Form 8-K

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


Form 8-K

 


CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): May 2, 2007

 


Hudson Highland Group, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Delaware   000-50129   59-3547281

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

  (Commission File Number)  

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

560 Lexington Avenue

New York, NY 10022

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (212) 351-7300

 


Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

¨ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (16 CFR 230.425)

 

¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (16 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (16 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (16 CFR 240.13e-4(c)

 



ITEM 2.02. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION.

On May 2, 2007, Hudson Highland Group, Inc. issued a press release announcing its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2007. A copy of such press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report.

Also on May 2, 2007, Hudson Highland Group, Inc. posted on its web site a Letter to Shareholders, Employees and Friends, which discusses results for the quarter ended March 31, 2007. A copy of such letter is furnished as Exhibit 99.2 to this Current Report.

 

ITEM 9.01. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.

 

  (a) Financial Statements.

None.

 

  (b) Pro Forma Financial Information.

None.

 

  (c) Shell Company Transactions

None.

 

  (d) Exhibits

 

99.1    Press Release of Hudson Highland Group, Inc. issued on May 2, 2007.
99.2    Letter to Shareholders, Employees and Friends issued on May 2, 2007 and posted to Company’s web site.

 

2


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC. (Registrant)

By:  

/s/ MARY JANE RAYMOND

  Mary Jane Raymond
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
  Officer
Dated: May 2, 2007

 

3


Hudson Highland Group, Inc.

Current Report on Form 8-K

Exhibit Index

 

Exhibit
Number
  

Description

99.1    Press Release of Hudson Highland Group, Inc. issued on May 2, 2007.
99.2    Letter to Shareholders, Employees and Friends issued on May 2, 2007 and posted to Company’s web site.
Press Release of Hudson Highland Group, Inc.

Exhibit 99.1

LOGO

 

For Immediate Release    Contact:    David F. Kirby
      Hudson Highland Group
      212-351-7216
      david.kirby@hhgroup.com

Hudson Highland Group Reports 2007 First Quarter Financial Results

NEW YORK, NY – May 2, 2007 – Hudson Highland Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: HHGP), one of the world’s leading providers of permanent recruitment, contract professionals and talent management solutions, today announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2007.

2007 First Quarter Summary

 

   

Revenue of $337.9 million, an increase of 3.2 percent from $327.3 million for the first quarter of 2006

 

   

Gross margin of $125.9 million, or 37.3 percent of revenue, up 13.7 percent from $110.7 million, or 33.8 percent of revenue, for the same year-ago period

 

   

Adjusted EBITDA of $6.8 million, or 2.0 percent of revenue, up from an adjusted EBITDA loss of $3.6 million for the first quarter of 2006

 

   

EBITDA of $3.7 million, or 1.1 percent of revenue, up from an EBITDA loss of $3.6 million for the same period last year

 

   

Net income of $0.4 million, or $0.01 per basic and diluted share, compared with a net loss of $8.1 million, or ($0.33) per basic and diluted share, for the first quarter of 2006

“Considering the first quarter is historically weaker given our seasonality and business mix, we achieved solid results,” said Jon Chait, chairman and chief executive officer. “Hudson Asia Pacific and Hudson Europe continued to build upon their strengthening performance. Further, our Hudson Americas business is steadier than a year ago, though we still have work ahead to re-ignite the growth of our core markets within that region.”

“With the completion of our restructuring program this quarter, our financial strength continues to build and we believe we are well positioned for increased operating leverage,” said Mary Jane Raymond, executive vice president and chief financial officer.


Guidance

The company currently expects second quarter 2007 revenue of $355 - $370 million at prevailing exchange rates and EBITDA of $12.5 - $13.5 million. This compares with revenue of $352 million and EBITDA of $8.5 million in the second quarter of 2006.

Conference Call/Webcast

Hudson Highland Group will conduct a conference call Thursday, May 3, 2007 at 9:00 AM ET to discuss this announcement. Investors wishing to participate can join the conference call by dialing 1-800-374-1532 followed by the participant passcode 5699225 at 8:50 AM ET. For those outside the United States, please call in on 1-706-634-5594 followed by the participant passcode 5699225. Hudson Highland Group’s quarterly conference call can also be accessed online through Yahoo! Finance at www.yahoo.com and the investor information section of the company’s website at www.hhgroup.com.

About Hudson Highland Group

Hudson Highland Group, Inc. is a leading provider of permanent recruitment, contract professionals and talent management services worldwide. From single placements to total outsourced solutions, Hudson helps clients achieve greater organizational performance by assessing, recruiting, developing and engaging the best and brightest people for their businesses. The company employs more than 3,600 professionals serving clients and candidates in more than 20 countries. More information is available at www.hhgroup.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains statements that the company believes to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release, including those under the caption “Guidance” and other statements regarding the company’s future financial condition, results of operations, business operations and business prospects, are forward-looking statements. Words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “predict,” “believe” and similar words, expressions and variations of these words and expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the company’s history of negative cash flows and operating losses may continue, the ability of clients to terminate their relationship with the company at any time, the impact of global economic fluctuations on temporary contracting operations; risks and financial impact associated with acquisitions and dispositions of non-strategic assets; the company’s reliance on information systems and technology; competition; fluctuations in operating results; risks relating to foreign operations, including foreign currency fluctuations; dependence on highly skilled professionals and key management personnel; restrictions imposed by blocking arrangements; exposure to employment-related claims and limits on insurance coverage related thereto; government regulations; restrictions on the company’s operating flexibility due to the terms of its credit facility. Additional information concerning these and other factors is contained in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. The company assumes no obligation, and expressly disclaims any obligation, to review or confirm analysts’ expectations or estimates or to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

###

Financial Tables Follow


HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

(unaudited)

 

    

Three Months Ended

March 31,

 
     2007     2006 (1)  

Revenue

   $ 337,899     $ 327,284  

Direct costs

     212,019       216,603  
                

Gross margin

     125,880       110,681  

Operating expenses:

    

Selling, general and administrative

     119,066       114,296  

Depreciation and amortization

     3,809       4,185  

Business reorganization expenses

     3,116       —    
                

Total operating expenses

     125,991       118,481  

Operating loss

     (111 )     (7,800 )

Other income (expense):

    

Interest, net

     222       (392 )

Other, net

     2,600       931  
                

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

     2,711       (7,261 )

Provision for income taxes

     2,377       1,440  
                

Income (loss) from continuing operations

     334       (8,701 )

Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

     19       621  
                

Net income (loss)

   $ 353     $ (8,080 )

Basic income (loss) per share:

    

Income (loss) from continuing operations

   $ 0.01     $ (0.36 )

Income from discontinued operations

     0.00       0.03  

Net income (loss)

   $ 0.01     $ (0.33 )

Diluted income (loss) per share:

    

Income (loss) from continuing operations

   $ 0.01     $ (0.36 )

Income from discontinued operations

     0.00       0.03  

Net income (loss)

   $ 0.01     $ (0.33 )
                

Weighted average shares outstanding

    

Basic

     24,919,000       24,224,000  

Diluted

     25,661,000       24,224,000  

(1) 2006 financial statements have been adjusted to reflect the Highland Partners segment as a discontinued operation. The sale of Highland Partners was completed effective on October 1, 2006.


HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

     March 31,
2007
    December 31,
2006
 
     (unaudited)        
ASSETS     

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 47,009     $ 44,649  

Accounts receivable, net

     228,984       218,722  

Prepaid and other

     16,980       16,736  
                

Total current assets

     292,973       280,107  

Intangibles, net

     36,749       37,612  

Property and equipment, net

     27,985       28,105  

Other assets

     5,997       5,045  
                

Total assets

   $ 363,704     $ 350,869  
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY     

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 31,875     $ 24,075  

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

     131,557       134,043  

Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt

     5,129       238  

Accrued business reorganization expenses

     5,524       5,077  

Accrued merger and integration expenses

     634       837  
                

Total current liabilities

     174,719       164,270  

Other non-current liabilities

     7,650       8,204  

Accrued business reorganization expenses, non-current

     4,710       3,409  

Accrued merger and integration expenses, non-current

     1,418       1,721  

Long-term debt, less current portion

     170       235  
                

Total liabilities

     188,667       177,839  
                

Commitments and contingencies

    

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding

     —         —    

Common stock, $0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized; issued: 25,221,955 and 24,957,732 shares, respectively

     25       25  

Additional paid-in capital

     431,996       427,645  

Accumulated deficit

     (301,528 )     (298,344 )

Accumulated other comprehensive income—translation adjustments

     44,774       43,934  

Treasury stock, 15,798 shares

     (230 )     (230 )
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     175,037       173,030  
                
   $ 363,704     $ 350,869  
                



HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.

SEGMENT ANALYSIS

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

For the Three Months Ended

March 31, 2007

   Hudson
Americas
    Hudson
Europe
   Hudson
Asia Pacific
   Corporate     Total  

Revenue

   $ 112,804     $ 122,008    $ 103,087    $ —       $ 337,899  

Gross margin

   $ 27,070     $ 59,023    $ 39,787    $ —       $ 125,880  

Adjusted EBITDA (2)

   $ (131 )   $ 7,247    $ 5,948    $ (6,250 )   $ 6,814  

Business reorganization expenses

     729       2,447      14      (74 )     3,116  

EBITDA (2)

     (860 )     4,800      5,934      (6,176 )     3,698  

Depreciation and amortization

     1,149       1,653      892      115       3,809  

Operating income (loss)

   $ (2,009 )   $ 3,147    $ 5,042    $ (6,291 )   $ (111 )

For the Three Months Ended

March 31, 2006 (1)

    
 
Hudson
Americas
 
 
   
 
Hudson
Europe
    
 
 
Hudson
Asia
Pacific
     Corporate       Total  

Revenue

   $ 110,605     $ 116,141    $ 100,538    $ —       $ 327,284  

Gross margin

   $ 22,855     $ 50,965    $ 36,861    $ —       $ 110,681  

Adjusted EBITDA (2)

   $ (5,975 )   $ 5,550    $ 4,732    $ (7,922 )   $ (3,615 )
               (  

EBITDA (2)

     (5,975 )   $ 5,550    $ 4,732    $ (7,922 )   $ (3,615 )

Depreciation and amortization

     1,506       1,739      775      165       4,185  

Operating income (loss)

   $ (7,481 )   $ 3,811    $ 3,957    $ (8,087 )   $ (7,800 )

(1) 2006 financial statements have been adjusted to reflect the Highland Partners segment as a discontinued operation. The sale of Highland Partners was completed effective on October 1, 2006.

(2) Non-GAAP earnings before interest, income taxes, special charges, other non-operating expense, and depreciation and amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”) and non-GAAP earnings before interest, income taxes, other non-operating expense, and depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) are presented to provide additional information about the company’s operations on a basis consistent with the measures which the company uses to manage its operations and evaluate its performance. Management also uses these measurements to evaluate capital needs and working capital requirements. Adjusted EBITDA and EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for operating income, cash flows from operating activities, and other income or cash flow statement data prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles or as a measure of the company’s profitability or liquidity. Furthermore, adjusted EBITDA and EBITDA as presented above may not be comparable with similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

 

5

Letter to Shareholders, Employees and Friends

Exhibit 99.2

LOGO

To: Shareholders, Employees and Friends

May 2, 2007

Hudson Highland Group 2007 First Quarter Financial Results

Consolidated Results

Historically, the first quarter of the year is the slowest period in the recruitment industry due to several seasonal factors, including the New Year’s holiday, lower first quarter permanent hiring following a typical surge in the fourth quarter and, particular to our company, summer vacations in the southern hemisphere.

While the company’s business did follow this seasonal pattern relative to recent quarters, first quarter 2007 results represented the highest first quarter adjusted EBITDA and EBITDA performance since the company’s inception. Following strong results in the second half of 2006, the company continued to deliver on its recent solid momentum, while managing operational leadership changes in each of its three core regions during the quarter.

Hudson Europe and Hudson Asia Pacific achieved strong adjusted EBITDA growth against the prior year period. These results were driven by favorable economic conditions that fostered strong demand in Europe and a solid performance in Asia Pacific. Hudson Americas delivered a near-breakeven adjusted EBITDA quarter – a significant improvement from the prior year period – though further work is necessary to re-ignite growth in the core markets of that business unit.

First quarter 2007 revenue increased 3 percent while gross margin increased 14 percent compared with the first quarter of 2006. As a reminder, reported 2007 results exclude contributions from the Scottish Industrial and UK Office Support businesses, both which were divested but are included in our prior year results. In the first quarter of 2006, these businesses earned revenue of $5.7 million and gross margin of $1.3 million.

On a constant currency basis, revenue decreased 2 percent while gross margin increased 7 percent compared with the first quarter of 2006. Gross margin percentage was 37.3 percent, up from 33.8 percent a year ago. Temporary contracting gross margin was 18.3 percent, up from 17.1 percent a year ago. Adjusted EBITDA was $6.8 million compared with a loss of ($3.6) million in the first quarter of 2006. Adjusted EBITDA as a percent of revenue reached 2.0 percent in the quarter, up from negative (1.1) percent a year ago. Consolidated EBITDA was $3.7 million compared with a loss of ($3.6) million in the first quarter of 2006.

Consolidated net income was $0.4 million in the quarter, compared with a loss of ($8.1) million in the first quarter of 2006. Basic and diluted earnings per share in the quarter were $0.01, compared with a loss of ($0.33) per basic and diluted share in the year-ago period.


The company recorded $0.9 million of stock option expense in the first quarter, down from $1.3 million in the prior year. First quarter 2007 results included non-operating income of $2.6 million, primarily due to the sale of the UK Office Support business in January 2007.

Recent Events

Strategic Update

For 2007, we are continuing to execute our strategy of repositioning the business to focus on specialized professional recruitment. We expect this will drive improved profitability toward our long-term goal of 7-10 percent EBITDA margins. Following our divestitures in the second half of 2006 of the Scottish Industrial business (2005 revenue of $12 million) and Highland Partners (2005 revenue of $63 million), we sold our UK Office Support business (2006 revenue of $10 million) in January. We still have additional non-core businesses, totaling approximately 10 percent of our revenue, which we may divest over the next few quarters. We will continue to operate these businesses until this process is completed.

Restructuring Charge

We completed our 2006 restructuring program in the first quarter of 2007, which helped reset our cost structure as a further step in improving profitability. The restructuring charge of $3.1 million this quarter was primarily for real estate relocations. For the 2006 program in total, we spent $9.5 million and expect to realize at least this amount in sustainable savings in our cost structure.

Update on PeopleSoft

Our work to improve the PeopleSoft system in North America remains on schedule and on budget. During the first quarter, we benefited from some of the anticipated improvements, such as more timely management reporting and efficiencies in the back office. We believe that greater stability in the PeopleSoft application has allowed us to maintain a steadier performance in North America.

Regional Review

Hudson Americas

Revenue increased 2 percent and gross margin dollars increased 18 percent in the first quarter compared with prior year, due to growth in permanent recruitment and a better temporary contracting gross margin percentage. Overall gross margin percentage increased to 24.0 percent compared with 20.7 percent last year. Temporary gross margin advanced to 18.7 percent from 16.6 percent.

Turning to the practice groups, Legal delivered a strong quarter with revenue and gross margin increases of 10 percent and 11 percent, respectively, over first quarter 2006. In Energy, revenue was flat while gross margin increased 5 percent. Financial Solutions saw a decline in revenue and gross margin of 7 percent and 5 percent, respectively, although its temporary contracting margins remained strong at 29 percent and overall gross margin was 34 percent. Aerospace & Defense results were down 5 percent in revenue, but up 52 percent in gross margin on more normalized temporary contracting margins. In IT, revenue and gross margin were down 14 and 5 percent, respectively, compared with prior year.


Demand for permanent recruitment continued to be a bright spot in the first quarter. Permanent recruitment revenue was up 36 percent over prior year and represented approximately 25 percent of Hudson Americas’ gross margin in the quarter. Significant gross margin growth compared with prior year occurred in the permanent recruitment practices of both Legal and Aerospace & Defense.

Hudson Americas reported an adjusted EBITDA loss of ($0.1) million in the first quarter, an improvement from a loss of ($6.0) million from prior year. On an EBITDA basis, the group reported a loss of ($0.9) million, compared with a loss of ($6.0) million in the first quarter of 2006.

Hudson Europe

Hudson Europe revenue increased 5 percent in the first quarter, gross margin increased 16 percent and adjusted EBITDA increased 31 percent. EBITDA declined by 14 percent, as restructuring costs were $2.4 million higher than a year ago. The restructuring costs were incurred to downsize our London office, one of our most expensive locations. In constant currency, revenue declined 5 percent while gross margin rose 5 percent, adjusted EBITDA increased by 19 percent and EBITDA declined by 21 percent.

Continuing strength in permanent recruitment in the UK and continental Europe drove gross margin growth in the quarter. This gain was partially offset by lower temporary contracting volume in the UK, in line with our strategic realignment of that business. European temporary contracting margin improved to 19.7 percent from 18.6 percent due to higher UK temporary margins, which rose from 16.2 percent a year ago to 16.8 percent in the first quarter of 2007.

Hudson Europe achieved $7.2 million in adjusted EBITDA in the first quarter, up from $5.6 million in the same quarter last year, benefiting from continued robust economic conditions. Adjusted EBITDA reached 5.9 percent of revenue compared with 4.8 percent in the first quarter last year. EBITDA totaled $4.8 million in the first quarter compared with $5.6 million a year ago, as there were no restructuring costs incurred in the first quarter of 2006. Key adjusted EBITDA contributions in the quarter came from virtually all countries, including the UK, Belgium, Netherlands – including Balance and the existing recruitment and talent management businesses – France, Sweden, Spain, and the Central and Eastern European region.

Hudson Asia Pacific

Hudson Asia Pacific revenue increased 3 percent, gross margin increased 8 percent and EBITDA increased 25 percent in the first quarter of 2007. In constant currency, revenue decreased 3 percent, gross margin increased 2 percent and EBITDA increased 14 percent. In Australia, continued strength in permanent recruitment drove the gross margin growth in the quarter. In New Zealand, a stable top line and strong expense management led to improved EBITDA over prior year. In Asia, EBITDA results were weaker than prior year on softer results in Japan, Hong Kong and China.

Hudson Asia Pacific generated $5.9 million in EBITDA, or 5.8 percent of revenue, compared with $4.7 million a year ago, or 4.7 percent of revenue. Adjusted EBITDA equaled EBITDA in


both quarters with no material restructuring charges in the region in either period. Gross margin growth and continued strong expense control led the group to deliver operating leverage of 41 percent in the quarter.

Corporate

Corporate expenses were lower in the first quarter of 2007 compared with prior year due to lower professional fees and compensation costs.

Cash Management

Cash flow from operations in the first quarter of 2007 was a use of ($3.0) million compared with a source of $0.2 million in the first quarter of 2006 and a use of ($24.6) million in the first quarter of 2005. Continued focus on cash and working capital has led to improved cash flow from operations in recent quarters, though the first quarter result was slightly lower than a year ago.

Over the next six months, the company expects to pay between $30 - $40 million in earn out payments related to prior acquisitions, with the largest payments scheduled for the third quarter of 2007. The earn out payments are commensurate with the performance of the acquired businesses and may be made in cash or stock at the option of the company.

Guidance

The company currently expects second quarter 2007 revenue of $355 - $370 million at prevailing exchange rates and EBITDA of $12.5 - $13.5 million. This compares with revenue of $352 million and EBITDA of $8.5 million in the second quarter of 2006.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains statements that the company believes to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release, including those under the caption “Guidance” and other statements regarding the company’s future financial condition, results of operations, business operations and business prospects, are forward-looking statements. Words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “predict,” “believe” and similar words, expressions and variations of these words and expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the company’s history of negative cash flows and operating losses may continue; the ability of clients to terminate their relationship with the company at any time; the impact of global economic fluctuations on temporary contracting operations; risks and financial impact associated with acquisitions and dispositions of non-strategic assets; the company’s reliance on information systems and technology; competition; fluctuations in operating results; risks relating to foreign operations, including foreign currency fluctuations; dependence on highly skilled professionals and key management personnel; restrictions imposed by blocking arrangements; exposure to employment-related claims and limits on insurance coverage related thereto; government regulations; restrictions on the company’s operating flexibility due to the terms of its credit facility. Additional information concerning these and other factors is contained in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. The company assumes no obligation, and expressly disclaims any obligation, to review or confirm analysts’ expectations or estimates or to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

###

Financial Tables Follow


HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.

SEGMENT ANALYSIS

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

For the Three Months Ended

March 31, 2007

   Hudson
Americas
    Hudson
Europe
   Hudson
Asia Pacific
   Corporate     Total  

Revenue

   $ 112,804     $ 122,008    $ 103,087    $ —       $ 337,899  
                                      

Gross margin

   $ 27,070     $ 59,023    $ 39,787    $ —       $ 125,880  
                                      

Adjusted EBITDA (2)

   $ (131 )   $ 7,247    $ 5,948    $ (6,250 )   $ 6,814  

Business reorganization expenses

     729       2,447      14      (74 )     3,116  
                                      

EBITDA (2)

     (860 )     4,800      5,934      (6,176 )     3,698  

Depreciation and amortization

     1,149       1,653      892      115       3,809  
                                      

Operating income (loss)

   $ (2,009 )   $ 3,147    $ 5,042    $ (6,291 )   $ (111 )
                                      

For the Three Months Ended

March 31, 2006 (1)

   Hudson
Americas
    Hudson
Europe
   Hudson
Asia Pacific
   Corporate     Total  

Revenue

   $ 110,605     $ 116,141    $ 100,538    $ —       $ 327,284  
                                      

Gross margin

   $ 22,855     $ 50,965    $ 36,861    $ —       $ 110,681  
                                      

Adjusted EBITDA (2)

   $ (5,975 )   $ 5,550    $ 4,732    $ (7,922 )   $ (3,615 )
                                      

EBITDA (2)

     (5,975 )   $ 5,550    $ 4,732    $ (7,922 )   $ (3,615 )

Depreciation and amortization

     1,506       1,739      775      165       4,185  
                                      

Operating income (loss)

   $ (7,481 )   $ 3,811    $ 3,957    $ (8,087 )   $ (7,800 )
                                      

(1) 2006 financial statements have been adjusted to reflect the Highland Partners segment as a discontinued operation. The sale of Highland Partners was completed effective on October 1, 2006.
(2) Non-GAAP earnings before interest, income taxes, special charges, other non-operating expense, and depreciation and amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”) and non-GAAP earnings before interest, income taxes, other non-operating expense, and depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) are presented to provide additional information about the company’s operations on a basis consistent with the measures which the company uses to manage its operations and evaluate its performance. Management also uses these measurements to evaluate capital needs and working capital requirements. Adjusted EBITDA and EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for operating income, cash flows from operating activities, and other income or cash flow statement data prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles or as a measure of the company’s profitability or liquidity. Furthermore, adjusted EBITDA and EBITDA as presented above may not be comparable with similarly titled measures reported by other companies.


HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.

RECONCILIATION FOR CONSTANT CURRENCY

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

The company defines the term “constant currency” to mean that financial data for a period are translated into U.S. Dollars using the same foreign currency exchange rates that were used to translate financial data for the previously reported period. Changes in revenues, direct costs, gross margin and selling, general and administrative expenses include the effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Variance analysis usually describes period-to-period variances that are calculated using constant currency as a percentage. The company’s management reviews and analyzes business results in constant currency and believes these results better represent the company’s underlying business trends.

The company believes that these calculations are a useful measure, indicating the actual change in operations. Earnings from subsidiaries are rarely repatriated to the United States, and there are no significant gains or losses on foreign currency transactions between subsidiaries. Therefore, changes in foreign currency exchange rates generally impact only reported earnings and not the company’s economic condition.

 

     Quarter Ended March 31,  
     2007     2006 (1)  
     As Reported     Currency
Translation
    Constant
Currency
    As Reported  

Revenue:

        

Hudson Americas

   $ 112,804     $ 17     $ 112,821     $ 110,605  

Hudson Europe

     122,008       (11,807 )     110,201       116,141  

Hudson Asia Pacific

     103,087       (5,794 )     97,293       100,538  
                                

Total

     337,899       (17,584 )     320,315       327,284  

Direct costs:

        

Hudson Americas

     85,734       1       85,735       87,750  

Hudson Europe

     62,985       (6,261 )     56,724       65,176  

Hudson Asia Pacific

     63,300       (3,625 )     59,675       63,677  
                                

Total

     212,019       (9,885 )     202,134       216,603  

Gross margin:

        

Hudson Americas

     27,070       16       27,086       22,855  

Hudson Europe

     59,023       (5,546 )     53,477       50,965  

Hudson Asia Pacific

     39,787       (2,169 )     37,618       36,861  
                                

Total

   $ 125,880     $ (7,699 )   $ 118,181     $ 110,681  
                                

Selling, general and administrative (2):

        

Hudson Americas

   $ 28,350     $ 18     $ 28,368     $ 30,336  

Hudson Europe

     53,429       (5,020 )     48,409       47,154  

Hudson Asia Pacific

     34,731       (1,696 )     33,035       32,904  

Corporate

     6,365       —         6,365       8,087  
                                

Total

   $ 122,875     $ (6,698 )   $ 116,177     $ 118,481  
                                

Operating income (loss):

        

Hudson Americas

   $ (2,009 )   $ (2 )   $ (2.011 )   $ (7,481 )

Hudson Europe

     3,147       (277 )     2,870       3,811  

Hudson Asia Pacific

     5,042       (471 )     4,571       3,957  

Corporate

     (6,291 )     —         (6,291 )     (8,087 )
                                

Total

   $ (111 )   $ (750 )   $ (861 )   $ (7,800 )
                                

(1) 2006 financial statements have been adjusted to reflect the Highland Partners segment as a discontinued operation. The sale of Highland Partners was completed effective on October 1, 2006.
(2) Selling, general and administrative expenses include depreciation and amortization.