UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q

x

 

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

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2007

OR

o

 

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

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM        to        

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 000-21571


MONSTER WORLDWIDE, INC.
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

DELAWARE

 

13-3906555

(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)

 

(IRS EMPLOYER
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)

622 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10017
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)

(212) 351-7000
(REGISTRANT’S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE)


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 o No x

Indicate by checkmark 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 o           Non-Accelerated Filer ¨

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s class of common stock as of August 3, 2007 the latest practicable date.


Class

 

Outstanding on
August 3, 2007

Common Stock

 

127,597,200

Class B Common Stock

 

4,762,000

 

 




MONSTER WORLDWIDE, INC.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Page
No.

 

 

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

 

Financial Statements:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated statements of operations

 

 

3

 

 

 

 

Consolidated balance sheets

 

 

4

 

 

 

 

Consolidated statements of cash flows

 

 

5

 

 

 

 

Notes to consolidated financial statements

 

 

6

 

 

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

18

 

 

Item 2.

 

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

 

 

19

 

 

Item 3.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

 

34

 

 

Item 4.

 

Controls and Procedures

 

 

35

 

 

 

 

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

 

35

 

 

Item 1A.

 

Risk Factors

 

 

37

 

 

Item 2.

 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

 

37

 

 

Item 4.

 

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

 

38

 

 

Item 6.

 

Exhibits

 

 

38

 

 

 

 

Signatures

 

 

39

 

 

 

(All other items on this report are inapplicable)

2




PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MONSTER WORLDWIDE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended
June  30,

 

Six Months Ended
June  30,

 

 

 

    2007    

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Revenue

 

$

331,149

 

$

275,169

 

$

660,177

 

$

532,205

 

Salaries and related

 

146,153

 

98,862

 

268,500

 

190,415

 

Office and general

 

64,576

 

43,827

 

134,993

 

90,572

 

Marketing and promotion

 

78,045

 

73,212

 

156,114

 

139,011

 

Total operating expenses

 

288,774

 

215,901

 

559,607

 

419,998

 

Operating income

 

42,375

 

59,268

 

100,570

 

112,207

 

Interest and other, net

 

6,912

 

3,940

 

12,216

 

7,070

 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity interest

 

49,287

 

63,208

 

112,786

 

119,277

 

Income taxes

 

17,406

 

22,077

 

39,758

 

42,488

 

Losses in equity interests, net

 

(2,966

)

(2,284

)

(4,386

)

(3,525

)

Income from continuing operations

 

28,915

 

38,847

 

68,642

 

73,264

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

(299

)

770

 

(544

)

8,615

 

Net income

 

$

28,616

 

$

39,617

 

$

68,098

 

$

81,879

 

Basic earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share from continuing operations

 

$

0.22

 

$

0.30

 

$

0.53

 

$

0.57

 

Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

-

 

0.01

 

-

 

0.07

 

Basic earnings per share*

 

$

0.22

 

$

0.31

 

$

0.52

 

$

0.64

 

Diluted earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share from continuing operations

 

$

0.22

 

$

0.29

 

$

0.51

 

$

0.56

 

Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

-

 

0.01

 

-

 

0.07

 

Diluted earnings per share*

 

$

0.21

 

$

0.30

 

$

0.51

 

$

0.62

 

Weighted average shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

130,542

 

128,551

 

130,268

 

127,662

 

Diluted

 

133,121

 

132,009

 

133,324

 

131,390

 

 

* - Earnings per share may not add in certain periods due to rounding.

See accompanying notes.

3




MONSTER WORLDWIDE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

June 30,

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

2007

 

December 31,

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

2006

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

90,539

 

$

58,680

 

Available-for-sale securities

 

630,914

 

537,893

 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $13,284 and $11,924

 

419,033

 

444,747

 

Prepaid and other

 

100,233

 

82,488

 

Total current assets

 

1,240,719

 

1,123,808

 

Property and equipment, net

 

122,077

 

102,402

 

Goodwill

 

595,850

 

589,041

 

Intangibles, net

 

48,781

 

51,695

 

Investment in unconsolidated affiliates

 

54,782

 

59,625

 

Other assets

 

48,360

 

43,232

 

Total assets

 

$

2,110,569

 

$

1,969,803

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

64,896

 

$

56,098

 

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

 

200,336

 

218,319

 

Income taxes payable

 

13,321

 

84,433

 

Deferred revenue

 

452,196

 

444,145

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

1,660

 

23,249

 

Total current liabilities

 

732,409

 

826,244

 

Long-term debt, less current portion

 

312

 

415

 

Deferred income taxes

 

28,875

 

32,594

 

Long-term income taxes payable

 

89,910

 

-

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

1,294

 

865

 

Total liabilities

 

852,800

 

860,118

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, $.001 par value, authorized 800 shares; issued and outstanding: none

 

-

 

-

 

Common stock $.001 par value, authorized 1,500,000 shares; issued: 128,175 and 125,724 shares, respectively; outstanding: 126,253 and 123,802 shares, respectively

 

126

 

126

 

Class B common stock, $.001 par value, authorized 39,000 shares; issued and outstanding: 4,762 shares

 

5

 

5

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

1,713,670

 

1,636,023

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

93,096

 

87,632

 

Accumulated deficit

 

(549,128

)

(614,101

)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

1,257,769

 

1,109,685

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

2,110,569

 

$

1,969,803

 

 

See accompanying notes.

4




MONSTER WORLDWIDE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

Cash flows provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

68,098

 

$

81,879

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

(Income) loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

544

 

(8,615

)

Depreciation and amortization

 

21,524

 

20,927

 

Provision for doubtful accounts

 

5,113

 

4,664

 

Non-cash compensation

 

21,478

 

5,452

 

Common stock issued for matching contribution to 401(k) plan

 

-

 

1,854

 

Deferred income taxes

 

(5,505

)

9,329

 

Gain on disposal of assets

 

(572

)

 

 

Loss in equity interests and other

 

4,386

 

3,519

 

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of business combinations:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

20,366

 

(24,450

)

Prepaid and other

 

(4,204

)

(9,740

)

Deferred revenue

 

8,051

 

21,444

 

Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other

 

(1,787

)

32,855

 

Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities of discontinued operations

 

(5,332

)

5,668

 

Total adjustments

 

64,062

 

62,907

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

132,160

 

144,786

 

Cash flows used for investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

(37,214

)

(25,543

)

Purchase of marketable securities

 

(682,586

)

(943,763

)

Sales and maturities of marketable securities

 

589,565

 

644,538

 

Payments for acquisitions and intangible assets, net of cash acquired

 

(1,806

)

(18,282

)

Investments in unconsolidated affiliates

 

-

 

(19,936

)

Net proceeds from sale of businesses

 

-

 

32,950

 

Cash funded to equity investee

 

(4,100

)

(4,800

)

Net cash used for investing activities of discontinued operations

 

-

 

(2,469

)

Net cash used for investing activities

 

(136,141

)

(337,305

)

Cash flows provided by financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Payments on capital lease obligations

 

-

 

(363

)

Payments on acquisition debt

 

(21,862

)

(29,685

)

Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options

 

53,401

 

91,165

 

Excess tax benefits on stock option exercises

 

12,343

 

17,324

 

Repurchase of common stock

 

(10,042

)

(14,416

)

Structured stock repurchase, net

 

-

 

(22,758

)

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

33,840

 

41,267

 

Effects of exchange rates on cash

 

2,000

 

1,714

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

31,859

 

(149,538

)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

58,680

 

196,597

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 

$

90,539

 

$

47,059

 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for interest

 

$

796

 

$

2,090

 

Cash paid for income taxes

 

$

43,986

 

$

4,795

 

Non-cash financing and investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock issued in connection with business combinations

 

$

-

 

$

1,164

 

Liabilities created in connection with business combinations

 

$

325

 

$

4,556

 

 

See accompanying notes.

5




MONSTER WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)

1.   DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Description of Business

Monster Worldwide, Inc. (the “Company”) has continuing operations that consist of three reportable segments: Monster Careers – North America; Monster Careers – International; and Internet Advertising & Fees. These segments provide online services to customers in a variety of industries throughout North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.

Monster Careers (North America and International).   The Company’s Monster Careers segments predominantly earn revenue from the placement of job postings on the websites within the Monster network, access to the Company’s resume databases and other career-related services. The majority of the Monster Careers services are free to job seekers and revenue is earned in approximately 40 countries around the world.

Internet Advertising & Fees.   The Company’s Internet Advertising & Fees segment earns revenue from leads provided to advertisers, the display of advertisements on the Monster network of websites, click-throughs on text-based links and subscriptions to premium services. The majority of the Internet Advertising & Fees services are free to users and revenue from this segment is primarily earned in the United States.

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated interim financial statements included herein are unaudited and have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. The consolidated interim financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all of its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

These statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments that, in the opinion of management, are necessary for fair presentation of the information contained herein. These consolidated interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006. The Company adheres to the same accounting policies in preparation of the consolidated interim financial statements. As permitted under generally accepted accounting principles, interim accounting for certain expenses, including income taxes are based on full year assumptions. Such amounts are expensed in full in the year incurred. For interim financial reporting purposes, income taxes are recorded based upon estimated annual income tax rates.

Certain reclassifications of prior year amounts have been made for consistent presentation.

6




2.   EARNINGS PER SHARE AND STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share does not include the effects of potentially dilutive stock options, restricted stock awards or restricted stock units, and is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common stock  outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options for periods in which the options’ exercise price is lower than the Company’s average share price for the period.

Certain stock options were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share due to their anti-dilutive effect. The weighted average number of such common stock equivalents is approximately 531,000 and 681,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively and 469,000 and  682,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. A reconciliation of shares used in calculating basic and diluted earnings per common and Class B common share follows.

(thousands of shares)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

 

130,542

 

128,551

 

130,268

 

127,662

 

Effect of common stock equivalents - stock options, restricted stock awards, and restricted stock units

 

2,579

 

3,458

 

3,056

 

3,728

 

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

 

133,121

 

132,009

 

133,324

 

131,390

 

 

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123(R) Share Based Payment (“SFAS 123R”) using the modified-prospective-transition method beginning January 1, 2006. SFAS 123R requires the recognition of (a) compensation cost for all share based payments granted, but not yet vested as of January 1, 2006, based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with SFAS No. 123 Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, and (b) compensation cost for all share-based payments granted subsequent to January 1, 2006, based on the grant date fair value in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 123R. The Company grants stock options, non-vested stock and restricted stock units to employees, directors and executive officers. The Company recognized stock-based compensation expense of  approximately $17,116 and $3,423 for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively and approximately $21,478 and $5,452 for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

At June 30, 2007, the Company has the following stock-based employee compensation arrangements:

Stock Options.   In May 2007, the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Compensation Committee”) approved the grant of stock options to certain employees in France. Under the tems of the awards, the stock options vest 25% over four years with the first vesting commencing on the first anniversary date of the award. In January 2007, the Company’s Compensation Committee approved the grant of stock options to certain employees in France. Under the terms of the award, 25% of the stock options vested immediately and the remaining 75% will vest over three years. The fair value of  stock options granted during the first six months of 2007 was estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Company recognized approximately $47 and $233 of pre-tax compensation expense in the consolidated statement of operations related to these grants for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, respectively. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 the Company recognized approximately $53 and $148 of pre-tax compensation expense in the consolidated statement of operations related to stock options granted to members of the Company’s Board of Directors that became fully vested in 2006.

7




Restricted Stock Awards.   The Company, from time to time, enters into separate share-based payment arrangements with executive officers, other employees and directors. The terms of such agreements are subject to various specified performance and/or vesting conditions. As of June 30, 2007, there were approximately 400,030 non-vested shares outstanding related to these agreements. The Company measures the awards to executive officers and other employees using the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date the award is approved by the Compensation Committee or by the Board of Directors. Directors of the Company receive automatic grants of equity awards and such awards are measured using the fair market value of the Company’s commons stock on the date of the automatic grant. Restricted stock awards are amortized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. The Company recognized pre-tax compensation expense of approximately $11,422 and $1,405, for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and approximately $13,027 and $2,695 for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 respectively,  as a  component of salaries and related in the consolidated statements of operations, related to restricted stock awards. Included in the second quarter 2007 results is approximately $9,000 related to the accelerated vesting of stock awards related to two former executive officers in accordance with their severance agreements.

Restricted Stock Units.   In March 2006, the Compensation Committee approved the grant of 663,500 restricted stock units to approximately 330 employees of the Company, subject to certain specified performance-based conditions. In February 2007, the performance-based conditions were certified by the Compensation Committee. Accordingly, individuals are entitled to their award provided that the recipient is continuously employed by the Company or any of its affiliates on each applicable vesting date.

During the first quarter of 2007, the Compensation Committee approved the grant of 93,034 restricted stock units to certain employees. These awards do not have any performance-based conditions and are subject to each recipient being continuously employed by the Company or any of its affiliates on each applicable vesting date. The Compensation Committee also approved the grant of 747,240 performance-based restricted stock units to approximately 800 employees of the Company during the first quarter of 2007.

During the second quarter of 2007, the Compensation Committee approved grants aggregating 74,833 restricted stock units to certain employees of the Company. The grants consisted of 72,983 restricted stock units that do not have any performance-based conditions and are subject to each recipient being continuously employed by the Company or any of its affiliates on each applicable vesting date. The grant also consisted of 1,850 restricted stock units that have performance-based conditions and are subject to each recipient being continuously employed by the Company or any of its affiliates on each applicable vesting date.

The amount of performance-based restricted stock units that are ultimately awarded are subject to reduction or elimination based on whether or not certain specified performance-based conditions are satisfied. If the minimum performance-based condition becomes satisfied, the number of restricted stock units subject to the award will vest in 25% increments over four years with the first vesting commencing on the anniversary date of each grant, provided that the recipient is continuously employed by the Company or any of its affiliates on each applicable vesting date.

The Company measures all grants of restricted stock units using the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date the award is approved by the Compensation Committee or by the Board of Directors. The Company recorded pre-tax compensation expense, as a component of salaries and related in the consolidated statements of operations, related to the amortization of restricted stock units of approximately $5,647 and $1,965 for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively and $8,218 and $2,609 for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 respectively. Included in the second quarter 2007 results is approximately $3,800 related to the accelerated vesting of stock awards related to two former executive officers in accordance with their  severance agreements.

8




Share-Based Payment Activity

The following table summarizes the activity of our employee stock options for the six months ended June 30, 2007:

(thousands of shares)

 

 

 

Shares

 

Weighted
Average Exercise
Price

 

Weighted Average
Contractual Term
(in years)

 

Aggregate
Intrinsic Value

 

Outstanding at January 1, 2007

 

9,573

 

 

$

      28.97

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

83

 

 

46.70

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(2,061

)

 

25.91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited/expired/cancelled

 

(541

)

 

39.44

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at June 30, 2007

 

7,054

 

 

29.21

 

 

 

4.5

 

 

 

$

      86,572

 

 

Options exerciseable at June 30, 2007

 

5,142

 

 

$

28.74

 

 

 

4.2

 

 

 

$

      65,538

 

 

 

The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the market price of our common stock as of June 30, 2007 and the exercise price of the underlying options. During the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, the aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised was $47,493 and $92,306, respectively. There is approximately $1,458 of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock options awarded under our incentive plan. These costs will be recorded on a straight line basis through 2011.

The following table summarizes the activity of our non-vested stock for the six months ended June 30, 2007:

 

 

Shares

 

Weighted Average
Fair Value at
Grant Date

 

Non-vested at January 1, 2007

 

969,030

 

 

$

      44.53

 

 

Granted

 

1,260,107

 

 

45.73

 

 

Forfeited

 

(122,438

)

 

47.42

 

 

Vested

 

(609,397

)

 

42.91

 

 

Non-vested at June 30, 2007

 

1,497,302

 

 

$

      45.96

 

 

 

As of June 30, 2007 there was approximately $49,716 and $15,427 of unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock units and restricted stock awards, respectively. These awards relate to non-vested stock and are being amortized over the vesting periods on a straight-line basis.

3.   BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

For the period January 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007, the Company completed two business combinations. Although the following acquired businesses were not considered to be significant subsidiaries, either individually or in the aggregate, they do affect the comparability of results from period to period. The acquisitions and the acquisition dates are as follows:

Acquired Business

 

Acquisition Date

 

Business Segment

Arbeidskamerater AS (Norway)

 

January 10, 2007

 

Monster Careers – International

PWP, LLC (“Education.org”)

 

May 2, 2006

 

Internet Advertising & Fees

 

Accrued Integration and Restructuring Costs

The Company has formulated integration and restructuring plans to eliminate redundant facilities, personnel and duplicate assets in connection with its business combinations. These costs were recognized

9




as liabilities assumed in connection with the Company’s business combinations. Accordingly, these costs are considered part of the purchase price of the business combinations and have been recorded as increases to goodwill. During the six months ended June 30, 2006, the Company capitalized $1,340 to goodwill relating to the Company’s February 2005 acquisition of Emailjob and reversed $333 of previously capitalized costs related to acquisitions in the Internet Advertising & Fees segment. The Company did not record any additional restructuring or integration charges during the six months ended June 30, 2007.

Changes in the Company’s approved restructuring plans or costs related to new restructuring initiatives may be recorded in goodwill for up to one year following the acquisition date and must be recorded in the Company’s operating results thereafter. Reductions to integration and restructuring reserves established in connection with purchase business combinations are recorded as a reduction to goodwill. As of June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, the Company had accrued $5,544 and $6,075, respectively, for integration and restructuring obligations, mainly for future operating lease payments.

4.   INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES

In February 2005, the Company acquired a 40% interest in China HR.com Holdings Ltd. (“ChinaHR”) for consideration of $50,000 in cash. In March 2006, the Company increased its ownership interest in ChinaHR to 44.4% by acquiring an additional 4.4% interest from ChinaHR shareholders, for cash consideration of $19,936. The Company accounts for its investment in ChinaHR using the equity method of accounting, thereby recording its owned percentage of ChinaHR’s net results of operations as Losses in Equity Interests in the Company’s statements of operations. Such losses reduce the carrying value of the Company’s investment in ChinaHR. For the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, the Company recorded a loss in equity interest of $3,174 and $2,284, respectively, and $5,263 and $3,525 for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 respectively, related to ChinaHR.

In March 2006, the Company entered into a loan agreement with ChinaHR, whereby the Company has agreed to advance ChinaHR up to an aggregate of $20,000, with no more than $10,000 being advanced in the first year of the agreement. In January 2007, the Company amended the agreement with ChinaHR, increasing the maximum allowable amount to be advanced in the first year from $10,000 to $12,500. Interest on the loans will be assessed at the average one-month U.S. Dollar LIBOR rate plus 1% and shall be payable quarterly, in arrears. The credit facility provides that any advances shall be due and payable in full on the maturity date, which is the earliest of March 2011 or the consummation of an initial public offering of securities by ChinaHR. During 2007 the Company has advanced $4,100 to ChinaHR under the credit facility. At June 30, 2007, the total amount outstanding under the credit facility was $14,100.

ChinaHR is a leading recruitment website in China and provides online recruiting, campus recruiting and other human resource solutions. As a result of its investment, the Company has the right to occupy three of seven seats on ChinaHR’s Board of Directors. In addition, the Company also has certain rights and obligations, the amount and likelihood of which are not currently determinable, to acquire a 51% or more interest in ChinaHR in the event of an initial public offering or February 1, 2008, whichever comes first.

The Company has a 25% equity investment in Finland related to a business combination completed in 2001. The Company accounts for its investment in Finland using the equity method of accounting, thereby recording its owned percentage of the business’s net results of operations as a component of “Losses in Equity Interests” in the Company’s statements of operations. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, the Company recorded income of $208 and $877, respectively, related to the 25% Finland equity investment. Included in the six month amount is $456 of income recorded in 2007 for 2006 performance.

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5.   COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The Company’s comprehensive income is as follows:

 

 

Three Months ended June 30,

 

Six Months ended June 30,

 

 

 

      2007      

 

      2006      

 

      2007      

 

      2006      

 

Net income

 

$

28,616

 

$

39,617

 

$

68,098

 

$

81,879

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment and other

 

5,388

 

21,445

 

5,464

 

28,909

 

Comprehensive income

 

$

34,004

 

$

61,062

 

$

73,562

 

$

110,788

 

 

6.   STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Share Repurchase Program

In November 2005, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to purchase up to $100,000 of its shares of common stock in the open market or otherwise from time to time over a 30-month period as conditions warrant. Through June 30, 2007, the Company has repurchased 994,584 shares of its common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $45,081 of which 294,584 shares were repurchased in open market transactions during the year ended December 31, 2006. The Company did not repurchase stock in the open market during the six months ended June 30, 2007.

7.   DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

During the year ended December 31, 2006, the Company disposed of the following businesses that collectively comprised its entire Advertising & Communications operating segment. The Company executed these transactions in order to focus more resources to support the growth of the Monster franchise on a global basis. The results of operations of these businesses and the associated disposal costs are reflected as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented:

·       On August 31, 2006, the Company sold its TMP Worldwide Advertising & Communications business in the United States and Canada, completing the global divestiture of the operating unit. The Company received cash of $36,205 (net of working capital and other adjustments). The Company recorded a pre-tax loss on the sale of the business of $125,010 ($123,095 after-tax loss, net of a $1,915 tax benefit) in the third quarter of 2006. Included in the pre-tax loss is approximately $133,000 of remaining goodwill and other intangible assets associated with the Advertising & Communications operating segment. This disposition is considered material and included a significant amount of assets, primarily due to the amount of goodwill on the balance sheet as of August 31, 2006.

·       On May 10, 2006, the Company sold its TMP Worldwide Advertising & Communications businesses in the United Kingdom and Ireland. In a separate transaction, the Company also sold its recruitment advertising agency in Spain. The Company received cash of $32,950 (net of working capital and other adjustments) and approximately a $9,000 interest bearing note receivable maturing on May 10, 2013. The Company recorded a pre-tax gain on the sale of these businesses of $543 ($812 after-tax loss, net of a $1,355 tax expense) in the second quarter of 2006, included as a component of discontinued operations in the statements of operations. In the first quarter of 2007, the Company received approximately $6,560 related to the promissory note as a partial repayment. The disposition was not considered material and did not include a significant amount of assets.

·       On March 1, 2006, the Company sold its TMP Worldwide Advertising & Communications businesses in Australia/New Zealand and Singapore in two separate transactions. The Company recognized a pre-tax gain on the sale of these businesses of $2,453 ($5,420 including the tax benefit

11




recognized upon disposition) in the first quarter of 2006. The disposition was not considered material and did not include a significant amount of assets.

The following amounts, related to the operations of the Company’s disposed businesses in 2006 have been segregated from continuing operations and are reflected as discontinued operations in each period’s consolidated statement of operations:

 

 

Three Months ended June 30,

 

Six Months ended June 30,

 

 

 

      2007      

 

      2006      

 

      2007      

 

      2006      

 

Revenue

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

25,547   25,547

 

 

$

-

 

 

 

$

62,654

 

 

 

Gain (loss) before income taxes

 

 

$

(462

)

 

$

2,528

 

 

$

(838

)

 

 

$

6,617

 

 

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

 

(163

)

 

1,065

 

 

(294

)

 

 

2,729

 

 

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 

(299

)

 

1,463

 

 

(544

)

 

 

3,888

 

 

 

Pre-tax gain on sales of discontinued operations

 

 

-

 

 

726

 

 

-

 

 

 

3,179

 

 

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

 

-

 

 

1,419

 

 

-

 

 

 

(1,548

)

 

 

Gain (loss) on sale of business, net of tax

 

 

-

 

 

(693

)

 

-

 

 

 

4,727

 

 

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 

$

(299   (299

)

 

$

770

 

 

$

(544

)

 

 

$

8,615

 

 

 

 

8.   SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC DATA

The Company conducts business in three reportable segments: Monster Careers—North America; Monster Careers—International; and Internet Advertising & Fees. Corporate operating expenses are not allocated to the Company’s reportable segments. See Note 1 for a description of the Company’s operating segments.

The Company’s chief operating decision maker includes the impact of non-cash compensation expenses when measuring the results of each reportable segment. The Company has recorded pre-tax non-cash compensation expense in its statements of operations for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively of $17,116 and $3,423 and $21,478 and $5,452 for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 respectively. The following tables present the Company’s operations by business segment and by geographic region:

 

 

Three Months ended June 30,

 

Six Months ended June 30,

 

Revenue

 

      2007      

 

      2006      

 

      2007      

 

     2006      

 

Monster:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Careers - North America

 

$

174,481

 

$

162,816

 

$

358,498

 

$

322,814

 

Careers - International

 

116,845

 

74,374

 

223,051

 

138,965

 

Internet Advertising & Fees

 

39,823

 

37,979

 

78,628

 

70,426

 

Total Revenue

 

$

331,149

 

$

275,169

 

$

660,177

 

$

532,205

 

 

 

 

Three Months ended June 30,

 

Six Months ended June 30,

 

Operating Income

 

      2007      

 

      2006      

 

      2007      

 

     2006      

 

Monster:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Careers - North America

 

$

        54,579

 

$

        55,597

 

$

      120,457

 

$

110,156      110,156

 

Careers - International

 

12,055

 

2,003

 

20,016

 

2,768

 

Internet Advertising & Fees

 

5,211

 

12,563

 

9,515

 

22,049

 

Total Monster

 

71,845

 

70,163

 

149,988

 

134,973

 

Corporate expenses

 

(29,470

)

(10,895

)

(49,418

)

(22,766

)

Operating Income

 

$

42,375

 

$

59,268

 

$

100,570

 

$

112,207

 

 

 

12




 

 

 

Three Months ended June 30,

 

Six Months ended June 30,

 

Revenue by Geographic Region

 

      2007      

 

      2006      

 

      2007      

 

      2006      

 

United States

 

$

208,054

 

$

197,728

 

$

425,977

 

$

387,548

 

International

 

123,095

 

77,441

 

234,200

 

144,657

 

Total Revenue

 

$

331,149

 

$

275,169

 

$

660,177

 

$

532,205

 

 

The following table reconciles each reportable segment’s assets to total assets reported on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006:

Total Assets by Segment

 

June 30, 2007

 

December 31, 2006

 

Monster Careers - North America

 

$

631,017

 

 

$

669,645

 

 

Monster Careers - International

 

584,761

 

 

516,213

 

 

Internet Advertising & Fees

 

161,206

 

 

164,482

 

 

Corporate

 

633,419

 

 

540,723

 

 

Shared assets (a)

 

100,166

 

 

78,740

 

 

Total Assets

 

$

2,110,569

 

 

$

1,969,803

 

 

 

(a) Shared assets represent assets that provide economic benefit to all of the Company’s operating segments. Shared assets are not allocated to operating segments for internal reporting or decision-making purposes.

9.   EXECUTIVE COMMITMENTS

On April 12, 2007, the Company announced that its Board of Directors named Salvatore Iannuzzi Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Iannuzzi has been a member of the Board of Directors since July 2006 and has served as Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors since October 2006. The Company and Mr. Iannuzzi entered into an employment agreement, effective as of April 11, 2007,with a term through December 31, 2012. Pursuant to the employment agreement, Mr. Iannuzzi’s annual base salary will be $1,000, subject to discretionary increases by the Board of Directors. Mr. Iannuzzi received a grant of 225,000 shares of restricted stock, which will vest in equal parts on each of the first four anniversaries of the effective date of the Employment Agreement, subject to continued employment.

William Pastore, the Company’s former Chief Executive Officer resigned as Chief Executive Officer through mutual agreement with the Company’s Board of Directors on April 12, 2007, and continued to be employed by the Company through June 2007 to facilitate an orderly transition. The Company recorded a severance charge of approximately $12,700 in the second quarter of 2007 in connection with Mr. Pastore’s severance agreement. The charge included approximately $11,100 of non-cash compensation related to the accelerated vesting of 281,250 shares of restricted stock and 56,250 restricted stock units and $1,600 related to the cash severance obligation.

On June 6, 2007, the Company announced that two executive officers left the Company in order to pursue other career opportunities and business interests, effective June 6, 2007. The Company recorded a severance charge of approximately $3,100 in the second quarter of 2007 in connection with their severance agreements. The charge included approximately $1,700 of non-cash compensation related to the accelerated vesting of 16,000 shares of restricted stock and 30,000 restricted stock units and $1,400 related to the cash severance obligation.

On June 6, 2007, the Company announced that Timothy T. Yates joined the Company as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and as a member of its Board of Directors. The Company and Mr. Yates entered into an employment agreement, effective as of June 7, 2007,with a term through June 7, 2011. Pursuant to the employment agreement, Mr. Yates’s annual base salary will be $500, subject to discretionary increases by the Board of Directors. Mr. Yates received a grant of 100,000 shares of

13




restricted stock, which will vest in equal parts on each of the first four anniversaries of the effective date of the Employment Agreement, subject to continued employment.

10.   INCOME TAXES

On January 1, 2007, the Company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of SFAS No. 109 (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 establishes a single model to address accounting for uncertain tax positions and clarifies the accounting for income taxes by prescribing a minimum recognition threshold that a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. Upon adoption on January 1, 2007, the Company increased its existing liabilities for uncertain tax positions by $3,125. This increase was recorded as a cumulative effect adjustment to the Company’s opening accumulated deficit. The Company also reclassified a portion of previously accrued income tax liabilities from current to non-current because payment of cash is not anticipated within one year of the balance sheet date.

As of January 1, 2007 and June 30, 2007 the Company has recorded a liability for $79,599 and $89,910, respectively of unrecognized tax benefits, inclusive of estimated accrued interest and penalties. In addition as of January 1, 2007 and June 30, 2007 the Company has reduced its recorded deferred tax assets by $16,478 and $17,903 respectively due to unrecognized tax benefits which would otherwise give rise to a deferred tax asset. If the unrecognized tax benefits were to be recognized in full, the net amount that would be reflected in the income statement tax provision, thereby impacting the effective tax rate, would be $73,568 at January 1, 2007 and $80,226 as of June 30, 2007. The impact of recognition on the income tax provision reflects the liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits, net of the deferred tax benefit on accrued interest and state income tax items.

Interest and penalties related to the underpayment of income taxes are classified as a component of “Income Taxes” in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Estimated accrued interest and penalties were $12,275 as of January 1, 2007 and $15,496 as of June 30, 2007.

The Company conducts business globally and as a result, the Company or one or more subsidiaries is subject to U.S. federal income taxes and files income tax returns in various U.S. states and approximately 20 foreign jurisdictions. In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to tax examinations by taxing authorities including major jurisdictions such as France, Germany, India, South Korea, Netherlands, United Kingdom, the United States as well as countries in Scandinavia, Eastern Europe and in the Asia/Pacific region. With some exceptions, the Company is generally no longer subject to examinations with respect to returns that have been filed for years prior to 2003. The Company is currently under audit by the Internal Revenue Service for years 2003 through 2005. It is likely that the audit will not be fully concluded in 2007. At this point it is not possible to provide an estimate of the amount, if any, of significant changes in unrecorded tax benefits that are reasonably possible to occur within the next 12 months.

11.   RESTATEMENT OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND STOCK OPTION INVESTIGATION

On June 12, 2006, the Company announced that a committee of independent directors of the Board of Directors (the “Special Committee”) assisted by independent legal counsel and outside accounting experts was conducting an investigation to review the Company’s historical stock option grant practices and related accounting. The Special Committee and its advisors conducted an extensive review of the Company’s historical stock option grants and related accounting, including an assessment and review of the Company’s accounting policies, internal records, supporting documentation and e-mail communications, as well as interviews with current and former employees and current and former members of the Company’s executive management and Board of Directors.

14




On December 13, 2006, the Company restated its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 to reflect additional non-cash stock-based compensation costs and related income tax effects, relating to stock option awards that were granted during the periods 1997 through March 31, 2003. The restated consolidated financial statements included cumulative pre-tax compensation expense of $339,586 and $67,656 of related income tax benefits. As of December 31, 2005, the Company had accelerated substantially all unvested outstanding stock options in order to mitigate compensation expense that would have been required upon the effectiveness of SFAS 123R beginning January 1, 2006. Accordingly, the 2006 periods were not materially affected as a result of this restatement. There was no effect on the 2007 periods as a result of the restatement.

The Company has notified the Internal Revenue Service of the stock option review and results thereof. Under Internal Revenue Code section 162(m) (“IRC 162(m)”), stock options that are in-the-money at the time of grant do not qualify as performance-based compensation. The Company is not entitled to a deduction for the compensation expense related to the exercise of those options held by officers who are covered by IRC 162(m). Certain stock options which were granted on a discounted basis (exercise price is less than the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant) are subject to Internal Revenue Code section 409A (“409A”). The provisions of 409A impose adverse consequences upon the individuals who receive such options including excise tax, additional interest charges and accelerated inclusion in income. In January 2007, the Board of Directors approved a tender offer plan to amend certain stock options granted to approximately 60 individuals who received stock options that are subject to 409A in order to correct the options such that they are no longer subject to this provision. The correction is made by increasing the exercise price to the same value used in connection with the financial statement restatement. In April 2007, the tender offer was finalized and for individuals who agreed to the modification, the Company will compensate them for the increase in the exercise price by paying an amount equal to the difference in the exercise price for each option. This amount is payable after January 1, 2008 and the cash payment will be approximately $331.

The Company recorded professional fees related to the ongoing investigation into the Company’s historical stock option grant practices and related accounting of approximately $5,300 and $600 for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 respectively, and $15,100 and $600 for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 respectively. These costs were recorded as a component of “office and general” expenses within “Corporate operating expenses” and primarily relate to professional services for legal fees. The investigation is being led by external regulatory and federal agencies, and is focused on the past conduct of former employees. While the Company cannot quantify or estimate the amount or timing of these costs throughout the remainder of 2007 and into the future, they will primarily relate to legal fees on behalf of former employees and former members of senior management, fees paid in defense of shareholder lawsuits and potential fines or settlements. See Note 12 for further discussion

12.   STOCK OPTION INVESTIGATIONS AND LITIGATION

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York (“USAO”) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) have informed the Company that each is conducting an investigation into its past stock option grants. In connection with these investigations, the Company has received a grand jury subpoena from the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and requests for the voluntary production of documents from the SEC. The Company is fully cooperating with the USAO and the SEC. On February 15, 2007, the Company’s former general counsel pleaded guilty to two felony counts relating to those historical stock option grants and the SEC instituted a civil action against him. On March 26, 2007, the SEC civil action was settled pursuant to a final judgment permanently enjoining our former general counsel from violating the federal securities laws and from acting as an officer or director of a public company.

15




In October 2006, a putative class action litigation was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by a former Company employee against the Company and a number of its current and former officers and directors. On February 16, 2007, plaintiff served an amended class action complaint. The action purports to be brought on behalf of all participants in the Company’s 401(k) plan. The amended complaint alleges that the defendants breached their fiduciary obligations to plan participants under §§ 404, 405, 409 and 502 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”), 29 U.S.C. § 1104 et seq., by allowing Plan participants to purchase and to hold and maintain Company stock in their Plan accounts without disclosing to those Plan participants the historical stock option practices. The complaint seeks, among other relief, equitable restitution, attorney’s fees and an order enjoining defendants from violations of ERISA. The Company and the individual defendants have moved to dismiss the amended complaint.

In addition, derivative actions in connection with historical stock option practices have been commenced by shareholders purportedly on behalf of the Company in both the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County, against a number of current and former officers and directors of the Company, naming the Company as a nominal defendant.

On October 20, 2006, the three federal court actions were consolidated by the Court and styled as In re Monster Worldwide, Inc. Stock Option Derivative Litigation, Master Docket 1:06:cv-04622 (S.D.N.Y.)(NRB-DCF) (Consolidated Action). On or about December 20, 2006, plaintiffs in the consolidated federal actions filed a consolidated amended complaint. The consolidated amended complaint asserts claims for breach of fiduciary duty, gross mismanagement, unjust enrichment, and violations of Sections 10(b) and 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) for the period between January 1, 1997 and the present. The federal court plaintiffs seek, among other relief, an indeterminate amount of damages from the individual defendants.

On September 18, 2006, the three purported derivative actions that were filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County, were also consolidated. The consolidated actions have been styled as In re Monster Worldwide Inc. Derivative Litigation, Index. No. 06-108700 (Supreme, N.Y. County). On or about December 1, 2006, the plaintiffs in the consolidated state court actions filed a consolidated amended complaint asserting claims for breach of fiduciary duty and related state law causes of action. The state court plaintiffs seek, among other relief, an indeterminate amount of damages from the individual defendants.

On or about March 15, 2007, a putative securities shareholder class action was filed by Middlesex County Retirement System against the Company and certain former employees in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York designated as In re Monster Worldwide Securities Litigation, 07 Civ. 2237 (S.D.N.Y.) (JSR), seeking an indeterminate amount of damages on behalf of all persons or entities, other than defendants, who purchased or acquired the securities of the Company from May 6, 2005 until June 9, 2006. On July 9, 2007, plaintiffs filed an amended complaint in the securities class action asserting claims against the Company, Andrew McKelvey and Myron Olesnyckyj based on an alleged violation of Section 10(b) the Exchange Act and against the individual defendants based on an alleged violation of Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act.   The Company has not yet responded to the amended complaint.

From July 25, 2006 to December 26, 2006, the Company suspended its Registration Statement on Form S-8, resulting in a prohibition on the exercise of stock options. The Company received correspondence from, or on behalf of, certain former employees who are grantees of certain vested stock options that were scheduled to expire or be forfeited unless exercised during this suspension period. Due to the suspension of the Company’s S-8, these individuals were precluded from exercising such options prior to the expiration date of the options. The former employees  informed the Company that they would seek to hold the Company liable for any financial damages suffered as a result of their inability to exercise

16




the options during the suspension period. In December 2006, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the payment of approximately $5.0 million to compensate certain former employees for the value of stock options that expired during the period that the Company’s equity compensation plans were suspended. In exchange for payment, the Company requested a release of any liability. Substantially all payments have been made under this agreement.

The Company may become subject to additional private or government actions. The expense of defending such litigation may be significant. In addition, an unfavorable outcome in such litigation could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business and results of operations. The Company may also be obligated under the terms of its by-laws to advance litigation costs for directors and officers named in litigation relating to their roles at the Company.

13.   SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On July 26, 2007, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the grant of stock awards to 56 employees of the Company for an aggregate of 965,000 shares of restricted stock  under the Company’s 1999 Long Term Incentive Plan. The Company measured the equity awards using the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on July 26, 2007. The aggregate value of the restricted stock grant is $36,342. The awards will be amortized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. The awards will vest in 50% increments on each of the second and fourth anniversaries of the grant date of July 26, 2007, subject to the recipient’s continued employment through each applicable vesting date.

On July 30, 2007, the Company announced a series of strategic restructuring actions that are intended to position the Company for sustainable long-term growth in the rapidly evolving global online recruitment advertising industry. The restructuring plan includes an anticipated reduction in the Company’s current workforce by approximately 800 associates, or 15% of its full-time staff, beginning immediately and continuing into 2008. The Company anticipates the majority of the reductions will occur by the end of 2007. The plan also includes fixed asset write-offs, accelerated depreciation for assets to be phased out, costs relating to the consolidation of certain office facilities, contract termination costs, relocation costs and professional fees. The restructuring plan arose out of a review commencing in the second quarter of 2007 by the Company’s current executive management team of the Company’s cost structure and organizational structure. The restructuring is intended to realign the Company’s structure to permit investment in key areas that will improve the customer experience and foster revenue growth and margin expansion.

As a result of the restructuring initiatives, the Company expects to record a cumulative pre-tax charge within the range of $55,000 to $70,000, beginning in the third quarter of 2007 and into 2008. The breakdown of the expected pre-tax cumulative charge is as follows: 

Category

 

Range

 

Employee Severance

 

$26,000 to $33,000

 

Fixed Asset Write-Offs

 

$6,000 to $8,000

 

Accelerated Depreciation

 

$8,000 to $11,000

 

Consolidation of Office Facilities

 

$6,000 to $8,000

 

Other (Contract termination costs, relocation costs and professional fees)

 

$9,000 to $10,000

 

 

Of the aggregate pre-tax charge, the Company expects to incur approximately $41,000 to $51,000 in cash expenditures. Approximately $14,000 to $19,000 of the pre-tax charge will be non-cash, primarily related to fixed asset write-offs and accelerated depreciation. The Company anticipates that these initiatives will reduce the current operating expense base by approximately $150,000 to $170,000 on an annualized basis.

The Company expects these actions to be substantially completed by the end of 2008.

17




Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Board of Directors and Stockholders
Monster Worldwide, Inc.
New York, New York

We have reviewed the consolidated balance sheet of Monster Worldwide, Inc. as of June 30, 2007, and the related consolidated statements of operations and cash flows for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 included in the accompanying Securities and Exchange Commission Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2007. These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

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

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

As discussed in Note 10 to the financial statements, effective January 1, 2007 the Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes- an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109.

We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the consolidated balance sheet of Monster Worldwide, Inc. as of December 31, 2006, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated February 22, 2007, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2006 is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

/s/ BDO SEIDMAN, LLP
BDO Seidman,  LLP

New York, New York
August 6, 2007

18




ITEM 2.                MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

We make forward-looking statements in this report and in other reports and proxy statements that we file with the SEC. In addition, our senior management might make forward-looking statements. Broadly speaking, forward-looking statements include:

·       projections of our revenues, income, earnings per share, capital expenditures, capital structure or other financial items;

·       descriptions of plans or objectives of our management for future operations, products or services, including pending acquisitions and dispositions;

·       forecasts of our future economic performance; and

·       descriptions of assumptions underlying or relating to the foregoing.

Forward-looking statements discuss matters that are not historical facts. Because they discuss future events or conditions, forward-looking statements often include words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “target,” “can,” “could,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” or similar expressions. Do not unduly rely on forward-looking statements. They give our expectations and are not guarantees. Forward-looking statements speak as of only the date they are made, and we might not update them to reflect changes that occur after the date they are made.

There are many factors—many beyond our control—that could cause results to differ significantly from our expectations. Some of these factors are described in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.

Overview

Monster Worldwide, Inc. is the world’s premiere employment solution, bringing people together to advance their lives, across approximately 40 countries around the world. We have been able to build on Monster’s brand and create worldwide awareness by offering online recruiting solutions that we believe are redefining the way employers and job seekers connect. For the employer, our goal is to provide the most effective solutions and easiest to use technology to simplify the hiring process and deliver access to our community of job seekers. For job seekers, our purpose is to help advance our users’ careers by providing work-related content, services and other highly innovative online products.

Our services and solutions include searchable job postings, a resume database and other career related content. Users can search our job postings and post their resumes free of charge on each of our websites. Employers pay to post jobs, search the resume database and utilize other career related services.

Our strategy has been to grow our business organically in North America and internationally and expand through strategic acquisitions and alliances where the perceived growth prospects fit our plan. We believe the growth opportunities overseas are particularly large and believe that we are positioned to benefit from our expanded reach and increased brand recognition around the world. Our International operations are approximately 37% of our total revenue for the quarter ended June 30, 2007, compared to approximately 28% in the prior year period. We are positioned to benefit from the continued secular shift towards online recruiting. In addition, through a balanced mix of investment, strategic acquisitions and disciplined operating focus and execution, we believe we can take advantage of this online migration to significantly grow our International business in the next several years.

We also operate a network of websites within our Internet Advertising & Fees division that connect companies to highly targeted audiences at critical stages in their life. Our goal is to offer compelling online services for the users through personalization, community features and enhanced content. Our clients

19




range from Fortune 100 companies to small and medium-sized enterprises and government agencies. We believe that there are significant opportunities to monetize our current web traffic through lead generation, display advertising and other consumer related products. These properties are appealing to advertisers and other third parties as they deliver certain discrete demographics entirely online. The majority of our services in our Internet Advertising & Fees division are free to users and are primarily offered in North America.

Restructuring Initiatives

On July 30, 2007, we announced a series of strategic restructuring actions that are intended to position us for sustainable long-term growth in the rapidly evolving global online recruitment advertising industry.

The restructuring plan includes an anticipated reduction in the current workforce by approximately 800 associates, or 15% of our full-time staff, beginning immediately and into 2008. We anticipate the majority of the reductions will occur by the end of this year. The plan also includes fixed asset write-offs, accelerated depreciation for assets to be phased out, costs relating to the consolidation of certain office facilities, contract termination costs, relocation costs and professional fees. The restructuring plan arose out of a review commencing in the second quarter of 2007 by our current executive management team of our cost structure and organizational structure. The restructuring is intended to realign the structure to permit investment in key areas that will improve the customer experience and foster revenue growth and long-term operating margin expansion.

As a result of the restructuring initiatives, we expect to record a cumulative pre-tax charge within the range of $55 million to $70 million, beginning in the third quarter of 2007 and into 2008. The breakdown of the expected pre-tax cumulative charge is as follows: 

Category

 

Range

 

Employee Severance

 

$

26 million – $33 million

 

Fixed Asset Write-Offs

 

$6 million – $8 million

 

Accelerated Depreciation

 

$8 million – $11 million

 

Consolidation of Office Facilities

 

$6 million – $8 million

 

Other (Contract termination costs, relocation costs and professional fees)

 

$9 million – $10 million

 

 

Of the aggregate pre-tax charge, we expect to incur approximately $41 million to $51 million in cash expenditures. Approximately $14 million to $19 million of the pre-tax charge will be non-cash, primarily related to fixed asset write-offs and accelerated depreciation.

We expect these actions to be substantially completed by the end of 2008.

Business Combinations

For the period January 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007, we completed two business combinations. Although the following acquired businesses were not considered to be significant subsidiaries, either individually or in the aggregate, they do affect the comparability of results from period to period. The acquisitions and the acquisition dates are as follows:

Acquired Business

 

Acquisition Date

 

Business Segment

Arbeidskamerater AS (Norway)

 

January 10, 2007

 

Monster Careers – International

PWP, LLC (“Education.org”)

 

May 2, 2006

 

Internet Advertising & Fees

 

20




Discontinued Operations

During the year ended December 31, 2006, we disposed of the following businesses that collectively comprised our entire Advertising & Communications operating segment. We executed these transactions in order to focus more resources to support the growth of the Monster franchise on a global basis. The results of operations of these businesses and the associated disposal costs are reflected as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented (dollar amounts in thousands):

·       On August 31, 2006, we sold our TMP Worldwide Advertising & Communications business in the United States and Canada, completing the global divestiture of the operating unit. We received cash of $36,205 (net of working capital and other adjustments). We recorded a pre-tax loss on the sale of the business of $125,010 ($123,095 after-tax loss, net of a $1,915 tax benefit) in the third quarter of 2006. Included in the pre-tax loss is approximately $133,000 of remaining goodwill and other intangible assets associated with the Advertising & Communications operating segment. This disposition is considered material and included a significant amount of assets, primarily due to the amount of goodwill on the balance sheet as of August 31, 2006.

·       On May 10, 2006, we sold our TMP Worldwide Advertising & Communications businesses in the United Kingdom and Ireland. In a separate transaction, we also sold our recruitment advertising agency in Spain. We received cash of $32,950 (net of working capital and other adjustments) and a $9,000 interest bearing note receivable maturing on May 10, 2013. We recorded a pre-tax gain on the sale of these businesses of $543 ($812 after-tax loss, net of a $1,355 tax expense) in the second quarter of 2006, included as a component of discontinued operations in the statements of operations. In the first quarter of 2007, the Company received approximately $6,560 related to the promissory note as a partial repayment. The disposition was not considered material and did not include a significant amount of assets.

·       On March 1, 2006, we sold our TMP Worldwide Advertising & Communications businesses in Australia/New Zealand and Singapore in two separate transactions. We recognized a pre-tax gain on the sale of these businesses of $2,453 ($5,420 including the tax benefit recognized upon disposition) in the first quarter of 2006. The disposition was not considered material and did not include a significant amount of assets.

The following amounts primarily related to our dispositions in 2006 have been segregated from continuing operations and are reflected as discontinued operations in each period’s consolidated statement of operations:

 

Three Months ended June 30,

 

Six Months ended June 30,

 

(in thousands)

 

       2007       

 

      2006      

 

      2007      

 

      2006     

 

Revenue

 

 

$

 

 

$

25,547         25,547

 

 

$

 

 

$

62,654         62,654

 

Gain (loss) before income taxes

 

 

$

(462 (462

)

 

$

2,528

 

 

$

      (838

)

 

$

6,617

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

 

(163

)

 

1,065

 

 

(294

)

 

2,729

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 

(299

)

 

1,463

 

 

(544

)

 

3,888

 

Pre-tax gain on sales of discontinued operations

 

 

 

 

726

 

 

 

 

3,179

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

 

 

 

1,419

 

 

 

 

(1,548

)

Gain (loss) on sale of business, net of tax

 

 

 

 

(693

)

 

 

 

4,727

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 

$

(299

)

 

$

770

 

 

$

(544

)

 

$

8,615

 

 

21




Critical Accounting Estimates

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). In connection with the preparation of our financial statements, we are required to make assumptions and estimates about future events, and apply judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses and the related disclosures. We base our assumptions, estimates and judgments on historical experience, current trends and other factors that management believes to be relevant at the time our consolidated financial statements are prepared. On a regular basis, management reviews the accounting policies, assumptions, estimates and judgments to ensure that our financial statements are presented fairly and in accordance with GAAP. However, because future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty, actual results could differ from our assumptions and estimates, and such differences could be material.

Our significant accounting policies are discussed in Note 1, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K. Management believes that the following accounting policies are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results, and they require management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, resulting from the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. Management has reviewed these critical accounting estimates and related disclosures with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors.

Revenue Recognition

Monster Careers (North America and International).   Our Monster Careers divisions primarily earn revenue from the placement of job postings on the websites within the Monster network, access to the Monster network’s online resume database and other career related services. We recognize revenue at the time that job postings are displayed on the Monster network websites. Revenue earned from subscriptions to the Monster network’s resume database is recognized over the length of the underlying subscriptions, typically from two weeks to twelve months. Revenue associated with multiple element contracts is allocated based on the relative fair value of the services included in the contract. Unearned revenues are reported on the balance sheet as deferred revenue.

Internet Advertising & Fees.   Our Internet Advertising & Fees division primarily earns revenue from the display of advertisements on the Monster network of websites, click throughs on text based links, leads provided to advertisers and subscriptions to premium services. We recognize revenue for online advertising as “impressions” are delivered. An “impression” is delivered when an advertisement appears in pages viewed by our users. We recognize revenue from the display of “click-throughs” on text based links as “click throughs” occur. A “click-through” occurs when a user clicks on an advertiser’s listing. Revenue from lead generation is recognized as leads are delivered to advertisers. In addition, we recognize revenue for certain subscription products, which are recognized ratably over the length of the subscription.

Asset Impairment

Business Combinations, Goodwill and Intangible Assets.   The purchase method of accounting requires that assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recorded at their fair values on the date of a business acquisition. Our consolidated financial statements and results of operations reflect an acquired business from the completion date of an acquisition. The costs to acquire a business, including transaction, integration and restructuring costs, are allocated to the fair value of net assets acquired upon acquisition. Any excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired is recorded as goodwill.

22




The judgments that we make in determining the estimated fair value assigned to each class of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as well as asset lives, can materially impact net income in periods following a business combination. We generally use either the income, cost or market approach to aid in our conclusions of such fair values and asset lives. The income approach presumes that the value of an asset can be estimated by the net economic benefit to be received over the life of the asset, discounted to present value. The cost approach presumes that an investor would pay no more for an asset than its replacement or reproduction cost. The market approach estimates value based on what other participants in the market have paid for reasonably similar assets. Although each valuation approach is considered in valuing the assets acquired, the approach ultimately selected is based on the characteristics of the asset and the availability of information.

We evaluate our goodwill annually for impairment or more frequently if indicators of potential impairment exist. The determination of whether or not goodwill has become impaired involves a significant level of judgment in the assumptions underlying the approach used to determine the value of our reporting units. Changes in our strategy and/or market conditions could significantly impact these judgments and require reductions to recorded amounts of intangible assets.

Long-lived assets.   We review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Determining whether an impairment has occurred typically requires various estimates and assumptions, including determining which cash flows are directly related to the potentially impaired asset, the useful life over which cash flows will occur, their amount and the asset’s residual value, if any. In turn, measurement of an impairment loss requires a determination of fair value, which is based on the best information available. We use internal discounted cash flows estimates, quoted market prices when available and independent appraisals, as appropriate, to determine fair value. We derive the required cash flow estimates from our historical experience and our internal business plans and apply an appropriate discount rate.

Income Taxes

We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. In determining the need for valuation allowances we consider projected future taxable income and the availability of tax planning strategies. If, in the future we determine that we would not be able to realize our recorded deferred tax assets, an increase in the valuation allowance would decrease earnings in the period in which such determination is made. In addition, our filed tax returns are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and other tax authorities. We regularly assess the likelihood of adverse outcomes resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of our provision for income taxes. Management uses its best judgment in the determination of these amounts. An adjustment to tax reserves is recorded through income in the period in which it becomes more likely than not that a liability has been incurred. Once established, the Company adjusts tax reserves when an event occurs necessitating a change to the reserves.

We record deferred tax benefits on non-cash stock-based compensation expense ratably over the vesting periods for grants to individuals who were employed in tax jurisdictions where a tax deduction is available. Under required accounting standards, we do not record anticipated loss of tax benefits due to market declines in the value of the Company’s common stock. Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code provides important limitations which affect the ultimate realization of tax benefits on non-cash stock-based compensation expense for U.S. based executives. In accordance with Section 162(m), non-performance based compensation in excess of $1 million paid to the Chief Executive Officer and the three highest compensated officers (other than the CEO or CFO), whose salary is disclosed in the annual proxy for the year in which the salary is paid is not deductible. In order for the limitation to apply, the executive must still be employed at the end of the year in which the payment occurs.

23




To the extent actual events are inconsistent with the initial assumption and tax benefits are not ultimately realized, we reverse the recorded tax benefits in the year in which such events occur. When options are cancelled or expire unexercised, recorded tax benefits are reversed to additional paid in capital to the extent of previous credits to additional paid in capital for excess tax benefits, and then to the income tax provision. If a Section 162(m) limitation is determined to apply, the disallowance of tax benefits is reflected by reducing previously recorded tax benefits in the year of exercise by reversing the recorded deferred tax asset to the income tax provision on the statement of operations. Future financial results may be impacted due to events inconsistent with the underlying assumptions.

Effective January 1, 2007, we adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation  No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 contains a two-step approach to recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions accounted for in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount which is more than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. We consider many factors when evaluating and estimating our tax positions and tax benefits, which may require periodic adjustments and which may not accurately anticipate actual outcomes.

Stock-Based Compensation

We account for stock-based compensation in accordance with SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (“SFAS 123R”). SFAS 123R eliminates the ability to account for stock-based compensation transactions using the intrinsic value method under Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees (“APB 25”), and instead generally requires that such transactions be accounted for using a fair-value-based method. We use the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine the fair value of stock options granted under SFAS 123R. The use of an option valuation model includes highly subjective assumptions based on long-term predictions, including the expected stock price volatility and average life of each option grant. Prior to January 1, 2006, we accounted for our equity awards using APB 25.

24




Results of Operations

Consolidated operating results as a percent of revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

   2007   

 

   2006   

 

   2007   

 

   2006   

 

Revenue

 

100.0%

 

100.0%

 

100.0%

 

100.0%

 

Salaries and related

 

44.1%

 

35.9%

 

40.7%

 

35.8%

 

Office and general

 

19.5%

 

15.9%

 

20.4%

 

17.0%

 

Marketing and promotion

 

23.6%

 

26.6%

 

23.6%

 

26.1%

 

Total operating expenses

 

87.2%

 

78.5%

 

84.8%

 

78.9%

 

Operating income

 

12.8%

 

21.5%

 

15.2%

 

21.1%

 

Interest and other, net

 

2.1%

 

1.4%

 

1.9%

 

1.3%

 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity interests

 

14.9%

 

23.0%

 

17.1%

 

22.4%

 

Income taxes

 

5.3%

 

8.0%

 

6.0%

 

8.0%

 

Losses in equity interests

 

-0.9%

 

-0.8%

 

-0.7%

 

-0.7%

 

Income from continuing operations

 

8.7%

 

14.1%

 

10.4%

 

13.8%

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

-0.1%

 

0.3%

 

-0.1%

 

1.6%

 

Net income

 

8.6%

 

14.4%

 

10.3%

 

15.4%

 

 

The following presentation of our segment results is prepared based on the criteria we use when evaluating the performance of our business units. For these purposes, management views certain non-cash expenses, such as depreciation expense, amortization of intangibles and amortization of stock-based compensation, as a separate component of operating profit. We believe that this presentation provides important indicators of our operating strength and is useful to investors when evaluating our operating performance.

The Three Months Ended June 30, 2007 Compared to the Three Months Ended June 30, 2006

Monster Careers - North America

The operating results of our Monster Careers - North America division for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

2007

 

% of
Revenue

 

2006

 

% of
Revenue

 

$ Increase

 

%
Increase

 

Revenue

 

$

174,481

 

100.0%

 

$

162,816

 

100.0%

 

$

11,665

 

 

7.2%

 

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

113,637

 

65.1%

 

101,479

 

62.3%

 

12,159

 

 

12.0%

 

 

Depreciation and amortization*

 

6,265

 

3.6%

 

5,740

 

3.5%

 

524

 

 

9.1%

 

 

Operating income

 

$

54,579

 

31.3%

 

$

55,597

 

34.1%

 

$

(1,018

)

 

-1.8%

 

 

*   Includes amortization of stock based compensation.

Our Monster Careers – North America segment generated an increase in revenue of 7.2% during the second quarter of 2007. The slower growth rate was impacted by moderating employment and economic conditions, a change in our Telesales model, underperformance of our eCommerce channel and a change in marketing spending patterns. In the second quarter of 2007, we modified our Telesales model by

25




changing the percentage of sales reps, which were previously dedicated to new customer acquisition, to a higher percentage with customer retention responsibilities. As a result, revenue contribution from new customers was negatively effected. We are currently reviewing these modifications and conducting a rigorous analysis to determine the optimal mix of acquisition and retention sales reps in order to bring the telesales force back to its historical productivity levels. Revenue from our eCommerce channel, which serves small and medium sized companies, was down slightly as compared to the prior year period. We are actively working on product enhancements, pricing strategies and marketing efforts designed to rebuild momentum in the eCommerce channel. We intend to invest heavily in the eCommerce platform as part of the restructuring initiatives announced in July 2007. Although marketing and promotional costs remained flat as compared to 2006, there was a shift in spending away from our core marketing channels to the newspaper and media alliances which contributed to the revenue growth deceleration. We intend to increase the marketing spend on our core product offerings over the second half of 2007 in order to drive incremental revenue growth. During the second quarter we also realigned management responsibilities in order to simplify and streamline operations and leverage our global capabilities. We will continue to monitor our pricing structure in the local and regional markets in order to achieve a competitive advantage and continually focus on improving our customer service with both job seekers and employers.

During the second quarter of 2007, our operating expenses grew at a faster rate than our revenue. Salary and related expenses were 26.5% of revenue, compared to the 24.6% reported in the prior year period. Marketing and promotional costs were 22.0% of revenue, slightly down compared to the 23.6% reported in the prior year period as we shifted a larger portion of our advertising budget to newspaper alliances and scaled back efforts to promote our core products. The overall increase in operating expenses coupled with lower sales productivity rates resulted in an operating margin of 31.3% down slightly from 34.1% in the 2006 period. While we are committed to investing in the North American business we will maintain a vigilant approach toward controlling our cost base in line with our revenue expectations.

Monster Careers - International

The operating results of our Monster Careers - International division for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

2007

 

% of
Revenue

 

2006

 

% of
Revenue

 

$
Increase

 

%
Increase

 

Revenue

 

$

116,845

 

100.0%

 

$

74,374

 

100.0%

 

$

42,471

 

57.1%

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

99,482

 

85.1%

 

67,310

 

90.5%

 

32,172

 

47.8%

 

Depreciation and amortization*

 

5,308

 

4.5%

 

5,061

 

6.8%

 

247

 

4.9%

 

Operating income

 

$

12,055

 

10.3%

 

$

2,003

 

2.7%

 

$

10,052

 

501.8%

 

*   Includes amortization of stock based compensation.

Our Monster Careers – International segment increased revenue in each country where we operate and now comprises 35% of our total revenue compared to 27% in the 2006 period. Our considerable investments in marketing and sales reps in the major countries across Europe and Asia have resulted in revenue growth of 57.1% in the second quarter of 2007, including a $6.0 million benefit from the effects of foreign currency exchange rates. In Europe, our eCommerce channel, which allows our clients to service their accounts online without assistance, continues to generate strong growth as revenue increased in excess of 100% as compared to the 2006 period. We intend to leverage the successes in our International eCommerce channel as we work to improve the North American eCommerce model. We believe that our European and Asian eCommerce channel can be a strong source of revenue and a new resource to capture customer leads. We continue to see a migration of help wanted advertising online across Europe and Asia.

26




In Asia, the large labor pool, strong economic growth and rapid Internet adoption presents a promising opportunity for us that we believe will be a more significant revenue source for us in the future.

Our Monster Careers – International segment generated an operating margin of 10.3% up from 2.7% in the 2006 period. We strategically made investments overseas through a refined mix of marketing, sales and product enhancements, which have yielded strong returns. We have added approximately 940 people in the past twelve months in our continuing effort to invest in talent, and accordingly our salaries and related costs increased. Our marketing expenses have increased 17.9% over the 2006 period, although with the increasing revenue they are now 24.2% of revenue as compared to 32.2% in the 2006 period. We are committed to expanding our leadership position through increased promotion of our brand and believe our investments in marketing continue to increase our brand awareness, driving job seeker traffic to our websites and expanding our reach, both to the job seeker and to the employer. Our objective to transition Monster Careers – International into a scalable operation, similar to that of our North American business, is taking hold and we believe that our investments in marketing, training and productivity will enable us to continue the migration of the European and Asian markets online. In addition, we will continue to invest for the future through product enhancements, technology and people.

Internet Advertising & Fees

The operating results of our Internet Advertising and Fees segment for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

2007

 

% of
Revenue

 

2006

 

% of
Revenue

 

$
Increase

 

%
Increase

 

Revenue

 

$

39,823

 

100.0%

 

$

37,979

 

100.0%

 

$

1,844

 

4.9%

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

32,073

 

80.5%

 

23,744

 

62.5%

 

8,329

 

35.1%

 

Depreciation and amortization*

 

2,539

 

6.4%

 

1,672

 

4.4%

 

867

 

51.9%

 

Operating income

 

$

5,211

 

13.1%

 

$

12,563

 

33.1%

 

$

(7,352

)

-58.5%

 

*   Includes amortization of stock based compensation.

Revenue at our Internet Advertising & Fees segment (“IA&F”) generated a modest increase of 4.9%, during the second quarter of 2007, a much slower growth rate than throughout the periods in 2006. Several factors contributed to the reduced revenue growth in IA&F, however the main drivers were decreased traffic on certain properties and management decisions to curtail some non-core advertising. During the second quarter of 2007, we began to reduce the placement of certain interstitial advertisements on the Monster.com site. Although this decision will have short term revenue implications over the remainder of 2007, we believe it was the appropriate action to take to improve the quality of the job seeker experience. Decreased traffic on certain properties has led to a slight decrease in revenue from lead generation as compared to 2006, particularly on the Tickle.com property. Approximately 46% of our IA&F revenue base is related to lead generation from many sites across our network. As previously discussed the decrease in traffic is due, in part, to our shift in the mix of advertising spending which we intend to address in the second half of 2007. Offsetting the decrease in lead generation revenue is an increase in display advertising revenue of approximately 22%. Display advertising represented approximately 28% of IA&F revenue for the second quarter of 2007. Display advertising was up based on solid contributions from the Monster.com and Military.com sites. We continue to believe that online advertising represents a significant growth opportunity for us, as our audience is appealing to both brand and remnant advertisers.

We posted an operating margin of 13.1% in the second quarter of 2007, a sharp decline from the 33.1% operating margin reported in the 2006 period. Despite slower revenue growth, we continued to invest in our business model over the past twelve months by adding sales capacity, increasing product and technology expenditures and initiating infrastructure build-outs. Marketing expenses increased 6.0% over

27




the 2006 period as we invested in our websites and expanded their recognition among users. While we remain committed to investing in our products and offerings to deepen our audience and attract new users, we will monitor and control our cost base in line with revenue expectations.

Consolidated Operating Expenses and Operating Income

Consolidated operating expenses and operating income for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

2007

 

% of
Revenue

 

2006

 

% of
Revenue

 

$
Increase

 

%
Increase

 

Salaries and related

 

$

146,153

 

 

44.1%

 

 

$

98,862

 

 

35.9%

 

 

$

47,291

 

47.8%

 

Office and general

 

64,576

 

 

19.5%

 

 

43,827

 

 

15.9%

 

 

20,749

 

47.3%

 

Marketing and promotion

 

78,045

 

 

23.6%

 

 

73,212

 

 

26.6%

 

 

4,833

 

6.6%

 

Operating expenses

 

288,774

 

 

87.2%

 

 

215,901

 

 

78.5%

 

 

72,873

 

33.8%

 

Operating income

 

$

42,375

 

 

12.8%

 

 

$

59,268

 

 

21.5%

 

 

$

(16,893

)

-28.5%

 

 

Our total operating expenses grew 33.8% in the second quarter of 2007, as every major line item increased over the 2006 period. Our Monster Careers - North America and Monster Careers - International segments accounted for a majority of the year over year increase in total operating expenses, stemming mainly from hiring initiatives in 2006 and 2007. Since June 2006, we have increased our global headcount by approximately 30%, primarily in the areas of sales and support staff in our Monster Careers segments. As a result we incurred higher salary, benefits and commission costs. Included in salaries and related is approximately $15.8 million of severance charges related to the departure of three former executive officers. Of that amount, approximately $12.8 million is non-cash and relates to the accelerated vesting of equity awards. Office and general expenses increased 47.3% as a direct result of investments in our infrastructure, additional headcount and technology costs. Included within the office and general expenses is approximately $5.3 million of professional fees related to the ongoing stock option investigation compared to $0.6 million in the prior year period. We also increased marketing and promotion expenditures by $4.8 million over the prior year period primarily as a result of allocating greater resources to expanding our brand recognition and increasing our reach in the International Careers segment. We will continue to market our services heavily throughout Europe and Asia, while controlling our marketing and promotion expenses in a manner consistent with our revenue expectations. As a result of the foregoing factors, our total operating expenses grew to 87.2% of consolidated revenue in the 2007 period resulting in an operating margin of 12.8%.

Income Taxes

Income taxes for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

Change

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

$

 

%

 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

 

$

49,287

 

$

63,208

 

$

(13,921

)

-22.0%

 

Income taxes

 

17,406

 

22,077

 

(4,671

)

-21.2%

 

Effective tax rate

 

35.3%

 

34.9%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our effective tax rates differ from the statutory rate due to the impact of state and local income taxes, certain nondeductible expenses, foreign earnings taxed at different tax rates and valuation allowances. Our future effective tax rates could be adversely affected by earnings being lower than anticipated in countries where we have lower statutory rates, changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets or liabilities, or changes in tax laws or interpretations thereof. In addition, our filed tax returns are subject to examination

28




by the Internal Revenue Service and other tax authorities. We regularly assess the likelihood of adverse outcomes resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of our provision for income taxes.

Earnings Per Share

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations decreased 24.1% in the second quarter of 2007 compared to the 2006 period. Diluted weighted average shares outstanding increased by 1.1 million shares. The share increase is primarily the result of additional shares issued in connection with employee stock option exercises. Net income was 8.6% of total revenue in the 2007 period, compared to 14.4% in the 2006 period.

The Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 Compared to the Six Months Ended June 30, 2006

Monster Careers - North America

The operating results of our Monster Careers - North America division for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:

Monster Careers - North America

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

2007

 

% of
Revenue

 

2006

 

% of
Revenue

 

$
Increase

 

%
Increase

 

Revenue

 

$

358,498

 

100.0%

 

$

322,814

 

100.0%

 

$

35,684

 

 

11.1%

 

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

226,504

 

63.2%

 

202,825

 

62.8%

 

23,679

 

 

11.7%

 

 

Depreciation and amortization*

 

11,537

 

3.2%

 

9,833

 

3.0%

 

1,704

 

 

17.3%

 

 

Operating income

 

$

120,457

 

33.6%

 

$

110,156

 

34.1%

 

$

10,301

 

 

9.4%

 

 

*   Includes amortization of stock based compensation.

Our Monster Careers - North America segment was affected by the sluggish economic trends within the labor markets across the United States economy. However, we continue to benefit from a migration to online employment advertising, and we believe that we continue to gain market share within the recruitment advertising industry. The division grew revenue 11.1% as we continued to penetrate and increase the revenue contribution from our enterprise customers. Revenue from our eCommerce channel, which allows our clients to self-serve their job-posting needs, has remained essentially flat as compared to the first six months of 2006. We intend to invest aggressively in our eCommerce platform during the remainder of 2007 as the model serves an attractive market of small to medium sized businesses, and generates high margin returns despite the smaller average order size. We believe that our primary opportunity for future growth in North America is at the regional and local market level and we therefore continue to monitor our pricing structure in the local and regional markets in order to achieve a competitive advantage.

Our Monster Careers - North America segment generated an operating margin of 33.6% slightly down from 34.1% reported in the 2006 period. Total operating expense grew 11.9% compared to revenue growth of 11.1%. While we remain committed to investing in product, marketing, talent, and technology upgrades to grow the business, we will closely monitor the operating expense base in line with our revenue expectations.

29




Monster Careers - International

The operating results of our Monster Careers - International division for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

2007

 

% of
Revenue

 

2006

 

% of
Revenue

 

$
Increase

 

%
Increase

 

Revenue

 

$

223,051

 

100.0%

 

$

138,965

 

100.0%

 

$

84,086

 

60.5%

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

193,094

 

86.6%

 

127,177

 

91.5%

 

65,917

 

51.8%

 

Depreciation and amortization*

 

9,941

 

4.5%

 

9,020

 

6.5%

 

921

 

10.2%

 

Operating income (loss)

 

$

20,016

 

9.0%

 

$

2,768

 

2.0%

 

$

17,248

 

623.1%

 

*   Includes amortization of stock based compensation.

Our Monster Careers - International segment increased revenue in each country where we operate and comprised  33.8% of our total revenue during the six months ended June 30, 2007. Our considerable investments in marketing and sales staff in the major countries across Continental Europe and Asia are paying off, evidenced by the segment’s organic revenue growth rate of 52% excluding the effects of currency exchange rates and the results of businesses acquired within the trailing twelve month period. We continue to see a rapid migration of help wanted advertising online. Our three largest international markets the United Kingdom, Germany and France contributed approximately 53% of total International revenue. We are actively marketing and promoting our eCommerce model throughout Continental Europe and early indicators suggest that it is becoming a strong complement to our field and telesales groups.

We have been aggressively increasing our investments overseas through a refined mix of marketing, sales and product enhancements. Marketing expenses increased 34.5% over the 2006 period as we have invested to increase our brand awareness, driving job seeker traffic to our websites and expanding our reach, both to the job seeker and to the employer. Those investments, combined with the addition of approximately 500 sales and support staff during the first half of 2007, have helped us achieve a significant portion of our overall revenue growth and gain market share in key European and Asian countries. We are committed to growing our business overseas, while still mindful of profitability and the cost structure. In the first six months of 2007, the division increased total expenses by 49.1%, while increasing operating margin to 9.0%.

Internet Advertising & Fees

The operating results of our IA&F segment for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

2007

 

% of
Revenue

 

2006

 

% of
Revenue

 

$
Increase

 

%
Increase

 

Revenue

 

$

78,628

 

100.0%

 

$

70,426

 

100.0%

 

$

8,202

 

11.6%

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

64,439

 

82.0%

 

44,583

 

63.3%

 

19,856

 

44.5%

 

Depreciation and amortization*

 

4,674

 

5.9%

 

3,794

 

5.4%

 

880

 

23.2%

 

Operating income

 

$

9,515

 

12.1%

 

$

22,049

 

31.3%

 

$

(12,534

)

-56.8%

 

*   Includes amortization of stock based compensation.

Revenue at our IA&F segment increased 11.6%, a much slower growth rate than throughout 2006. During the first half of 2007, we experienced a reduced volume of users to our sites, and were unable to deliver a high volume of quality leads to our advertisers, resulting in a slower growth rate in our lead generation business than anticipated. The websites across our network realized a higher ratio of remnant versus brand

30




advertising during the first six months of 2007, resulting in excess inventory and a lower cost per impression, contributing to our overall slower growth rates. We continue to believe that online advertising represents a significant growth opportunity for us, as our audience is appealing to both brand and remnant advertisers.

We posted an operating margin of 12.1% in the first six months of 2007, a sharp decline from the 31.3% operating margin reported in the same period in 2006 as our expense base grew at a faster rate than our revenue. Despite slower revenue growth, we continued to invest in our business model over the past twelve months by adding sales capacity, increasing product and technology expenditures and initiating infrastructure build-outs. Marketing expenses increased 22.1% over the 2006 period as we invested in our websites and expanded their recognition among users. While we remain committed to investing in and developing our IA&F business, we will closely monitor our cost structure in line with our revenue expectations.

Consolidated Operating Expenses and Operating Income

Consolidated operating expenses and operating income for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

2007

 

% of
Revenue

 

2006

 

% of
Revenue

 

$
Increase

 

%
Increase

 

Salaries and related

 

$

268,500

 

 

40.7%

 

 

$

190,415

 

 

35.8%

 

 

$

78,085

 

41.0%

 

Office and general

 

134,993

 

 

20.4%

 

 

90,572

 

 

17.0%

 

 

44,421

 

49.0%

 

Marketing and promotion

 

156,114

 

 

23.6%

 

 

139,011

 

 

26.1%

 

 

17,103

 

12.3%

 

Operating expenses

 

559,607

 

 

84.8%

 

 

419,998

 

 

78.9%

 

 

139,609

 

33.2%

 

Operating income

 

$

100,570

 

 

15.2%

 

 

$

112,207

 

 

21.1%

 

 

$

(11,637

)

-10.4%

 

 

Our total operating expenses grew 33.2% in the first half of 2007 compared to the prior year period, as every major line item increased over the 2006 period. We have increased our global headcount by approximately 30% over the 2006 period, primarily for sales and support in our Monster Careers segments. As a result we incurred higher salary, benefits and commission costs. Included in salaries and related is approximately $15.8 million of severance charges related to the departure of three former executive officers. Of that amount, approximately $12.8 million is non-cash charges related to the accelerated vesting of equity awards. Office and general expenses increased 49.0% as a direct result of investments in our infrastructure, additional headcount and technology costs. Included within the office and general expenses is approximately $15.1 million of professional fees related to the ongoing stock option investigation. We also increased marketing and promotion expenditures by $17.1 million primarily as a result of allocating greater resources to expanding our brand recognition and sales force in key countries overseas. We will continue to market our services heavily throughout Europe and Asia, while managing our marketing and promotion expenses in a manner consistent with our revenue expectations.

Income Taxes

Income taxes for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

Change

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

$

 

%

 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

 

$

112,786

 

$

119,277

 

$

(6,491

)

-5.4%

 

Income taxes

 

39,758

 

42,488

 

(2,730

)

-6.4%

 

Effective tax rate

 

35.3%

 

35.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

31




Our effective tax rates differ from the statutory rate due to the impact of state and local income taxes, certain nondeductible expenses, foreign earnings taxed at different tax rates and valuation allowances. Our future effective tax rates could be adversely affected by earnings being lower than anticipated in countries where we have lower statutory rates, changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets or liabilities, or changes in tax laws or interpretations thereof. In addition, our filed tax returns are subject to the examination by the Internal Revenue Service and other tax authorities. We regularly assess the likelihood of adverse outcomes resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of our provision for income taxes.

Earnings Per Share

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations decreased 8.9% for the first six months of 2007 compared to the 2006 period, as diluted weighted average shares outstanding increased approximately 1.9 million shares. The share increase is primarily due to shares issued in connection with employee stock option exercises. Net income was 10.3% of total revenue in the 2007 period, compared to 15.4% in the 2006 period. Net income in the 2006 period includes approximately $8.6 million of income from discontinued operations.

Financial Condition

The following table details our cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities and cash flow components:

 

June 30,

 

December 31,

 

Change

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

$

 

%

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

90,539

 

$

58,680

 

$

31,859

 

54.3%

 

Marketable securities

 

630,914

 

537,893

 

93,021

 

17.3%

 

Cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities

 

$

721,453

 

$

596,573

 

$

124,880

 

20.9%

 

Percentage of total assets

 

34.2%

 

30.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

$

 

%

 

Cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations

 

$

137,492

 

$

139,118

 

$

(1,626

)

-1.2%

 

Cash used for investing activities of continuing operations

 

(136,141

)

(334,836

)

198,695

 

-59.3%

 

Cash provided by financing activities of continuing operations

 

33,840

 

41,267

 

(7,427

)

-18.0%

 

Cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations

 

(5,332

)

3,199

 

(8,531

)

-266.7%

 

Effect of exchange rates on cash

 

2,000

 

1,714

 

286

 

16.7%

 

 

Our principal capital requirements have been to fund (i) working capital, (ii) marketing and development of our Monster network, (iii) acquisitions and (iv) capital expenditures.

Historically, we have relied on funds provided by operating activities, equity offerings, short and long-term borrowings and seller-financed notes to meet our liquidity needs. We invest our excess cash predominantly in money market funds, commercial paper that matures within three months of its origination date and in marketable securities, such as auction rate bonds, which are highly liquid and are of high-quality investment grade with the intent to make such funds readily available for operating and strategic long-term equity investment purposes.

32




We believe that our current cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, revolving credit facility and cash we anticipate to generate from operating activities will provide us with sufficient liquidity to satisfy our working capital needs, capital expenditures, meet our investment requirements and commitments and fund our share repurchase activities through at least the next twelve months. Our cash generated from operating activities is subject to fluctuations in the global economy and unemployment rates.

During the six months ended June 30, 2007, we recorded $15.1 million of professional fees as a direct result of the investigation into our stock option grant practices and related accounting. These costs were recorded as a component of “office and general” expenses and primarily relate to professional services for legal fees. In addition, in the latter half of 2006 we incurred approximately $17.7 million related to litigation, the informal investigation by the SEC, the investigation by the USAO and the preparation and review of our restated consolidated financial statements, a portion of which was paid in the 2007 period.

We expect to continue to incur significant professional fees related to the ongoing stock option investigation. While we cannot quantify or estimate the timing of these costs throughout the remainder of 2007 and into the future, they primarily relate to legal fees paid on behalf of current and former employees, fees paid in defense of shareholder litigation and potential fines or settlements.

During 2006, we absorbed the remainder of our U.S. Federal tax loss carryovers, with the exception of certain acquired losses whose utilization is subject to an annual limitation. In 2007, we expect to pay domestic income tax on a quarterly basis and continue to utilize tax losses in many foreign tax jurisdictions to substantially reduce our cash tax liability. During the first half of 2007, we paid approximately $44 million related to income taxes, a portion of which related to our 2006 U.S. federal income tax liability.

On July 30, 2007, we announced a series of strategic restructuring actions that are intended to position us for sustainable long-term growth in the rapidly evolving global online recruitment advertising industry. We expect to record a cumulative pre-tax charge within the range of $55 million to $70 million, beginning in the third quarter of 2007 and into 2008 related to the restructuring actions. Of the aggregate pre-tax charge, we expect to incur approximately $41 million to $51 million in cash expenditures. Approximately $14 million to $19 million of the pre-tax charge will be non-cash, primarily related to fixed asset write-offs and accelerated depreciation. We anticipate that these initiatives will reduce our current run rate of operating expenses by approximately $150 to $170 million on an annualized basis. In addition, we expect to invest up to an additional $50 million in incremental capital expenditures through the end of 2007 and into 2008.

As of June 30, 2007, we had cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities of $721.5 million, compared to $596.6  million as of December 31, 2006. Our increase in cash and marketable securities of $124.9 million during the six months ended June 30, 2007, primarily relates to our operating and financing activities offset by cash used for investing activities. Cash provided by operating activities was $132.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and resulted from $68.6 million of income from continuing operations and $47 million of net non-cash items, increased by a $17.1 million change in working capital. Strong operating income before taking into account depreciation and amortization of intangibles and stock-based compensation (“OIBDA”) and cash received from the exercise of employee stock options, including their associated tax benefit revenue growth, improved cash flows from operations in 2007. Accounts receivable decreased by $20.4 million due to a higher level of collections in the 2007 period. Deferred revenue increased in 2007, resulting in an $8.1 million increase to cash from operations. Cash flow from operating activities in 2007 was decreased by $5.3 million from cash used to fund liabilities related to our discontinued Advertising & Communications businesses.

We used $136.1 million of cash for investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2007. The use of cash mainly reflects our net purchase of marketable securities of $93.0 million as we invested our capital in debt instruments yielding higher returns. Capital expenditures were $37.2 million for the first six months of 2007, as we invested in expanding our infrastructure and systems in Europe and Asia. Additionally, we

33




funded $4.1 million to ChinaHR under a previously established credit facility and paid approximately $1.7 million in connection with an acquisition in Norway in our Monster Careers – International segment.

We generated cash from financing activities in the first six months of 2007, resulting from $53.4 million of cash received from employee stock option exercises and $12.3 million related to the tax benefit on stock options exercised. In addition, we used $10.0 million of cash to pay for tax withholdings in connection with the vesting of stock-based awards. During the  six months ended June 30, 2007, we paid $21.9 million for notes payable on businesses acquired in prior periods, primarily Tickle.

In March 2006, we entered into a loan agreement with ChinaHR, whereby we have agreed to advance ChinaHR up to an aggregate of $20.0 million with no more than $10.0 million being advanced in the first year of the agreement. In January 2007, we amended the agreement with ChinaHR, increasing the maximum allowable amount to be advanced in the first year from $10.0 million to $12.5 million. Interest on the loans will be assessed at the average one-month U.S. LIBOR rate plus 1% and shall be payable quarterly in arrears. The credit facility provides that any advances shall be due and payable in full on the maturity date, which is the earliest of March 2011 or the consummation of an initial public offering of securities by ChinaHR. For the six months ended June 30, 2007 we have advanced ChinaHR $4.1 million. From the inception of the loan agreement through June 30, 2007, we advanced ChinaHR $14.1 million.

In November 2005, our Board of Directors authorized us to purchase up to $100 million of our common stock on the open market, or otherwise from time to time, over a 30-month period as conditions warrant. Through June 30, 2007, we have repurchased 994,584 shares of our common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $45.1 million. We did not repurchase any shares on the open market during the first six months of 2007.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115” which is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. This statement permits an entity to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value at specified election dates. Subsequent unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected will be reported in earnings. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of this statement.

ITEM 3.                QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Our primary market risks include fluctuations in interest rates and exchange rate variability.

We have risks related to our short-term investment activities. The primary objective of our investment activities is to preserve principal while at the same time maximizing yields without significantly increasing risk. To achieve this objective, we maintain our portfolio of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments in a variety of marketable debt instruments of high quality issuers, including auction rate bonds, bank time deposits, municipal bonds, commercial paper and money market funds. We limit the amount of credit exposure to any one issuer. Our marketable securities are generally classified as available for sale and consequently are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value with unrealized gains or losses reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income. As of June 30, 2007, net unrealized losses on these investments were not material.

We have a presence in approximately 40 countries around the world. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, approximately 37.2% and 35.5%, respectively of our revenue was earned outside the United States and collected in local currency and related operating expenses were also paid in such corresponding local currency. Accordingly, we will be subject to risk for exchange rate fluctuations between such local

34




currencies and the dollar. We may use forward foreign exchange contracts as cash flow hedges to offset risks related to foreign currency transactions. These transactions primarily relate to non-functional currency denominated inter-company funding loans and non-functional currency accounts receivable and non-functional currency indebtedness. We do not trade derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.

The financial statements of our non-U.S. subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using current rates of exchange, with gains or losses included in the cumulative translation adjustment account, a component of stockholders’ equity. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2006, we had a translation gain of $5.4 million and $5.5 million, respectively, primarily attributable to the weakening of the U.S. dollar.

We have interest rate risk primarily related to our short-term investment portfolio. Our short-term investments will produce less income than expected if market interest rates fall. Therefore our future investment income may fall short of expectations due to changes in market interest rates or we may suffer losses in principal if forced to sell short-term investments which have declined in market value due to increases in interest rates.

ITEM 4.                CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Monster Worldwide maintains “disclosure controls and procedures,” as such term is defined under Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e), that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, Monster Worldwide’s management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives and Monster Worldwide’s management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Monster Worldwide has carried out an evaluation, as of the end of the period covered by this report, under the supervision and with the participation of Monster Worldwide’s management, including Monster Worldwide’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of Monster Worldwide’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon their evaluation and subject to the foregoing, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that Monster Worldwide’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that material information relating to Monster Worldwide is made known to the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer by others within Monster Worldwide during the period in which this report was being prepared.

There have been no significant changes in Monster Worldwide’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.                LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company is involved in various legal proceedings that are incidental to the conduct of its business. It is not involved in any pending or threatened legal proceedings aside from the stock option litigation discussed below that it believes could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.

As stated in Note 11 of its consolidated financial statements, the Company announced on June 12, 2006 that a committee of independent directors of the Board of Directors (the “Special Committee”), assisted

35




by outside counsel, was conducting an independent investigation to review the Company’s historical stock option grant practices and related accounting.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York (“USAO”) and the SEC have informed the Company that each is conducting an investigation into its past stock option grants. In connection with these investigations, the Company has received a grand jury subpoena from the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and requests for the voluntary production of documents from the SEC. The Company is fully cooperating with the USAO and the SEC. On February 15, 2007, the Company’s former general counsel pleaded guilty to two felony counts relating to those historical stock option grants and the SEC instituted a civil action against him. On March 26, 2007, the SEC civil action was settled pursuant to a final judgment permanently enjoining our former general counsel from violating the federal securities laws and from acting as an officer or director of a public company.

In October 2006, a putative class action litigation was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by a former Company employee against the Company and a number of its current and former officers and directors. On February 16, 2007, plaintiff served an amended class action complaint. The action purports to be brought on behalf of all participants in the Company’s 401(k) plan. The amended complaint alleges that the defendants breached their fiduciary obligations to plan participants under §§ 404, 405, 409 and 502 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”), 29 U.S.C. § 1104 et seq., by allowing Plan participants to purchase and to hold and maintain Company stock in their Plan accounts without disclosing to those Plan participants the historical stock option practices. The complaint seeks, among other relief, equitable restitution, attorney’s fees and an order enjoining defendants from violations of ERISA. The Company and the individual defendants have moved to dismiss the amended complaint.

In addition, derivative actions in connection with historical stock option practices have been commenced by shareholders purportedly on behalf of the Company in both the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County, against a number of current and former officers and directors of the Company, naming the Company as a nominal defendant.

On October 20, 2006, the three federal court actions were consolidated by the Court and styled as In re Monster Worldwide, Inc. Stock Option Derivative Litigation, Master Docket 1:06:cv-04622 (S.D.N.Y.)(NRB-DCF) (Consolidated Action). On or about December 20, 2006, plaintiffs in the consolidated federal actions filed a consolidated amended complaint. The consolidated amended complaint asserts claims for breach of fiduciary duty, gross mismanagement, unjust enrichment, and violations of Sections 10(b) and 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) for the period between January 1, 1997 and the present. The federal court plaintiffs seek, among other relief, an indeterminate amount of damages from the individual defendants.

On September 18, 2006, the three purported derivative actions that were filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County, were also consolidated. The consolidated actions have been styled as In re Monster Worldwide Inc. Derivative Litigation, Index. No. 06-108700 (Supreme, N.Y. County). On or about December 1, 2006, the plaintiffs in the consolidated state court actions filed a consolidated amended complaint asserting claims for breach of fiduciary duty and related state law causes of action. The state court plaintiffs seek, among other relief, an indeterminate amount of damages from the individual defendants.

On or about March 15, 2007, a putative securities shareholder class action was filed by Middlesex County Retirement System against the Company and certain former employees in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York designated as In re Monster Worldwide Securities Litigation, 07 Civ. 2237 (S.D.N.Y.) (JSR), seeking an indeterminate amount of damages on behalf of all persons or

36




entities, other than defendants, who purchased or acquired the securities of the Company from May 6, 2005 until June 9, 2006. On July 9, 2007, plaintiffs filed an amended complaint in the securities class action asserting claims against the Company, Andrew McKelvey and Myron Olesnyckyj based on an alleged violation of Section 10(b) the Exchange Act and against the individual defendants based on an alleged violation of Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act. The Company has not yet responded to the amended complaint.

From July 25, 2006 to December 26, 2006, the Company suspended its Registration Statement on Form S-8, resulting in a prohibition on the exercise of stock options. The Company received correspondence from, or on behalf of, certain former employees who are grantees of certain vested stock options that were scheduled to expire or be forfeited unless exercised during this suspension period. Due to the suspension of the Company’s S-8, these individuals were precluded from exercising such options prior to the expiration date of the options. The former employees informed the Company that they would seek to hold the Company liable for any financial damages suffered as a result of their inability to exercise the options during the suspension period. In December 2006, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the payment of approximately $5.0 million to compensate certain former employees for the value of stock options that expired during the period that the Company’s equity compensation plans were suspended. In exchange for payment, the Company requested a release of any liability. Substantially all  payments have been made under this agreement.

The Company may become subject to additional private or government actions. The expense of defending such litigation may be significant. In addition, an unfavorable outcome in such litigation could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business and results of operations. The Company may also be obligated under the terms of its by-laws to advance litigation costs for directors and officers named in litigation relating to their roles at the Company.

ITEM 1A.        RISK FACTORS

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, which could materially affect our business, financial position and results of operations. There are no material changes from the risk factors set forth in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.

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

The Company has a stock repurchase plan in place that allows it to purchase securities on the open market or otherwise from time to time as conditions warrant. A summary of the Company’s repurchase activity for the three months ended June 30, 2007 is as follows:

Period

 

Total number
of shares
repurchased

 

Average
Price
Paid Per
Share

 

Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs

 

Maximum Dollar
Value of Shares
That May Yet Be
Purchased Under
the Plans or
Programs(a)

 

April 1 - April 30

 

 

N/A

 

 

 

$

54,919,200

 

 

May 1 - May 31

 

 

N/A

 

 

 

$

54,919,200

 

 

June 1 - June 30

 

 

N/A

 

 

 

$

54,919,200

 

 

Total Q2 2007

 

 

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

$

54,919,200

 

 

Total six months ended June 30, 2007

 

 

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

$

54,919,200

 

 

 

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(a) - On November 10, 2005, the Board of Directors approved a share repurchase plan, authorizing the Company to purchase up to $100 million of shares of its common stock. The share repurchase plan expires 30 months from the authorization date.

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

(a)          The annual meeting of stockholders was held on May 30, 2007.

(b)         The following directors were elected at the Annual Meeting and received the vote indicated.

 

FOR

 

WITHHELD

 

Salvatore Iannuzzi

 

153,364,849

 

2,982,815

 

Robert J. Chrenc

 

154,544,023

 

1,803,641

 

George R. Eisele

 

154,507,057

 

1,840,607

 

John Gaulding

 

120,251,677

 

36,095,987

 

Michael Kaufman

 

119,642,398

 

36,705,266

 

Ronald J. Kramer

 

120,036,676

 

36,310,988

 

Philip R. Lochner, Jr.

 

154,308,301

 

2,039,363

 

David A. Stein

 

152,021,949

 

4,325,715

 

 

(c)          The proposal to ratify the appointment of BDO Seidman, LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2007 was approved by the vote indicated:

FOR

 

145,063,787

 

AGAINST

 

10,639,888

 

ABSTENTIONS

 

639,488

 

 

ITEM 6.                EXHIBITS.

The following exhibits are filed as a part of this report:

 

10.1

 

Employment Agreement, dated April 11, 2007, between Monster Worldwide, Inc. and Salvatore Iannuzzi (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 11, 2007, filed on April 16, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference).

 

10.2

 

Employment Agreement, dated June 7, 2007, between Monster Worldwide, Inc. and Timothy T. Yates (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 6, 2007, filed on June 11, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference).

15

 

Letter from BDO Seidman, LLP regarding unaudited interim financial information.

 

31.1

 

Certification by Salvatore Iannuzzi pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

31.2

 

Certification by Timothy T. Yates pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

32.1

 

Certification by Salvatore Iannuzzi pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

32.2

 

Certification by Timothy T. Yates pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

38




SIGNATURES

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

 

MONSTER WORLDWIDE, INC.

 

 

(Registrant)

 

 

 

 

 

Dated: August 9, 2007

 

By:

/s/ Salvatore Iannuzzi

 

 

 

 

Salvatore Iannuzzi
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
(principal executive officer)

 

 

 

 

 

Dated: August 9, 2007

 

By:

/s/ Timothy T. Yates

 

 

 

 

Timothy T. Yates
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial officer)

 

 

 

 

 

Dated: August 9, 2007

 

By:

/s/ Jonathan Trumbull

 

 

 

 

Jonathan Trumbull
Chief Accounting Officer and Global Controller
(principal accounting officer)

 

39