Form 10-K
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 


FORM 10-K

 

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

For the fiscal year ended April 30, 2007

OR

 

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

Commission File Number 001-14505

 


KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

Delaware   95-2623879

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

1900 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 2600

Los Angeles, California 90067

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

(310) 552-1834

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 


Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share   New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

 


Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  ¨    No  x

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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  x

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

Large

accelerated filer  x            Accelerated filer  ¨            Non-accelerated filer  ¨

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

The number of shares outstanding of our common stock as of June 27, 2007 was 47,642,514 shares. The aggregate market value of the registrant’s voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant on October 31, 2006, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, (assuming that the registrant’s only affiliates are its officers, directors and 10% or greater stockholders) was approximately $765,451,000 based upon the closing market price of $22.11 on that date of a share of common stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for its 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders scheduled to be held on September 11, 2007 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.

 



Table of Contents

KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL

Index to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year Ended April 30, 2007

 

          Page
   PART I.   

Item 1.

   Business    3

Item 1A.

   Risk Factors    12

Item 1B.

   Unresolved Staff Comments    15

Item 2.

   Properties    15

Item 3.

   Legal Proceedings    15

Item 4.

   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders    15

Executive Officers

   15
   PART II.   

Item 5.

  

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

   17

Item 6.

   Selected Financial Data.    20

Item 7.

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    21

Item 7A.

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    34

Item 8.

   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data    35

Item 9.

   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure    35

Item 9A.

   Disclosure Controls and Procedures    35

Item 9B.

   Other Information    35
   PART III.   

Item 10.

   Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant    36

Item 11.

   Executive Compensation    36

Item 12.

   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management    36

Item 13.

   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions    36

Item 14.

   Principal Accounting Fees and Services    36
   PART IV.   

Item 15.

   Exhibits and Financial Statements    37

Signatures

   41

Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules

   F-1

 

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PART I.

 

Item 1.    Business

Business Overview

Korn/Ferry International (referred herein as the “Company,” “Korn/Ferry,” or in the first person notations “we,” “our,” and “us”) is a premier global provider of talent management solutions that help clients to attract, deploy, develop, retain and reward their talent. Since 1969, when we opened our first office in Los Angeles, we have expanded to 71 cities in 39 countries. In 1998, we extended our market reach into the middle-market with the introduction of Futurestep, our outsourced recruiting subsidiary. As of April 30, 2007, we have approximately 2,260 employees, including 490 executive recruitment and 111 Futurestep consultants who are primarily responsible for client services. Our clients include many of the world’s largest and most prestigious public and private companies, middle-market and emerging growth companies, as well as government and not-for-profit organizations. We have built strong client loyalty; more than 84% of the executive recruitment assignments we performed during the last three fiscal years were on behalf of clients for whom we had conducted previous assignments.

We were originally formed as a California corporation in November 1969 and reincorporated as a Delaware corporation in fiscal 2000.

We provide the following talent management solutions:

Executive Recruitment:    Executive search, our flagship business, focuses on board level, chief executive and other senior executive positions for clients predominantly in the consumer, financial services, industrial, life sciences and technology industries. The relationships that we develop through this business are valuable in introducing our complementary service offerings to clients.

Middle-Management Recruitment:    Futurestep, our outsourced recruiting subsidiary, draws from Korn/Ferry’s 38 years of industry experience to create customized recruitment solutions based on clients’ individual workforce needs. In addition to being a pioneer in recruitment process outsourcing (“RPO”), the Company’s multi-tiered portfolio of services includes mid-level search, project recruitment and interim solutions.

Leadership Development Solutions:    Our comprehensive blend of leadership services assists clients with the ongoing assessment and development of their leadership teams. Services include succession planning, management & team development, competency modeling, executive coaching, onboarding, merger integration, cultural change, integrated talent management, and executive compensation consulting through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Executive Compensation Advisors. Each service is supported by the highly consultative expertise of our team and is powered by Lominger, a Korn/Ferry company and an internationally recognized provider of research-based, experience-tested leadership development tools.

We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other documents with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). You may read and copy any materials that we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1 800 732 0330. Our reports, proxy statements and other documents filed electronically with the SEC are available at the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov.

We also make available, free of charge on our website at www.kornferry.com, our annual, quarterly, and current reports, and, if applicable, amendments to those reports, filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such reports with, or furnish them to, the SEC.

Our Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and the charters of the Audit Committee, Compensation and Personnel Committee, and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of

 

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our Board of Directors are also posted on our website at www.kornferry.com. Stockholders may request copies of these documents by writing to our Corporate Secretary at 1900 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 2600, Los Angeles, California 90067.

Financial information regarding our business segments for the last three fiscal years is contained in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Industry Overview

Executive Recruitment:    The executive recruitment market concentrates on searches for positions with annual compensation of $150,000 or more, which generally involve board level, chief executive and other senior executive positions. The industry is comprised of retained and contingency search firms. Retained firms, such as Korn/Ferry, typically charge a fee for their services equal to approximately one-third of the annual cash compensation for the position being filled regardless of whether a position has been filled. Contingency firms generally work on a non-exclusive basis and are compensated only upon successfully placing a recommended candidate.

We also provide leadership development solutions, which include succession planning, management & team development, competency modeling, executive coaching, onboarding, merger integration, cultural change, integrated talent management, and executive compensation consulting.

Middle-Management Recruitment:    The middle-management recruitment market focuses on searches for positions with annual compensation generally in the $100,000 to $150,000 range. This market has undergone a fundamental transformation over the past several years towards a technology-based environment, and has also seen the emergence of outsourced recruitment services commonly referred to as RPO. Technology and the Internet have made identifying, targeting and reaching potential candidates much quicker. This market also benefits from the efficiencies of maintaining large databases of qualified candidates thereby reducing placement times.

Industry Trends

With the global economy continuing to expand, we believe the business outlook for the talent management industry remains positive. The economic upswing, combined with the shortage of qualified executives, will continue to fuel job growth and hiring. We also believe that the following current market trends will contribute to the long-term growth of the industry:

Consolidation of Talent Management Solution Providers—In choosing their recruitment and human resource service providers, companies are actively in search of preferred providers in order to create efficiencies and consolidate vendor relationships. Companies that can offer a full suite of talent management solutions are becoming increasingly attractive. Clients seek trusted advisors who understand their business and unique organizational culture in order to manage the multiple needs of their business on a global scale.

Aging Population—In many major economic centers, the workforce population is aging at a rapid pace. It is projected that there will be twice as many people retiring this decade as there were in the previous one. Moreover, the supply of available qualified candidates is limited, making it more difficult for employers to secure qualified executives. We believe that this trend will have a positive impact on our business, as employers increasingly seek service providers who can provide solutions for the impending talent shortage.

Globalization of Business—As the world markets continue to integrate into one global economy, many successful companies are adding strength to their internal talent with experienced executives who can operate effectively in this global environment. The rapidly changing competitive landscape challenges multinational and local companies to identify and recruit qualified executives with the right combination of skills, experience and

 

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cultural compatibility. Today, clients are turning to firms that combine proven expertise with specialized knowledge of both key industries and local markets, enabling them to address their ongoing global talent needs.

Increased Outsourcing of Recruitment Functions—More companies are focusing on core competencies and outsourcing non-core, back-office functions to providers who can provide efficient, high-quality services. A shortage of qualified management-level candidates has made identifying and recruiting exceptional candidates more difficult. Companies increasingly rely on experienced global executive recruitment firms to address their management recruitment needs. By hiring global executive recruitment firms, companies can expect to:

 

   

Have access to a diverse and highly qualified pool of candidates on an as-needed basis;

 

   

Reduce or eliminate the costs required to maintain and train an in-house recruiting department in a rapidly changing industry;

 

   

Benefit from the most updated industry and geographic market information;

 

   

Access cutting-edge search technology software; and

 

   

Maintain management focus on core strategic business issues.

Key role of Advanced Technology—At Korn/Ferry we are adding more quality, regimen and scientific research into the recruitment process—with emphasis shifting from candidate identification to candidate assessment and placement. Driving this initiative is enhanced technology, as the world of the Internet, search engines and databases makes it possible to identify greater numbers of qualified candidates. Innovative technology, when combined with world-class intellectual property and thought leadership, creates a compelling set of tools to manage the process of identifying, recruiting and assessing the most desirable candidates.

Expanding our Market Reach and Presence through Technology and Assessment Solutions

Information technology has become a critical element of the recruitment business. We have made significant investments in developing a state-of-the-art technology infrastructure, including a worldwide network and our proprietary executive recruitment software, e-Korn/Ferry. In fiscal 2007, we continued to invest in enhanced tools and information sharing for competitive advantage. We introduced the Mobile Searcher program —enabling our search partners to access our proprietary candidate and customer database via mobile PDA devices. This is the initial phase of a two-year plan to significantly upgrade our search technology platform to improve the scope and quality of our database. The new Searcher will feature advanced tools for importing data from diverse sources, refining and filtering the data, and transforming the data using reporting tools and business analytics.

As Futurestep continued its growth through RPO, project recruitment, interim solutions and mid-level search, information technology helped fuel all of these lines of business. Fiscal 2007 saw the successful launch of a new global website for Futurestep, with enhanced graphics, client-facing content and streamlined candidate registration. We also created a suite of RPO reporting options including cycle metrics, dashboard analytics, recruitment activity, and productivity metrics.

Leadership Development Solutions (“LDS”) also received significant upgrades to its management assessment technology and its talent management platform, Executive Center. Usage of Search Assessment, an assessment technology process for our core search business, increased from 34% to 45% of all search engagements. We continue to refine our technology, including the integration of Lominger intellectual property into our exclusive executive assessment tools, in order to engage with our clients on their broader talent management needs.

Middle-Management Recruitment: The middle-management recruitment market focuses on searches for middle and lower management positions with annual compensation generally in the $100,000 to $150,000 range. This market has been fundamentally transformed over the past several years through the emergence of RPO

 

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services. This transformation has been further driven through database technology and the Internet, which have introduced greatly improved capabilities in identifying, targeting and reaching potential candidates.

Other Industry Trends—In addition to the industry trends mentioned above, we believe the following factors will also contribute to the growth of the talent management industry:

 

   

Increasing demand for managers with broader qualifications;

 

   

Increasing desire by candidates to more actively manage their careers;

 

   

Increasing demand for senior executives who can exceed the high standards of due diligence and public scrutiny as a result of new securities legislation;

 

   

Decreasing executive management tenure and more frequent job changes; and

 

   

Inadequate succession planning.

Growth Strategy

Our objective is to expand our position as a premier global provider of talent management solutions. The principal elements of our strategy include:

Recruiting and Retaining Key Consultants

In an ongoing strategic effort to promote the Company as the leading career destination, we successfully recruited 94 new consultants globally during fiscal 2007. These consultants originated from diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise, and were recruited based on their track records as top performers in their given industry. The number of new consultants in the current year was partially offset by attrition. We believe that we have continued to upgrade our professional staff in the current year, and that the recruitment and retention of key consultants will be an ongoing driver of growth.

Broadening our Product and Service Offerings

In addition to our heritage as a leading provider of executive recruitment, we also offer clients outsourced recruiting, mid-level search, project recruitment, interim solutions, strategic management assessment, executive coaching and development ,and compensation consulting through Futurestep and LDS. We will continue to develop and add new products and services that our clients demand and that are consistent with our brand positioning.

Global Account Management

In an effort to better coordinate global recruiting and to gain operational efficiencies, we expect that multinational clients increasingly will turn to strategic partners who can manage their recruitment needs on a centralized basis. This will require vendors with a global network of offices and technological support systems to manage multiple hires across geographical regions. Our global account management program, Integrated Services, continues to identify account leaders for multinational clients, provide training and software support to manage such accounts, and develop guidelines and protocols to support and increase the rate of cross-border assignments for these clients.

Expanding our Market Reach and Presence through Technology and Assessment Solutions

Information technology has become a critical element to the recruitment business. We have made significant investments in developing a state-of-the-art technology infrastructure, including a worldwide network and our

 

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proprietary executive recruitment software, e-Korn/Ferry. In fiscal 2007, we continued such investments through the deployment of enhanced tools and information sharing for competitive advantage. We rolled out major upgrades of our proprietary candidate database and global engagement management system, while laying the groundwork for the next generation search tool, K/F One. We embarked on a similar program to upgrade Futurestep’s technology, introducing workflow and reporting enhancements in support of Futurestep’s outsourced recruiting offering. Leadership Development Solutions also received significant upgrades to its strategic management assessment technology and its talent management platform, Executive Center. Another unique differentiator is Search Assessment, a proprietary matching tool that uses an online assessment methodology to match candidates against statistically validated best-in-class profiles. We will continue to refine our technology, including our exclusive candidate assessment tools, in order to strengthen our relationships with our existing clients, attract new clients, expand into new markets and position ourselves to gain a competitive advantage in marketing complementary services.

Leveraging our Leadership and Brand Name in Executive Recruitment

We believe that there are significant opportunities to extend our market share and develop new client relationships by aggressively marketing our global recruitment expertise. Our leadership in executive recruitment enables us to grow our business by increasing the number of recruitment assignments we handle for existing clients. We also believe that our strong relationships and well-recognized brand name will enable us to introduce new services to our existing client base and to potential new clients, while allowing us to build communities of candidates to whom we can directly market our services.

Our Services and Organization

We address the global recruitment needs of our clients at all levels of management by offering the following services:

Executive Recruitment Services

Overview.    Our executive recruitment services are typically used to fill executive-level positions, such as board directors, chief executive officers, chief financial officers, chief operating officers, chief information officers and other senior executive officers. Once we are retained by a client to conduct a search, we assemble a team comprised of consultants with appropriate geographic, industry and functional expertise. Our search consultants serve as management advisors who work closely with the client in identifying, assessing and placing qualified candidates. In fiscal 2007, we executed more than 9,600 executive recruitment assignments.

We utilize a search methodology that has been developed through nearly 38 years of experience in conducting executive recruitment. We emphasize a close working relationship with the client and a comprehensive understanding of the client’s business issues, strategy and culture, as well as an in-depth knowledge of the skills necessary to succeed within a client’s organization. Initially, the search team consults with the client to better understand its history, culture, structure, expectations, challenges, future direction and operations. In these meetings, the team identifies the specific needs of the client and develops a profile of an ideal candidate for the position. Early in the process, the team also works with the client to develop the general parameters of a compensation package that will attract highly qualified candidates.

Once the position is defined, a research team identifies—through the use of our proprietary databases and other information resources—companies in related industries facing similar issues and with operating characteristics similar to those of the client. In addition, the team consults with its established network of resources and with our databases containing profiles of approximately 3.5 million executives to assist in identifying individuals with the right background, cultural fit and abilities. These sources are a critical element in assessing the marketplace. The original list of candidates is carefully screened through phone interviews, video

 

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conferences and in-person meetings. The client is then presented final qualified candidates to interview. We conduct thorough due diligence and background verification of the candidate throughout the process, at times with the assistance of an independent third party.

The finalist for the position will usually meet with the client for a second and possibly a third round of discussions. At this point, the compensation package will have been discussed in detail, increasing the likelihood that an offer will be accepted. Generally, the search consultants will participate in the negotiations until a final offer is made and accepted. Throughout the process, ongoing communication with the client is critical to keep client management apprised of progress.

Industry Specialization     Consultants in our five global markets and two regional specialty practice groups bring an in-depth understanding of the market conditions and strategic management issues faced by clients within their specific industry and geography. We are continually looking to expand our specialized expertise through internal development and strategic hiring in targeted growth areas.

Percentage of Fiscal 2007 Assignments by Industry Specialization

 

Global Markets:

  

Industrial

   26 %

Consumer

   18 %

Financial Services

   20 %

Technology

   17 %

Life Sciences

   10 %

Regional Specialties:

  

Healthcare Provider

   4 %

Education/Not-for-profit

   5 %

Functional Expertise.    We have organized executive recruitment centers of functional expertise, composed of consultants who have extensive backgrounds in placing executives in certain functions, such as board directors, chief executive officers and other senior executive officers. Our Board Services practice, for example, was first established in 1972 to help clients assemble an effective, knowledgeable and cohesive board of directors to meet the growing demands of accountability and facilitate more effective board performance. The shortage of experienced directors, the tightening of governance policies and the desire of companies to broaden the expertise of their board are raising the standards by which we identify and recruit qualified directors. We have significant expertise in this area and have built a proprietary database with the names and backgrounds of every FORTUNE 1000 director, plus a significant number of middle-market and high-growth company board members to assist in board searches. Members of functional groups are located throughout our regions and across our industry groups.

Percentage of Fiscal 2007 Assignments by Functional Expertise

 

Board Level/CEO/CFO/Senior Executive and General Management

   55 %

Marketing and Sales

   16 %

Human Resources and Administration

   9 %

Manufacturing/Engineering/Research and Development/Technology

   9 %

Finance and Control

   8 %

Information Systems

   3 %

Regions

North America—We opened our first office in Los Angeles in 1969, and currently have 25 offices throughout the United States and Canada. In fiscal 2007, the region generated fee revenue of $329.1 million from more than 3,900 assignments billed, with an average of 233 consultants.

 

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Europe, the Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”)—We opened our first European office in London in 1972, and currently have 22 offices in 20 countries throughout the region. In fiscal 2007, fee revenue was $146.2 million from more than 3,000 assignments billed, with an average of 133 consultants.

Asia Pacific—We opened our first Asia Pacific office in Tokyo in 1973, and currently have 14 offices in 10 countries throughout the region. In fiscal 2007, fee revenue was $75.0 million from more than 1,800 assignments billed, with an average of 77 consultants.

Latin America—We opened our first Latin American office in Brazil in 1974. We expanded our practice to Mexico through the 1977 acquisition of a less than 50% interest in a Mexico City company, and currently conduct operations in Mexico through subsidiaries in which we hold a minority interest. As of April 30, 2007, we operate a network of seven offices in six countries covering the entire South American region and two offices in Mexico. The region, excluding operations in Mexico, generated fee revenue of $17.4 million in fiscal 2007. We handled more than 700 assignments billed in fiscal 2007 in this region, with an average of 22 consultants. Our share of the operating income from our Mexico subsidiaries was $3.2 million and $2.0 million for the years ended April 20, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and is included in equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries on the consolidated statements of income.

Client Base.    Our 4,742 clients include many of the world’s largest and most prestigious public and private companies, including 43% of the FORTUNE 500 companies in the current fiscal year. In fiscal 2007, no single client represented more than 2% of fee revenue. We have established strong client loyalty. More than 84% of the executive recruitment assignments we performed during the last three fiscal years were on behalf of clients for whom we had conducted multiple assignments.

Competition.    We are a premier global provider of talent management solutions. Other multinational executive recruitment firms include Egon Zehnder International, Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc., Russell Reynolds Associates and Spencer Stuart. Although these firms are our primary competitors, we also compete with smaller boutique firms that specialize in specific regional, industry or functional searches. We believe our brand name, multi-product offerings, cutting-edge technology, global network, prestigious clientele, strong specialty practices and quality of services are recognized worldwide. We also believe that our long-term incentive compensation arrangements, as well as other executive benefits, distinguish us from most of our competitors and are important in attracting and retaining our key consultants.

Leadership Development Solutions.    In 2004, we consolidated our strategic management assessment and executive coaching and development services under the name Leadership Development Solutions, with services in EMEA, North and South America, Australia and Japan. In 2007, we continued our investment in this service area with the acquisition of Lominger Limited, Inc. and Lominger Consulting (the “Lominger Entities”). This comprehensive blend of leadership services helps corporate leaders to evaluate the individual and collective performance of their teams. These solutions further extend the range of talent management solutions available to our clients, and are valuable tools for the chief executive, board of directors and other senior officers in pursuing organizational transformation and alignment with their company’s strategic goals and internal values.

Our strategic management assessment offering was introduced in response to our clients’ demand for a tool to address the challenges of changing company relationships and global restructuring and, for venture capital and private equity firms, to evaluate the leadership team in existing or prospective portfolio companies. This process is performed by consultants with extensive experience in interviewing and evaluating senior executives, who understand local cultural differences and the relevant business and industry challenges. The assessment process is backed by a statistically validated and proprietary assessment instrument developed by leading assessment experts and supported by a proprietary systems platform.

Another crucial component of our Leadership Development Solutions is executive coaching and development. Our global network of highly-skilled coaches is certified at developing future leaders through

 

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individual and team-based coaching. Additionally, we offer clients a Web-based, highly customizable talent management platform. Called Executive Center, it automates and streamlines the traditionally cumbersome process of setting objectives and tracking and evaluating performance. Through Executive Center’s individual and team-based analysis and reporting capabilities, talent assessment and management can be greatly simplified, allowing for skills and experience gaps as well as succession planning to be more efficiently addressed.

During fiscal 2007, our Leadership Development Solutions group acquired both the Lominger Entities and LeaderSource Ltd. These acquisitions provided us with an even stronger suite of experience-tested, research-based development tools and consulting processes.

Middle-Management Recruitment Services

Overview.    Futurestep offers clients a portfolio of recruitment solutions, including recruitment process outsourcing (“RPO”), mid-level search, project recruitment and interim solutions. Each Futurestep service benefits from the in-depth industry and functional expertise of our global consultant network, ensuring that clients work with professionals who understand their business and have the relevant knowledge to qualify candidates effectively.

Futurestep combines traditional search expertise with a multi-tiered portfolio of recruitment solutions. Futurestep consultants, based in 16 countries, have instant access to one of the world’s largest databases of pre-screened middle-management professionals. Our global candidate pool complements our international presence and multi-channel sourcing strategy to ensure speed, efficiency and quality service for clients worldwide.

A fully integrated, measurable, single-source RPO solution leverages Futurestep’s recruitment capabilities, innovative technology and international brand to reduce clients’ recruitment costs while also improving quality and attracting the best talent. Futurestep manages part of all of the client’s recruitment function, often including on-site consultants from Futurestep.

Futurestep’s mid-level search uses multiple sourcing channels, validated cultural assessments and a global database of more than one million pre-screened professionals to offer a low overhead approach that accelerates the recruitment process and provides a diverse, qualified set of mid-level candidates matched with specific cultural and strategic requirements.

For multiple hiring projects, Futurestep consultants utilize proprietary Enterprise Recruitment Methodology to deliver seamless, workflow-driven talent acquisition strategies to organizations. Prior to deployment, Futurestep diagnoses the client’s internal HR capabilities to develop a “co-sourcing” platform emphasizing shared ownership of the recruitment process. Once engaged, the project team adheres to a tightly integrated timeline and metrics to deliver high-volume, concurrent hiring without sacrificing quality.

For clients needing professionals on a short-term basis, Futurestep offers an interim solutions service that delivers direct access to highly qualified mid-management professionals, fulfilling an organization’s critical needs for a temporary and flexible workforce. Whether the client needs a mid-level position filled on a monthly or yearly basis, Futurestep draws interim executives from one of the world’s largest talent pools of pre-screened, mid-level professionals in the industry.

Regions.    We opened our first Futurestep office in Los Angeles in May 1998. In January 2000, we acquired the ESS business of PA Consulting with operations in Europe and Asia Pacific. As of April 30, 2007, we had Futurestep operations in 12 cities in North America, nine in Europe and 10 in Asia Pacific.

Competition.    Futurestep primarily competes for assignments with contingency staffing firms, temporary staffing firms and recruitment process outsourcers who do not operate at the middle-management level or offer Futurestep’s full suite of solutions.

 

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To a lesser extent, Futurestep competes with firms such as Monster Worldwide in the technology-based middle-management recruitment industry. Although technology-oriented companies may be drawn to the recruitment business by the opportunity to leverage their existing technology, lack of a recognized brand name, global footprint or experienced consultants present significant barriers to entry.

Organization

Our executive recruitment business is managed on a geographic basis throughout our four regions: North America; South America; EMEA; and Asia Pacific. Futurestep is managed on a worldwide basis with operations in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.

Professional Staff and Employees

As of April 30, 2007, we had approximately 1,705 executive recruitment employees consisting of 490 consultants and 1,215 associates, researchers, administrative and support staff. In addition, we had 15 consultants in our two unconsolidated Mexico offices. Futurestep had 508 employees as of April 30, 2007, consisting of 111 consultants and 397 administrative and support staff. Corporate had 48 professionals at April 30, 2007. We have not been a party to a collective bargaining agreement and consider our relations with our employees to be good. Korn/Ferry is an equal opportunity employer.

In executive search, senior associates, associates and researchers support the efforts of our consultants with candidate sourcing and identification, but do not generally lead assignments. We have extensive training and professional development programs. Promotion to senior client partner is based on a variety of factors, including demonstrated superior execution and business development skills, the ability to identify solutions to complex issues, personal and professional ethics, a thorough understanding of the market and the ability to develop and help build effective teams. In addition, we have a program for recruiting experienced professionals into our firm.

The following table provides information relating to each of our business segments for fiscal 2007:

 

     Fee Revenue   

Operating

Income

(Loss)

   

Number of

Offices as of

April 30,

2007

  

Number of

Consultants

as of April 30,

2007

     (dollars in thousands)           

Executive Recruitment:

          

North America

   $ 329,065    $ 69,815     25    240

EMEA

     146,155      24,166     22    142

Asia Pacific

     74,987      16,010     14    86

South America

     17,426      1,894     8    22
                        

Total Executive Recruitment

     567,633      111,885     69    490

Futurestep(1)

     85,789      7,854     13    111

Corporate

     —        (37,484 )   —      —  
                        

Total

   $ 653,422    $ 82,255     82    601
                        

(1)

Futurestep partially occupies 18 of the executive recruitment offices globally in 11 countries.

 

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The following table provides information on fee revenues for each of the last three fiscal years attributable to the United States and other geographical regions in which the Company operates for fiscal:

 

     Fiscal Year Ending April 30,
     2007    2006    2005
     (dollars in thousands)

Fee Revenue:

        

United States

   $ 324,349    $ 260,988    $ 230,145

Canada

     35,559      26,432      17,468

EMEA

     179,974      147,329      131,956

Asia Pacific

     96,114      72,473      61,797

South America

     17,426      15,660      10,828
                    

Total

   $ 653,422    $ 522,882    $ 452,194
                    

 

Item 1A.    Risk Factors

The risks described below are the material risks facing our Company. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business operations. Our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks.

Competition in our industry could result in our losing market share and charging lower prices for services, which could reduce our revenue.

We compete for executive search business with numerous executive search firms and businesses that provide job placement services. Traditional executive search competitors include Egon Zehnder International, Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc., Russell Reynolds Associates and Spencer Stuart. In each of our markets, our competitors may possess greater resources, greater name recognition and longer operating histories than we do, which may give them an advantage in obtaining future clients and attracting qualified professionals in these markets. There are no extensive barriers to entry into the executive search industry, and new recruiting firms continue to enter the market. We believe the continuing development and increased availability of information technology will continue to attract new competitors. Increased competition may lead to pricing pressures that could negatively impact our business.

If we fail to attract and retain qualified and experienced consultants, our revenue could decline and our business could be harmed.

We compete with other executive search firms for qualified consultants. Attracting and retaining consultants in our industry is particularly important because, generally, a small number of consultants have primary responsibility for a client relationship. Because client responsibility is so concentrated, the loss of key consultants may lead to the loss of client relationships. This risk is heightened due to the general portability of a consultant’s business. Any decrease in the quality of our reputation, reduction in our compensation levels or restructuring of our compensation program, whether as a result of insufficient revenue, a decline in the market price of our common stock or for any other reason, could impair our ability to retain existing consultants or attract additional qualified consultants with the requisite experience, skills and established client relationships. Our failure to retain our most productive consultants or maintain the quality of service to which our clients are accustomed and the ability of a departing consultant to move business to his or her new employer could result in a loss of clients and harm our business.

Economic conditions in the geographic regions and the industries from which we derive a significant portion of our fee revenue could undermine our future profitability.

Demand for our services is significantly affected by the general level of economic activity in the geographic regions and industries in which we operate. When economic activity slows, many companies hire fewer

 

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permanent employees. Any significant economic downturn, on a global basis, in North America, or in other regions or industries where our operations are heavily concentrated, could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.

If we are unable to retain our executive officers and key personnel, or integrate new members of our senior management who are critical to our business, we may not be able to successfully manage our business in the future.

Our future success depends upon the continued service of our executive officers and other key management personnel. If we lose the services of one or more of our executives or key employees, or if one or more of them decides to join a competitor or otherwise compete directly or indirectly with us, we may not be able to successfully manage our business or achieve our business objectives.

If we are unable to maintain our professional reputation and brand name, our business will be harmed.

We depend on our overall reputation and brand name recognition to secure new engagements and to hire qualified professionals. Our success also depends on the individual reputations of our professionals. We obtain a majority of our new engagements from existing clients or from referral by those clients. Any client who is dissatisfied with our assignments can adversely affect our ability to secure new engagements.

If any factor, including poor performance, hurts our reputation, we may experience difficulties in competing successfully for both new engagements and qualified consultants. Failing to maintain our professional reputation and the goodwill associated with our brand name could seriously harm our business.

We are subject to potential legal liability from clients, employees and candidates. Insurance coverage may not be available to cover all of our potential liability and available coverage may not be sufficient to cover all claims that we may incur.

Our ability to obtain liability insurance, its coverage levels, deductibles and premiums are all dependent on market factors, our loss history and insurers’ perception of our overall risk profile. We are exposed to potential claims with respect to the executive search process. A client could assert a claim for matters such as breach of an off-limit agreement or recommending a candidate who subsequently proves to be unsuitable for the position filled. Further, the current employer of a candidate whom we placed could file a claim against us alleging interference with an employment contract. In addition, a candidate could assert an action against us for failure to maintain the confidentiality of the candidate’s employment search or for alleged discrimination, violations of employment law or other matters. We cannot ensure that our insurance will cover all claims or that insurance coverage will be available at economically acceptable rates.

We rely heavily on our information systems and if we lose that technology, or fail to further develop our technology, our business could be harmed.

Our success depends in large part upon our ability to store, retrieve, process and manage substantial amounts of information. To achieve our strategic objectives and to remain competitive, we must continue to develop and enhance our information systems. This may require the acquisition of equipment and software and the development of new proprietary software, either internally or through independent consultants. If we are unable to design, develop, implement and utilize, in a cost-effective manner, information systems that provide the capabilities necessary for us to compete effectively, or for any reason any interruption or loss of our information processing capabilities occurs, this could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

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We face risks associated with political instability, legal requirements and currency fluctuations in our international operations.

We operate in 39 countries and, as of April 30, 2007, generated nearly half our fee revenue from operations outside of North America. There are certain risks inherent in transacting business worldwide, such as:

 

   

changes in and compliance with applicable laws and regulatory requirements;

 

   

difficulties in staffing and managing global operations;

 

   

social and political instability;

 

   

fluctuations in currency exchange rates;

 

   

statutory equity requirements;

 

   

repatriation controls; and

 

   

potential adverse tax consequences.

We have no hedging or similar foreign currency contracts, and therefore fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies could impact our global operations. We cannot ensure that one or more of these factors will not harm our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We may be limited in our ability to recruit employees from our clients and we could lose those opportunities to our competition, which could harm our business.

Either by agreement with clients, or for client relations or marketing purposes, we sometimes refrain from, for a specified period of time, recruiting employees from a client when conducting searches on behalf of other clients. These off-limit agreements can generally remain in effect for up to two years following completion of an assignment. The duration and scope of the off-limit agreement, including whether it covers all operations of the client and its affiliates or only certain divisions of a client, generally are subject to negotiation or internal policies and may depend on factors such as the scope, size and complexity of the client’s business, the length of the client relationship and the frequency with which we have been engaged to perform executive searches for the client. Our inability to recruit employees from these clients may make it difficult for us to obtain search assignments from, or to fulfill search assignments for, other companies in that client’s industry. We cannot ensure that off-limit agreements will not impede our growth or our ability to attract and serve new clients, or otherwise harm our business.

We have provisions that make an acquisition of us more difficult and expensive.

Antitakeover provisions in our Certificate of Incorporation, our Bylaws and under Delaware law make it more difficult and expensive for us to be acquired in a transaction that is not approved by our Board of Directors. Some of the provisions in our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws include:

 

   

a classified Board of Directors;

 

   

limitations on the removal of directors;

 

   

limitation on stockholder actions;

 

   

advance notification requirements for director nominations and actions to be taken at stockholder meetings; and

 

   

the ability to issue one or more series of preferred stock by action of our Board of Directors.

These provisions could discourage an acquisition attempt or other transaction in which stockholders could receive a premium over the current market price for the common stock.

 

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Item 1B.    Unresolved Staff Comments

Not applicable.

 

Item 2.    Properties

Our corporate office is located in Los Angeles, California. We lease all 82 of our executive recruitment and Futurestep offices located in North America, EMEA, Asia Pacific and South America. As of April 30, 2007, we leased an aggregate of approximately 734,000 square feet of office space. The leases generally are for terms of one to 12 years and contain customary terms and conditions. We believe that our facilities are adequate for our current needs and we do not anticipate any difficulty replacing such facilities or locating additional facilities to accommodate any future growth.

 

Item  3.    Legal Proceedings

From time to time, we are involved in litigation both as plaintiff and defendant, relating to claims arising out of our operations. As of the date of this report, we are not engaged in any legal proceedings that are expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

Item  4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007.

Executive Officers of the Registrant

 

Name

   Age   

Position

Paul C. Reilly

   53   

Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

Gary D. Burnison

   46   

Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Director

Gary C. Hourihan

   58   

Executive Vice President and President, Leadership Development Solutions

Robert H. McNabb

   60   

Chief Executive Officer for Korn/Ferry International Futurestep, Inc. and Executive Vice President, Korn/Ferry International

Our executive officers serve at the discretion of our Board of Directors. There is no family relationship between any executive officer or director. The following information sets forth the business experience for at least the past five years for each of our executive officers as of April 30, 2007.

Paul C. Reilly has been Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer since June 2001. Prior to joining Korn/Ferry International, Mr. Reilly was with KPMG International, where he most recently served as Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Reilly joined KPMG LLP in 1987.

Gary D. Burnison has been Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since March 2002, was appointed Chief Operating Officer in November 2003 and was elected to the Board of Directors in June 2007. Prior to joining Korn/Ferry International, Mr. Burnison was Principal and Chief Financial Officer of Guidance Solutions, a privately held consulting firm, from 1999 to 2001. Prior to that, he served as an executive officer and a member of the board of directors of Jefferies and Company, an investment bank and brokerage firm, from 1995 to 1999. Earlier, Mr. Burnison was a partner at KPMG Peat Marwick.

Gary C. Hourihan has been Executive Vice President since January 1999 and was appointed President of Leadership Development Solutions for Korn/Ferry International, responsible for overseeing global operations

 

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and strategy for our Leadership Development Solutions business in November 2002. Prior to joining Korn/Ferry International, he was the co-founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SCA Consulting, one of the world’s leading executive compensation consulting firms, where he was employed from 1984 until joining Korn/Ferry International.

Robert H. McNabb has been Executive Vice President of Korn/Ferry International since November 2003 and was appointed Chief Executive Officer for Futurestep in July 2002. Prior to becoming the Chief Executive Officer for Futurestep, he was President of the Futurestep Americas and Asia Pacific regions. Before joining Futurestep in December 2001, he was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Corestaff from 1998 to 2001 and President and Chief Operating Officer at Republic Industries in 1997.

 

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PART II.

 

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Common Stock

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “KFY.” The following table sets forth the high and low sales price per share of the common stock for the periods indicated, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange:

 

     High    Low

Fiscal Year Ended April 30, 2007

     

First Quarter

   $ 21.59    $ 17.73

Second Quarter

   $ 23.18    $ 17.83

Third Quarter

   $ 24.18    $ 21.51

Fourth Quarter

   $ 24.86    $ 22.42

Fiscal Year Ended April 30, 2006

     

First Quarter

   $ 20.00    $ 14.05

Second Quarter

   $ 19.94    $ 14.30

Third Quarter

   $ 19.85    $ 16.74

Fourth Quarter

   $ 21.45    $ 19.07

On June 27, 2007 the last reported sales price on the New York Stock Exchange for the common stock was $26.70 per share and there were approximately 5,300 beneficial holders of the common stock.

Performance Graph

We have presented below a graph comparing the cumulative total stockholder return on the Company’s shares with the cumulative total stockholder return on (1) a broad equity market index and (2) a published industry index or a company-established peer group. The following graph compares the monthly percentage change in the Company’s cumulative total stockholder return with the cumulative total return of the companies in the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index and a peer group constructed by us. Cumulative total return for each of the periods shown in the performance graph is measured assuming an initial investment of $100 on April 30, 2002, and the reinvestment of any dividends paid by any company in the peer group on the date the dividends were declared.

The peer group is comprised of publicly traded companies, which are engaged principally or in significant part in professional staffing and consulting. The returns of each company have been weighted according to their respective stock market capitalization at the beginning of each measurement period for purposes of arriving at a peer group average. The members of the peer group are Caldwell Partners International Inc. (CWL/A CN), Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. (HSII) and Hudson Highland Group (HHGP).

 

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The stock price performance depicted in this graph is not necessarily indicative of future price performance. This graph will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating this Form 10-K into any filing by us under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent we specifically incorporate this information by reference, and shall not otherwise be deemed soliciting material or deemed filed under those Acts.

COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*

AMONG KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL, THE S & P 500 INDEX

AND A PEER GROUP

LOGO

* $100 invested on 4/30/02 in stock or index-including reinvestment of dividends. Fiscal year ending April 30.

Copyright © 2007, Standard & Poor’s, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

www.researchdatagroup.com/S&P.htm

Dividends

We have not paid any cash dividends on our common stock since April 30, 1996 and do not currently intend to pay any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. The Board of Directors has authorized the Company to repurchase up to $125 million of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock pursuant to issuer repurchase programs. We have repurchased approximately $75 million of the Company’s common stock as of April 30, 2007 under these programs. Future dividend policy as well as decisions to execute our currently outstanding issuer repurchase programs will depend on our earnings, capital requirements, financial condition and other factors considered relevant by our Board of Directors. Our credit facility does not restrict our ability to pay dividends.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

On June 13, 2005, Friedman, Fleischer & Lowe (“FFL”) entered into a forward sale contract with Credit Suisse First Boston LLC (“CSFB”) to sell FFL’s remaining portion of the Company’s convertible securities.

On March 7, 2007, the Company issued notice for the redemption (the “Redemption Notice”) of its 7.5% Convertible Subordinated Notes (the “Convertible Notes”) in an aggregate principal amount of $40 million and

 

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its 7.5% Convertible Series A Preferred Stock (the “Convertible Preferred Stock”) in an aggregate principle price of $10 million. As of March 7, 2007, $45.6 million of the Convertible Notes and $11.4 million of the Convertible Preferred Stock was outstanding. In response to the Redemption Notice, the beneficial owner of the Convertible Notes and the Convertible Preferred Stock exercised its option to convert (the “Conversion”) the Convertible Notes and the Convertible Preferred Stock, pursuant to the terms thereof, which were convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock at $10.19 per share. The Conversion resulted in 5,586,187 shares of the Company’s common stock being delivered to the holder of the convertible securities in April 2007.

The issuance of the shares of the Company’s common stock into which the Convertible Notes and the Convertible Preferred Stock were converted was exempt from the registration provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, by virtue of the exemption afforded by Section 3(a)(9) thereof. Such determination was based upon the fact that the securities exchanged in connection with the Conversion were made by the Company with its existing security holders exclusively, the then beneficial owners of the Convertible Notes and Convertible Preferred Stock, and no commission or other remuneration was paid of given directly or indirectly for soliciting such exchange.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

During the twelve months ended April 30, 2007, the Company repurchased common stock under the common stock repurchase programs approved by the Board of Directors in December 2005, June 2006, and March 2007. Pursuant to these programs, shares can be repurchased in open market transactions or privately negotiated transactions at the Company’s discretion.

The following table summarizes common stocks repurchased during the three months of the last quarter of fiscal 2007:

 

    

Shares

Purchased

  

Average

Price Paid

Per Share

  

Shares Purchased

as Part of a

Publicly-
Announced

Program

(1), (2), and (3)

  

Approximate

Dollar Value of

Shares that

May Yet Be

Purchased

Under the

Program

(1), (2), and (3)

February 1, 2007-February 28, 2007

   194,600    $ 23.60    194,600    $  77.3 million

March 1, 2007-March 31, 2007

   927,465    $ 22.86    922,000    $ 56.2 million

April 1, 2007-April 30, 2007

   253,825    $ 23.20    250,250    $ 50.4 million
               

Total

   1,375,890       1,366,850   
               

(1)

On December 7, 2005, the Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to $50 million of the Company’s common stock in a common stock repurchase program (the “2005 program”). The shares can be repurchased in open market transactions or privately negotiated transactions at the Company’s discretion.

(2)

On June 8, 2006 the Board of Directors approved the repurchase of a further $25 million of the Company’s common stock in a common stock repurchase program (the “2006 program”).

(3)

On March 6, 2007, the Board of Directors approved the repurchase of an additional $50 million of the Company’s common stock in a common stock repurchase program (the “2007 program).

 

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Item  6.    Selected Financial Data

The following selected financial data are qualified by reference to, and should be read together with, our “Audited Consolidated Financial Statements and Related Notes” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The selected statement of operations data set forth below for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005 and the selected balance sheet data as of April 30, 2007 and 2006 are derived from our consolidated financial statements, audited by Ernst & Young LLP appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K. The selected balance sheet data as of April 30, 2005, 2004 and 2003 and the selected statement of operations data set forth below for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2004 and 2003 are derived from consolidated financial statements and notes thereto which are not included in this Form 10-K report and were audited by Ernst & Young LLP.

 

     Fiscal Year Ended April 30,  
     2007    2006    2005    2004    2003  
     (in thousands, except per share and other operating data)  

Selected Statement of Operations Data:

              

Fee revenue

   $ 653,422    $ 522,882    $ 452,194    $ 328,331    $ 315,112  

Reimbursed out-of-pocket engagement expenses

     35,779      28,887      24,183      22,372      23,354  
                                    

Total revenue

     689,201      551,769      476,377      350,703      338,466  

Compensation and benefits

     447,692      341,196      292,913      221,177      223,192  

General and administrative expenses

     105,312      93,462      83,544      71,623      73,107  

Out-of-pocket engagement expenses

     44,662      31,927      25,702      23,557      23,029  

Depreciation and amortization

     9,280      9,002      8,437      10,030      16,161  

Asset impairment and restructuring charges (1)

     —        —        —        8,526      16,281  
                                    

Total operating expenses

     606,946      475,587      410,596      334,913      351,770  
                                    

Operating income (loss)

     82,255      76,182      65,781      15,790      (13,304 )

Interest and other income, net

     10,416      11,086      3,360      1,779      1,189  

Interest expense

     10,172      10,244      10,463      9,903      10,522  

Provision for income taxes

     30,164      19,594      20,251      3,218      2,040  

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries

     3,163      2,000      193      955      1,775  
                                    

Net income (loss)

   $ 55,498    $ 59,430    $ 38,620    $ 5,403    $ (22,902 )
                                    

Basic earnings (loss) per share

   $ 1.40    $ 1.49    $ 1.00    $ 0.14    $ (0.63 )

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

   $ 1.24    $ 1.32    $ 0.90    $ 0.13    $ (0.63 )

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

     39,774      39,890      38,516      37,466      37,576  

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding

     46,938      47,270      46,229      40,311      37,576  

Other Data:

              

Fee revenue by business segment:

              

Executive recruitment:

              

North America

   $ 329,065    $ 259,089    $ 225,850    $ 170,678    $ 162,309  

EMEA

     146,155      120,059      110,455      78,236      78,990  

Asia Pacific

     74,987      57,922      51,196      36,818      33,523  

South America

     17,426      15,660      10,828      8,371      7,616  
                                    

Total executive recruitment

     567,633      452,730      398,329      294,103      282,438  

Futurestep

     85,789      70,152      53,865      34,228      32,674  
                                    

Total fee revenue

   $ 653,422    $ 522,882    $ 452,194    $ 328,331    $ 315,112  
                                    

Number of offices (at period end)

     82      72      70      69      75  

Number of consultants (at period end)

     601      507      474      443      487  

Number of new engagements opened

     10,415      9,608      8,062      6,606      6,792  

Selected Balance Sheet Data as of April 30:

              

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 289,106    $ 257,543    $ 199,133    $ 108,102    $ 82,685  

Marketable securities

     35,161      20,654      7,815      —        —    

Working capital

     235,271      218,206      146,071      88,436      72,885  

Total assets

     761,491      635,491      534,168      398,012      369,493  

Total long-term debt (2)

     —        45,147      44,949      44,400      41,364  

Mandatorily redeemable preferred stock (2)

     —        10,989      10,795      10,512      9,606  

Total shareholders’ equity

     432,955      323,751      252,902      181,252      166,935  

 

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  (1)

In response to deteriorating economic conditions encountered in the beginning of fiscal 2002, we developed a restructuring initiative designed to reduce our workforce by nearly 30%. Such initiatives included consolidating back office functions, exiting the college recruitment market, discontinuing the operations of JobDirect and writing down other related assets and goodwill. As a result of that initiative, we recognized $16.3 million of restructuring charges in fiscal 2003 comprised of (a) other asset impairments of $0.8 million, (b) severance restructuring charges of $5.3 million, (c) facilities restructuring charges of $11.8 million and (d) a $1.6 million gain recognized as a result of a litigation settlement. Additionally, in fiscal 2004, we recognized $8.5 million of restructuring charges comprised of (a) severance restructuring charges of $6.7 million and (b) facilities restructuring charges of $1.8 million.

  (2)

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, we issued notice for the redemption of our 7.5% Convertible Series Subordinated Notes and 7.5% Convertible Series A Preferred Stock. In response, the holder of the notes and preferred stock exercised its option to convert the debt and preferred stock pursuant to the terms of the original agreements. The conversion resulted in approximately $5.6 million shares of our common stock being delivered to the debt and preferred stock holder in April 2007. As of April 30, 2007, we had no outstanding amounts related to these convertible securities. Conversion of debt is discussed in Item 7, Long-Term Debt.

 

Item 7.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Forward-looking Statements

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

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

Executive Summary

Korn/Ferry is a premier provider of talent management solutions. We are the largest provider of executive search, outsourced recruiting and leadership development solutions with the broadest global presence in the recruitment industry. Our services include executive recruitment, middle-management recruitment (through Futurestep), outsourced recruitment, leadership development solutions and executive coaching. Over half of the executive recruitment searches we performed in fiscal 2007 were for board level, chief executive and other senior executive and general management positions. Our 4,742 clients in fiscal 2007 included approximately 43% of the FORTUNE 500 companies. We have established strong client loyalty; more than 84% of the executive recruitment assignments we performed during the previous three fiscal years were on behalf of clients for whom we had conducted multiple assignments.

 

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In an effort to maintain our long-term vision of being the leading provider of executive search, outsourced recruiting and leadership development solutions, our strategic focus for fiscal 2008 will center upon increasing market share and further enhancing the cross-selling of our multi-product strategy. We will continue to address areas of increasing client demand, including Recruitment Process Outsourcing (“RPO”) and Leadership Development Solutions (“LDS”). We will explore new products and services, continue to pursue a disciplined acquisition strategy, enhance our technology and processes and aggressively leverage our brand through thought leadership and intellectual capital projects as a means of delivering world-class service to our clients.

Fee revenue increased 25% in fiscal year 2007 to $653.4 million with increases in all regions. The North American region experienced the largest dollar increase in fee revenue. In fiscal 2007, we earned an operating profit of $82.3 million with operating income from executive recruitment of $111.9 million and $7.9 million from Futurestep, offset by corporate expenses of $37.5 million. This represents an increase of 8% over the prior fiscal year’s operating income of $76.2 million.

We had no long-term debt or outstanding balance under our credit facility at April 30, 2007. Our working capital increased $17.1 million to $235.3 million at April 30, 2007.

Critical Accounting Policies

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based on our consolidated financial statements. Preparation of this Annual Report on Form 10-K requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those estimates and assumptions. In preparing our financial statements and accounting for the underlying transactions and balances, we apply our accounting policies as disclosed in our notes to consolidated financial statements. We consider the policies discussed below as critical to an understanding of our financial statements because their application places the most significant demands on management’s judgment. Specific risks for these critical accounting policies are described in the following paragraphs. Senior management has discussed the development and selection of the critical accounting estimates with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.

Revenue Recognition.    Management is required to establish policies and procedures to ensure that revenue is recorded over the performance period for valid engagements and related costs are matched against such revenue. We provide recruitment services on a retained basis and generally bill clients in three monthly installments. Since the fees are generally not contingent upon placement of a candidate, our assumptions primarily relate to establishing the period over which such service is performed. These assumptions determine the timing of revenue recognition and profitability for the reported period. If these assumptions do not accurately reflect the period over which revenue is earned, revenue and profit could differ. Any services that are provided on a contingent basis are recognized once the contingency is fulfilled.

Deferred Compensation.    Estimating deferred compensation requires assumptions regarding the timing and probability of payments of benefits to participants and the discount rate. Changes in these assumptions would significantly impact the liability and related cost on our balance sheet and statement of operations. Management engages an independent actuary to periodically review these assumptions in order to ensure that they reflect the population and economics of our deferred compensation plans in all material respects and to assist us in estimating our deferred compensation liability and the related cost. The actuarial assumptions we use may differ from actual results due to changing market conditions or changes in the participant population. These differences could have a significant impact on our deferred compensation liability and the related cost.

Carrying Values.    Valuations are required under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles to determine the carrying value of various assets. Our most significant assets for which management is required to prepare valuations are goodwill, intangible assets and deferred income taxes. Management must identify whether

 

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events have occurred that may impact the carrying value of these assets and make assumptions regarding future events, such as profitability. Differences between the assumptions used to prepare these valuations and actual results could materially impact the carrying amount of these assets and our operating results.

Results of Operations

The following table summarizes the results of our operations as a percentage of fee revenue:

 

     Fiscal Year Ended April 30,  
     2007     2006     2005  

Fee revenue

   100 %   100 %   100 %

Reimbursed out-of-pocket engagement expenses

   5     6     5  
                  

Revenue

   105     106     105  

Compensation and benefits

   68     65     65  

General and administrative expenses

   16     18     18  

Out-of-pocket engagement expenses

   7     6     6  

Depreciation and amortization

   1     2     2  
                  

Operating income

   13     15     15  
                  

Net income

   8 %   11 %   9 %
                  

The following tables summarize the results of our operations by business segment (dollars in thousands):

 

     Fiscal Year Ended April 30,  
     2007     2006     2005  
     Dollars    %     Dollars    %     Dollars    %  

Fee revenue

               

Executive recruitment:

               

North America

   $ 329,065    50 %   $ 259,089    50 %   $ 225,850    50 %

EMEA

     146,155    23       120,059    23       110,455    24  

Asia Pacific

     74,987    11       57,922    11       51,196    11  

South America

     17,426    3       15,660    3       10,828    3  
                                       

Total executive recruitment

     567,633    87       452,730    87       398,329    88  

Futurestep

     85,789    13       70,152    13       53,865    12  
                                       

Total fee revenue

     653,422    100 %     522,882    100 %     452,194    100 %
                       

Reimbursed out-of-pocket engagement expenses

     35,779        28,887        24,183   
                           

Total revenue

   $ 689,201      $ 551,769      $ 476,377   
                           

 

     Fiscal Year Ended April 30,  
     2007     2006     2005  
     Dollars     Margin (1)     Dollars     Margin (1)     Dollars     Margin (1)  

Operating income (loss)

            

Executive recruitment:

            

North America

   $ 69,815     21 %   $ 62,124     24 %   $ 53,635     24 %

EMEA

     24,166     17       22,361     19       19,531     18  

Asia Pacific

     16,010     21       13,374     23       9,594     19  

South America

     1,894     11       2,839     18       1,320     12  
                                      

Total executive recruitment

     111,885     2       100,698     22       84,080     21  

Futurestep

     7,854     9       3,351     5       6,483     12  

Corporate

     (37,484 )       (27,867 )       (24,782 )  
                              

Total operating income

   $ 82,255     13 %   $ 76,182     15 %   $ 65,781     15 %
                              

(1)

Margin calculated as a percentage of total fee revenue.

 

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Fiscal 2007 Compared to Fiscal 2006

Fee Revenue.

Fee revenue increased $130.5 million, or 25%, to $653.4 million in fiscal 2007 compared to $522.9 million in fiscal 2006. The improvement in fee revenue is attributable mainly to an 8% increase in the number of engagements billed within executive recruitment and an increase in average fees from all regions. The Lominger Entities contributed $11.9 million in revenues during fiscal 2007. Exchange rates favorably impacted fee revenues by $14.7 million in the current year.

Executive Recruitment—Executive recruitment fee revenue increased $114.9 million, or 25%, due to an increase in the number of engagements billed, an increase in average fee and the Lominger acquisition. On a year-to-date basis, the number of executive recruitment engagements billed have increased by 8% as compared to last year.

North America fee revenue increased $70.0 million, or 27%, to $329.1 million primarily due to a 7% increase in the number of engagements billed as well as a 19% increase in average fees as compared to last year. The financial services, technology and industrial sectors were the primary contributors to the increase in fee revenues. An increased demand for the LDS products also resulted in a $6.3 million increase in fee revenues.

EMEA reported fee revenue of $146.2 million, an increase of $26.1 million, or 22%, compared to $120.1 million last year, which was driven by an 11% increase in the number of engagements billed and an increase in average fees of 10%. The performance in new offices in Denmark, Turkey and the Czech Republic and improved performance in existing offices in Germany, Belgium, Netherlands and the Middle East were the primary contributors to the increase in fee revenues. The financial services, industrial and technology sectors experienced strong growth over the prior year. Exchange rates favorably impacted EMEA fee revenue by $10.8 million in the current year.

Asia Pacific fee revenue increased $17.1 million, or 30%, to $75.0 million, compared to last year due to a 12% increase in the number of engagements billed and an increase in average fees of 16%. The offices of Greater China (Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing) and Australasia (Australia and New Zealand) contributed 47% and 22%, respectively of the increase in fee revenue. The financial services, industrial and technology sectors experienced strong growth over the prior year. Exchange rates favorably impacted fee revenue for Asia Pacific by $1.0 million in the current year.

South America reported fee revenue of $17.4 million, an increase of $1.8 million, or 11%, of which $0.4 million related to the favorable impact of exchange rates. Overall engagements billed within the region were comparable to prior year while average fees increased by 16%. Every country in the region experienced growth over the prior year with Brazil contributing approximately one-third of the increase in fee revenues.

Futurestep—Fee revenue increased $15.6 million, or 22%, to $85.8 million in fiscal 2007 compared to $70.2 million in fiscal 2006. The improvement in fee revenue, reflected across all regions, is due to an increase in average fees resulting from our continued strategic emphasis on larger outsourced recruiting solutions. Of the total increase in fee revenue, Asia-Pacific experienced the largest increase in fee revenue of $6.6 million, or 45%, to $21.1 million reflecting increased revenue from areas including RPO and Interim Solutions. Europe fee revenue increased $6.6 million, or 24%, to $33.9 million, arising from increased business in France, the United Kingdom, Spain and Australia and a migration to larger engagements. Exchange rates favorably impacted fee revenue by $2.5 million in the current year.

Compensation and Benefits.

Compensation and benefits expense increased $106.5 million, or 31%, to $447.7 million in fiscal 2007 from $341.2 million in fiscal 2006. The increase in compensation and benefits expense is primarily due to increased global headcount of 421, or 23%, compared to prior year, including an 16% increase in the average number of

 

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consultants, coupled with increased profitability and retention awards. Increased compensation and benefits also resulted from a $5.2 million charge for executive employment contract changes recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 and $4.6 million of compensation and benefits from the Lominger Entities that wasn’t present last year. Exchange rates unfavorably impacted compensation and benefits expense by $9.3 million in the current year.

Executive recruitment compensation and benefits costs of $365.0 million increased $88.5 million, or 32%, compared to $276.5 million in the prior year primarily due to consultants hired over the past year. In the current year, the number of consultants increased by 50, or 11%, compared to last year. Exchange rates impacted executive recruitment compensation and benefits expense unfavorably by $7.7 million. Executive recruitment compensation and benefits expense, as a percentage of fee revenue, increased to 64% in fiscal year 2007 compared to 61% in fiscal 2006.

Futurestep compensation and benefits expense increased $9.8 million, or 20%, to $58.4 million from $48.6 million in the prior year due to significant investments in our employees which increased Futurestep average consultant headcount by 50% over the past year. Exchange rates unfavorably impacted Futurestep compensation and benefits expense by $1.6 million. Futurestep compensation and benefits expense, as a percentage of fee revenue, declined to 68% from 69% in the prior year.

Corporate compensation and benefits expense increased $8.3 million, or 52%, to $24.3 million, primarily from a $5.2 million charge for executive contract changes recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 and stock-based compensation expense that wasn’t present in the prior year.

General and Administrative Expenses.

General and administrative expenses increased $11.8 million, or 13%, to $105.3 million in fiscal 2007 compared to $93.5 million in 2006. The Lominger Entities contributed $1.3 million to the increase. Exchange rates unfavorably impacted general and administrative expenses by $2.6 million in the current year.

Executive recruitment general and administrative expenses increased $9.4 million, or 14%, from $67.3 million in the prior year to $76.7 million in the current year. The increase was driven by other administrative expenses of $2.1 million, including travel and meeting expenses, an increase in premise and office expense of $4.9 million and a $2.6 million increase in business development expenses. Increased premise and office expense was attributable to all regions due to increased rent expense and total space leased. Executive recruitment general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of fee revenue, decreased to 14% from 15% in the prior year.

Futurestep general and administrative expenses increased $1.7 million, or 12%, to $16.2 million, primarily due to a net increase in premise and office expense of $1.3 million resulting from a $2.2 million increase in rent expense, noted across all regions, and the opening of new offices in Europe and Asia offset by a $0.9 million reversal of a previously recorded lease reserve. Bad debt expense increased $0.3 million resulting from an increase in the level of business and corresponding increase in accounts receivable. Futurestep general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of fee revenue, decreased to 19% from 21% in the prior year.

Corporate general and administrative expenses increased $0.8 million, or 7%, to $12.4 million primarily due to increased professional fees and premise and office expenses related to additional office space leased in fiscal 2007.

Out-of-Pocket Engagement Expenses.    Out-of-pocket engagement expenses consist of expenses incurred by candidates and our consultants that are generally billed to clients. Out-of-pocket engagement expenses of $44.7 million increased $12.7 million, or 40%, over the prior year. As a percentage of fee revenue, out-of-pocket engagement expenses increased to 7% in current year compared to 6% in prior year.

Depreciation and Amortization Expenses.    Depreciation and amortization expense of $9.3 million in fiscal 2007 increased $0.3 million, or 3%, from prior year. Depreciation expense relates mainly to computer equipment,

 

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software, furniture and leasehold improvements. Increase in expense for the current year is attributable to an increase in fixed asset balances primarily associated with furniture and fixtures and leasehold improvements related to business expansion and office buildout and amortization of software costs that add new functionality in our corporate and executive search segments.

Operating Income.

Operating income increased $6.1 million, or 8%, to $82.3 million in the current year compared to $76.2 million in the prior year, resulting from increased revenue of $137.4 million offset by a $131.3 million increase to operating expenses, primarily compensation and benefits and general and administrative expenses in the current year. The Lominger Entities contributed $2.6 million for the year ended April 30, 2007.

Executive recruitment operating income increased $11.2 million, or 11%, to $111.9 million in fiscal 2007 compared to $100.7 million in fiscal 2006. The improvement in executive recruitment operating income is attributable to increased revenues offset by additional compensation expense relating to increased headcount and variable payouts as discussed previously, as well as increased professional fees, premise and other general administrative expense. Executive recruitment operating income, as a percentage of fee revenue, decreased to 20% from 22%, due to certain executive employment contract changes, our continued investment in Leadership Development Solutions and increases in profitability based compensation during the current year.

Futurestep operating income increased by $4.5 million to $7.9 million in fiscal 2007 as compared to operating income of $3.4 million in fiscal 2006. The increase in Futurestep operating income is primarily due to higher average fees in engagements billed, a $0.9 million reversal of a previously recorded lease reserve and improvements in compensation and benefits and general and administrative expenses as a percentage of fee revenue in the current year. Futurestep operating income, as a percentage of fee revenue, improved to 9% from 5% last year.

Interest Income and Other Income, Net.    Interest income and other income, net decreased by $0.7 million in fiscal 2007 from $11.1 million in fiscal 2006. Interest and dividend income increased as a result of higher yields on larger balances of funds available for investment compared to prior year; however, this increase was not large enough to offset the $4.5 million realization of a loss recovery on a previously impaired investment in fiscal 2006.

Interest Expense. Interest expense, primarily related to convertible securities and borrowings under Company Owned Life Insurance Policies (“COLI”) policies, was $10.2 million in fiscal year 2007 and 2006. Interest expense related to the convertible securities was $4.9 million in fiscal 2007; as these securities were converted to shares of the Company’s common stock in April 2007 there will not be any interest expense in fiscal 2008 related to the securities. See Note 10 of the “Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements” for more detailed information on the conversion of these securities.

Provision for Income Taxes.    The provision for income taxes was $30.2 million in fiscal 2007 compared to $19.6 million in fiscal 2006. The provision for income taxes in the current year reflects a 36.6% effective tax rate. The provision for income taxes for the prior year reflects a 25.4% tax rate. Excluding the $4.5 million realization of a loss recovery on a previously impaired investment and a net one-time tax benefit of $6.5 million the effective tax rate for the fiscal year 2006 would have been 36.0%, which is comparable to the year ended April 30, 2007.

Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Subsidiaries.    Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries is comprised of our less than 50% interest in our Mexican subsidiaries. We report our interest in earnings or loss of our Mexican subsidiaries on the equity basis as a one line adjustment to net income, net of taxes. Equity in earnings was $3.2 million compared to $2.0 million last year, resulting from increased profitability in both subsidiaries. Dividends received from the Company’s unconsolidated subsidiaries equaled $2.4 million in the current year, and is reflected as a reduction in the carrying value of our investment.

 

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Fiscal 2006 Compared to Fiscal 2005

Fee Revenue.

Fee revenue increased $70.7 million, or 16%, to $522.9 million in fiscal 2006 compared to $452.2 million in fiscal 2005. The improvement in fee revenue is attributable mainly to a 29% increase in the number of engagements billed. Contributing factors to increased revenue during fiscal year 2006 include the opening of new offices in Europe and Asia, strong performances in the North America and Asia Pacific regions, as well as the continued growth of our Futurestep subsidiary. Exchange rates unfavorably impacted fee revenues by $4.9 million in fiscal 2006, mainly related to European revenues.

Executive Recruitment—Executive recruitment fee revenue increased $54.4 million, or 14%, due to a 15% increase in the number of engagements billed as well as average fee increases in certain regions. Emergent economies, newly established offices, as well as expanding industries in various regions also factored in the overall growth in fee revenue.

North America fee revenue increased $33.2 million, or 15%, to $259.1 million due to an 11% increase in the number of engagements billed as well as a 3% increase in average fees as compared to fiscal 2005. Increased revenue obtained in the industrial sector contributed significantly to the region’s revenue, along with growth in the financial services and in the consumer goods markets over the prior fiscal year.

EMEA reported fee revenue of $120.1 million, an increase of $9.6 million, or 9%, compared to $110.5 million in prior year, which was driven by an 11% increase in the number of engagements billed. Business in the European market expanded in 2006 due to strong performances from consultants in the United Kingdom and France, and growth in newer offices established in recent years, such as in the Middle East, Czech Republic, and an affiliate relationship in Russia. Exchange rates unfavorably impacted EMEA fee revenue by $5.4 million in fiscal 2006.

Asia Pacific fee revenue increased $6.7 million, or 13%, to $57.9 million in the year ended April 30, 2006, compared to prior fiscal year due to a 20% increase in the number of engagements billed as well as strong performance in our China offices in Beijing and Shanghai. The growing economy in China has significantly contributed to the improved business experienced by the region in fiscal 2006, attributing to almost half of the total increase in Asia fee revenues over prior year.

South America reported fee revenue of $15.7 million, an increase of $4.9 million, or 45%, of which $1.6 million related to the favorable impact of exchange rates. Revenue increased $2.5 million in Brazil, a 54% increase over fiscal 2005, primarily due to an 81% increase in the number of engagements billed in fiscal 2006. Overall in the entire region, engagements billed increased by 26% since prior year while average fees increased by 15%.

Futurestep—Fee revenue increased $16.3 million, or 30%, to $70.2 million in fiscal 2006 compared to $53.9 million in fiscal 2005. The improvement in fee revenue is due to an increase in the number of engagements billed combined with our continued strategic emphasis on larger outsourced recruiting solutions. Of the total increase in fee revenue, North America experienced the largest increase in fee revenue of $6.6 million, or 30%, to $28.3 million reflecting increased revenue from areas including RPO and Interim Solutions. Europe fee revenue increased $5.8 million, or 27%, to $27.3 million, arising from increased business in the United Kingdom and Belgium, again attributable to a migration to larger engagements. Exchange rates unfavorably impacted Futurestep Europe fee revenue by $1.1 million. Asia Pacific fee revenue increased $3.9 million, or 37% to $14.6 million, where increased revenues were derived from Australia and New Zealand. Revenue resulting from the opening of an office in India in fiscal year 2006 also contributed to growth.

 

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Compensation and Benefits.

Compensation and benefits expense increased $48.3 million, or 17%, to $341.2 million in fiscal 2006 from $292.9 million in fiscal 2005. Increased headcount along with increased profitability and internal promotions have contributed to the overall increase in expense in fiscal year 2006. Total headcount increased globally by 266, or 17% over last year as the Company continues to expand its operations across industries and regions worldwide. Exchange rates impacted compensation and benefits expense favorably by $3.4 million in the current year, due to changes in exchange rates between the US dollar and the Euro and Pound Sterling.

Executive recruitment compensation and benefits costs of $276.5 million increased $32.0 million, or 13%, compared to $244.5 million in the prior year due to increased profitability based rewards and new consultants joining the firm. In the fiscal year 2006, the number of consultants increased by 42 or 11% as compared to prior year. Exchange rates impacted executive recruitment compensation and benefits expense favorably by $2.8 million. Executive recruitment compensation and benefits expense, as a percentage of fee revenue, remained stable at 61%.

Futurestep compensation and benefits expense increased $14.5 million, or 43%, to $48.6 million from $34.1 million in the prior year primarily due to increased variable compensation as well as increased external contractors’ expense arising from increased business, especially in North America. Additionally, average headcount increased by 34%, which significantly contributed to the overall increase in compensation and benefits since fiscal 2005. Exchange rates impacted Futurestep compensation and benefits expense favorably by $0.6 million. Futurestep compensation and benefits expense, as a percentage of fee revenue, increased to 69% from 63% in the prior year.

Corporate compensation and benefits expense increased $1.7 million, or 12%, to $16.0 million, reflecting increased profitability-based rewards and executive benefits. Increases also reflect additional expense derived from fiscal 2006 restricted stock grants as well as from added amortization arising from the Company’s prior year contribution to deferred compensation plans.

General and Administrative Expenses.

General and administrative expenses increased $10.0 million, or 12%, to $93.5 million in fiscal 2006 compared to $83.5 million in 2005. Increases to general and administrative expenses related to increased premise and office expense of $4.3 million, business development expense of $2.1 million, bad debt expense of $1.0 million, and other types of general expenses of $2.6 million including administrative meeting and travel expense along with certain legal expenses. Exchange rates favorably impacted general and administrative expenses by $0.5 million in the year ended April 30, 2006.

Executive recruitment general and administrative expenses of $67.3 million increased $3.9 million, or 6%, due to premise and office expense of $2.5 million, business development costs of $1.4 million, and bad debt expense of $0.4 million These were offset by a decrease to other general expenses of $0.4 million versus the prior year.

Premise and office expense increased $3.1 million in our North and South American regions, resulting from additional space leased as well as rent increases from renewed contracts or office relocations. This was offset by a decrease in Asia of $0.6 million, resulting from a decrease in the allocation of premise and office expense between shared offices in Australia.

Increased business development costs in the North American and EMEA Search practices were most significant. In North America, increases were $0.9 million while in EMEA, these increases amounted to $0.3 million. In Asia and South America, business development expense increased by $0.1 million in each region. Business development expenses generally fluctuate in conjunction with revenue and overall business activity.

During the year ended April 30, 2006, North America experienced the largest increase in bad debt expense of $0.6 million, with EMEA having a total increase of $0.5 million. Both increases are consistent with the

 

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increase in revenue in both regions, as opposed to deterioration in collection activity. These amounts were offset by a decrease in Asia of $0.5 million. Lower bad debt expense for this region in fiscal year 2006 is due to improved collections activity prior to year end. Executive recruitment general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of fee revenue, declined to 15% from 16% in the prior year.

Futurestep general and administrative expenses in fiscal 2006 increased $4.4 million, or 44%, to $14.5 million due to a $1.8 million increase in premise and office expense and a $1.6 million increase in other general expenses, which included increased meeting and travel expense of $0.7 million and legal expense $0.5 million, along with a $0.4 million increase across the regions in general office expenses, such as regional marketing expenses. The increase in premise and office expense was noted throughout all regions, which all increased since the prior year at $0.6 million per region. In Europe and Asia, additional rental expense incurred in fiscal year 2006 in relation to new offices opened in Spain and India, respectively, contributed to their overall increase since prior year. Business development expense increased by $0.5 million, relating mainly to Futurestep’s North American and Asian regions. Business development expenses generally fluctuate in conjunction with revenue and overall business activity. The remaining increase of $0.5 million related to bad debt expense and write offs of accounts receivable in the North American region. Futurestep general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of fee revenue, increased to 21% from 19% in the prior year.

Corporate general and administrative expenses increased $1.6 million, or 16%, to $11.6 million primarily due to increased professional fees.

Out-of-Pocket Engagement Expenses.    Out-of-pocket engagement expenses consist of expenses incurred by candidates and our consultants that are generally billed to clients. During fiscal year 2006, out-of-pocket engagement expenses of $31.9 million increased $6.2 million, or 24%, over the prior year. As a percentage of fee revenue, out-of-pocket engagement expenses remained stable at 6% in both years.

Depreciation and Amortization Expenses.    Depreciation and amortization expense of $9.0 million in fiscal 2006 increased $0.6 million, or 7%, from prior year. The primary source of the overall increase since the prior year is the $0.5 million increase in the EMEA Search region, due to replacements of software and hardware in the region in fiscal 2006 as well as office relocations in the Middle East and Germany, which caused larger depreciation expense related to leasehold improvements and furniture and fixtures. North America Search, Futurestep and South America Search depreciation expense increases mainly related to computer software and hardware additions were offset by decreases in Corporate and Asia Search, which experienced decreased expense due to fully depreciated computer equipment by prior year-end.

Operating Income.

Operating income increased $10.4 million, or 16%, to $76.2 million in fiscal 2006 compared to $65.8 million in the prior year, resulting from increased revenue of $75.4 million offset by a $65.0 million increase to operating expenses, primarily compensation and benefits and general and administrative expenses.

Executive recruitment operating income increased $16.6 million, or 20%, to $100.7 million in fiscal 2006 compared to $84.1 million in fiscal 2005. The improvement in executive recruitment operating income is attributable to increased revenues offset by additional compensation expense relating to increased headcount and variable payouts as discussed previously, as well as increased professional fees, premise and other general administrative expense. Executive recruitment operating income, as a percentage of fee revenue, as a result, increased to 22% from 21%, resulting from revenue growth.

Futurestep operating income decreased by $3.1 million to $3.4 million in fiscal 2006 as compared to operating income of $6.5 million in fiscal 2005. The decrease in Futurestep operating income is due to increased compensation and benefits costs arising from increased headcount, significant investment in internal technology to better serve the Futurestep clients and business, as well as one-time write offs of receivables in fiscal year 2006. Futurestep operating income, as a percentage of fee revenue, declined to 5% from 12% last year.

 

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Interest Income and Other Income, Net.    Interest income and other income, net includes interest income of $11.1 million and $3.4 million in fiscal 2006 and 2005, respectively. During fiscal year 2006, the Company continued to transfer cash to higher interest rate investments due to the Company’s improved cash position, resulting in an increase to interest income of $2.5 million. Additionally, the Company recovered $4.5 on an investment that had been previously impaired in 2002. In addition, during fiscal 2006, the Company recognized $1.0 million in realized gains as a result of the sale of equity securities and $0.2 million of the increase is associated with interest and dividends, both arising from our ECAP investments.

Interest Expense.    Interest expense, primarily related to convertible securities and borrowings under Company Owned Life Insurance Policies (“COLI”) policies, was $10.2 million in fiscal 2006, a decrease of $0.3 million from $10.5 million in the prior year due to declining rates.

Provision for Income Taxes.    The provision for income taxes was $19.6 million in fiscal 2006 compared to $20.3 million in fiscal 2005. The provision for income taxes in fiscal 2006 reflects a 25.4% effective tax rate. In the third quarter of the year ended April 30, 2006, the Company recovered $4.5 million on a previously impaired investment, which management considers a non-recurring event. When the investment was originally impaired in fiscal year 2002, a deferred tax asset was booked with a 100% valuation allowance due to the uncertainty regarding the Company’s ability to realize a capital loss deduction after the sale of the investment. As a result, there was no tax expense booked on the loss recovery during fiscal year 2006 as there is no taxable income associated with the recovery. In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2006, the Company recorded a tax benefit of $8.6 million resulting from the conclusion, on February 16, 2006, of an audit of the Company’s U.S. Federal Income Tax returns for the years ended April 30, 1997 through April 30, 2003. The Company also recorded $2.1 million in tax expense for the expected tax consequences of repatriating certain funds that had previously been considered as permanently reinvested abroad. Excluding these events, the effective tax rate for the year would have been 36.0%.

Equity in Earnings of Unconsolidated Subsidiaries.    Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries is comprised of our less than 50% interest in our Mexican subsidiaries. We report our interest in earnings or loss of our Mexican subsidiaries on the equity basis as a one line adjustment to net income. Equity in earnings was $2.0 million compared to $0.2 million last year, resulting from increased profitability in both subsidiaries. Dividends received from the Company’s unconsolidated subsidiaries equaled $2.7 million in fiscal 2006, and is reflected as a reduction in the carrying value of our investment. Fiscal 2005 equity in earnings included an adjustment of $0.9 million related to stock options issued to our Mexican subsidiaries’ employees.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We believe that cash on hand, borrowings available under our credit facility and funds from operations will be sufficient to meet our anticipated working capital, debt service requirements, capital expenditures and general corporate requirements. However, adverse changes in our revenue could require us to cut costs or obtain financing to meet our cash needs. There are no trends or demands or commitments that would materially affect liquidity or those that relate to the Company’s resources.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

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

Contractual Obligations

Contractual obligations represent future cash commitments and liabilities under agreements with third parties, and exclude contingent liabilities for which we cannot reasonably predict future payment. The following table represents our contractual obligations as of April 30, 2007 (in thousands):

 

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     Payments due In:
     Total   

Less than

1 year

  

1-3 years

  

3-5 years

  

More
than
5 years

Operating lease commitments(1)

   $ 114,273    $ 29,356    $ 48,124    $ 20,696    $ 16,097

Accrued restructuring charges(2)

     3,800      999      1,903      898      —  
                                  

Total

   $ 118,073    $ 30,355    $ 50,027    $ 21,594    $ 16,097
                                  

(1)

See Note 15, Commitments and Contingencies, in the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information.

(2)

See Note 5, Restructuring Liabilities, in the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information. Note that the above amounts represent rent payments, net of sublease income, on an undiscounted basis.

In addition to the contractual obligations above, we have liabilities related to certain employee benefit plans. These liabilities are recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The obligations related to these employee benefit plans are described in Note 7, Deferred Compensation and Retirement Plans, Pension Plan, Company Owned Life Insurance Policies and Executive Capital Accumulation Plan.

We also make interest payments on our COLI loans. These loans are described in Note 11 to the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements, Long-Term Debt. As the timing of these loan repayments are uncertain, we have not included these obligations in the table above.

Lastly, we have contingent commitments under certain employment agreements that are payable upon termination of employment.

Liquidity.

The following table presents selected financial information (in thousands):

 

     As of April 30,
     2007    2006    2005

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 289,106    $ 257,543    $ 199,133

Marketable securities

     35,161      20,654      7,815

Working capital

     235,271      218,209      146,071

Long-term debt

     —        45,147      44,949

Convertible mandatorily redeemable preferred stock

     —        10,989      10,795

The net increase in our working capital of $17.1 million in fiscal 2007 compared to fiscal 2006 is primarily attributable to increases in accounts receivable balances related to overall growth in the number of engagements billed plus higher average fees per engagement in all regions and consistent accounts receivable collection. The net cash position reflects proceeds from exercises of stock options offset by continued investment in the business through our stock buy back program, current year acquisitions and increases in accrued liabilities related primarily to increases in profitability based compensation during the current year.

Cash provided by operating activities was $102.3 million in the current year, an increase of $21.9 million, from $80.5 million in fiscal 2006. The increase in cash provided by operating activities is primarily due to an increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $28.9 million related to profitability based compensation accruals and $6.9 million of deferred compensation plan accruals associated to contributions by the Company in various deferred compensations plans on behalf of employees compared to the prior year. The profitability based compensation increases are a direct result of the substantial increase in revenues across business segments compared to prior year. Offsetting these increases is an increase of receivables balances of $6.5 million resulting

 

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from overall growth in the number of engagements billed plus higher average fees per engagement billed throughout the regions and an increase in deferred income tax benefits of $9.6 primarily associated with increases in deferred compensation plan accruals, ECAP contributions and restricted stock grants.

Cash used in investing activities was $48.5 million for fiscal 2007, compared to $21.7 million used in the prior year. For the year ended April 30, 2007, the increase in cash used was primarily attributable to the acquisition of the Lominger Entities of $20.3 million. Capital expenditures during the year were $14.1 million, an increase of $2.8 million over prior year, primarily related to continuing expansion of our Futurestep business and increased systems hardware and software costs. These expenditures primarily related to leasehold improvements from office expansion and internally-developed software projects including Executive Center and Searcher as well as the implementation of financial reporting software.

Cash used by financing activities was $26.0 million in fiscal 2007, a $27.2 million increase from 2006. In the current fiscal year, we repurchased $57.6 million of common stock, $56.0 million of which related to the previously announced stock buyback programs approved by the Board of Directors in December 2005, June 2006, and March 2007 as we continue to reinvest in the business. These repurchases were offset by proceeds received from the exercise of stock options of $20.4 million and the associate tax benefits of $7.0 million from stock option exercises in the current fiscal year due in part to an increase in vested shares and exercise activity attributable to an increase in the Company’s share price.

Long-Term Debt.

Total outstanding borrowings under our COLI policies were $60.0 million, $58.4 million and $56.6 million as of April 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Generally, we borrow under our COLI policies to pay related premiums. Such borrowings do not require annual principal repayments, bear interest primarily at variable rates and are secured by the cash surrender value of the life insurance policies of $136.5 million, $129.0 million and $121.7 million as of April 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. At April 30, 2007, the net cash value of these policies was $76.5 million of which $63.7 million was held in a trust.

As of April 30, 2007, we had no outstanding amounts related to our 7.5% Convertible Subordinated Notes and 7.5% Convertible Series A Preferred Stock. On March 7, 2007, the Company issued notice for the redemption of its 7.5% Convertible Subordinated Notes in an aggregate principal amount of $40 million and its 7.5% Convertible Series A Preferred Stock in an aggregate principal price of $10 million. As of March 7, 2007, $45.6 million of the 7.5% Convertible Subordinated Notes and $11.4 million of the 7.5% Convertible Series A Preferred Stock was outstanding. The notes and preferred stock were convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock at $10.19 per share. In response to the redemption notice, the holder of the notes and preferred stock exercised its option to convert the debt and preferred stock pursuant to the terms of the original agreements. The conversion resulted in 5,586,187 shares of the Company’s common stock being delivered to the holders of the convertible securities in April 2007.

We have a Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility which we amended in February 2005 to a $50 million borrowing capacity with no borrowing base restrictions. The credit facility is secured by substantially all of our assets including certain accounts receivable balances and guarantees by and pledges of a portion of the capital stock of our significant subsidiaries. We are required to meet certain financial condition covenants on a quarterly basis. As of April 30, 2007, we had no outstanding borrowings on our credit facility.

 

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Quarterly Results

The following table sets forth certain unaudited statement of operations data for the quarters in fiscal 2007 and 2006. The unaudited quarterly information has been prepared on the same basis as the annual financial statements and, in management’s opinion, includes all adjustments necessary to present fairly the information for the quarters presented (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts).

 

    Quarters Ended
    Fiscal 2007   Fiscal 2006
    April 30   Jan. 31   Oct. 31   July 31   April 30   Jan. 31   Oct. 31   July 31

Fee revenue

  $ 179,702   $ 165,239   $ 155,718   $ 152,763   $ 145,266   $ 129,626   $ 125,789   $ 122,201

Operating income

    19,351     21,408     21,148     20,348     20,637     18,714     18,086     18,745

Net income

    13,539     14,730     13,566     13,663     20,300     16,613     10,904     11,613

Net income per share

               

Basic

    0.33     0.37     0.35     0.35     0.51     0.41     0.27     0.30

Diluted

    0.30     0.33     0.31     0.31     0.45     0.37     0.25     0.27

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

On December 16, 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Statement No. 123 (revised 2004) (“Statement 123(R)”), Share-Based Payment, which is a revision of FASB Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (“Statement 123”). Statement 123(R) supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and amends FASB Statement No. 95, Statement of Cash Flows. Generally, the approach in Statement 123(R) is similar to the approach described in Statement 123. However, Statement 123(R) requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the income statement based on their fair values. Pro forma disclosure is no longer an alternative. Statement 123(R) is required to be adopted in fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. We adopted Statement 123(R) on May 1, 2006 using the modified-prospective method.

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

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”). The statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The statement emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement and establishes a fair value hierarchy. This statement also clarifies how the assumptions of risk and the effect of restrictions on sales or use of an asset effect the valuation. SFAS 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. Management is evaluating the impact this statement may have on the Company’s financial statements.

In September 2006, FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans—an amendment of FASB Statements

 

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No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)” (“SFAS No. 158”). SFAS No. 158 retains the previous measurement and disclosure requirements of prior accounting guidance, but now requires the recognition of the funded status of pension and other postretirement benefit plans on the balance sheet (“recognition provisions”). Furthermore, for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008, FAS 158 requires fiscal-year-end measurements of plan assets and benefit obligations, eliminating the use of earlier measurement dates currently permissible. The recognition provisions of SFAS No. 158 were effective for the Company on April 30, 2007. Previously unrecognized actuarial gains or losses, prior service cost, and any remaining unamortized transition obligation will be recognized on the balance sheet with an offset to accumulated other comprehensive income, net of any resulting deferred tax balances. We adopted SFAS No. 158 on April 30, 2007. Adoption did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In February, 2007, FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“SFAS No. 159”) including an amendment of SFAS No. 115. This statement provides companies with an option to report selected financial assets and liabilities at fair value. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 with early adoption permitted. The Company is assessing SFAS No. 159 and has not yet determined the impact that the adoption of SFAS No. 159 will have on our results of operations or financial position, if any.

Item 7A.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

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

Foreign Currency Risk.

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

Transactions denominated in a currency other than the reporting entity’s functional currency may give rise to transaction gains and losses that impact our results of operations. Historically, we have not realized significant foreign currency gains or losses on such transactions. In the year ended April 30, 2007, we recognized foreign currency gains, after income taxes, of $0.7 million primarily related to our EMEA operations.

Our primary exposure to exchange losses is based on outstanding intercompany loan balances denominated in U.S. dollars. If the U.S. dollar strengthened 15%, 25% and 35% against the Pound Sterling, the Euro, the Canadian dollar, the Australian dollar and the Yen, the Company’s exchange loss would have been $2.6 million, $4.3 million and $6.1 million, respectively, based on outstanding balances at April 30, 2007. If the U.S. dollar weakened by the same increments against Pounds Sterling, the Euro, the Canadian dollar, the Australian dollar and the Yen, the Company’s exchange gain would have been $2.6 million, $4.3 million and $6.1 million, respectively, based on outstanding balances at April 30, 2007.

Interest Rate Risk.

We primarily manage our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates through our regular financing activities, which generally are short term and provide for variable market rates. As of April 30, 2007, we had no outstanding balance on our credit facility. We have $60.0 million of borrowings against the cash surrender value

 

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of COLI contracts as of April 30, 2007 bearing interest primarily at variable rates. The risk of fluctuations in these variable rates is minimized by the fact that we receive a corresponding adjustment to our borrowed funds crediting rate on the cash surrender value on our COLI contracts.

Item 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

See Consolidated Financial Statements beginning on page F-1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Supplemental Financial Information regarding quarterly results is contained in Item 7 under the heading “Quarterly Results.”

Item 9.    Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

No changes or disagreements were noted in the current fiscal year.

Item 9A.    Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

  (a)

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

Based on their evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures conducted as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act) are effective.

(b) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting.

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the fourth fiscal quarter or that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses. See Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting and Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting on pages F-2 and F-3, respectively.

Annual Certifications

The Company submitted an Annual CEO Certification to the New York Stock Exchange with respect to fiscal 2005 pursuant to Section 303A.12(a) of the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual.

The Company filed the CEO and CFO Certifications required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act as exhibits to its Annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2007.

Item 9B.    Other Information

Not applicable.

 

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PART III.

Item 10.    Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

The information required by this Item will be included under the captions “The Board of Directors,” “Nominees for Director—Class 2005,” “Nominees for Director—Class 2006,” “Nominees for Directors—Class 2007” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” and elsewhere in our 2007 Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by reference. See also “Executive Officers of the Registrant” in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

We have adopted a “Code of Business Conduct and Ethics,” which is applicable to our directors, chief executive officer and senior financial officers, including our principal accounting officer. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is available on our website at www.kornferry.com. We intend to post amendments to or waivers to this Code of Business Conduct and Ethics on our website when adopted. Upon written request, we will provide a copy of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics free of charge. Requests should be directed to Korn/Ferry International, 1900 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 2600, Los Angeles, California 90067, Attention: Peter Dunn.

Item 11.    Executive Compensation

The information required by this Item will be included in our 2007 Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by this reference.

Item 12.    Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

The information required by this Item will be included under the caption “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” and elsewhere in our 2007 Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 13.    Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

The information required by this Item will be included under the caption “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” and elsewhere in our 2007 Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 14.    Principal Accounting Fees and Services

The information required by this Item will be included under the captions “Audit Fees,” “Audit-Related Fees,” “Tax Fees” and “All Other Fees” and elsewhere in our 2007 Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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PART IV.

Item 15.    Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

Financial Statements.

 

          Page

1.

  

Index to Financial Statements:

  
  

See Consolidated Financial Statements included as part of this Form 10-K.

   F-1
  

Pursuant to Rule 7-05 of Regulation S-X, the schedules have been omitted as the information to be set forth therein is included in the notes of the audited consolidated financial statements.

  

Exhibits:

 

Exhibit
Number
  

Description of Exhibit

3.1   

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

3.2   

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

3.3   

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

4.1   

Form of Common Stock Certificate of the Company, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-49286), filed November 3, 2000, and incorporated herein by reference.

4.2   

Form of 7.5% Convertible Subordinated Note Due 2010, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed June 18, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference.

4.3   

Form of Stock Purchase Warrant, filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed June 18, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference.

4.4   

Subordination Agreement, dated as of June 13, 2002, made by Korn/Ferry International, a Delaware corporation, Friedman Fleischer & Lowe Capital Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and FFL Executive Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership in favor of Bank of America, N.A., filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed June 18, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference.

10.1*   

Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Company and some of its executive officers and Directors, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-61697), effective February 10, 1999, and incorporated herein by reference.

10.2*   

Form of U.S. and International Worldwide Executive Benefit Retirement Plan, filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Registration Statement of Form S-1 (No. 333-61697), effective February 10, 1999, and incorporated herein by reference.

10.3*    Form of U.S. and International Worldwide Executive Benefit Life Insurance Plan, filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-61697), effective February 10, 1999, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.4*    Worldwide Executive Benefit Disability Plan (in the form of Long-Term Disability Insurance Policy), filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-61697), effective February 10, 1999, and incorporated herein by reference.

 

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Exhibit
Number
  

Description of Exhibit

10.5*    Form of U.S. and International Enhanced Executive Benefit and Wealth Accumulation Plan, filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-61697), effective February 10, 1999, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.6*    Form of U.S. and International Senior Executive Incentive Plan, filed as Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-61697), effective February 10, 1999, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.7*    Executive Salary Continuation Plan, filed as Exhibit 10.8 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-61697), effective February 10, 1999, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.8*    Form of Amended and Restated Stock Repurchase Agreement, filed as Exhibit 10.10 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-61697), effective February 10, 1999, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.9*    Form of Standard Employment Agreement, filed as Exhibit 10.11 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-61697), effective February 10, 1999, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.10*    Form of U.S. and Foreign Executive Participation Program, filed as Exhibit 10.27 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-61697), effective February 10, 1999, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.11*    Employment Agreement between the Company and Paul C. Reilly, dated May 24, 2001, filed as Exhibit 10.14 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed July 30, 2001, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.12*    Amendment to Employment Agreement between the Company and Paul C. Reilly, dated December 1, 2001, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed December 17, 2001, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.13*   

Second Amendment to Employment Agreement between the Company and Paul C. Reilly,

dated July 1, 2003 filed as an Exhibit 10.13 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed July 22, 2003, and incorporated herein by reference.

10.14*    Letter from the Company to Paul C. Reilly, dated June 6, 2001, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed December 17, 2001, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.15*    Employment Agreement between the Company and Windle B. Priem, dated June 30, 2001, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed September 14, 2001, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.16*    Employment Agreement between the Company and Gary C. Hourihan effective March 6, 2000, filed as Exhibit 10.22 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed July 31, 2000, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.17*    Korn/Ferry International Special Severance Pay Policy, dated January 1, 2000, filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed March 19, 2001, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.18*    Korn/Ferry International Second Amended and Restated Performance Award Plan, filed as Appendix A to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement, filed August 12, 2004, and incorporated herein by reference.

 

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Exhibit
Number
  

Description of Exhibit

10.19    Investor Rights Agreement, dated as of June 13, 2002, by and among Korn/Ferry International, a Delaware corporation, Friedman Fleischer & Lowe Capital Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and FFL Executive Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed June 18, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.21*    Letter from Korn/Ferry International Futurestep, Inc. to Robert H. McNabb, dated December 3, 2001, filed as an Exhibit 10.29 to the Company’s Amended Annual Report on Form 10-K/A, filed August 12, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.22*    Letter from the Company to Robert H. McNabb, dated November 29, 2001, filed as an Exhibit 10.30 to the Company’s Amended Annual Report on Form 10-K/A, filed August 12, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.23*    Employment Agreement between the Company and Robert H. McNabb, dated October 1, 2003, filed as an Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed December 12, 2003, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.24*    Employee Stock Purchase Plan filed as an Exhibit 10.29 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed July 22, 2003, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.25*    Employment Agreement between the Company and Gary D. Burnison, dated October 1, 2003, filed as an Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed March 12, 2004, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.26    Letter Agreement, dated December 31, 2003, among the Company, Friedman Fleischer & Lowe Capital Partners, L.P. and FFL Executive Partners, L.P., filed as an Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed March 12, 2004, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.27*    Third Amendment to the Employment Agreement between the Company and Paul C. Reilly, dated March 10, 2004 , filed as an Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed March 12, 2004, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.28*    Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Company and some of its executive officers and directors, filed as an Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed March 12, 2004, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.29    Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of February 22, 2005 among the Company, the lenders party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, filed as Exhibit 4.01 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed February 23, 2005, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.30*    Fourth Amendment to the Employment Agreement between the Company and Paul C. Reilly, dated March 7, 2005, filed as an Exhibit 10.32 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed July 14, 2005, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.31    Summary of Non-Employee Director Compensation, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed January 12, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.32*    Fifth Amendment to the Employment Agreement between the Company and Paul C. Reilly, dated April 26, 2006, filed as Exhibit 10.32 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed July 14, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.33*    Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement to Employees Under the Performance Award Plan filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed June 29, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.

 

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Exhibit
Number
  

Description of Exhibit

10.34*    Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement to Non-Employee Directors Under the Performance Award Plan filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed June 29, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.35*    Stock and Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of August 8, 2006 by and among Lominger Limited, Inc., Lominger Consulting, Inc., Michael M. Lombardo, Robert W. Eichinger, and the Company filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed September 8, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.36*    Letter Agreement between the Company and Robert H. McNabb dated as of September 29, 2006, filed as an Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed December 11, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.37*    Letter Agreement dated December 14, 2006 by and among the Company and Gary C. Hourihan, Executive Vice President of the Company and President of Leadership Development Solutions, modifying the terms of Mr. Hourihan’s Employment Agreement, dated March 6, 2000., filed as an Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed March 12, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference.
10.38*    Letter from the Company to Gary Burnison, dated March 30, 2007.
10.39*    Non Renewal of Employment Agreement between the Company and Paul C. Reilly, dated April 24, 2007.
10.40*    Employment Agreement between the Company and Paul C. Reilly, dated April 24, 2007.
10.41*    Employment Agreement between the Company and Gary Burnison, dated April 24, 2007.
21.1    Subsidiaries of Korn/Ferry International.
23.1    Consent of Ernst & Young, LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
24.1    Power of Attorney (contained on signature page).
31.1    Chief Executive Officer Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Exchange Act.
31.2    Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Exchange Act.
32.1    Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

*

Management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL

By:

 

/s/    GARY D. BURNISON        

 

Gary D. Burnison

Chief Operating Officer,

Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President
and Director

Date: June 29, 2007

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned officers and directors of the registrant hereby constitutes and appoints Peter L. Dunn and Gary D. Burnison, and each of them, as lawful attorney-in-fact and agent for each of the undersigned (with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for and in the name, place and stead of each of the undersigned officers and directors), to sign and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, any and all amendments, supplements and exhibits to this report and any and all other documents in connection therewith, hereby granting unto said attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing necessary or desirable to be done in order to effectuate the same as fully and to all intents and purposes as each of the undersigned might or could do if personally present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or any of their substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

   Date

/s/    PAUL C. REILLY        

Paul C. Reilly

  

Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

   June 29, 2007

/s/    GARY D. BURNISON        

Gary D. Burnison

  

Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President (Principal Financial Officer) and Director

   June 29, 2007

/s/    JAMES E. BARLETT        

James E. Barlett

   Director    June 29, 2007

/s/    FRANK V. CAHOUET        

Frank V. Cahouet

   Director    June 29, 2007

/s/    SAKIE FUKUSHIMA        

Sakie Fukushima

   Director    June 29, 2007

/s/    PATTI S. HART

Patti S. Hart

   Director    June 29, 2007

 

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Signature

  

Title

   Date

/s/    DAVID L. LOWE        

David L. Lowe

   Director    June 29, 2007

/s/    EDWARD D. MILLER        

Edward D. Miller

   Director    June 29, 2007

/s/    IHNO SCHNEEVOIGT        

Ihno Schneevoigt

   Director    June 29, 2007

/s/    GERHARD SCHULMEYER        

Gerhard Schulmeyer

   Director    June 29, 2007

/s/    KEN WHIPPLE        

Ken Whipple

   Director    June 29, 2007

/s/    HARRY L. YOU        

Harry L. You

   Director    June 29, 2007

 

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Table of Contents

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

   F-2

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

  

F-3

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   F-4

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of April 30, 2007 and 2006

   F-5

Consolidated Statements of Income for the three years ended April 30, 2007.

   F-6

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the three years ended April 30, 2007

   F-7

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three years ended April 30, 2007

   F-8

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   F-9

 

F-1


Table of Contents

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

Management of Korn/Ferry International, Inc. (the “Company”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting and for the assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. As defined by the SEC, internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or supervised by, the Company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is supported by written policies and procedures, that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the Company’s assets; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of the Company’s management and directors; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that control may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In connection with the preparation of the Company’s annual financial statements, management of the Company has undertaken an assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of April 30, 2007 based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“the COSO Framework”). Management’s assessment included an evaluation of the design of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and testing of the operational effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Based on this assessment, management did not identify any material weakness in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, and management has concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of April 30, 2007.

Ernst & Young, LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the Company’s financial statements included in this annual report, has issued an attestation report on management’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting, a copy of which is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

June 26, 2007

 

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Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

Stockholders and Board of Directors

Korn/Ferry International

We have audited management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, that Korn/Ferry International and subsidiaries (the “Company”) maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of April 30, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed 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. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion based on our audit, management’s assessment that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of April 30, 2007, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the COSO criteria. Also, in our opinion based on our audit, Korn/Ferry International and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of April 30, 2007, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Korn/Ferry International and subsidiaries as of April 30, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended April 30, 2007 and our report dated June 26, 2007 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/    ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Los Angeles, California

June 26, 2007

 

F-3


Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED

PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Stockholders and Board of Directors

Korn/Ferry International

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Korn/Ferry International and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of April 30, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended April 30, 2007. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Korn/Ferry International and subsidiaries at April 30, 2007 and 2006, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended April 30, 2007, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for Share-Based Payments in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004) on May 1, 2006.

Additionally, as discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Post Retirement Plans in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 158 on April 30, 2007.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of April 30, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated June 26, 2007, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Los Angeles, California

June 26, 2007

 

F-4


Table of Contents

KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     April 30,  
     2007     2006  

ASSETS

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 289,106     $ 257,543  

Marketable securities

     35,161       20,654  

Receivables due from clients, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $9,822 and $8,818, respectively

     107,751       87,287  

Income tax and other receivables

     6,357       5,328  

Deferred income taxes

     9,524       9,669  

Prepaid expenses

     16,861       14,019  
                

Total current assets

     464,760       394,500  
                

Property and equipment, net

     25,999       20,533  

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

     76,478       70,592  

Deferred income taxes

     42,013       32,267  

Goodwill

     124,268       109,484  

Intangible assets, net

     18,040       —    

Investments and other

     9,933       8,115  
                

Total assets

   $ 761,491     $ 635,491  
                

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

Accounts payable

   $ 10,383     $ 9,731  

Income taxes payable

     22,432       17,138  

Compensation and benefits payable

     158,145       121,885  

Other accrued liabilities

     38,529       27,537  
                

Total current liabilities

     229,489       176,291  
                

Deferred compensation and other retirement plans

     91,360       71,790  

Long-term debt

     —         45,147  

Other liabilities

     7,687       7,523  

7.5 % Convertible mandatorily redeemable preferred stock, net of unamortized discount and issuance costs, redemption value of $11,387 in 2006

     —         10,989  
                

Total liabilities

     328,536       311,740  

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Common stock, $0.01 par value, 150,000 shares authorized, 52,323 and 43,628 shares issued and 47,174 and 41,201 shares outstanding, respectively

     400,126       344,285  

Retained earnings (deficit)

     32,344       (23,154 )

Unearned restricted stock compensation

     (19,567 )     (7,731 )

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     20,605       10,910  
                

Stockholders’ equity

     433,508       324,310  

Less: Notes receivable from stockholders

     (553 )     (559 )
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     432,955       323,751  
                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 761,491     $ 635,491  
                

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

 

F-5


Table of Contents

KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     Fiscal Year Ended April 30,
     2007    2006    2005

Fee revenue

   $ 653,422    $ 522,882    $ 452,194

Reimbursed out-of-pocket engagement expenses

     35,779      28,887      24,183
                    

Total revenue

     689,201      551,769      476,377

Compensation and benefits

     447,692      341,196      292,913

General and administrative expenses

     105,312      93,462      83,544

Out-of-pocket engagement expenses

     44,662      31,927      25,702

Depreciation and amortization

     9,280      9,002      8,437
                    

Total operating expenses

     606,946      475,587      410,596
                    

Operating income

     82,255      76,182      65,781

Interest and other income, net

     10,416      11,086      3,360

Interest expense

     10,172      10,244      10,463
                    

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

     82,499      77,024      58,678

Provision for income taxes

     30,164      19,594      20,251

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries

     3,163      2,000      193
                    

Net income

   $ 55,498    $ 59,430    $ 38,620
                    

Basic earnings per common share

   $ 1.40    $ 1.49    $ 1.00
                    

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

     39,774      39,890      38,516
                    

Diluted earnings per common share

   $ 1.24    $ 1.32    $ 0.90
                    

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding

     46,938      47,270      46,229
                    

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

 

F-6


Table of Contents

KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(in thousands)

 

    Number
of
Shares
    Common
Stock
   

Retained

Earnings

(Deficit)

    Unearned
Restricted
Stock
Compensation
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Stockholders’
Equity
    Comprehensive
Income
 

Balance as of May 1, 2004

  38,170     $ 307,003     $ (121,204 )   $ (2,341 )   $ (1,596 )   $ 181,862       —    

Purchase of stock

  (187 )     (3,486 )     —         —         —         (3,486 )     —    

Issuance of stock

  1,695       18,266       —         —         —         18,266       —    

Issuance of restricted stock

  210       4,049       —         (4,049 )     —         —         —    

Amortization of unearned restricted stock compensation

  —         —         —         2,035       —         2,035       —    

Variable stock-based compensation

  —         1,076       —         —         —         1,076       —    

Tax benefit from exercise of stock options

  —         3,837       —         —         —         3,837       —    

Comprehensive income:

             

Net income

  —         —         38,620       —         —         38,620     $ 38,620  

Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income

  —         —         —         —         (639 )     (639 )     (639 )

Unrealized gain on marketable securities, net of taxes

  —         —         —         —         1,122       1,122       1,122  

Foreign currency translation adjustments

  —         —         —         —         10,792       10,792       10,792  
                   

Comprehensive income

  —         —         —         —         —         —       $ 49,895  
                                                     

Balance as of April 30, 2005

  39,888       330,745       (82,584 )     (4,355 )     9,679       253,485       —    

Purchase of stock

  (1,045 )     (20,687 )     —         —         —         (20,687 )     —    

Issuance of stock

  1,941       20,049       —         —         —         20,049       —    

Issuance of restricted stock

  417       7,471       —         (7,511 )     —         (40 )     —    

Amortization of unearned restricted stock compensation

  —         —         —         4,135       —         4,135       —    

Variable stock-based compensation

  —         837       —         —         —         837       —    

Tax benefit from exercise of stock options

  —         5,870       —         —         —         5,870       —    

Comprehensive income:

             

Net income

  —         —         59,430       —         —         59,430     $ 59,430  

Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income

  —         —         —         —         (573 )     (573 )     (573 )

Unrealized gain on marketable securities, net of taxes

  —         —         —         —         872       872       872  

Foreign currency translation adjustments

  —         —         —         —         932       932       932  
                   

Comprehensive income

  —         —         —         —         —         —       $ 60,661  
                                                     

Balance as of April 30, 2006

  41,201       344,285       (23,154 )     (7,731 )     10,910       324,310       —    

Purchase of stock

  (2,722 )     (57,622 )     —         —         —         (57,622 )     —    

Issuance of stock

  1,996       22,986       —         —         —         22,986       —    

Conversion of 7.5% Convertible Series A Preferred Stock

  1,117       11,257       —         —         —         11,257       —    

Conversion of 7.5% Convertible Subordinated Notes

  4,469       45,043       —         —         —         45,043       —    

Issuance of restricted stock

  1,187       23,296       —         (23,296 )     —         —         —    

Forfeiture of restricted stock

  (74 )     (1,374 )     —         1,374       —         —         —    

Amortization of unearned restricted stock compensation

  —         —         —         10,086       —         10,086       —    

Variable stock-based compensation

  —         (339 )     —         —         —         (339 )     —    

Stock-based compensation

  —         5,583       —         —         —         5,583       —    

Tax benefit from exercise of stock options

  —         7,011       —         —         —         7,011       —    

Comprehensive income:

             

Net income

  —         —         55,498       —         —         55,498     $ 55,498  

Adjustment to initially apply SFAS No. 158, net of income taxes

  —         —         —         —         (335 )     (335 )     (335 )

Unrealized gain on marketable securities, net of taxes

  —         —         —         —         844       844       844  

Foreign currency translation adjustments

  —         —         —         —         9,186       9,186       9,186  
                   

Comprehensive income

  —         —         —         —         —         —       $ 65,193  
                                                     

Balance as of April 30, 2007

  47,174     $ 400,126     $ 32,344     $ (19,567 )   $ 20,605     $ 433,508    
                                               

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

 

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Table of Contents

KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

 

     Fiscal Year Ended April 30,  
     2007     2006     2005  

Cash from operating activities:

      

Net income

   $ 55,498     $ 59,430     $ 38,620  

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

      

Depreciation and amortization

     9,280       9,002       8,437  

Stock compensation expense

     5,695       —         —    

Interest paid in kind and amortization of discount on convertible securities

     915       975       1,415  

Gain (loss) on disposition of property and equipment

     —         59       (7 )

Provision for doubtful accounts

     6,583       6,475       5,481  

Gains on cash surrender value of life insurance policies

     (5,647 )     (5,460 )     (5,682 )

Realized gains on marketable securities

     (2,138 )     (1,234 )     (1,303 )

Recovery on investment loss

     —         (4,685 )     —    

Deferred income tax benefit

     (12,571 )     (2,183 )     (3,081 )

Non cash compensation arrangements

     10,838       6,246       4,234  

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

      

Deferred compensation

     19,570       12,656       4,550  

Receivables

     (25,966 )     (19,459 )     (22,437 )

Prepaid expenses

     (2,332 )     (309 )     (3,582 )

Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries

     (3,668 )     (3,160 )     (1,676 )

Income taxes payable

     5,178       1,566       12,444  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     44,328       15,470       49,053  

Other

     (3,232 )     (803 )     (2,520 )
                        

Net cash provided by operating activities

     102,331       74,586       83,946  
                        

Cash from investing activities:

      

Purchase of property and equipment

     (14,108 )     (11,310 )     (7,525 )

Purchase of marketable securities

     (10,870 )     (10,198 )     (7,815 )

Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash required

     (24,129 )     (1,049 )     (419 )

Premiums on life insurance policies

     (1,844 )     (1,853 )     (1,894 )

Proceeds from life insurance policy benefits

     —         —         737  

Proceeds from sale of equity securities

     —         —         992  

Dividends received from unconsolidated subsidiaries

     2,429       2,669       1,476  
                        

Net cash used in investing activities

     (48,522 )     (21,741 )     (14,448 )
                        

Cash from financing activities:

      

Payments on life insurance policy loans

     —         —         (3,264 )

Borrowings under life insurance policies

     1,611       1,768       4,114  

Purchase of common stock

     (57,622 )     (20,687 )     (3,486 )

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

     22,975       20,049       18,227  

Tax benefit from exercise of stock options

     7,011       5,870       3,837  

Receipts on stockholders’ notes

     6       24       27  
                        

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     (26,019 )     7,024       19,455  
                        

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash & cash equivalents

     3,773       (1,459 )     2,078  
                        

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     31,563       58,410       91,031  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year

     257,543       199,133       108,102  
                        

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year

   $ 289,106     $ 257,543     $ 199,133  
                        

Supplemental disclosures of consolidated cash flow information:

      

Cash paid for interest

   $ 10,019     $ 4,401     $ 6,757  
                        

Cash paid for income taxes

   $ 27,951     $ 14,033     $ 6,731  
                        

Supplemental disclosures of non-cash investing and financing activities:

      

Conversion of debt to equity

   $ 56,300     $ —       $ —    
                        

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

 

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Table of Contents

KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

April 30, 2007

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

1.    Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Business

Korn/Ferry International (“KFY” or the “Company”), a Delaware corporation, and its subsidiaries are engaged in the business of providing executive search, outsourced recruiting and leadership development solutions on a retained basis.

Basis of Consolidation and Accounting for Investments

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Investments in affiliated companies which are 50% or less owned and where the Company exercises significant influence over operations are accounted for using the equity method. Investments in companies in which the Company does not have a controlling interest, or an ownership and voting interest so large as to exert significant influence, are accounted for at market value if the investment is publicly traded or at cost if the investment is not publicly traded. Dividends and other distributions of earnings from both market-value and cost-method investments are included in other income when declared. Dividends received from our two unconsolidated subsidiaries in Mexico were $2.4 million, $2.7 million and $1.5 million in the years ended April 30, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Unrealized gains and losses on investments accounted for at market value are reported net of tax as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income until the investment is sold or an unrealized loss is no longer considered temporary, at which time the realized or recognized gain or loss is included in operations.

Basis of Presentation

The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and prevailing practice within the industry.

Use of Estimates and Uncertainties

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. As a result, actual results could differ from these estimates. The most significant areas that require management judgment are revenue recognition (discussed below), deferred compensation (see Note 7) and evaluation of the carrying value of goodwill and intangible assets (see Note 14) and deferred income taxes (see Note 8).

Revenue Recognition

Substantially all professional fee revenue is derived from fees for professional services related to executive recruitment, middle-management recruitment and related services performed on a retained basis. Fee revenue from recruitment activities is generally one-third of the estimated first year compensation plus a percentage of the fee to cover indirect expenses. Fee revenue is recognized as earned. The Company generally bills clients in three monthly installments commencing the month of client acceptance. Fees earned in excess of the initial contract amount are billed upon completion of the engagement. Any services that are provided on a contingent basis are recognized once the contingency is fulfilled.

 

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KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

April 30, 2007

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

A provision is established for doubtful accounts through a charge to general and administrative expense based on historical experience. After all collection efforts have been exhausted, the Company reduces the allowance for doubtful accounts for balances identified as uncollectible. Total write-offs of accounts receivable were $5,653, $4,818 and $4,333 for fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

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

Available for Sale Securities

The Company considers its marketable securities as available-for-sale as defined in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities” (“SFAS No. 115”). These investments are recorded at fair value and are classified as marketable securities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of April 30, 2007 and 2006. The changes in fair values are recorded as unrealized gains (losses) as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. The fair values of available-for-sale investments by type as of April 30, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:

 

2007

  

Amortized

Cost

  

Gross

Unrealized

Gains

  

Gross

Unrealized

Losses

   

Estimated

Fair

Value

Type of security:

          

Fixed income mutual fund

   $ 4,358    $ 120    $ (254 )   $ 4,224

Equity securities

     27,824      4,190      (1,077 )     30,937
                            

Total

   $ 32,182    $ 4,310    $ (1,331 )   $ 35,161
                            

2006

  

Amortized

Cost

  

Gross

Unrealized

Gains

  

Gross

Unrealized

Losses

   

Estimated

Fair

Value

Type of security:

          

Fixed income mutual fund

   $ 3,067    $ —      $ (114 )   $ 2,953

Equity securities

     16,045      1,718      (62 )     17,701
                            

Total

   $ 19,112    $ 1,718    $ (176 )   $ 20,654
                            

The primary objectives for these investments are liquidity and safety of the principal. Investments are made based on the Company’s investment policy which restricts the types of investments that can be made.

Realized capital gains and losses on investments are determined on a specific-identification basis.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill arising from acquisitions (see Notes 13 and 14) is recorded as the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of assets acquired. Purchased intangible assets are recorded at the estimated fair value of customer lists, intellectual property and trademarks acquired. Customer lists are amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of 18 years.

 

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KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

April 30, 2007

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

In accordance with SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” the Company’s annual goodwill impairment test was performed as of January 31, 2007. The goodwill impairment test compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill of the reporting unit would be considered impaired. To measure the amount of the impairment loss, the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill is compared to the carrying amount of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill shall be determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss shall be recognized in an amount equal to that excess. For each of these tests, the fair value of each of the Company’s reporting units was determined using a combination of valuation techniques, including a discounted cash flow methodology. These impairment tests indicated that the fair value of each reporting unit exceeded its carrying amount. As a result, no impairment charge was recognized. There was also no indication of impairment in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007.

As of April 30 2007, there were no indicators of impairment with respect to the Company’s intangible assets.

Stock Based Compensation

The Company has employee compensation plans under which various types of stock-based instruments are granted. These instruments, as more fully described below, principally include stock options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted stock, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”).

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

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

 

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KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

April 30, 2007

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

As a result of recognizing compensation expense for stock options and the ESPP pursuant to the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R), the Company’s income before income taxes and net income in fiscal 2007, were $5,894 and $3,743 lower, respectively, than if the Company had continued to account for the stock-based compensation under APB No. 25. Basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) for fiscal 2007 were $0.09 and $0.08 lower, respectively, than if the Company had continued to account for the stock-based compensation under APB No.25.

The following table reflects the components of stock-based compensation expense recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements of income for fiscal 2007, 2006, and 2005:

 

     Fiscal Year Ended April 30,  
     2007     2006     2005  

Stock options and SARs

   $ 4,974     $ 1,525     $ 1,242  

Restricted stock

     10,086       4,135       2,034  

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

     496       —         —    
                        

Total stock-based compensation expense, pre-tax

     15,556       5,660       3,276  

Tax benefit from stock-based compensation expense

     (5,875 )     (2,017 )     (973 )
                        

Total stock-based compensation expense, net of tax

   $ 9,681     $ 3,643     $ 2,303  
                        

The above table does not reflect any stock option or ESPP compensation for fiscal 2006 or 2005 as the Company generally did not record stock option or ESPP expense under APB No. 25, as previously discussed.

The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share as if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123(R):

 

     Fiscal Year Ended
April 30,
 
     2006     2005  

Net income, as reported

   $ 59,430     $ 38,620  

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

    

Employee stock compensation expense included in net income, as reported, net

     3,643       2,303  

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

     (9,483 )     (8,770 )
                

Net income, as adjusted

   $ 53,590     $ 32,153  
                

Interest expense on convertible securities, net of related tax effects

     3,113       3,103  
                

Net income for diluted EPS, as adjusted

   $ 56,703     $ 35,256  
                

Basic EPS

    

As reported

   $ 1.49     $ 1.00  

Pro forma

   $ 1.38     $ 0.83  

Dilutive EPS

    

As reported

   $ 1.32     $ 0.90  

Pro forma

   $ 1.20     $ 0.76  

The Company uses the Black-Scholes option valuation model to estimate the grant date fair value of employee stock options. The expected volatility reflects the consideration of the historical volatility in the

 

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KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

April 30, 2007

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

Company’s publicly traded instruments during the period the option is granted. The Company believes historical volatility in these instruments is more indicative of expected future volatility than the implied volatility in the price of the Company’s common stock. The expected life of the options is estimated using historical data. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issue with a remaining term approximating the expected term of the options. Upon adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), the Company began using historical data to estimate forfeiture rates applied to the gross amount of expense determined using the option valuation model. Prior to adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), the Company recognized forfeitures as they occurred. There was no material impact upon adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) between these methods of accounting for forfeitures. The following assumptions were used by the Company for options granted in the respective periods:

 

    

Fiscal Year

Ended April 30,

 
     2007     2006     2005  

Expected stock volatility

   48.05 %   50.0 %   63.1 %

Risk-free interest rate

   4.95 %   3.83 %   3.69 %

Expected option life (in years)

   4.00     4.50     4.50  

Expected dividend yield

   0.0 %   0.0 %   0.0 %

The Black-Scholes option pricing model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options. The assumptions used in option valuation models are highly subjective, particularly the expected stock price volatility of the underlying stock. For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair values of the options are amortized over the options’ vesting periods.

Translation of Foreign Currencies

Generally, financial results of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are measured in their local currencies. Assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange in effect at the end of each year and revenue and expenses are translated at average rates of exchange during the year. Resulting translation adjustments are reported as a component of comprehensive income. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions of these subsidiaries and the translation of the financial results of subsidiaries operating in highly inflationary economies are included in general and administrative expenses. Foreign currency (gains) and losses, on an after tax basis, included in net income, were $148, $374 and ($439) in fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying amount of cash, cash equivalents and accounts receivable approximates fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments. The fair values of marketable securities are obtained from quoted market prices.

As of April 30, 2007, the Company had no outstanding amounts related to its 7.5% Convertible Subordinated Notes and 7.5% Convertible Series A Preferred Stock (see Note 10).

At April 30, 2006, the carrying value of the Company’s long-term debt and convertible mandatorily redeemable preferred stock was $45,147 and $10,989, respectively. The long-term debt had a fair value of approximately $93,869 and the convertible mandatorily redeemable preferred stock had a fair value of approximately $23,467 at April 30, 2006. The fair value of these instruments was estimated assuming the holder

 

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Table of Contents

KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

April 30, 2007

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

had converted the securities to common stock at a conversion price of $10.19 based on the Company’s stock price of $21.00 at April 30, 2006. If the conversion had occurred at April 30, 2006, the holder would have received a total of 4,468,950 and 1,117,237 shares for the debt and stock, respectively.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of receivables due from clients. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to receivables are limited due to the Company’s large number of clients and their dispersion across many different industries and countries worldwide. At April 30, 2007, the Company had no significant credit concentrations.

Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance

The change in the cash surrender value (“CSV”) of company owned life insurance (“COLI”) contracts, net of insurance premiums paid and gains realized, is reported in compensation and benefits expense (see Note 7).

Reclassifications

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

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

The Company adopted SFAS No. 123(R) on May 1, 2006 using the modified-prospective method (see the Stock Based Compensation section above).

In September 2006, FASB issued SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans—an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)” (“SFAS No. 158”). SFAS No. 158 retains the previous measurement and disclosure requirements of prior accounting guidance, but now requires the recognition of the funded status of pension and other postretirement benefit plans on the balance sheet (“recognition provisions”). Furthermore, for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008, SFAS No. 158 requires fiscal-year-end measurements of plan assets and benefit obligations, eliminating the use of earlier measurement dates currently permissible. The recognition provisions of SFAS No. 158 were effective for the Company on April 30, 2007. Previously unrecognized actuarial gains or losses, prior service cost, and any remaining unamortized transition obligation will be recognized on the balance sheet with an offset to accumulated other comprehensive income, net of any resulting deferred tax balances. The Company adopted SFAS No. 158 on April 30, 2007. The adoption did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements (see note 7).

In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes(“FIN 48”). Among other things, FIN 48 creates a model to address uncertainty in tax positions and clarifies the accounting for income taxes by prescribing a minimum recognition threshold which all income tax positions must achieve to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. In addition, FIN 48 requires expanded annual disclosures, including a tabular rollforward of the beginning and ending aggregate unrecognized tax benefits as well as specific detail related to tax uncertainties for which it is reasonably possible the amount of unrecognized tax benefit will significantly increase or decrease within 12 months. FIN 48 is effective for the Company on May 1, 2007. Any differences between the amounts recognized in the statement of financial position prior to the adoption of FIN 48 and the amounts reported after adoption are generally accounted for as a cumulative-effect adjustment recorded to the beginning balance of retained earnings. The Company is assessing the impact this statement will have on its results of operations and or financial position.

 

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KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

April 30, 2007

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”). The statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The statement emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement and establishes a fair value hierarchy. This statement also clarifies how the assumptions of risk and the effect of restrictions on sales or use of an asset effect the valuation. SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is assessing the impact this statement will have on its results of operations and or financial position.

In February, 2007, FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“SFAS No. 159”) including an amendment of SFAS No. 115. This statement provides companies with an option to report selected financial assets and liabilities at fair value. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 with early adoption permitted. The Company is assessing the impact this statement will have on its results of operations and or financial position.

2. Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share

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

 

     Fiscal Year Ended April 30,
     2007    2006    2005

Net income (Numerator):

        

Net income

   $ 55,498    $ 59,430    $ 38,620

Interest expense on convertible securities, net of related tax effects

     2,863      3,113      3,103
                    

Net income for diluted EPS

   $ 58,361    $ 62,543    $ 41,723
                    

Shares (Denominator):

        

Weighted average shares for basic EPS

     39,774      39,890      38,516

Effect of:

        

Convertible subordinated notes

     4,083      4,470      4,470

Convertible preferred stock

     1,016      1,117      1,118

Warrants

     123      95      93

Restricted stock

     274      273      182

Stock options

     1,665      1,412      1,831

Employee stock purchase plan

     3      13      19
                    

Adjusted weighted average shares for diluted EPS

     46,938      47,270      46,229
                    

Basic earnings per share

   $ 1.40    $ 1.49    $ 1.00

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 1.24    $ 1.32    $ 0.90

 

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Table of Contents

KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

April 30, 2007

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

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

3. Comprehensive Income

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

Total comprehensive income is as follows:

 

     Fiscal Year Ended April 30,  
     2007     2006     2005  

Net income

   $ 55,498     $ 59,430     $ 38,620  

Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income

     —         (573 )     (639 )

Adjustment to initially apply SFAS No. 158, net of income taxes

     (335 )     —         —    

Unrealized gain on marketable securities, net of taxes

     844       872       1,122  

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     9,186       932       10,792  
                        

Comprehensive income

   $ 65,193     $ 60,661     $ 49,895  
                        

The accumulated other comprehensive income at April 30, 2007 is comprised of foreign currency translation adjustments, unrealized gains and the implementation effect of SFAS No. 158 of $19,314, $1,626 and ($335), respectively. The accumulated other comprehensive income at April 30, 2006 included foreign currency translation adjustments and unrealized gains of $10,128 and $782 respectively. Comprehensive income includes income tax adjustments of $594 and $1,103 as of April 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

4. Employee Stock Plans

Stock Option Plans

The maximum number of shares of common stock reserved for stock option issuance is 16 million, subject to adjustment for certain changes in the Company’s capital structure and other extraordinary events.

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

 

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KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

April 30, 2007

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

The status of stock options and SARs issued under the Company’s performance award plans are summarized below:

 

    

Number of

Shares

(in thousands)

   

Weighted

Average

Exercise Price

  

Weighted

Average
Remaining
Contractual
term (in years)

  

Aggregate
Intrinsic

Value

Outstanding at May 1, 2004

   8,958     $ 11.28      

Granted

   815     $ 19.11      

Exercised

   (1,581 )   $ 10.49      

Canceled/forfeited

   (363 )   $ 13.79      
              

Outstanding at April 30, 2005

   7,829     $ 12.14      

Granted

   837     $ 17.99      

Exercised

   (1,783 )   $ 9.81      

Canceled/forfeited

   (141 )   $ 15.13      
              

Outstanding at April 30, 2006

   6,742     $ 13.42      

Granted

   113     $ 21.09      

Exercised

   (1,945 )   $ 10.88      

Canceled/forfeited

   (172 )   $ 16.74      
              

Outstanding at April 30, 2007

   4,738     $ 14.52    5.6    $ 43,533
              

Exercisable at April 30, 2007

   3,973     $ 13.72    5.1    $ 39,816
              

Included in the table above are 61 SARs outstanding as of April 30, 2007 with a weighted average exercise price of $12.42. As of April 30, 2007, there was $3,365 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested awards of stock options and SARs. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of one year. For stock option awards subject to graded vesting that were issued after May 1, 2006, the Company recognize the total compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the service period for the entire award.

Summary information about the Company’s stock options and SARs outstanding at April 30, 2007 is presented in the following table (shares in thousands):

 

     Options Outstanding    Options Exercisable

Range of Exercise Price

  

Outstanding
as of

April 30,
2007

  

Weighted

Average

Remaining

Contractual Life

  

Weighted

Average

Exercise Price

  

Exercisable

as of

April 30,
2007

  

Weighted

Average

Remaining

Contractual Life

  

Weighted

Average

Exercise Price

          $6.16–$7.38

   892    5.0    $ 7.36    892    5.0    $ 7.36

          $7.39–$11.00

   948    6.1    $ 8.22    948    6.1    $ 8.22

        $11.01–$14.50

   260    2.9    $ 13.31    260    2.9    $ 13.31

        $14.51–$37.80

   2,638    5.9    $ 19.33    1,873    5.0    $ 19.58
                     
   4,738    5.6    $ 14.52    3,973    5.1    $ 13.72
                     

Additional information pertaining to stock options:

 

     Fiscal Year Ended April 30,
     2007    2006    2005

Weighted average fair value of stock options granted

   $ 9.12    $ 8.70    $ 10.29

Total fair value of stock options and SARs vested

     10,245      10,324      13,723

Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised

     20,422      16,256      13,527

Total intrinsic value of SARs paid

     319      240      389

 

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Table of Contents

KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

April 30, 2007

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

Restricted Stock Plan

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

The status of the Company’s unvested restricted common stock is summarized below:

 

    

Number of

Shares
(in thousands)

   

Weighted

Average Fair

Value

Outstanding at May 1, 2005

   438     $ 13.84

Issuances

   417     $ 17.97

Vested

   (168 )   $ 12.13
            

Outstanding at April 30, 2006

   687     $ 16.63

Issuances

   1,187     $ 19.64

Vested

   (444 )   $ 16.35

Forfeited

   (74 )   $ 18.38
            

Outstanding at April 30, 2007

   1,356     $ 19.26
            

As of April 30, 2007, there was $19,567 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested awards of shares of restricted stock. That cost is expected to be recognized over a period of 2.8 years. For restricted stock awards subject to graded vesting that were issued after May 1, 2006, the Company recognizes the total compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the service period for the entire award.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

In October 2003, the Company implemented an ESPP that, in accordance with Section 423 of the Internal Revenue code, allows eligible employees to authorize payroll deductions of up to 15% of their salary to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock at 85% of the fair market price of the common stock on the last day of the enrollment period. The maximum number of shares of common stock reserved for ESPP issuance is 1,500, subject to adjustment for certain changes in the Company’s capital structure and other extraordinary events. In fiscal years 2007, 2006, and 2005, employees purchased 142 shares at $17.81 per share, 183 shares at $15.06 per share, and 153 shares at $13.14 per share, respectively. At April 30, 2007, the plan had approximately 900 shares available for future issuance.

5. Restructuring Liability

A roll-forward of the restructuring liability at April 30, 2007 is as follows:

 

     Severance     Facilities     Other    Total  

Liability as of April 30, 2005

   $ 61     $ 7,389     $ —      $ 7,450  

Payments

     (1 )     (1,984 )     —        (1,985 )
                               

Liability as of April 30, 2006

     60       5,405       —        5,465  

Charged to expense

     —         (1,223 )     —        (1,223 )

Payments

     —         (1,219 )     —        (1,219 )
                               

Liability as of April 30, 2007

   $ 60     $ 2,963     $ —      $ 3,023  
                               

 

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KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

April 30, 2007

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

The severance accrual includes amounts paid monthly and are expected to be paid in full by March 2008. The accrued liability for facilities costs primarily relates to commitments under operating leases, net of sublease income, of which $2,061 is included in other long-term liabilities, which will be paid over the next five years.

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 the Company adjusted its facilities reserves by $1,223 primarily resulting from its Futurestep operations assuming occupancy of a portion of a facility in April 2007 that was previously reserved for as part of the previously approved restructuring initiatives.

Due to deteriorating economic conditions encountered in the beginning of fiscal 2002, the Company began to develop a restructuring initiative designed to reduce the workforce by nearly 30%, or over 850 employees. Such initiatives included consolidating back-office functions of Futurestep and executive recruitment, exiting the college recruitment market, discontinuing the operations of JobDirect and writing down other related assets and goodwill. At that time, management believed that the then approved restructuring initiative included all restructuring activities that would be required. Subsequently, however, the continued downturn in the recruiting industry, as a result of a downturn in the global economy, forced management to take additional action and recommend additional restructuring plans to the Board of Directors. Each of the resulting restructuring charges for fiscal 2004 of $8,526 and fiscal 2003 of $16,281 were, at the time they were accounted for, viewed by management as discrete events, resulting from separate restructuring plans, each of which was individually approved by the Company’s executive management team and the Board of Directors.

The approved restructuring plan complied with all requirements of SFAS No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit of Disposal Activities,” which included management (a) had the authority to approve action and commit to the restructuring plan which was written and approved by the Board of Directors; (b) identified the number of employees to be terminated, the job classification or functions, their locations and their expected completion date; (c) established terms of the benefit arrangement, including the benefits that the employees were to receive upon termination; and (d) actions required to complete the plan indicated that it was unlikely that significant changes to the plan would occur.

 

     Fiscal Year Ended April 30, 2004
     Restructuring    

Asset Impairment

and Other

   Total
     Severance    Facilities       

Executive recruitment

          

North America

   $ 455    $ (191 )   $ —      $ 264

EMEA

     4,405      309       196      4,910

Asia Pacific

     160      —         —        160

South America

     58      —         —        58
                            

Total executive recruitment

     5,078      118       196      5,392

Futurestep

     1,474      1,303       205      2,982

Corporate

     152      —         —        152
                            

Total

   $ 6,704    $ 1,421     $ 401    $ 8,526
                            

Executive recruitment severance of $5,078 included 112 employees terminated. The $118 of facilities restructuring charge is net of an $875 favorable adjustment related to previously reported restructured properties as a result of subleases executed at better terms than originally anticipated. The facilities restructuring charge primarily related to lease termination costs, net of estimated sublease income, for excess space in three executive recruitment offices. The other asset impairment charge of $196 related to the write-down of related fixed assets.

 

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KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

April 30, 2007

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

Futurestep severance of $1,474 included 43 employees terminated. Facilities of $1,303 primarily related to five Futurestep offices that were closed as employees were co-located with executive recruitment offices. The other asset impairment charge of $205 related to the write-down of related fixed assets.

6.    Employee Tax Deferred Savings Plan

The Company has an Employee Tax Deferred Savings Plan that covers eligible employees in the United States. The discretionary accrued contribution to this plan was $1,213, $544 and $948 for fiscal 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

7.

Deferred Compensation and Retirement Plans, Pension Plan, Company Owned Life Insurance Policies and Executive Capital Accumulation Plan

The Company maintains several employee benefit plans. The total long-term benefit liability for the deferred compensation, retirement, pension plans and Executive Capital Accumulation Plan (ECAP) were as follows:

 

    

Fiscal Year Ended

April 30,

     2007    2006

Deferred compensation plans

   $ 51,804    $ 48,532

Pension plans

     3,160      4,220

Retirement plans

     2,664      2,409

ECAP

     33,732      16,629
             

Total long-term benefit obligation

   $ 91,360    $ 71,790
             

Deferred Compensation Plans

The Enhanced Wealth Accumulation Plan (“EWAP”) was established in fiscal 1994. Certain vice presidents elected to participate in a “deferral unit” that required the participant to contribute a portion of their compensation for an eight year period, or in some cases, make an after tax contribution, in return for defined benefit payments from the Company over a fifteen year period generally at retirement age of 65 or later. Participants were able to acquire additional “deferral units” every five years. The EWAP replaced the Wealth Accumulation Plan (“WAP”) in fiscal 1994 and vice presidents who did not choose to roll over their WAP units into the EWAP continue to be covered under the earlier version in which participants generally vest and commence receipt of benefit payments at retirement age of 65. In June 2003, the Company amended the EWAP and WAP plans, so as not to allow new participants or the purchase of additional deferral units by existing participants.

The Company also maintains a Senior Executive Incentive Plan (“SEIP”) for participants approved by the Board. Generally, to be eligible, the vice president must be participating in the EWAP. Participation in the SEIP required the participant to contribute a portion of their compensation during a four-year period, or in some cases make an after tax contribution, in return for a defined benefit paid by the Company generally over a fifteen year period after ten years of participation in the plan or such later date as elected by the participant. In June 2003, the Company amended the SEIP plan, so as not to allow new participants or the purchase of additional deferral units by existing participants.

 

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KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

April 30, 2007

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

The Company also established several deferred compensation plans for vice-presidents that provide defined benefit payments to participants based on the deferral of compensation subject to vesting and retirement or termination provisions.

Certain current and former employees also have individual deferred compensation arrangements with the Company which provide for payment of defined amounts over certain periods commencing at specified dates or events.

Pension Plan

The Company has a defined benefit pension plan, referred to as the Worldwide Executive Benefit Plans (“WEB” plans), covering certain executives in the United States and foreign countries. The WEB plans are designed to integrate with government sponsored and local benefits and provide a monthly benefit to vice presidents upon retirement from the Company. Each year a plan participant accrued and was fully vested in one-twentieth of the targeted benefits expressed as a percentage set by the Company for that year. Upon retirement, a participant receives a monthly benefit payment equal to the sum of the percentages accrued over such participant’s term of employment, up to a maximum of 20 years, multiplied by the participant’s highest average monthly salary during the 36 consecutive months in the final 72 months of active full-time employment through June 2003. In June 2003, the Company froze the WEB plan, so as to not allow new participants, future accruals and future salary increases.

Accounting for Deferred Compensation and Pension Plans

For financial accounting purposes, the Company estimates the present value of the future benefits payable under these plans as of the estimated payment commencement date. The Company also estimates the remaining number of years a participant will be employed by the Company. Then, each year during the period of estimated employment, the Company accrues a liability and recognizes expense for a portion of the future benefit using the “benefit/years of service” attribution method for the SEIP, WAP and EWAP plans and the “projected unit credit” method for the WEB plan.

In calculating the accrual for future benefit payments, management has made assumptions regarding employee turnover, participant vesting, violation of non-competition provisions and the discount rate. Management periodically reevaluates all assumptions. If assumptions change in future reporting periods, the changes may impact the measurement and recognition of benefit liabilities and related compensation expense.

 

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KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

April 30, 2007

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

SFAS No. 158 was effective for the Company as of April 30, 2007. The impact of adopting SFAS No. 158 on individual line items of the balance sheet as of April 30, 2007 is summarized below:

 

     Before application of
SFAS No. 158
   Adjustments     After application of
SFAS No. 158

Long term deferred income taxes

   $ 40,962    $ 1,051     $ 42,013

Total assets

     760,440      1,051       761,491

Income taxes payable

     21,759      673       22,432

Total current liabilities

     228,816      673       229,489

Deferred compensation and other retirement plans

     90,647      713       91,360

Total liabilities

     327,150      1,386       328,536

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     20,940      (335 )     20,605

Total shareholders’ equity

     433,290      (335 )     432,955

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

     760,440      1,051       761,491

International Retirement Plans

The Company also maintains various retirement plans statutorily required in seven foreign jurisdictions. The aggregate of the long-term benefit obligation accrued at April 30, 2007 and 2006 is $2,664 for 92 participants and $2,409 for 73 participants, respectively. The Company’s contribution to these plans was $651 and $596 in fiscal 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Executive Capital Accumulation Plan

In January 2004, the Company implemented the Executive Capital Accumulation Plan (“ECAP”). The ECAP is intended to provide certain employees an opportunity to defer salary and/or bonus on a pre-tax basis. Company contributions into this plan are discretionary and are granted to key employees annually based on the employees’ performance. In addition, certain key management may receive Company ECAP contributions upon commencement of employment. Participants generally vest in Company contributions over a three-year period. Participants have the ability to allocate their deferrals among a number of investment options and may receive their benefits at termination, retirement or “in service” either in a lump sum or in quarterly installments over five, ten or fifteen years. In the current fiscal year, two similar plans were fully implemented in the Company’s Asian and Canadian regions.

Employer ECAP contributions were $7,694, $8,409, and $5,409 in fiscal 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. The Company expects to make an ECAP contribution of approximately $8.0 million in fiscal year 2008. In addition, the Company may make additional ECAP contributions in fiscal 2008 if key employees are hired.

The roll-forward of the ECAP liability is as follows:

 

     Total  

Liability as of April 30, 2006

   $ 16,629  

Employee contributions

     5,956  

Amortization of employer contributions

     8,019  

Gain on investment

     3,262  

Employee Distributions

     (186 )

Translation

     52  
        

Liability as of April 30, 2007

   $ 33,732  
        

 

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KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

April 30, 2007

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

The following tables reconcile the benefit obligation for the deferred compensation plans and the pension plan:

 

     Fiscal Year Ended April 30,  
     2007     2006     2005  

Deferred Compensation Plan:

      

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

   $ 50,031     $ 56,721     $ 51,435  

Service cost

     1,210       1,677       1,740  

Interest cost

     3,030       3,178       3,253  

Plan participants’ contributions with interest

     798       1,021       1,397  

Amortization of actuarial (gain)\ loss

     3,199       (9,011 )     2,202  

Benefits paid

     (3,395 )     (3,555 )     (3,306 )
                        

Benefit obligation at end of year

     54,873       50,031       56,721  

Less: current portion of benefit obligation

     (3,069 )     (2,755 )     (2,713 )
                        

Long-term benefit obligation at April 30, 2007

   $ 51,804     $ 47,276     $ 54,008  
                        

 

     2007     2006     2005  

Components of net periodic benefit costs:

      

Service cost

   $ 1,210     $ 1,677     $ 1,740  

Interest cost

     3,030       3,178       3,253  

Amortization of actuarial loss

     —         360       187  

Amortization of transition obligation

     212       212       212  
                        

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 4,452     $ 5,427     $ 5,392  
                        
     2007     2006     2005  

Weighted average assumptions

      

Discount rate (beginning of year)

     6.25 %     5.75 %     6.50 %

Discount rate (end of year)

     5.90 %     6.25 %     5.75 %

Rate of compensation increase

     0.00 %     0.00 %     0.00 %

 

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KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

April 30, 2007

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     Fiscal Year Ended April 30,  
     2007     2006     2005  

Pension plan:

      

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

   $ 3,098     $ 3,463     $ 3,180  

Service cost

     —         —         —    

Interest cost

     188       194       201  

Actuarial loss (gain)

     136       (132 )     458  

Benefits paid

     (122 )     (427 )     (376 )
                        

Benefit obligation at end of year

     3,300       3,098       3,463  

Less: current portion of benefit obligation

     (140 )     (126 )     (103 )
                        

Long-term benefit obligation at April 30, 2007

   $ 3,160     $ 2,972     $ 3,360  
                        
     2007     2006     2005  

Components of net periodic benefit costs

      

Service cost

   $ —       $ —       $ —    

Interest cost

     188       194       201  

Amortization of actuarial gain

     (95 )     (86 )     (150 )
                        

Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 93     $ 108     $ 51  
                        
     2007     2006     2005  

Weighted average assumptions used to determine Benefit obligations at April 30

      

Discount rate (beginning of year)

     6.25 %     5.75 %     6.50 %

Discount rate (end of year)

     5.90 %     6.25 %     5.75 %

Rate of compensation increase

     0.00 %     0.00 %     0.00 %

Estimated Future Benefit Payments

The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid April 30:

 

    

Pension

Benefits

  

Deferred

Compensation

Plans

2008

   $ 205    $ 3,415

2009

     197      3,627

2010

     204      3,983

2011

     236      4,579

2012

     242      4,235

Years 2013-2017

     1,195      23,209

Company Owned Life Insurance (COLI)

The Company purchased COLI contracts insuring participants and former participants in the deferred compensation and pension plans. The gross CSV of these contracts of $136,462 and $128,965 is offset by

 

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KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

April 30, 2007

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

outstanding policy loans of $59,984 and $58,373 in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of April 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Total death benefits payable, net of loans under COLI contracts, were $221,943 and $219,270 at April 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Management intends to use the future death benefits from these insurance contracts to fund the deferred compensation and pension arrangements; however, there may not be a direct correlation between the timing of the future cash receipts and disbursements under these arrangements. In addition, certain policies are held in trusts to provide additional benefit security for the deferred compensation and pension plans. As of April 30, 2007, COLI contracts with a net cash surrender value of $63,732 and death benefits payable, net of loans, of $136,318 were held in trust for these purposes.

8.    Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes is based on reported income before income taxes. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities reflect the impact of temporary differences between the amounts of assets and liabilities recognized for financial reporting purposes and the amounts recognized for tax purposes, as measured by applying the currently enacted tax laws.

The provision for domestic and foreign income taxes consists of the following:

 

     Fiscal Year Ended April 30,  
     2007     2006     2005  

Current income taxes:

      

Federal

   $ 18,353     $ 7,346     $ 8,608  

State

     6,543       1,636       3,584  

Foreign

     14,869       12,795       11,140  
                        

Total

     39,765       21,777       23,332  

Deferred income taxes:

      

Federal

     (5,525 )     (86 )     (1,812 )

State

     (1,543 )     (1,285 )     (1,166 )

Foreign

     (2,533 )     (812 )     (103 )
                        

Total

     (9,601 )     (2,183 )     (3,081 )
                        

Provision for income taxes

   $ 30,164     $ 19,594     $ 20,251  
                        

The domestic and foreign components of income (loss) from continuing operations before domestic and foreign income and other taxes and equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries were as follows:

 

     Fiscal Year Ended April 30,
     2007    2006    2005

Domestic

   $ 38,008    $ 38,749    $ 27,530

Foreign

     44,491      38,275      31,148
                    

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

   $ 82,499    $ 77,024    $ 58,678
                    

 

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KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

April 30, 2007

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

The difference between the effective tax rate in the consolidated financial statements and the statutory federal income tax rate is attributed to the following:

 

    

Fiscal Year Ended

April 30,

 
     2007     2006     2005  

U.S. federal statutory tax rate

   35.0 %   35.0 %   35.0 %

Foreign source income, net of credits used

   3.1     2.3     2.6  

Income subject to net higher (lower) foreign tax rates

   (3.9 )   (1.8 )   0.2  

COLI increase, net

   (2.6 )   (2.6 )   (3.6 )

Repatriation of foreign earnings

   1.9     2.8     —    

Loss recovery

   —       (2.1 )   —    

Effect of IRS audit

   —       (11.2 )   —    

State income taxes, net of federal benefit

   5.9     3.0     4.0  

Non-deductible interest expense

   0.4     0.5     —    

Adjustments for contingencies and valuation allowance

   (2.5 )   —       (3.2 )

Other

   (0.7 )   (0.5 )   (0.5 )
                  

Effective tax rate

   36.6 %   25.4 %   34.5 %
                  

The effective tax rate of 25.4% in the fiscal 2006 was impacted by three items not present in the other years presented. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006, the Company finalized an audit with the IRS, pertaining to the fiscal years 1997 to 2003. As a result of the audit, the Company booked a tax benefit of $8.6 million. This benefit was offset by an accrual that the Company made in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 23 “Accounting for Income Taxes in Special Areas (“APB 23”). The Company decided to repatriate a certain portion of its previously undistributed foreign earnings. This resulted in tax expense of $2.1 million. The final item that impacted the effective tax rate was a loss recovery of $4.6 million that occurred in the Company’s third quarter of fiscal 2006. The Company realized a recovery on an investment that had previously been impaired. For tax purposes, the Company had a 100% valuation allowance on this item as it was determined to be unlikely that the Company would be able to use the resulting capital loss. The income of $4.6 million generated by the loss recovery did not result in tax expense as a result, which lowered the effective tax rate for fiscal 2006.

In fiscal 2007, the Company also made an accrual in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 23, “Accounting for Income Taxes in Special Areas” (“APB 23”) to reflect the Company’s decision to repatriate an additional portion of its previously undistributed foreign earnings. This resulted in tax expense of $1.6 million.

 

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KORN/FERRY INTERNATIONAL AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

April 30, 2007

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

The significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

 

     As of April 30,  
     2007     2006  

Deferred income tax assets attributable to:

    

Deferred compensation

   $ 34,928     $ 28,458  

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     1,450       1,667  

Accrued liabilities and other

     10,255       5,527  

Property and equipment

     2,589       1,961  

Loss and credit carryforwards

     4,327       6,809  

Other

     12,164       10,873  
                

Deferred tax assets before valuation allowances

   $ 65,713     $ 55,295  

Deferred tax liabilities attributable to:

    

Property and equipment

   $ (63 )   $ (526 )

Accrued liabilities and other

     (2,170 )     (589 )

Other

     (8,609 )     (5,633 )
                

Deferred tax liabilities before valuation allowances

     (10,842 )     (6,748 )

Valuation allowances

     (3,334 )     (6,611 )
                

Net deferred income tax assets

   $ 51,537     $ 41,936  
                

Certain deferred tax amounts and valuation allowances were adjusted in the current year based on differences between the prior year’s provision and related tax return filings. Changes to the valuation allowance balances run through the provision for income taxes in the respective year.

 

The deferred tax amounts have been classified in the consolidated balance sheets as of April 30:

 

     2007     2006  

Current deferred tax assets

   $ 10,438     $ 11,733  

Current deferred tax liabilities

     (914 )     (2,064 )
                

Current deferred tax asset, net

     9,524       9,669  

Non-current deferred tax asset

     53,618       43,552  

Non-current deferred tax liabilities

     (8,271 )     (4,674 )

Valuation allowance

     (3,334 )     (6,611 )
                

Non-current deferred tax asset, net

     42,013       32,267  
                

Net deferred tax assets

   $ 51,537     $ 41,936  
                

SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”, requires that deferred tax assets be reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Management believes sufficient uncertainty exists regarding the realizability of capital loss carry-forwards and has therefore established a valuation allowance for this portion of the deferred tax asset. Realization of the deferred income tax asset is dependent on the Company generating sufficient taxable income in future years as

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

April 30, 2007

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

the deferred income tax charges become currently deductible for tax reporting purposes. Although realization is not assured, management believes that it is more likely than not that the net deferred income tax asset will be realized.

At April 30, 2007, the Company had state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $8,497 to offset future tax liabilities. The losses attributable to the various states may be carried forward five to 20 years.

The Company has not provided for U.S. deferred income taxes on approximately $94,991 of undistributed earnings and associated withholding taxes of the foreign subsidiaries as the Company has taken the position under APB 23, that its foreign earnings will be permanently reinvested offshore. If a distribution of these earnings were to be made, the Company might be subject to both foreign withholding taxes and U.S. income taxes, net of any allowable foreign tax credits or deductions. However, an estimate of these taxes is not practicable.

The Company’s income tax returns are routinely audited by the Internal Revenue Service and various state and foreign tax authorities. Significant disputes may arise with these tax authorities involving issues of the timing and amount of deductions and allocations of income among various tax jurisdictions because of differing interpretations of tax laws and regulations. The Company periodically evaluates its exposures associated with tax filing positions. While management believes its positions comply with applicable laws, the Company records liabilities based upon estimates of the ultimate outcomes of these matters.