Y. County). On or about December 1, 2006, the plaintiffs in the consolidated state court actions filed a consolidated amended complaint asserting claims for breach of fiduciary duty and related state law causes of action. The state court plaintiffs seek, among other relief, an indeterminate amount of damages from the individual defendants.
On November 21, 2006, the Board of Directors of the Company appointed a Special Litigation Committee of the Board (the "SLC") composed of independent and disinterested directors to investigate and take whatever actions it deems appropriate with respect to the claims made in the Derivative Actions.
On January 22, 2008, Andrew J. McKelvey, the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, the SLC and the Company entered into a Memorandum of Understanding providing for the settlement of claims asserted on behalf of the Company against Mr. McKelvey in the Derivative Actions. The settlement provides that Mr. McKelvey will pay the Company $8,000 and convert the 4,762,000 shares of Class B Common Stock owned by him for a like number of ordinary shares of Common Stock. The Memorandum of Understanding calls for the execution of a Settlement Agreement to be subject to Court approval. Pursuant to the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding, Mr. McKelvey has agreed that, pending the completion of the conversion, he shall be entitled to vote only one-tenth of the shares of Class B Common Stock beneficially owned by him on all matters submitted to the holders of Common Stock for their vote, approval, waiver or consent. With respect to the remaining nine-tenths of the shares of Class B Common Stock beneficially owned by Mr. McKelvey, he has, pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding, given the Chief Executive Officer of the Company an irrevocable proxy to vote such shares on all matters submitted to the holders of Common Stock for their vote, approval, waiver or consent in the same percentages as the aggregate votes cast by the holders of shares of Common Stock (other than Mr. McKelvey) on such matter.
Prior to the settlement with Mr. McKelvey, the Company, with the approval of the SLC, entered into additional memoranda of understanding providing for the settlement of claims on behalf of the Company asserted against certain other officers and directors (current and former) of the Company in the Derivative Actions. The Company expects that a formal settlement agreement resolving the claims
76
against Mr. McKelvey and the others will in the near future be presented for approval to the Supreme Court of the State of New York.
Securities Class Action (In re Monster Worldwide Securities Litigation, 07 Civ. 2237 (S.D.N.Y.)) .
On or about March 15, 2007, a putative securities shareholder class action was filed by Middlesex County Retirement System against the Company and certain former employees in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York designated as In re Monster Worldwide Securities Litigation, 07 Civ. 2237 (S.D.N.Y.) (JSR), seeking an indeterminate amount of damages on behalf of all persons or entities, other than defendants, who purchased or acquired the securities of the Company from May 6, 2005 until September 9, 2006. On July 9, 2007, plaintiffs filed an amended complaint in the securities class action asserting claims against the Company, Andrew McKelvey and Myron Olesnyckyj, the Company's former General Counsel, based on an alleged violation of Section 10(b) the Exchange Act and against the individual defendants based on an alleged violation of Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act. On September 11, 2007, the Company filed an answer to the amended complaint. Discovery in this action is underway.
Dispute with Option Holders .
From July 25, 2006 to December 26, 2006, the Company suspended its Registration Statement on Form S-8, resulting in a prohibition on the exercise of stock options. The Company received correspondence from, or on behalf of, certain former employees who are grantees of certain vested stock options that were scheduled to expire or be forfeited unless exercised during this suspension period. Due to the suspension of the Company's S-8, these individuals were precluded from exercising such options prior to the expiration date of the options. The former employees informed the Company that they would seek to hold the Company liable for any financial damages suffered as a result of their inability to exercise the options during the suspension period. In December 2006, the Company's Board of Directors approved the payment of approximately $5,000 to compensate certain former employees for the value of stock options that expired during the period that the Company's equity compensation plans were suspended. In exchange for payment, the Company requested a release of any liability. The Company has made payments to, and has received releases from, substantially all of such former employees.
Consequences Under the Internal Revenue Code .
We have notified the Internal Revenue Service of the stock option review and results thereof. Under Internal Revenue Code section 162(m) ("IRC 162(m)"), stock options that are in-the-money at the time of grant do not qualify as performance-based compensation. We are not entitled to a deduction for the compensation expense related to the exercise of those options held by officers who are covered by IRC 162(m).
In addition, certain stock options which were granted on a discounted basis (exercise price is less than the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant) are subject to Internal Revenue Code section 409A ("409A"). The provisions of 409A impose adverse consequences upon the individuals who receive such options including excise tax, additional interest charges and accelerated inclusion in income. In January 2007, the Board approved a tender offer plan to amend certain stock options granted to approximately 60 individuals who received stock options that are subject to 409A in order to correct the options such that they are no longer subject to this provision. The correction was made by increasing the exercise price to the same value used in connection with the financial statement restatement. In April 2007, the tender offer was finalized and for individuals who agreed to the modification, the Company compensated them for the increase in the exercise price by paying an amount equal to the difference in the exercise price for each option. In January 2008, the Company paid approximately $300 to these individuals.
77
General .
We may become subject to additional private or government actions. The expense of defending such litigation may be significant. In addition, an unfavorable outcome in such litigation could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. The Company may also be obligated under the terms of its by-laws to advance litigation costs for directors and officers named in litigation relating to their roles at the Company.
Security Breach
In August 2007, the Company announced that certain of its servers had been the subject of attacks by malicious software and that, as a result, information such as names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses for job seekers with resumes posted on websites operated by the Company had been illegally downloaded. The Company does not generally collect social security numbers or financial data about its job seekers, such as bank account information or credit card accounts. The Company responded by conducting a comprehensive review of internal processes and procedures, enhancing its processes and procedures and notifying job seekers and employers of the attack and alerting job seekers about potential efforts to use that information to improperly obtain sensitive data from the job seekers in so called "phishing" emails. In October 2007, in connection with the attack, the Company was requested to provide information to the staff of the Federal Trade Commission (the "FTC") in connection with a non-public inquiry into certain information security practices of Monster. After the Company submitted such information to the FTC, the matter was resolved without further action required by the Company. The Company has also received inquiries from certain other governmental authorities (foreign and domestic) in connection with the attack. The Company has cooperated with such governmental authorities and, if necessary, intends to continue to cooperate with such governmental entities.
Litigation Relating to the Company's Tickle Business Unit
In July 2006, a putative class action entitled Ed Oshaben v. Tickle Inc., Emode.com, Inc. and Monster Worldwide, Inc. (Case No. CGC-06-454538) was filed against the Company and its Tickle Inc. subsidiary in California State Court. An amended complaint was subsequently filed. The amended complaint alleges that Tickle engaged in deceptive consumer practices as follows: (1) users who believed they signed up for an unconditional "free" 7-day trial period actually were charged a monthly subscription rate unless they affirmatively notified Tickle within those 7 days that they did not want the monthly membership; and (2) users who believed they had paid a one-time fee to purchase the results of a single personality test were actually enrolled in the full monthly subscription service and billed accordingly. The amended complaint purports to be a class action representing all users who purchased a test report from Tickle and received "unauthorized charges." The amended complaint alleges various violations of the California consumer and unfair business practice statutes and seeks, among other things, unspecified restitution for the class, disgorgement of revenues, compensatory damages, punitive damages, attorneys' fees and equitable relief. Discovery in this action is underway.
18. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
On January 4, 2008, the Company's Internet Advertising & Fees segment purchased Affinity Labs Inc., a business that operates a portfolio of professional and vocational communities for people entering, advancing and networking in certain dedicated occupations that includes law enforcement, healthcare, education, government and technology. Consideration for the acquisition was approximately $61,000 in cash. The transaction will be accounted for in the first quarter of 2008 and the allocation of the purchase price to the assets and liabilities acquired will be finalized in 2008. The Company does not anticipate the acquisition having a material impact on financial results in 2008. Any goodwill recorded in connection with the acquisition will not be deductible for tax purposes.
78
MONSTER WORLDWIDE, INC.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION BY QUARTER (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
|
Quarter |
|
|||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2007 |
First |
Second |
Third |
Fourth |
Full Year |
||||||||||||
Revenue: | |||||||||||||||||
Careers | $ | 290,223 | $ | 291,326 | $ | 296,996 | $ | 316,877 | $ | 1,195,422 | |||||||
Internet Advertising & Fees | 38,805 | 39,823 | 40,148 | 37,111 | 155,887 | ||||||||||||
Total revenue | 329,028 | 331,149 | 337,144 | 353,988 | 1,351,309 | ||||||||||||
Salaries and related | 122,347 | 146,153 | 128,250 | 132,828 | 529,578 | ||||||||||||
Office and general | 70,417 | 64,576 | 71,379 | 70,890 | 277,262 | ||||||||||||
Marketing and promotion | 78,069 | 78,045 | 76,348 | 80,697 | 313,159 | ||||||||||||
Restructuring and other special charges | - | - | 11,155 | 5,442 | 16,597 | ||||||||||||
Total operating expenses | 270,833 | 288,774 | 287,132 | 289,857 | 1,136,596 | ||||||||||||
Operating income | 58,195 | 42,375 | 50,012 | 64,131 | 214,713 | ||||||||||||
Interest and other, net | 5,304 | 6,912 | 6,288 | 6,840 | 25,344 | ||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and loss in equity interests | 63,499 | 49,287 | 56,300 | 70,971 | 240,057 | ||||||||||||
Income taxes | 22,352 | 17,406 | 19,998 | 24,843 | 84,599 | ||||||||||||
Loss in equity interests, net | (1,420 | ) | (2,966 | ) | (3,074 | ) | (838 | ) | (8,298 | ) | |||||||
Income from continuing operations | 39,727 | 28,915 | 33,228 | 45,290 | 147,160 | ||||||||||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax | (245 | ) | (299 | ) | 73 | (290 | ) | (761 | ) | ||||||||
Net income | $ | 39,482 | $ | 28,616 | $ | 33,301 | $ | 45,000 | $ | 146,399 | |||||||
Basic earnings (loss) per share:(a) | |||||||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations | $ | 0.31 | $ | 0.22 | $ | 0.26 | $ | 0.36 | $ | 1.14 | |||||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax | (0.00 | ) | (0.00 | ) | 0.00 | (0.00 | ) | (0.01 | ) | ||||||||
Net income | $ | 0.30 | $ | 0.22 | $ | 0.26 | $ | 0.36 | $ | 1.14 | |||||||
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:(a) | |||||||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations | $ | 0.30 | $ | 0.22 | $ | 0.25 | $ | 0.36 | $ | 1.13 | |||||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax | (0.00 | ) | (0.00 | ) | 0.00 | (0.00 | ) | (0.01 | ) | ||||||||
Net income | $ | 0.30 | $ | 0.21 | $ | 0.25 | $ | 0.36 | $ | 1.12 | |||||||
Weighted average shares outstanding: |
|||||||||||||||||
Basic | 129,653 | 130,542 | 129,499 | 125,504 | 128,785 | ||||||||||||
Diluted | 132,464 | 133,121 | 130,757 | 126,704 | 130,755 | ||||||||||||
Market price range common stock(b) | |||||||||||||||||
High | $ | 54.67 | $ | 50.08 | $ | 43.03 | $ | 40.58 | |||||||||
Low | $ | 46.46 | $ | 40.32 | $ | 32.53 | $ | 31.60 | |||||||||
79
MONSTER WORLDWIDE, INC.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION BY QUARTER (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
|
Quarter |
|
|||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2006 |
First |
Second |
Third |
Fourth |
Full Year |
||||||||||||
Revenue: | |||||||||||||||||
Careers | $ | 224,589 | $ | 237,190 | $ | 244,292 | $ | 258,260 | $ | 964,331 | |||||||
Internet Advertising & Fees | 32,447 | 37,979 | 41,563 | 40,356 | 152,345 | ||||||||||||
Total revenue | 257,036 | 275,169 | 285,855 | 298,616 | 1,116,676 | ||||||||||||
Salaries and related | 91,553 | 98,862 | 106,838 | 114,596 | 411,849 | ||||||||||||
Office and general | 46,745 | 43,827 | 51,113 | 59,772 | 201,457 | ||||||||||||
Marketing and promotion | 65,799 | 73,212 | 68,077 | 66,418 | 273,506 | ||||||||||||
Total operating expenses | 204,097 | 215,901 | 226,028 | 240,786 | 886,812 | ||||||||||||
Operating income | 52,939 | 59,268 | 59,827 | 57,830 | 229,864 | ||||||||||||
Interest and other, net | 3,130 | 3,940 | 5,012 | 6,398 | 18,480 | ||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and loss in equity interests | 56,069 | 63,208 | 64,839 | 64,228 | 248,344 | ||||||||||||
Income taxes | 20,411 | 22,077 | 22,692 | 22,481 | 87,661 | ||||||||||||
Loss in equity interests, net | (1,241 | ) | (2,284 | ) | (2,054 | ) | (1,517 | ) | (7,096 | ) | |||||||
Income from continuing operations | 34,417 | 38,847 | 40,093 | 40,230 | 153,587 | ||||||||||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax | 7,845 | 770 | (123,910 | ) | (1,155 | ) | (116,450 | ) | |||||||||
Net income | $ | 42,262 | $ | 39,617 | $ | (83,817 | ) | $ | 39,075 | $ | 37,137 | ||||||
Basic earnings (loss) per share:(a) | |||||||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations | $ | 0.27 | $ | 0.30 | $ | 0.31 | $ | 0.31 | $ | 1.20 | |||||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax | 0.06 | 0.01 | (0.96 | ) | (0.01 | ) | (0.91 | ) | |||||||||
Net income | $ | 0.33 | $ | 0.31 | $ | (0.65 | ) | $ | 0.30 | $ | 0.29 | ||||||
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:(a) | |||||||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations | $ | 0.26 | $ | 0.29 | $ | 0.31 | $ | 0.31 | $ | 1.17 | |||||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax | 0.06 | 0.01 | (0.95 | ) | (0.01 | ) | (0.89 | ) | |||||||||
Net income | $ | 0.32 | $ | 0.30 | $ | (0.64 | ) | $ | 0.30 | $ | 0.28 | ||||||
Weighted average shares outstanding: |
|||||||||||||||||
Basic | 126,753 | 128,551 | 128,484 | 128,489 | 128,077 | ||||||||||||
Diluted | 130,619 | 132,009 | 130,827 | 131,209 | 131,247 | ||||||||||||
Market price range common stock(b) | |||||||||||||||||
High | $ | 50.92 | $ | 59.28 | $ | 43.10 | $ | 47.27 | |||||||||
Low | $ | 40.19 | $ | 35.58 | $ | 35.28 | $ | 37.16 | |||||||||
80
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Monster Worldwide maintains "disclosure controls and procedures," as such term is defined under Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e), that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, the Company's management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives and the Company's management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. The Company has carried out an evaluation, as of the end of the period covered by this report, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon their evaluation and subject to the foregoing, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that material information relating to the Company is made known to the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer by others within the Company during the period in which this report was being prepared.
Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.
The Company's management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f)). The Company's internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company's management and Board of Directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.
All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.
The Company's management assessed the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007. In making this assessment, it used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control Integrated Framework. Based on its assessment, the Company believes that as of December 31, 2007, the Company's internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.
There have been no significant changes in the Company's internal controls or in other factors which could materially affect internal controls subsequent to the date the Company's management carried out its evaluation.
The Company's independent registered public accounting firm has issued its report on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
81
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Board
of Directors and Shareholders
Monster Worldwide, Inc.
New York, New York
We have audited Monster Worldwide, Inc.'s (the "Company") internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the "COSO criteria"). The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying "Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting." Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financi