Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 


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

 

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2005

 

¨ 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: 000-50129

 


 

HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

DELAWARE   59-3547281

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

 

622 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10017

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

(212) 351-7300

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 


 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (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  x    No  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  x    No  ¨

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s class of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

            Class            


 

Outstanding on

July 31, 2005


Common Stock   24,154,321

 



Table of Contents

HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.

INDEX

 

          Page No.

     PART I-FINANCIAL INFORMATION     

Item 1.

   Financial Statements (unaudited)     
     Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations ­ Three Months and Six Months Ended June 30, 2005 and 2004    3
     Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets – June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004    4
     Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows ­ Six Months Ended June 30, 2005 and 2004    5
     Consolidated Condensed Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity – June 30, 2005    6
     Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements    7
     Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm    16

Item 2.

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    17

Item 3.

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk    25

Item 4.

   Controls and Procedures    26
     PART II-OTHER INFORMATION     

Item 2.

   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds    26

Item 4.

   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders    26

Item 6.

   Exhibits    27
     Signatures    28
     Exhibit Index    29


Table of Contents

PART I ­ FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

(unaudited)

 

    

Three Months Ended

June 30,


   

Six Months Ended

June 30,


 
     2005

    2004

    2005

    2004

 

Revenue

   $ 364,835     $ 307,431     $ 717,704     $ 597,235  

Direct costs (Note 5)

     223,668       188,942       448,330       372,355  
    


 


 


 


Gross margin

     141,167       118,489       269,374       224,880  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     130,416       112,818       255,315       230,414  

Depreciation and amortization

     4,626       4,915       9,483       9,994  

Business reorganization (recoveries) expenses

     (238 )     76       291       136  

Merger and integration expenses (recoveries)

     8       —         (35 )     (37 )
    


 


 


 


Operating income (loss)

     6,355       680       4,320       (15,627 )

Other income (expense):

                                

Other income (expense), net

     271       (290 )     (5 )     (1,887 )

Interest income (expense), net

     (495 )     145       (921 )     (256 )
    


 


 


 


Income (loss) before provision for income taxes

     6,131       535       3,394       (17,770 )

Provision for income taxes

     1,766       318       3,166       721  
    


 


 


 


Net income (loss)

   $ 4,365     $ 217     $ 228     $ (18,491 )
    


 


 


 


Income (loss) per share:

                                

Basic earnings (loss)

   $ .21     $ .01     $ .01     $ (1.00 )

Diluted earnings (loss)

   $ .20     $ .01     $ .01     $ (1.00 )

Weighted average shares outstanding:

                                

Basic

     20,642,000       19,901,000       20,574,000       18,566,000  

Diluted

     21,635,000       20,872,000       21,639,000       18,566,000  

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

    

June 30,

2005


    December 31,
2004


 
     (unaudited)        
ASSETS                 

Current assets:

                

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 21,687     $ 21,064  

Accounts receivable, net

     222,688       197,582  

Prepaid and other

     13,433       14,187  
    


 


Total current assets

     257,808       232,833  

Property and equipment, net

     33,368       36,360  

Intangibles, net

     7,467       6,104  

Other assets

     6,348       6,081  
    


 


Total assets

   $ 304,991     $ 281,378  
    


 


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                 

Current liabilities:

                

Accounts payable

   $ 31,711     $ 27,023  

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

     140,740       140,903  

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

     25,930       4,066  

Accrued business reorganization expenses

     5,962       8,930  

Accrued merger and integration expenses

     1,542       1,872  
    


 


Total current liabilities

     205,885       182,794  

Accrued business reorganization expenses, non-current

     5,187       6,832  

Accrued merger and integration expenses, non-current

     2,490       3,329  

Other non-current liabilities

     2,459       2,648  

Long-term debt, less current portion

     2,448       2,041  
    


 


Total liabilities

     218,469       197,644  
    


 


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 20,806,596 and 20,612,966 shares, respectively

     21       21  

Additional paid-in capital

     357,772       353,825  

Accumulated deficit

     (311,348 )     (311,576 )

Accumulated other comprehensive income — translation adjustments

     40,307       41,694  

Treasury stock, 15,798 shares

     (230 )     (230 )
    


 


Total stockholders’ equity

     86,522       83,734  
    


 


     $ 304,991     $ 281,378  
    


 


 

See accompanying notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

     Six Months Ended June 30,

 
     2005

    2004

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

                

Net income (loss)

   $ 228     $ (18,491 )

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities:

                

Depreciation and amortization

     9,483       9,994  

Provision for (recovery of) doubtful accounts

     1,045       (1,138 )

Net (gain) loss on disposal of assets

     (559 )     1,182  

Deferred income taxes

     1,704       (17 )

Restricted stock amortization

     408       486  

Changes in assets and liabilities:

                

Increase in accounts receivable

     (33,894 )     (26,345 )

(Increase) decrease in other assets

     (1,915 )     5,376  

Increase in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities

     12,420       11,701  

Decrease in accrued business reorganization expenses

     (3,920 )     (8,972 )

Decrease in accrued merger and integration expenses

     (1,013 )     (1,296 )
    


 


Total adjustments

     (16,241 )     (9,029 )
    


 


Net cash used in operating activities

     (16,013 )     (27,520 )
    


 


Cash flows from investing activities:

                

Capital expenditures

     (5,361 )     (4,693 )

Payments related to purchased businesses (net of cash acquired)

     —         (43 )
    


 


Net cash used in investing activities

     (5,361 )     (4,736 )
    


 


Cash flows from financing activities:

                

Borrowings under credit facility

     105,151       13,550  

Repayments under credit facility

     (83,237 )     (13,550 )

Issuance of common stock – Employee Stock Purchase Plan

     1,302       1,000  

Issuance of common stock – Long Term Incentive Plan option exercises

     674       1,105  

Payments on short and long-term debt

     (1,296 )     (570 )

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

     —         27,919  

Proceeds from receivable from Monster

     —         5,518  

Purchase of restricted stock from employees

     —         (218 )
    


 


Net cash provided by financing activities

     22,594       34,754  
    


 


Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     (597 )     (683 )
    


 


Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     623       1,815  

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     21,064       26,137  
    


 


Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 21,687     $ 27,952  
    


 


Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

                

Cash paid during the period for:

                

Interest

   $ 1,112     $ 1,039  

Taxes

   $ 2,093     $ 967  

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

     Common
stock


   Additional
paid-in
capital


   Accumulated
deficit


    Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)


    Treasury
stock


    Total

 

Balance January 1, 2005

   $ 21    $ 353,825    $ (311,576 )   $ 41,694     $ (230 )   $ 83,734  

Net Income

     —        —        228       —         —         228  

Other comprehensive loss, translation adjustments

     —        —        —         (1,387 )     —         (1,387 )

Issuance of shares for 401(k) plan

     —        1,563      —         —         —         1,563  

Issuance of shares from exercise of stock options

     —        674      —         —         —         674  

Issuance of shares for employee stock purchase plan

     —        1,302      —         —         —         1,302  

Restricted stock issuance and related compensation charge

     —        408      —         —         —         408  
    

  

  


 


 


 


Balance June 30, 2005

   $ 21    $ 357,772    $ (311,348 )   $ 40,307     $ (230 )   $ 86,522  
    

  

  


 


 


 


 

See accompanying notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

(unaudited)

 

NOTE 1 - INTERIM CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

These interim consolidated condensed quarterly financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and should be read in conjunction with the combined audited financial statements and related notes of Hudson Highland Group, Inc. (the “Company”) in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 filed with the SEC on March 14, 2005 (the “Form 10-K”). The consolidated results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year or any subsequent period. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows at the dates and for the periods presented have been included.

 

NOTE 2 – BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The Company was historically the combination of 67 acquisitions (the “Constituent Companies”) made between 1999 and 2002, which became the eResourcing and Executive Search divisions (“HH Group”) of Monster Worldwide, Inc. (“Monster”), formerly TMP Worldwide, Inc. Some of the Company’s constituent businesses have operated for more than 20 years. On March 31, 2003 (the “Distribution Date”), Monster spun-off the Company to its stockholders, and the Company has since operated as an independent publicly held company, adding two small acquisitions, and reorganizing a number of smaller business units after determining that those businesses were not viable profit centers. On February 2, 2005, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a two-for-one stock split effected in the form of a 100% stock dividend payable on February 25, 2005 to stockholders of record as of February 14, 2005. All share and per share amounts in this Form 10-Q are presented on a post-stock split basis.

 

Earnings (Loss) Per Share

 

Basic earnings (loss) per share are computed by dividing the Company’s earnings (loss) by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. When the effects are not anti-dilutive, diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing the Company’s net earnings by the weighted average number of shares outstanding and the impact of all dilutive potential common shares, primarily stock options and unvested restricted stock. The dilutive impact of stock options is determined by applying the “treasury stock” method. For periods in which losses are presented, dilutive earnings per share calculations do not differ from basic earnings per share because the effects of any potential common stock were anti-dilutive and therefore not included in the calculation of dilutive earnings per share. For the six month period ended June 30, 2004, the effect of approximately 970,000 of outstanding stock options and other common stock equivalents was excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share because the effect was anti-dilutive.

 

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Table of Contents

NOTE 2 – BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS (Continued)

 

Description of Business Segments

 

The Company is one of the world’s largest specialized professional staffing, retained executive search and human capital solutions providers. The Company provides professional staffing services on a permanent, contract and temporary basis, as well as executive search and a range of human capital services to businesses operating in a wide variety of industries. The Company is organized into two business segments, the Hudson businesses (“Hudson”) and Highland Partners (“Highland”), which constituted approximately 89% and 11% of the Company’s gross margin, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2005. The Company helps its clients in recruiting employees in a wide variety of positions ranging from mid-level or professional candidates to senior executives.

 

Hudson. Hudson provides temporary and contract personnel and permanent recruitment services to a wide range of clients through its Hudson Global Resources unit. With respect to temporary and contract personnel, Hudson focuses on providing candidates with professional qualifications, including accounting and finance, legal and technology. The length of temporary assignment can vary widely, but assignments in the professional sectors tend to be longer than those in the general clerical or industrial sectors. With respect to permanent recruitment, Hudson focuses on mid-level professionals typically earning between $50,000 and $150,000 annually and possessing the professional skills and/or profile required by clients. Hudson provides permanent recruitment services on both a retained and contingent basis. In larger markets, Hudson’s sales strategy focuses on both clients operating in particular business sectors, such as financial services or technology, and candidates possessing particular professional qualifications, such as accounting and finance, information technology and communications, as well as legal and engineering. Hudson uses both traditional and interactive methods to select potential candidates for its clients, employing a suite of products that assesses talent and helps predict whether a candidate will be successful in a given role.

 

Hudson also provides a variety of other services through its Human Capital Solutions and Inclusion Solutions units that encompass services including, among others, customized interactive recruiting and human resource solutions, executive assessment and coaching, diversity assessment and consulting, performance management, organizational effectiveness, and career transition. Through the Hudson Highland Center for High Performance (the “Center for High Performance”), Hudson also offers leadership solutions designed to assist senior management in enhancing the operating performance of large organizations. These services enable Hudson to offer clients a comprehensive set of human capital management services, across the entire life cycle of employment, ranging from providing temporary workers, to assessment or coaching of permanent staff, to recruitment or search for permanent executives and professionals, to outplacement.

 

Hudson operates on a global basis in over 20 countries from over 110 offices with first six months of 2005 revenue of approximately 32% in North America, 36% in Europe (including the United Kingdom), and 32% in the Asia Pacific region (primarily Australia and New Zealand).

 

Highland. Highland offers a comprehensive range of executive search services on a retained basis aimed at recruiting senior level executives or professionals. Highland also has an active practice in assisting clients desiring to augment their boards of directors.

 

Highland approaches the market through industry sectors, such as financial services, life sciences, retail and consumer products, industrial and technology. This industry sector sales approach is designed to enable Highland to better understand the market conditions and strategic management issues faced by clients within their specific business sectors. Highland also recruits candidates through functional specialist groups, including board of directors, chief financial officer, chief information officer, human resources and legal. These functional expertise groups consist of consultants who have extensive backgrounds in placing executives in certain specialist positions within a business.

 

Highland, an executive search boutique with global capabilities, operates in 15 practice offices in four countries. For the six months ended June 30, 2005, approximately 77% of revenue in the Highland business was derived in North America.

 

Corporate expenses are reported separately from the two operating segments and consist primarily of compensation, marketing, lease expense, and professional fees.

 

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Table of Contents

NOTE 3 – STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

 

The Company accounts for employee stock-based compensation in accordance with APB No. 25 Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees (“APB No. 25”). Under APB No. 25, no compensation expense is 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. Any options issued with an exercise price below the quoted market price on the date of the approved grant have a related compensation expense, which is recognized in the accompanying financial statements. The Company adopted the disclosure only provisions of SFAS 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (“SFAS 123”) and SFAS 148 Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure (“SFAS 148”), which require certain financial statement disclosures, including pro forma operating results as if the Company had prepared its consolidated financial statements in accordance with the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based compensation.

 

The Company currently uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options that have no restrictions and are fully transferable and negotiable in a free trading market. Black-Scholes does not consider the employment, transfer or vesting restrictions that are inherent in the Company’s employee options. Use of an option valuation model, as required by SFAS 123, includes highly subjective assumptions based on long-term predictions, including the expected stock price volatility and average life of each option grant.

 

As required under SFAS 123 and SFAS 148, the pro forma effects of stock-based compensation on the Company’s operating results and per share data have been estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model based on the following weighted average assumptions:

 

     Six Months Ended June 30,

 
     2005

    2004

 

Risk free interest rate

     4.0 %     4.0 %

Volatility

     55.0 %     55.0 %

Expected life (years)

     5.0       5.0  

Dividends

     0.0 %     0.0 %

Weighted average fair value of options granted during the period

   $ 6.87     $ 7.15  

 

For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the options’ estimated fair value was assumed to be amortized to expense over the options’ vesting periods. The pro forma effects of recognizing compensation expense under the fair value method on the Company’s operating results and per share data are shown below. As a result of the Company’s inability to recognize current tax benefits on reported net losses, total stock-based compensation expense is shown without tax benefits for all periods presented:

 

     Quarter Ended June 30,

    Six Months Ended June 30,

 
     2005

    2004

    2005

    2004

 

Reported net income (loss)

   $ 4,365     $ 217     $ 228     $ (18,491 )

Less: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards

     (1,343 )     (683 )     (2,357 )     (1,969 )
    


 


 


 


Pro forma net income (loss)

   $ 3,022     $ (466 )   $ (2,129 )   $ (20,460 )
    


 


 


 


Earnings (loss) per share:

                                

As reported basic net income (loss)

   $ .21     $ .01     $ .01     $ (1.00 )
    


 


 


 


As reported diluted net income (loss)

   $ .20     $ .01     $ .01     $ (1.00 )
    


 


 


 


Pro forma net income (loss):

                                

Basic

   $ .15     $ (.02 )   $ (.10 )   $ (1.10 )
    


 


 


 


Diluted

   $ .14     $ (.02 )   $ (.10 )   $ (1.10 )
    


 


 


 


 

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Table of Contents

NOTE 4 – RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

In October 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Staff Position (“FSP”) No. 109-2, Accounting and Disclosure Guidance for the Foreign Earnings Repatriation Provision within the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (“FSP 109-2”). FSP 109-2 provides guidance under SFAS 109, with respect to recording the potential impact of the repatriation provisions of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (the “Jobs Act”) on enterprises’ income tax expense and deferred tax liability. FSP 109-2 states that an enterprise is allowed time beyond the financial reporting period of enactment to evaluate the effect of the Jobs Act on its plan for reinvestment or repatriation of foreign earnings for purposes of applying SFAS 109. The Company plans to evaluate the effects of the repatriation provision to determine how it will apply this provision.

 

On December 16, 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (“SFAS 123R”). SFAS 123R replaces SFAS 123 and supersedes APB No. 25. SFAS 123, as originally issued in 1995, established as preferable a fair-value-based method of accounting for share-based payment transactions with employees. However, SFAS 123 permitted entities the option of continuing to apply the guidance in APB No. 25, as long as the footnotes to financial statements disclosed what net income would have been had the preferable fair-value-based method been used. SFAS 123R covers a wide range of share-based compensation arrangements including share options, restricted share plans, performance-based awards, share appreciation rights, and employee share purchase plans. SFAS 123R requires the cost of all share-based payment transactions be recognized in the financial statements, establishes fair value as the measurement objective and requires entities to apply a fair-value-based measurement method in accounting for share-based payment transactions. The statement applies to all awards granted, modified, repurchased or cancelled and unvested portions of previously issued and outstanding awards.

 

The SEC amended the effective date of SFAS 123R with a new rule issued on April 14, 2005 to amend the compliance date for SFAS 123R that allows companies to implement SFAS 123R at the beginning of their next fiscal year, instead of the next reporting period, that begins after June 15, 2005, although early adoption is allowed. SFAS 123R permits companies to adopt its requirements using either a “modified prospective” method, or a “modified retrospective” method. Under the “modified prospective” method, compensation cost is recognized in the financial statements beginning with the effective date, based on the requirements of SFAS 123R for all share-based payments granted after that date, and based on the requirements of SFAS 123 for all unvested awards granted prior to the effective date of SFAS 123R. Under the “modified retrospective” method, the requirements are the same as under the “modified prospective” method, but also permits entities to restate financial statements of previous periods based on proforma disclosures made in accordance with SFAS 123.

 

The Company currently expects to adopt SFAS 123R effective January 1, 2006; however, the Company has not yet determined which of the aforementioned adoption methods it will use. Based upon the stock options granted through June 1, 2005, estimates of employee contributions to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan and subject to a complete management review, the Company expects the adoption of SFAS 123R would reduce pre-tax income by approximately $3,200 for the year ended 2006, based upon current stock compensation plans. As a result of the Company’s inability to recognize current tax benefits on reported net losses, tax benefits are not expected to be recorded in the near future. The Company has not changed any of the stock compensation plans as a result of the impending adoption of SFAS 123R but maintains the right to amend, suspend or terminate any plan at any time.

 

On December 16, 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 153, Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets, an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29, Accounting for Nonmonetary Transactions (“SFAS 153”). The amendments made by SFAS 153 are based on the principle that exchanges of nonmonetary assets should be measured based on the fair value of the assets exchanged. Further, the amendments eliminate the narrow exception for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replace it with a broader exception for exchanges of nonmonetary assets that do not have commercial substance. Previously, Opinion 29 required that the accounting for an exchange of a productive asset for a similar productive asset or an equivalent interest in the same or similar productive asset should be based on the recorded amount of the asset relinquished. SFAS 153 is effective for nonmonetary asset exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005. The Company will adopt SFAS 153 effective on July 1, 2005 and does not expect that the adoption will have an effect on its consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

NOTE 5 - REVENUES, DIRECT COSTS AND GROSS MARGIN

 

The Company’s revenue and direct costs, classified by temporary and permanent placement business, are as follows:

 

     Quarter Ended June 30, 2005

   Quarter Ended June 30, 2004

     Temporary

   Other

   Total

   Temporary

   Other

   Total

Revenue

   $ 257,605    $ 107,230    $ 364,835    $ 213,317    $ 94,114    $ 307,431

Direct costs (1)

     211,656      12,012      223,668      175,735      13,207      188,942
    

  

  

  

  

  

Gross margin

   $ 45,949    $ 95,218    $ 141,167    $ 37,582    $ 80,907    $ 118,489
    

  

  

  

  

  

     Six Months Ended June 30, 2005

   Six Months Ended June 30, 2004

     Temporary

   Other

   Total

   Temporary

   Other

   Total

Revenue

   $ 514,305    $ 203,399    $ 717,704    $ 418,087    $ 179,148    $ 597,235

Direct costs (1)

     423,791      24,539      448,330      347,217      25,138      372,355
    

  

  

  

  

  

Gross margin

   $ 90,514    $ 178,860    $ 269,374    $ 70,870    $ 154,010    $ 224,880
    

  

  

  

  

  


(1) Direct costs include the direct staffing costs of salaries, payroll taxes, employee benefits, travel expenses and insurance costs for the Company’s temporary contractors and reimbursed out-of-pocket expense and other direct costs. Other than reimbursed out-of-pocket expenses, there are no other direct costs associated with the Other category, which includes the search, permanent placement and other human resource solutions’ revenue. Gross margin represents revenue less direct costs. The region where services are provided, the mix of temporary and permanent placements, and the functional nature of the staffing services provided can affect gross margin. The salaries, commissions, payroll taxes and employee benefits related to recruitment professionals are included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

NOTE 6 - BUSINESS REORGANIZATION EXPENSES

 

In 2002, the Company, as part of Monster, announced reorganization initiatives to streamline operations, lower its cost structure, integrate businesses previously acquired and improve return on capital. These reorganization programs included a workforce reduction, consolidation of excess facilities, restructuring of certain business functions and other special charges, primarily for exiting activities that were no longer part of the Company’s strategic plan. The Company also initiated reorganization efforts related to its separation from Monster, which consist primarily of workforce reduction, office consolidation costs and related write-offs, professional fees and other special charges. In 2003, the Company recorded additional charges and credits, as a result of changes in estimates related to the prior actions, and as a result of further actions in 2003 to close offices and business units that did not have the size or market capacity to provide future income growth.

 

In the following tables, amounts under the “Utilization” caption are primarily the cash payments associated with the plans and amounts in the “Change in estimate” column represent amounts charged to business reorganization expenses in the Company’s statement of operations. Business reorganization expense activities and liability balances were as follows:

 

Six Months ended June 30, 2005


   December 31,
2004


   Changes in
estimate


    Utilization

    June 30, 2005

Consolidation of excess facilities

   $ 12,894    $ 474     $ (3,732 )   $ 9,636

Workforce reduction

     663      (124 )     (158 )     381

Professional fees and other

     2,205      (59 )     (1,014 )     1,132
    

  


 


 

Total

   $ 15,762    $ 291     $ (4,904 )   $ 11,149
    

  


 


 

The following table presents a summary of plan activity related to business reorganization costs by plan period.

Six Months ended June 30, 2005


   December 31,
2004


   Changes in
estimate


    Utilization

    June 30, 2005

Second Quarter 2002 Plan

   $ 3,062    $ 478     $ (1,316 )   $ 2,224

Fourth Quarter 2002 Plan

     7,921      5       (1,751 )     6,175

Fourth Quarter 2003 Plan

     4,779      (192 )     (1,837 )     2,750
    

  


 


 

Total

   $ 15,762    $ 291     $ (4,904 )   $ 11,149
    

  


 


 

 

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Table of Contents

NOTE 7 - BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

 

Accrued Merger and Integration Expenses

 

In connection with plans relating to pooled entities, the Company recovered $35 and $37 in the first six months of 2005 and 2004, respectively, relating to integration activities included as a component of merger and integration expenses. All merger and integration accruals and expenses consist of obligations from assumed leases on closed facilities.

 

The following table presents a summary of activity relating to the Company’s integration and restructuring plans for acquisitions made in prior years. Amounts under the “Expense” column represented modifications to plans, subsequent to finalization and have been (recovered) or expensed in the current period. Amounts under the “Utilization” caption of the following tables were primarily the cash payments associated with the plans.

 

Details of merger and integration activity by plan for the six months ended June 30, 2005 follow:

 

    

December 31,

2004


   Expense

    Utilization

   

June 30,

2005


2000 Plans

   $ 2,407    $ —       $ (368 )   $ 2,039

2001 Plans

     800      (35 )     (157 )     608

2002 Plans

     1,994      —         (609 )     1,385
    

  


 


 

Total

   $ 5,201    $ (35 )   $ (1,134 )   $ 4,032
    

  


 


 

 

There were no acquisitions during the first six months of 2005.

 

NOTE 8 - TAXES

 

The provision for income taxes for the six months ended June 30, 2005 was $3,166 on a pretax income of $3,394, compared with a provision of $721 on a pretax loss of $17,770 for the same period of 2004. The higher tax provision in the first six months of 2005 related primarily to the increase in foreign tax expense in jurisdictions where there were no tax-loss carry-forwards available to offset taxable income. In each period, the effective tax rate differs from the U.S. Federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to valuation allowances on deferred tax assets related to net loss carry forwards related to continuing losses in certain tax jurisdictions, variations from the U.S. tax rate in foreign jurisdictions, and certain non-deductible expenses such as amortization, business restructuring and spin off costs and merger costs from pooling of interests transactions. The Company records a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets to the extent that it is more likely than not that some portion, or all of, the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

 

NOTE 9 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

The Company and Monster entered into a three-year commercial contract, ending March 31, 2006, involving the utilization of Monster.com services for targeting, sourcing, screening and tracking prospective job candidates around the world. The Company and Monster may from time to time also negotiate and purchase other services from the other, pursuant to customary terms and conditions. There is no contractual commitment that requires the Company to use Monster services in preference to other competitors.

 

NOTE 10 - SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

 

During the six month period ended June 30, 2005, the Company entered into a capital lease obligation for a financial and operational application software package with a fair value of $1,600 and the Company issued 94,958 shares of its common stock to satisfy the 2004 contribution liability to the 401(k) Savings Plan; the value of these shares at issuance was $1,563.

 

- 12 -


Table of Contents

NOTE 11 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

The Company has a history of operating losses and has operated as an independent company only since the Distribution Date. Prior to the Distribution Date, the Company’s operations were historically financed by Monster as separate segments of Monster’s broader corporate organization rather than as a separate stand-alone company. Monster assisted the Company by providing financing, particularly for acquisitions, as well as providing corporate functions such as identifying and negotiating acquisitions, legal and tax functions. Following the Distribution, Monster has no obligation to provide assistance to the Company other than the interim and transitional services provided by Monster pursuant to a transition services agreement, which have essentially all been completed.

 

NOTE 12 - FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

Credit Facility

 

The Company has a senior secured credit facility for $75,000 with Wells Fargo Foothill, Inc., as agent, and certain lenders (the “Foothill Credit Facility”). The maturity date of the Foothill Credit Facility is March 31, 2009. Outstanding loans bear interest equal to the prime rate plus 0.25% or LIBOR plus 2.00%, at the Company’s option. The Foothill Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company and extensions of credit are based on a percentage of the accounts receivable of the Company. The Company expects to continue to use such credit to support its ongoing working capital requirements, capital expenditures and other corporate purposes and to support letters of credit. During the six months ended June 30, 2005, the Company borrowed $105,151 and repaid $83,237 under the Foothill Credit Facility. As of June 30, 2005, outstanding borrowings were $21,914 and the Company had letters of credit issued and outstanding of $18,518. Available credit for use under the Foothill Credit Facility as of June 30, 2005 was $28,685.

 

The Foothill Credit Facility contains various restrictions and covenants, including (1) prohibitions on payments of dividends and repurchases of the Company’s stock; (2) requirements that the Company maintain its Adjusted EBITDA and capital expenditures within prescribed levels; (3) restrictions on the ability of the Company to make additional borrowings, or to consolidate, merge or otherwise fundamentally change the ownership of the Company; and (4) limitations on investments, dispositions of assets and guarantees of indebtedness. These restrictions and covenants could limit the Company’s ability to respond to market conditions, to provide for unanticipated capital investments, to raise additional debt or equity capital, to pay dividends or to take advantage of business opportunities, including future acquisitions.

 

Derivatives Held for Purposes Other Than Trading

 

The Company periodically enters into forward contracts to reduce exposure to exchange rate risk related to short-term intercompany loans denominated in currencies other than the functional currency. The fair values for all derivatives are recorded in other assets or other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

 

There were no derivatives outstanding as of June 30, 2005.

 

NOTE 13 - COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

     Quarter Ended June 30,

    Six Months Ended June 30,

 
     2005

    2004

    2005

    2004

 

Net income (loss)

   $ 4,365     $ 217     $ 228     $ (18,491 )

Other comprehensive loss - translation adjustments

     (536 )     (1,342 )     (1,387 )     (434 )
    


 


 


 


Total comprehensive income (loss)

   $ 3,829     $ (1,125 )   $ (1,159 )   $ (18,925 )
    


 


 


 


 

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Table of Contents

NOTE 14 - SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC DATA

 

The Company operates in two business segments: Hudson and Highland. The Company conducts operations in the following geographic regions: North America, the Asia/Pacific Region (primarily Australia), the United Kingdom and Continental Europe.

 

Segment information is presented in accordance with SFAS No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information. This standard is based on a management approach that requires segmentation based upon the Company’s internal organization and disclosure of revenue and operating income based upon internal accounting methods. The Company’s financial reporting systems present various data for management to run the business, including internal profit and loss statements prepared on a basis not consistent with generally accepted accounting principles. Accounts receivable, net and long-lived assets are the only significant assets separated by segment for internal reporting purposes.

 

     Quarter Ended June 30,

   

As of and for the

Six Months Ended June 30,


 
     2005

    2004

    2005

    2004

 
Information by business segment                                 
Revenue                                 

Hudson

   $ 348,795     $ 290,441     $ 686,800     $ 565,716  

Highland

     16,040       16,990       30,904       31,519  
    


 


 


 


     $ 364,835     $ 307,431     $ 717,704     $ 597,235  
    


 


 


 


Gross Margin                                 

Hudson

   $ 125,933     $ 102,592     $ 240,074     $ 195,357  

Highland

     15,234       15,897       29,300       29,523  
    


 


 


 


     $ 141,167     $ 118,489     $ 269,374     $ 224,880  
    


 


 


 


Depreciation and amortization                                 

Hudson

   $ 4,148     $ 3,599     $ 8,519     $ 7,332  

Highland

     342       409       696       832  

Corporate

     136       907       268       1,830  
    


 


 


 


     $ 4,626     $ 4,915     $ 9,483     $ 9,994  
    


 


 


 


Business reorganization expenses (recoveries)                                 

Hudson

   $ (99 )   $ 201     $ 430     $ 185  

Highland

     (139 )     (125 )     (139 )     (49 )
    


 


 


 


     $ (238 )   $ 76     $ 291     $ 136  
    


 


 


 


Operating income (loss)                                 

Hudson

   $ 14,861     $ 7,842     $ 22,529     $ 1,035  

Highland

     373       1,108       469       665  

Corporate expenses

     (8,879 )     (8,270 )     (18,678 )     (17,327 )
    


 


 


 


Operating income (loss)

     6,355       680       4,320       (15,627 )

Interest and other income (expense), net

     (224 )     (145 )     (926 )     (2,143 )
    


 


 


 


Income (loss) before provision for income taxes

   $ 6,131     $ 535     $ 3,394     $ (17,770 )
    


 


 


 


Accounts receivable, net                                 

Hudson

                   $ 215,379     $ 167,921  

Highland

                     7,309       7,670  
                    


 


                     $ 222,688     $ 175,591  
                    


 


Long-lived assets, net of accumulated amortization                                 

Hudson

                   $ 32,879     $ 34,614  

Highland

                     1,810       3,151  

Corporate

                     6,146       5,421  
                    


 


                     $ 40,835     $ 43,186  
                    


 


 

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Table of Contents

NOTE 14 - SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC DATA (continued)

 

     United
States


   Australia

   United
Kingdom


   Continental
Europe


  

Other

Asia


   Other
Americas


   Total

Information by geographic region                                                 
Quarter Ended June 30, 2005                                                 

Revenue

   $ 118,113    $ 87,451    $ 99,442    $ 28,449    $ 29,778    $ 1,602    $ 364,835
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

Long-lived assets

   $ 25,178    $ 6,587    $ 5,162    $ 2,827    $ 819    $ 262    $ 40,835
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

Quarter Ended June 30, 2004                                                 

Revenue

   $ 91,127    $ 81,075    $ 86,121    $ 25,205    $ 22,366    $ 1,537    $ 307,431
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

Long-lived assets

   $ 20,478    $ 10,887    $ 6,239    $ 3,486    $ 1,672    $ 424    $ 43,186
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

Six Months Ended June 30, 2005                                                 

Revenue

   $ 240,368    $ 169,001    $ 195,428    $ 56,783    $ 52,887    $ 3,237    $ 717,704
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

Six Months Ended June 30, 2004                                                 

Revenue

   $ 171,684    $ 165,071    $ 164,763    $ 51,601    $ 41,166    $ 2,950    $ 597,235
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

 

NOTE 15 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

On July 6, 2005, the Company issued 3,223,640 shares of its common stock in a registered public offering and received approximately $45,000 in net proceeds from the issuance. The Company plans to use the net proceeds from the offering to fund the growth of worldwide staffing operations, potential future acquisitions, including the acquisition described below, and general corporate purposes.

 

On July 19, 2005, Hudson Highland Group, Inc. (the “Company”) and its subsidiary Hudson Group Holdings B.V. entered into a Share Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Geuzen Beheer B.V., Ecart Invest 1 B.V. and Edberg International B.V. (collectively, the “Vendors”) to acquire Balance Ervaring op Projectbasis B.V. (“Balance”), a leading professional temporary and contract staffing firm in the Netherlands. The purchase agreement provides for an initial payment of €17,750 to the Vendors upon closing, up to €3,000 to be held in escrow to be paid to the Vendors in 2006 based upon 2005 earnings thresholds for Balance, and additional earn-out payments of up to €4,250, based on earnings thresholds for Balance from 2005 through 2007. If converted at 1.2 U.S. dollars per euro, the initial payment and escrow amount total approximately $24,900. The targeted closing date for the transaction is August 17, 2005, subject to customary closing conditions.

 

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Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Board of Directors

Hudson Highland Group, Inc.

New York, New York

 

We have reviewed the consolidated condensed balance sheet of Hudson Highland Group, Inc. as of June 30, 2005, the related consolidated condensed statements of operations for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2005 and 2004, the related consolidated condensed statements of cash flows for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2005 and 2004 and the consolidated condensed statement of changes in stockholders’ equity for the six-month period ended June 30, 2005 included in the accompanying Securities and Exchange Commission Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2005. These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

 

We conducted our reviews in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures to financial data, and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

 

Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the consolidated condensed financial statements referred to above for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

We have previously audited, in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of Hudson Highland Group, Inc. as of December 31, 2004, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated March 8, 2005, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2004 is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

 

/s/ BDO Seidman, LLP


BDO Seidman, LLP

New York, New York

July 26, 2005

 

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Table of Contents

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (in thousands, except per share data)

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated condensed financial statements and the notes thereto, included in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q. This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains forward-looking statements. Please see “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” for a discussion of the uncertainties, risks and assumptions associated with these statements

 

Hudson Highland Group, Inc. (the “Company” or “we”, “us” and “our”) is one of the world’s largest specialized professional staffing, retained executive search and human capital solutions providers. The Company provides professional staffing services on a permanent, contract and temporary basis, as well as executive search and a range of human capital services to businesses operating in a wide variety of industries. The Company is organized into two principal business segments, the Hudson businesses (“Hudson”) and Highland Partners (“Highland”), which constituted approximately 89% percent and 11% of gross margin, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2005. We help our clients in recruiting employees in a wide variety of positions ranging from mid-level or professional candidates to senior executives.

 

Strategic Goals and Actions

 

With the focus of our management being to move the Company to profitability, we are continuing with several initiatives in 2005 that we began in 2004 to meet our long-term strategic goals.

 

    Increase the portion of our revenues attributable to temporary contracting in higher margin specializations to offset the volatility inherent in permanent recruitment. In July 2005, we entered into an agreement to purchase Balance Ervaring op Projectbasis B.V. (“Balance”), a leading professional temporary and contract staffing firm in the Netherlands. The transaction is expected to close in August 2005.

 

    Increase the portion of our revenue attributable to the North American market.

 

    Realign our expense structure and infrastructure costs in various markets including office relocations and closures, and management staff reductions, to better match our business mix and improve the potential profitability of those operations.

 

    Continue to reposition of our Highland business as a global boutique. The strategic direction that we are following with our Highland businesses is to become an executive search boutique with global capabilities, operating at the highest end of the executive search market with a limited number of highly experienced partners. In the second quarter of 2005, part of our Australian operation split off as an independent brand licensee.

 

    In June 2005, we increased the maximum borrowing level allowed under our credit agreement to $75,000 and extended the maturity date of the credit agreement to March 31, 2009.

 

    On July 6, 2005, we issued 3,223,640 shares of our common stock in a registered public offering and received approximately $45,000 in net proceeds from the issuance. We plan to use the proceeds to fund the growth of worldwide staffing operations, potential future acquisitions, and general corporate purposes.

 

    Our acquisition shelf registration enables us to issue up to 1,350,000 of our common stock from time to time in connection with acquisitions of businesses, assets or securities of other companies.

 

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Table of Contents

Hudson. Hudson provides temporary and contract personnel and permanent recruitment services to a wide range of clients through its Hudson Global Resources unit. With respect to temporary and contract personnel, Hudson focuses on providing candidates with professional qualifications, including accounting and finance, legal and technology. The length of temporary assignment can vary widely, but assignments in the professional sectors tend to be longer than those in the general clerical or industrial sectors. With respect to permanent recruitment, Hudson focuses on mid-level professionals typically earning between $50,000 and $150,000 annually, and possessing professional skills and/or profile required by clients. Hudson provides permanent recruitment services on both a retained and contingent basis. In larger markets, the sales strategy focuses on both clients operating in particular business segments, such as financial services, or technology, and candidates possessing particular professional qualifications, such as accounting and finance, information technology and communications, as well as legal and engineering. Hudson uses both traditional and interactive methods to select potential candidates for its clients, employing a suite of products that assess talent and help predict whether a candidate will be successful in a given role.

 

Hudson also provides a variety of other services through its Human Capital Solutions and Hudson Inclusion Solutions units that encompass services including, among others, customized interactive recruiting and human resource solutions, executive assessment and coaching, diversity assessment and consulting, performance management, organizational effectiveness, and career transition. Through the Hudson Highland Center for High Performance (the “Center for High Performance”), Hudson also offers leadership solutions designed to assist senior management in enhancing the operating performance of large organizations. These services enable Hudson to offer clients a comprehensive set of human capital management services, across the entire life cycle of employment, ranging from providing temporary workers, to assessment or coaching of permanent staff, to recruitment or search for permanent executives and professionals, to outplacement.

 

Hudson operates on a global basis in over 20 countries from over 110 offices with first six months 2005 revenue of approximately 32% in North America, 36% in Europe (including the United Kingdom), and 32% in the Asia Pacific region (primarily Australia and New Zealand).

 

Highland. Highland offers a comprehensive range of executive search services on a retained basis aimed at recruiting senior level executives or professionals. Highland also has an active practice in assisting clients desiring to augment their boards of directors.

 

Highland approaches the market through industry sectors, such as financial services, life sciences, retail and consumer products, industrial and technology. This industry sector sales approach is designed to enable Highland to better understand the market conditions and strategic management issues faced by clients within their specific business sectors. Highland also recruits candidates through functional specialist groups, including board of directors, chief financial officer, chief information officer, human resources and legal. These functional expertise groups are comprised of consultants who have extensive backgrounds in placing executives in certain specialist positions within a business.

 

Highland, an executive search boutique with global capabilities, operates in 15 practice offices in four countries. For the six months ended June 30, 2005, approximately 77% of revenue in the Highland business was derived in North America.

 

Corporate expenses are reported separately from the two operating segments and consist primarily of compensation, marketing and lease expense, and professional fees.

 

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Table of Contents

Results of Operations

 

The following table sets forth selected financial results for the Company.

 

     Quarter Ended June 30,

    Six Months Ended June 30,

 
     2005

    2004

    2005

    2004

 

Hudson revenue

   $ 348,795     $ 290,441     $ 686,800     $ 565,716  

Highland revenue

     16,040       16,990       30,904       31,519  
    


 


 


 


     $ 364,835     $ 307,431     $ 717,704     $ 597,235  
    


 


 


 


Hudson gross margin

   $ 125,933     $ 102,592     $ 240,074     $ 195,357  

Highland gross margin

     15,234       15,897       29,300       29,523  
    


 


 


 


     $ 141,167     $ 118,489     $ 269,374     $ 224,880  
    


 


 


 


Gross margin as a percentage of revenue

     38.7 %     38.5 %     37.5 %     37.7 %

Hudson operating income

   $ 14,861     $ 7,842     $ 22,529     $ 1,035  

Highland operating income

     373       1,108       469       665  

Corporate expenses

     (8,879 )     (8,270 )     (18,678 )     (17,327 )
    


 


 


 


Operating income (loss)

   $ 6,355     $ 680     $ 4,320     $ (15,627 )
    


 


 


 


Net income (loss)

   $ 4,365     $ 217     $ 228     $ (18,491 )
    


 


 


 


Temporary Contracting Data (1):                                 

Temporary contracting revenue

   $ 257,605     $ 213,317     $ 514,305     $ 418,087  

Direct costs of temporary contracting

     211,656       175,735       423,791       347,217  
    


 


 


 


Temporary contracting gross margin

   $ 45,949     $ 37,582     $ 90,514     $ 70,870  
    


 


 


 


Gross margin as a percent of revenue

     17.8 %     17.6 %     17.6 %     17.0 %

(1) Temporary contracting revenues are a component of Hudson revenues. Temporary contracting gross margin and gross margin as a percent of revenue are shown to provide additional information on the Company’s ability to manage its cost structure and provide further comparability relative to the Company’s peers. Temporary contracting gross margin is derived by deducting the direct costs of temporary contracting from temporary contracting revenue. The Company’s calculation of gross margin may differ from those of other companies.

 

Constant currency

 

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 (dollars in thousands).

 

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Table of Contents
     Quarter Ended June 30,

     2005

   2004

     As reported

   Currency
Translation


    Constant
Currency


   As reported

Hudson revenue

   $ 348,795    $ (12,553 )   $ 336,242    $ 290,441

Highland revenue

     16,040      (227 )     15,813      16,990
    

  


 

  

Revenue

     364,835      (12,780 )     352,055      307,431

Direct costs

     223,668      (7,580 )     216,088      188,942
    

  


 

  

Gross margin

   $ 141,167    $ (5,200 )   $ 135,967    $ 118,489
    

  


 

  

Selling, general and administrative expenses (a)

   $ 135,042    $ (4,414 )   $ 130,628    $ 117,733
    

  


 

  


(a) Selling, general and administrative expenses include depreciation and amortization.

 

Quarter Ended June 30, 2005 Compared to Quarter Ended June 30, 2004

 

The second quarter of the calendar year is historically very strong in the recruitment industry, and the second quarter of 2005 was no exception to this seasonal trend, as the Company achieved the best quarter, in terms of revenue, operating income and net income, since its spin-off.

 

Revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2005 was $364,835, an increase of $57,404, or 18.7%, as compared to revenue of $307,431 in the second quarter of 2004. On a constant currency basis, revenue increased 14.5% comparing the second quarter 2005 with the second quarter 2004. Temporary contracting revenue grew 16.8% on a constant currency basis in the second quarter of 2005 compared to second quarter 2004, in line with the Company’s strategic goal. Permanent placement and search revenue grew 10.3% and other revenue sources grew 6.9% in constant currency in second quarter 2005 compared a year ago.

 

Hudson revenue was $348,795 for the three months ended June 30, 2005, up 20% from $290,441 for the same period of 2004. On a constant currency basis Hudson revenue increased 15.8% comparing the second quarter 2005 with the second quarter 2004. The increase in revenue on a constant currency basis reflected increases in North America (+34%), Hudson U.K. (+11%), and Asia particularly Singapore (+43%), Hong Kong (+151%), Japan (+28%) and China (+84%). In North America the increases were in Legal (+53%), Accounting and Finance (+130%), and Engineering, Aerospace & Defense (+115%) practice groups, reflecting an increase of 25% in weekly average contractors on billing and a 24% increase in permanent recruitment. In the U.K. temporary contracting increased +14%. The increase in revenue was partially held down by smaller increases on a constant currency basis in continental Europe (+9%), particularly from low growth in permanent recruitment (+1%), and in Australia (+2%), primarily as a result of flat results in temporary contracting in these markets.

 

Highland revenue of $16,040 for the three months ended June 30, 2005 decreased 5.6% from $16,990 in the same period of 2004 despite a 93% increase in the Highland U.K. business in 2005 compared to 2004. During the second quarter of 2005, part of the Australian operation split off as an independent brand licensee. On a constant currency basis, Highland revenue decreased 6.9% comparing the second quarter 2005 with the second quarter 2004. The decrease, on a constant currency basis, was primarily the result of lower revenues from Australia’s operations (-69%) as a result of the split off of part of that business as an independent brand licensee, the absence of revenue from the closed continental Europe operations (-100%), and a slight decrease in North America (-3%).

 

Direct costs for the three months ended June 30, 2005 were $223,668, compared to $188,942 for the same period of 2004. Direct costs, related to temporary contracting as a percentage of revenue, were 82.2%, a decrease from the prior year’s 82.4%. On a constant currency basis, direct costs increased in the second quarter of 2005 in comparison to the prior year by approximately 14.4%.

 

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Table of Contents

Gross margin, defined as revenue less direct costs, for the three months ended June 30, 2005 was $141,167, higher by $22,678 or 19.1% from $118,489 reported in the three months ended June 30, 2004. Gross margin from temporary contracting increased slightly to 17.8% for the second quarter of 2005 from 17.6% for the same period in 2004, leaving total gross margin with a slight increase to 38.7% for the second quarter of 2005 from 38.5% for the same period in 2004. On a constant currency basis the second quarter 2005 gross margin increased by approximately 14.8% compared to the second quarter 2004. Hudson permanent placement and other services gross margin increases accounted for approximately 8.8% of the increase in the second quarter of 2005, and Hudson temporary contracting the remaining 6%. Hudson’s second quarter 2005 temporary gross margin percentage increased to 17.8% from 17.6% in the same period of 2004, primarily as a result of improved margins in North America and Asia. Highland’s second quarter 2005 gross margin on a constant currency basis decreased by 5.5% from the second quarter 2004. This was primarily due to lower gross margin from the remaining Australian operation and the closure of continental Europe.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses, including depreciation and amortization, for the three months ended June 30, 2005 were $135,042 compared with $117,733 for the same period of 2004. Selling, general and administrative expenses were 37% and 38.3% as a percentage of revenue for the second quarter of 2005 and 2004, respectively. The higher 2005 expenses were primarily the result of higher salary and related expenses ($12,287) from the increase in head count of approximately 115, or 3.1%. On a constant currency basis, the second quarter 2005 selling, general and administrative expenses increased by approximately 11% compared to the second quarter 2004.

 

Business reorganization expenses (recoveries) for the three months ended June 30, 2005 totaled $(238) compared to $76 in the same period of 2004. The 2005 recoveries were primarily favorable lease terminations in Hudson and Highland North America and lower severance settlements and other lease costs. The 2004 expenses were for changes in estimates related to plans initiated in 2003 and 2002. There were no new reorganization programs initiated in the second quarters of 2005 or 2004. Merger and integration expenses (recoveries) reflect costs incurred as a result of pooling-of-interests transactions and the integration of such companies for lease obligations of acquisitions completed prior to June 2002.

 

Operating income for the three months ended June 30, 2005 was $6,355, an increase of $5,675 when compared to $680 for the comparable period in 2004. Hudson operating income in the second quarter of 2005 was $14,861 compared to $7,842 in 2004. All three regions in the Hudson segment reported operating income in the second quarter of 2005 that was higher than the comparable period in 2004. The Highland segment operating income was $373 in the second quarter of 2005, a reduction of $735 compared to $1,108 in 2004, primarily as a result of costs related to and lower revenue from the split off of part of its Australian operation as an independent brand licensee and lower income in North America, partially offset by an increase in the U.K. Corporate expenses in the second quarter of 2005 were $8,879, higher by $609 when compared to the same period in 2004, primarily from higher salary and related expenses, partially offset by lower depreciation expense.

 

Other non-operating expense, including net interest expense, was $224 in the second quarter of 2005 and $145 for the same period of 2004.

 

The provision for income taxes for the three months ended June 30, 2005 was $1,766 on a pretax income of $6,131 compared with $318 on a pretax income of $535 for the same period of 2004. The tax provision in the second quarter of 2005 related primarily to foreign tax expense in jurisdictions where there were no tax-loss carry-forwards available to offset taxable income. In the current quarter, the effective tax rate differs from the U.S. Federal statutory rate of 35% due to variations from the U.S. tax rate in foreign jurisdictions, the absence of tax expense for certain businesses with quarterly income that have not achieved year-to-date profitability and did not record tax benefits in the prior quarter and valuation allowances on deferred tax assets and certain non-deductible expenses such as amortization, business restructuring and spin off costs and merger costs from pooling of interests transactions. The Company records a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets to the extent that it is more likely than not that some portion, or all of, the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

 

Net income was $4,365 for the three months ended June 30, 2005, compared with $217 for the same period in 2004. Basic and diluted earnings per share for the second quarter of 2005 were $.21 per share and $.20 per share, respectively, compared to $.01 per share for basic and diluted shares in the second quarter of 2004.

 

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Table of Contents
     Six Months Ended June 30,

     2005

   2004

     As reported

   Currency
Translation


    Constant
Currency


   As reported

Hudson revenue

   $ 686,800    $ (19,748 )   $ 667,052    $ 565,716

Highland revenue

     30,904      (384 )     30,520      31,519
    

  


 

  

Revenue

     717,704      (20,132 )     697,572      597,235

Direct costs

     448,330      (11,646 )     436,684      372,355
    

  


 

  

Gross margin

   $ 269,374    $ (8,486 )   $ 260,888    $ 224,880
    

  


 

  

Selling, general and administrative expenses (a)

   $ 264,798    $ (7,225 )   $ 257,573    $ 240,408
    

  


 

  


(a) Selling, general and administrative expenses include depreciation and amortization.

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2005 Compared to the Six Months Ended June 30, 2004

 

Revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2005 was $717,704, an increase of $120,469 or 20.2% as compared to revenue of $597,235 in the first six months of 2004. On a constant currency basis revenue increased approximately 16.8% comparing the first six months of 2005 to the same period in 2004. This increase was primarily due to the higher constant currency revenue in Hudson (+17.9%), partially offset by decreases in Highland (-3.2%).

 

Hudson revenue was $686,800 for the six months ended June 30, 2005, up 21.4% from $565,716 for the same period of 2004. On a constant currency basis, Hudson revenue increased approximately 17.9% comparing the first six months of 2005 to the same period in 2004. The largest constant currency revenue increases were achieved in Hudson U.K.’s other services (+88.9%), Hudson North America’s increased revenue in permanent placement (+30.2%) and temporary contracting (+44.4%), and Hudson Asia’s improved permanent placement business (+51.1%), offset by slower growth in Hudson Europe due to the abandonment of its German subsidiary (+6.2%), in March 2004.

 

Highland revenue of $30,904 for the six months ended June 30, 2005 was down 2.0% from $31,519 in the same period of 2004, reflecting closure of a significant portion of its European operations in early 2004 and a decrease in revenue in Australia as a result of the split off of part of that business as an independent brand licensee, in 2005. On a constant currency basis, Highland revenue decreased approximately 3.2% when compared with the same period in 2004.

 

Direct costs for the six months ended June 30, 2005 were $448,330 compared to $372,355 for the same period of 2004. Direct costs related to temporary contracting as a percentage of revenue decreased slightly to 82.4% as compared to 83.0% in the prior year. On a constant currency basis, direct costs increased in the first six months of 2005 period in comparison to the prior year by approximately 17.3%.

 

Gross margin for the six months ended June 30, 2005 was $269,374, higher by $44,494 or 19.8% from $224,880 reported in the six months ended June 30, 2004. Gross margin as a percentage of revenue declined to 37.5% for the first half of 2005 from 37.7% in the first half of 2004. On a constant currency basis the first six months of 2005 gross margin increased by approximately 16.0% compared to the same period of 2004. The increase was entirely the result of increases in all revenue of Hudson. As a result of lower revenue, Highland’s gross margin decreased by approximately 0.9%.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses, including depreciation and amortization, for the six months ended June 30, 2005 were $264,798, an increase of $24,390 or 10.1% as compared with $240,408 for the same period of 2004. Selling general and administrative expenses were 36.9% and 40.3%, as a percentage of revenue for the first half of 2005 and 2004, respectively. On a constant currency basis the first six months of 2005 selling, general and administrative expenses increased by approximately 7.1% compared to the same period of 2004.

 

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Business reorganization expenses for the first six months of 2005 were $291 compared to $136 for the same period in 2004. The 2005 expenses were primarily related to the relocation of the Hudson North America Tampa office, which had been included in the reorganization of operations announced in the second quarter of 2002 and completed in the first quarter of 2005, partially offset by favorable lease terminations in Hudson and Highland North America and lower estimates for professional fees and other lease costs. The 2004 expenses were for changes in estimates related to plans initiated in 2003 and 2002. There were no reorganization programs initiated in 2005 or 2004. Merger and integration expenses reflect costs incurred as a result of pooling-of-interests transactions and the integration of such companies. For the periods presented, recoveries are changes in estimates for lease obligations of acquisitions completed prior to June 2002.

 

Operating income for the six months ended June 30, 2005 was $4,320, compared to an operating loss of $15,627 for the comparable period in 2004. The Hudson segment operating income in the first six months of 2005 was $22,529, compared to $1,035 in 2004. All three regions in the Hudson segment reported positive operating results for the six months ended June 30, 2005, as compared to losses in North America and Europe in 2004. Highland operating income was $469 in the first six months of 2005 compared to $665 in 2004. Corporate expenses in the first six months of 2005 were $18,678, higher by $1,351 when compared to 2004.

 

Other non-operating expense, including net interest expense, was $926 in the first six months of 2005 and $2,143 for the same period of 2004. Other non-operating expenses included $1,182 of losses on disposition of certain non-U.S. operations in 2004.

 

The provision for income taxes for the six months ended June 30, 2005 was $3,166 on a pretax income of $3,394, compared with a provision of $721 on a pretax loss of $17,770 for the same period of 2004. The higher tax provision in the first six months of 2005 related primarily to foreign tax expense in jurisdictions where there were no tax-loss carry-forwards available to offset taxable income. In each period, the effective tax rate differs from the U.S. Federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to valuation allowances on deferred tax assets related to net loss carry forwards related to continuing losses in certain tax jurisdictions, variations from the U.S. tax rate in foreign jurisdictions, and certain non-deductible expenses such as amortization, business restructuring and spin off costs and merger costs from pooling of interests transactions. The Company records a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets to the extent that it is more likely than not that some portion, or all of, the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

 

Net income was $228 for the six months ended June 30, 2005, compared with a loss of $18,491 for the same period in 2004.

 

Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share for the first six months of 2005 were earnings of $.01 per share compared to a basic and diluted (loss) of $1.00 per share in the first six months of 2004. For the 2004 period, dilutive earnings per share calculations do not differ from basic earnings per share because the effects of any potential common stock were anti-dilutive and therefore not included in the calculation of dilutive earnings per share.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

The Company’s liquidity needs arise primarily from funding working capital requirements, as well as capital investment in information technology.

 

As of June 30, 2005, the Company had a senior secured credit facility for $75,000 with Wells Fargo Foothill, Inc., as agent, and certain lenders (the “Foothill Credit Facility”). The maturity date of the Foothill Credit Facility is March 31, 2009. Outstanding loans bear interest equal to the prime rate plus 0.25% or LIBOR plus 2.00%, at the Company’s option. The Foothill Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company and extensions of credit are based on a percentage of the accounts receivable of the Company. The Company expects to continue to use such credit to support its ongoing working capital requirements, capital expenditures and other corporate purposes and to support letters of credit. During the six months ended June 30, 2005, the Company borrowed $105,151 and repaid $83,237 under the Foothill Credit Facility. As of June 30, 2005, outstanding borrowings were $21,914 and the Company had letters of credit issued and outstanding of $18,518. Available credit for use under the Foothill Credit Facility as of June 30, 2005 was $28,685.

 

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The Foothill Credit Facility contains various restrictions and covenants, including (1) prohibitions on payments of dividends and repurchases of the Company’s stock; (2) requirements that the Company maintain its Adjusted EBITDA and capital expenditures within prescribed levels; (3) restrictions on the ability of the Company to make additional borrowings, or to consolidate, merge or otherwise fundamentally change the ownership of the Company; and (4) limitations on investments, dispositions of assets and guarantees of indebtedness. These restrictions and covenants could limit the Company’s ability to respond to market conditions, to provide for unanticipated capital investments, to raise additional debt or equity capital, to pay dividends or to take advantage of business opportunities, including future acquisitions.

 

On March 31, 2005, the Company entered into an amendment to the Foothill Credit Facility that established an Adjusted EBITDA and capital expenditure covenant levels for fiscal year 2005. The Adjusted EBITDA covenant generally provides that the Company’s adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the Foothill Credit Facility) for the trailing twelve-month periods ending March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31, 2005 may not be less than $4,500, $5,000, $6,000 and $6,000, respectively. The capital expenditure covenant provides that the Company’s capital expenditures for 2005 may not exceed $13,000.

 

On July 6, 2005, the Company issued 3,223,640 shares of its common stock in a registered public offering and received approximately $45,000 in net proceeds from the issuance. The Company plans to use the net proceeds from the offering to fund the growth of worldwide staffing operations, potential future acquisitions (such as the pending acquisition of Balance in the Netherlands, see Note 15 to the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements), and general corporate purposes.

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004, the Company used cash in operating activities of $16,013 and $27,520, respectively. Cash usage decreased in 2005 from 2004 as a result of significantly reduced losses ($18,719) and lower cash requirements for business reorganization expenses ($5,052), partially offset by higher working capital requirements, particularly for accounts receivable ($7,549).

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004, the Company used cash in investing activities of $5,361 and $4,736, respectively. This use of cash was primarily related to capital expenditures in the normal course of operations. The increased use of cash in the first six months of 2005 was the result of slightly higher capital expenditures.

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004, the Company generated cash from financing activities of $22,594 and $34,754, respectively. The cash provided from financing was lower in 2005 as a result of the absence of the 2004 proceeds from the issuance of common stock ($27,919) and the 2004 Monster cash proceeds ($5,518), partially offset by higher net borrowing under the credit facility ($21,914) in 2005.

 

The Company believes that the cash and cash equivalents on hand at June 30, 2005, supplemented by approximately $45,000 received from the July 6, 2005 registered public offering of common stock and the Foothill Credit Facility, will provide it with sufficient liquidity to satisfy its working capital needs, capital expenditures, investment requirements and commitments through at least the next twelve months. Cash generated from operating activities is subject to the Company’s management of its operating growth and working capital, fluctuations in the global economy and unemployment rates. Total third-party debt and capital leases were $6,818 and $5,194, respectively, as of June 30, 2005. The Company’s existing shelf registration statement to issue up to 1,350,000 shares of its common stock can provide it with additional available funding in connection with acquisitions.

 

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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

The Securities and Exchange Commission encourages companies to disclose forward-looking information so that investors can better understand the future prospects of a company and make informed investment decisions. This Form 10-Q contains these types of statements, which 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 Form 10-Q, including 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 important factors, risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including industry and economic conditions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Such factors, risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, but are not limited to, (1) the impact of global economic fluctuations on the Company’s temporary contracting operations, (2) the cyclical nature of the Company’s executive search and mid-market professional staffing businesses, (3) the Company’s ability to manage its growth, (4) risks associated with expansion, (5) the Company’s heavy reliance on information systems and the impact of potentially losing or failing to develop technology, (6) competition in the Company’s markets, (7) fluctuations in the Company’s operating results from quarter to quarter, (8) risks relating to the Company’s foreign operations, including foreign currency fluctuations, (9) the Company’s dependence on its highly skilled professionals and key management personnel, (10) the impact of employees departing with existing executive search clients, (11) risks maintaining the Company’s professional reputation and brand name, (12) restrictions imposed by blocking arrangements, (13) the Company’s exposure to employment-related claims from both clients and employers and limits on related insurance coverage, (14) the impact of government regulations, and (15) restrictions on the Company’s operating flexibility due to the terms of its credit facility. Please see “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 14, 2005 for more information.

 

The Company cautions that undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Form 10-Q. The Company assumes no obligation, and expressly disclaims any obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

The majority of the Company’s borrowings are in fixed rate leases and seller financed notes. The carrying amounts of long-term debt approximate fair value, generally due to the short-term nature of the underlying instruments. During the six months ended June 30, 2005, the Company borrowed $105,151 and repaid $83,237 under its credit facility, which bears interest equal to the prime rate plus 0.25% or LIBOR plus 2.00%, at the Company’s option. The Company does not trade derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.

 

The Company also conducts operations in various foreign countries, including Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, the Netherlands, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. For the six months ended June 30, 2005, approximately 71.2% of gross margin was earned outside the United States and collected in local currency, and related operating expenses also were paid in such corresponding local currency. Accordingly, the Company is subject to increased risk for exchange rate fluctuations between such local currencies and the U.S. dollar.

 

The financial statements of the Company’s non-U.S. subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using current rates of exchange, with translation gains or losses included in the cumulative translation adjustment account, a component of stockholders’ equity. During the six months ended June 30, 2005, the Company had a translation loss of $1,387, primarily attributable to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the British pound and the euro.

 

The Company’s objective is to reduce earnings and cash flow volatility associated with foreign exchange rate changes. Accordingly, the Company enters into foreign currency forward contracts to minimize the impact of foreign exchange movements on intercompany loan balances. At June 30, 2005, the Company had no outstanding foreign currency forward contracts.

 

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Table of Contents

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. In accordance with Rule 13a-15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), the Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the quarter ended June 30, 2005. Based upon their evaluation of these disclosure controls and procedures, the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the quarter ended June 30, 2005 to ensure that material information relating to the Company, including the Company’s consolidated subsidiaries, was made known to them by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q was being prepared.

 

Changes in internal control over financial reporting. There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended June 30, 2005 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

During the quarter ended June 30, 2005, the Company made no repurchases of its equity securities.

 

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Hudson Highland Group, Inc. was held on May 6, 2005. At the meeting, the following matters were submitted to a vote of the stockholders of Hudson Highland Group, Inc.:

 

  (1) To elect two directors to hold office until the 2007 annual meeting of stockholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified. The vote with respect to each nominee was as follows:

 

Nominee


           For        

   Withheld

Richard W. Pehlke

   12,685,388    6,984,469

Rene Schuster

   12,753,562    6,916,295

 

The individuals continuing in the office of director after the annual meeting were Jon F. Chait, John J. Haley, David G. Offensend, Nicholas G. Moore and Jennifer Laing.

 

  (2) To approve an amendment to the Hudson Highland Group, Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan:

 

        For        

  Against

  Abstain

  Broker Non Vote

11,162,662   4,556,693   72,878   3,877,624

 

  (3) To ratify the appointment of BDO Seidman, LLP as independent registered public accountants:

 

        For        

  Against

  Abstain

  Broker Non Vote

19,621,056   46,594   2,207   0

 

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Table of Contents

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

  (a) Exhibits: The following Exhibits are filed herewith.

 

4.1   Amendment No. 5 to Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of March 31, 2005, by and among Hudson Highland Group, Inc., the borrowers (as defined therein), Wells Fargo Foothill, Inc. and the Lenders (as defined therein). (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Hudson Highland Group, Inc.’s Form 8-K filed April 5, 2005 (File No. 0-50129))
4.2   Amendment No. 6 to Amended Loan and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of May 2, 2005, among Hudson Highland Group, Inc., the Borrowers (as defined therein), Wells Fargo Foothill, Inc. and the Lenders (as defined therein). (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Hudson Highland Group, Inc.’s Form 8-K filed May 5, 2005 (File No. 0-50129))
4.3   Amendment No. 8 to Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of June 8, 2005, by and among Hudson Highland Group, Inc., the Borrowers (as defined therein), Wells Fargo Foothill, Inc. and the Lenders (as defined therein). (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Hudson Highland Group, Inc.’s Form 8-K filed June 14, 2005 (File No. 0-50129))
10.1   Hudson Highland Group Executive Employment Agreement, effective as of June 1, 2005, between Hudson Highland Group, Inc. and Elaine A. Kloss. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Hudson Highland Group, Inc.’s Form 8-K filed June 2, 2005 (File No. 0-50129))
10.2   Executive Agreement by and between Hudson Highland Group, Inc. and Richard W. Pehlke. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Hudson Highland Group, Inc.’s Form 8-K filed June 15, 2005 (File No. 0-50129))
15   Letter from BDO Seidman, LLP regarding unaudited interim financial information.
31.1   Certification by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
31.2   Certification by the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
32.1   Certification of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
32.2   Certification of the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

 

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Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

   

HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.

(Registrant)

    By:  

/s/ JON F. CHAIT


       

Jon F. Chait

Chairman and

Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

Dated: August 5, 2005        
    By:  

/s/ RICHARD W. PEHLKE


       

Richard W. Pehlke

Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

Dated: August 5, 2005        

 

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Table of Contents

HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.

FORM 10-Q

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

 

Description


4.1   Amendment No. 5 to Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of March 31, 2005, by and among Hudson Highland Group, Inc., the borrowers (as defined therein), Wells Fargo Foothill, Inc. and the Lenders (as defined therein). (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Hudson Highland Group, Inc.’s Form 8-K filed April 5, 2005 (File No. 0-50129))
4.2   Amendment No. 6 to Amended Loan and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of May 2, 2005, among Hudson Highland Group, Inc., the Borrowers (as defined therein), Wells Fargo Foothill, Inc. and the Lenders (as defined therein). (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Hudson Highland Group, Inc.’s Form 8-K filed May 5, 2005 (File No. 0-50129))
4.3   Amendment No. 8 to Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of June 8, 2005, by and among Hudson Highland Group, Inc., the Borrowers (as defined therein), Wells Fargo Foothill, Inc. and the Lenders (as defined therein). (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Hudson Highland Group, Inc.’s Form 8-K filed June 14, 2005 (File No. 0-50129))
10.1   Hudson Highland Group Executive Employment Agreement, effective as of June 1, 2005, between Hudson Highland Group, Inc. and Elaine A. Kloss. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Hudson Highland Group, Inc.’s Form 8-K filed June 2, 2005 (File No. 0-50129))
10.2   Executive Agreement by and between Hudson Highland Group, Inc. and Richard W. Pehlke. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Hudson Highland Group, Inc.’s Form 8-K filed June 15, 2005 (File No. 0-50129))
15   Letter from BDO Seidman, LLP regarding unaudited interim financial information.
31.1   Certification by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
31.2   Certification by the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
32.1   Certification of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
32.2   Certification of the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

 

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Letter from BDO Seidman, LLP regarding unaudited interim financial information

Exhibit 15

 

August 5, 2005

 

Securities and Exchange Commission

100 F Street NE

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

We are aware that Hudson Highland Group, Inc. has incorporated by reference in its Registration Statements on Form S-4 (No. 333-119563) and Form S-8 (Nos. 333-104209, 333-104210, 333-104212, 333-117005, 333-117006 and 333-126915) our report dated July 26, 2005, relating to the Company’s unaudited interim consolidated condensed financial statements appearing in its quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005. Pursuant to Regulation C under the Securities Act of 1933, that report is not considered a part of the registration statement prepared or certified by our firm or a report prepared or certified by our firm within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of the Act. It should be noted that we have not performed any procedures subsequent to July 26, 2005.

 

/s/ BDO Seidman, LLP

New York, New York

Certification by the Chairman and CEO pursuant to section 302

Exhibit 31.1

 

CERTIFICATIONS

 

I, Jon F. Chait, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Hudson Highland Group, Inc.;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

 

  a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Dated: August 5, 2005  

/s/ JON F. CHAIT


   

Jon F. Chait

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Certification by the Executive Vice President and CFO pursuant to section 302

Exhibit 31.2

 

CERTIFICATIONS

 

I, Richard W. Pehlke, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Hudson Highland Group, Inc.;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

 

  a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Dated: August 5, 2005  

/s/ RICHARD W. PEHLKE


   

Richard W. Pehlke

Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

Certification of the Chairman and CEO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

EXHIBIT 32.1

 

Written Statement of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section .1350, as adopted pursuant to

Section .906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

Solely for the purposes of complying with 18 U.S.C. Section .1350, I, the undersigned Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Hudson Highland Group, Inc. (the “Company”), hereby certify, based on my knowledge, that the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

/s/ JON F. CHAIT


Jon F. Chait

August 5, 2005

Certification of the Executive Vice President and CFO pursuant 18 U.S.C.

EXHIBIT 32.2

 

Written Statement of the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section .1350, as adopted pursuant to

Section .906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

Solely for the purposes of complying with 18 U.S.C. Section .1350, I, the undersigned Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Hudson Highland Group, Inc. (the “Company”), hereby certify, based on my knowledge, that the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

/s/ RICHARD W. PEHLKE


Richard W. Pehlke

August 5, 2005