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| NCI > SEC Filings for NCI > Form 10-Q on 27-Jul-2009 | All Recent SEC Filings |
27-Jul-2009
Quarterly Report
Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported therein. We base our
estimates on historical experience and on various assumptions that are believed
to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis
for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that
are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from
these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We believe the
following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and
estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements:
Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenues as the related professional services are provided. In
connection with recording revenues, estimates and assumptions are required in
determining the expected conversion of the revenues to cash. We may provide
multiple services under the terms of an arrangement and are required to assess
whether one or more units of accounting are present. There are also client
engagements where we are paid a fixed amount for our services. The recording of
these fixed revenue amounts requires us to make an estimate of the total amount
of work to be performed and revenues are then recognized as efforts are expended
based on (i) objectively determinable output measures, (ii) input measures if
output measures are not reliable, or (iii) the straight-line method over the
term of the arrangement. From time to time, we also earn incremental revenues.
These incremental revenue amounts are generally contingent on a specific event
and the incremental revenues are recognized when the contingencies are resolved.
Any taxes assessed on revenues relating to services provided to our clients are
recorded on a net basis.
Accounts Receivable Realization
We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting
from our review and assessment of our clients' ability to make required
payments, and the estimated realization, in cash, by us of amounts due from our
clients. If our clients' financial condition was to deteriorate, resulting in an
impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances might be
required.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill represents the difference between the purchase price of acquired
companies and the related fair value of the net assets acquired, which is
accounted for by the purchase method of accounting. Intangible assets consist of
identifiable intangibles other than goodwill. Identifiable intangible assets
other than goodwill include customer lists and relationships, employee
non-compete agreements, employee training methodology and materials, backlog
revenue and trade names. Intangible assets, other than goodwill, are amortized
based on the period of consumption, ranging up to nine years. Our long term
assets are subject to changes in events or circumstances that could impact their
carrying value.
We test goodwill annually for impairment. We also review long-lived assets,
including identifiable intangible assets and goodwill, for impairment whenever
events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset
may not be recoverable. Our impairment testing and reviews may be impacted by,
among other things, our expected operating performance, market valuation of
comparable companies, ability to retain key personnel, changes in operating
segments and competitive environment. A decline in the estimated fair value of
our reporting units or other long term assets could result in impairment
charges. We did not recognize any impairment charges for goodwill,
indefinite-lived intangible assets or identifiable intangible assets subject to
amortization during the periods presented.
In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142,
"Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" ("SFAS 142") goodwill is not amortized.
Goodwill is subject to an impairment test annually and more frequently if events
and circumstances indicate that goodwill may be impaired. The impairment test is
performed using a two step, fair-value based test. The first step compares the
fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value. The fair value is
determined using a discounted cash flow analysis and a comparable company
analysis. The second step is performed only if the carrying value exceeds the
fair value determined in step one. The impairment test is considered for each
reporting unit as defined in SFAS No. 142 which equates to our reporting
segments.
Our test for goodwill impairment is based on the estimated fair value of our
reporting units. The estimated fair value of our reporting units is subject to,
among other things, changes in our estimated business future growth rate, profit
margin, long term outlook and weighted average cost of capital. Our
International Consulting Operations and Economic Consulting Services reporting
units are most sensitive to those changes as the excess of their fair values
over their asset carrying values is generally lower. Considerable management
judgment is required to estimate future cash flows. Assumptions used in our
impairment evaluations, such
as forecasted growth rates and cost of capital, are consistent with internal
projections and operating plans. The achievement of such internal projections
and operating plans will be impacted by the overall economic environment, among
other factors.
We perform our annual test in the second quarter of each year. As discussed,
in accordance with SFAS 142, we determined the fair value of each reporting
unit. This test required us to estimate future cash flows and termination value.
The fair value estimate also depended on, among other things, our weighted
average cost of capital and working capital requirements. Estimates can also be
impacted by, among other things, expected performance, market valuation of
comparable companies, ability to retain key personnel, changes in operating
segments and competitive environment. There was no indication of impairment
based on our analysis.
During our annual test of goodwill, we considered that each of the four
reporting units has significant goodwill and intangible assets and that the
excess of estimated fair value over the net asset carrying value for each of our
reporting units decreased relative to the prior year test. As of the date of our
analysis, the excess of estimated fair value over net asset carrying value of
the North American Business Consulting Services reporting unit and the North
American Dispute and Investigative Services reporting unit was approximately 40%
and 25% of the estimated fair value, respectively. The excess of estimated fair
value over the net asset carrying value of the International Consulting
Operations and Economic Consulting Services reporting units were both
approximately 20% of the estimated fair value and given the smaller size of
these reporting units the relative dollars of the excess is substantially
smaller than the other two reporting units. Further, the estimated fair value of
the International Consulting Operations and Economic Consulting Services
reporting units may be more volatile due to the reporting units' smaller size
and higher expected earnings growth rates. Also, given the International
Consulting Operations reporting unit's geographic market, its excess may be more
volatile. Additionally, the Economic Consulting Services reporting unit was
recently acquired as one acquisition and thus its excess is dependent on the
success of such acquisition.
In accordance with SFAS No. 142, we will be required to consider whether or
not the fair value of each of the reporting units could have fallen below its
carrying value. We will consider the elements outlined in SFAS No. 142 and other
factors including, but not limited to, changes in the business climate in which
we operate, recent disruptions in the financial markets, our market
capitalization in excess of our book value, our recent operating performance,
and our financial projections. As a result of this review we will be required to
determine that no such event or condition existed that would cause us to perform
an interim goodwill impairment test prior to our next annual test date. We will
continue to monitor these factors and we may perform additional impairment tests
as appropriate in future interim periods.
As prescribed by SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived
Assets," we review our intangible asset values on a periodic basis. We review
long-lived assets, including identifiable intangible assets, for impairment
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of
an asset may not be recoverable or upon the occurrence of any triggering event
as defined in SFAS No. 144. Our intangible assets are subject to changes in
estimated fair market values which are determined in part based on our operating
performance and expectations for the future. As of June 30, 2009, there was no
indication of impairment related to our intangible assets.
Share-Based Payments
We recognize the cost resulting from all share-based compensation
arrangements, such as our stock option and restricted stock plans, in the
financial statements based on their fair value. Management judgment is required
in order to (i) estimate the fair value of certain share based payments,
(ii) determine expected attribution period and (iii) assess expected future
forfeitures. We treat our employee stock purchase plan as compensatory and
record the purchase discount from market price of stock purchases by employees
as share-based compensation expense.
Income Taxes
We account for deferred income taxes utilizing an asset and liability method,
whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the tax
effects of temporary differences between the financial statements and the tax
bases of assets and liabilities, as measured by current enacted tax rates. When
appropriate, we evaluate the need for a valuation allowance to reduce deferred
tax assets. The evaluation of the need for a valuation allowance requires
management judgment and could impact our effective tax rate.
We account for uncertainty in income taxes utilizing the Financial Accounting
Standards Board's Interpretation No. 48, "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income
Taxes - an interpretation of FAS Statement No. 109" ("FIN 48"). This
interpretation clarifies
the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an entity's
financial statements in accordance with SFAS 109. It prescribes a recognition
threshold and measurement attribute for financial statement disclosure of tax
positions taken or expected to be taken. This interpretation also provides
guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in
interim periods, and disclosures. The application of FIN 48 requires management
judgment related to the uncertainty in income taxes and could impact our
effective tax rate.
Other Operating Costs
We recorded expense and related liabilities associated with office closings
and excess space reductions related to a plan to reduce office space as other
operating costs. The expense consisted of rent obligations for the offices, net
of expected sublease income, and the write down and accelerated depreciation of
leasehold improvements reflecting the changes in the estimated useful lives of
our abandoned offices. The expected sublease income is subject to market
conditions and may be adjusted in future periods as necessary. The office
closure obligations have been discounted to net present value. The determination
of the expense and related liabilities requires management judgment and could
impact our future financial results.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement No. 157, "Fair Value
Measurements" ("SFAS 157"). SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework
for measuring fair value in accordance with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States, and expands disclosures about fair value
measurements. We adopted SFAS 157 during the first quarter of 2008 and the
implementation did not have a material impact on our financial condition,
results of operations, or cash flows. We deferred the adoption of SFAS 157 with
respect to non-financial assets and liabilities in accordance with the
provisions of FSP FAS 157-2, "Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157." Such
non financial assets and liabilities include goodwill and intangible assets with
indefinite lives. Fair value is measured on these assets on a non-recurring
basis. Our adoption on January 1, 2009 of FSP FAS 157-2 did not have a material
effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 159, "The Fair Value Option
for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities" ("SFAS 159"). SFAS 159 allows
entities the option to measure eligible financial instruments at fair value as
of specified dates. Such election, which may be applied on an instrument by
instrument basis, is typically irrevocable once elected. SFAS 159 is effective
for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We adopted SFAS 159 during
the first quarter of 2008 and did not apply such election to any of our assets
or liabilities.
In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 141(R), "Business
Combinations" ("SFAS 141(R)"). SFAS 141(R) establishes principles and
requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial
statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any
noncontrolling interest in the acquiree and recognizes and measures the goodwill
acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase. SFAS
141(R) also sets forth the disclosures required to be made in the financial
statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business
combination. SFAS 141(R) applies prospectively to business combinations for
which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual
reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Our adoption of SFAS
141(R) on January 1, 2009 will impact all our acquisitions on or after that
date.
In March 2008, the FASB issued Statement No. 161, "Disclosures about
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" ("SFAS 161") which amends and
expands the disclosure requirements of SFAS 133 to provide an enhanced
understanding of an entity's use of derivative instruments, how they are
accounted for and their effect on the entity's financial position, financial
performance and cash flows. We adopted the provisions of SFAS 161 as of
January 1, 2009. Management is adhering to the enhanced disclosure requirements.
In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 141(4)-1, Accounting for Assets
Acquired and Liabilities Assumed in a Business Combination That Arise from
Contingencies ("FSP 141(R)-1"). FSP 141(R)-1 requires that assets acquired and
liabilities assumed in a business combination that arise from contingencies be
recognized at fair value if fair value can be reasonably estimated. FSP FAS
141(R)-1 is effective for business combinations with an acquisition date on or
after June 1, 2009. Our adoption of FSP 141(R)-1 will impact our acquisitions
after this date and did not have any impact on our financial condition, results
of operations, or cash flows.
In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 157-4, Determining Fair Value When
the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly
Decreased and Identifying Transactions That are Not Orderly ("FSP 157-4"). FSP
157-4 provides guidance on how to determine the fair value of assets and
liabilities under SFAS No. 157 in the current economic environment and
reemphasized that the objective of a fair value measurement remains an exit
price. If we were to conclude that there
has been a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity of the asset
or liability in relation to normal market activities, quoted market values may
not be representative of fair value and we may conclude that a change in
valuation technique or the use of the multiple valuation techniques may be
appropriate. FSP 157-4 is effective for interim and annual periods ending after
June 15, 2009. Our adoption of FSP 157-4 did not have a material impact on our
financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP No. 107-1 and APB 28-1, Interim
Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments ("FSP 107-1"). FSP 107-1
amends SFAS No. 107, Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments, to
require disclosures about fair value of financial instruments in interim as well
as in annual financial statements. FSP No. 107-1 also amends APB Opinion 28,
"Interim Financial Reporting," to require those disclosures in all interim
financial statements. FSB 107-1 is effective for all reporting periods ending
after June 15, 2009. Adoption of FSP 107-1 provides additional disclosure
included in Note 10.
In May 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 165, Subsequent Events ("SFAS 165").
SFAS 165 establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosure of
events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements
are issued. SFAS 165 is effective for interim or annual financial periods ending
after June 15, 2009. As of this date we have adopted SFAS 165 and have evaluated
subsequent events through the date of this filing. We do not believe there are
any material subsequent events which would require further disclosure.
In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 168, The FASB Accounting Standards
Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles- a
replacement of FASB Statement No. 162 ("SFAS 168"). On the effective date of
this Statement, the Codification will supersede all then-existing non-SEC
accounting and reporting standards. All other non-grandfathered, non-SEC
accounting literature not included in the Codification will become
non-authoritative. SFAS 168 is effective for financial statements issued for
interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. We do not expect
this pronouncement to have a material impact on our financial condition, results
of operations, or cash flows.
Results of Operations
2009 compared to 2008 - For the three and six month periods ended June 30
We manage our business in four operating segments - North American Dispute
and Investigative Services, North American Business Consulting Services,
International Consulting Operations, and Economic Consulting Services. The
Economic Consulting Services segment was added in 2008 in connection with our
acquisition of Chicago Partners on May 1, 2008. These segments are generally
defined by the nature of their services and geography. The business is managed
and resources allocated on the basis of the four operating segments.
The following table summarizes for comparative purposes certain financial and
statistical data for our four segments (Dollar amounts are thousands, except
bill rate):
For the three months ended For the six months ended
June 30, % Increase June 30, % Increase
2009 2008 (Decrease) 2009 2008 (Decrease)
Revenues Before Reimbursements
North American Dispute and Investigative Services $ 65,810 $ 79,305 (17.0 %) $ 133,057 $ 163,128 (18.4 %)
North American Business Consulting Services 63,566 82,030 (22.5 %) 136,338 165,498 (17.6 %)
International Consulting Operations 14,698 20,701 (29.0 %) 29,004 37,704 (23.1 %)
Economic Consulting Services 13,258 7,349 80.4 % 26,145 7,349 255.8 %
Total revenues before reimbursements $ 157,332 $ 189,385 (16.9 %) $ 324,544 $ 373,679 (13.1 %)
Total Revenues
North American Dispute and Investigative Services $ 72,225 $ 88,602 (18.5 %) $ 144,855 $ 179,604 (19.3 %)
North American Business Consulting Services 69,356 92,045 (24.6 %) 148,995 188,386 (20.9 %)
International Consulting Operations 17,820 23,098 (22.9 %) 33,866 42,894 (21.0 %)
Economic Consulting Services 14,155 7,663 84.7 % 28,202 7,663 268.0 %
Total revenues $ 173,556 $ 211,408 (17.9 %) $ 355,918 $ 418,547 (15.0 %)
Segment Operating Profit
North American Dispute and Investigative Services $ 25,681 $ 33,753 (23.9 %) $ 51,131 $ 68,776 (25.7 %)
North American Business Consulting Services 23,356 33,993 (31.3 %) 49,747 67,323 (26.1 %)
International Consulting Operations 4,070 8,179 (50.2 %) 8,091 13,562 (40.3 %)
Economic Consulting Services 4,888 2,948 65.8 % 9,532 2,948 223.3 %
Segment Operating Profit $ 57,995 $ 78,873 (26.5 %) $ 118,501 $ 152,609 (22.3 %)
Average Full Time Equivalent ("FTE") consultants
North American Dispute and Investigative Services 719 762 (5.6 %) 742 779 (4.7 %)
North American Business Consulting Services 797 914 (12.8 %) 832 927 (10.2 %)
International Consulting Operations 216 185 16.8 % 212 181 17.1 %
Economic Consulting Services 100 55 81.8 % 100 28 257.1 %
Total 1,832 1,916 (4.4 %) 1,886 1,915 (1.5 %)
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